Brooklyn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Brooklyn" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is an exceptional high-definition experience, enhanced by its AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The video boasts remarkable sharpness and a filmic quality that is both pristine and visually engaging. Detail rendering is nearly flawless, offering lucid visual acuity and finely articulated subtle details. Vibrantly delineated colors, with rich primaries and warm hues, bring the period setting to life. Flesh tones remain natural, showing a varying degree of complexional separation among the cast. Bold contrast and consistent black levels provide excellent balance in scenes with mixed content, while strong shadow detail ensures perceptible texture even in low and uneven lighting.

Director John Crowley, along with cinematographer Yves Bélanger, presents a probably romanticized view that evolves from a handheld ambience in Ireland to a more traditional framing in America, reflecting the narrative's progression. The transfer remains precise with excellent detail levels throughout most of the film. While a few scenes exhibit slight blooming of whites and minor softness due to minimal CGI and green screen use, these instances do not detract from the overall quality. Refreshingly, the film has not undergone excessive color grading, allowing for vibrant outdoor sequences alongside occasionally dowdy indoor scenes. Shadow detail is commendable even in less brightly lit scenes. Importantly, there are no issues with image instability or compression problems, making this Blu-ray a reference-quality presentation that meets high professional standards.

The audio presentation of "Brooklyn" on Blu-ray features a commendable lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that, while not packed with large, loud moments, excels in creating an immersive experience that subtly enhances the film’s narrative. Atmospheric elements, such as the evocative Irish rainfall or the bustling sounds of Coney Island, are precisely placed and contribute significantly to building the world of the story. These elements provide an engaging auditory backdrop that is both natural and enveloping.

Michael Brook's score flows gently through the surround channels, establishing a softened, yet stirring presence that complements the film's intimate tone. Musical moments, including the pivotal dance scene where Eilis and Tony meet, are presented with a decent level of immersion that draws the audience into these key scenes. Additionally, dialogue delivery is exceptionally clean and well-balanced across the track, ensuring clear and crisp understanding of character interactions throughout the movie.

Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is subtle but adeptly crafted, emphasizing small-scale ambient effects and detailed environmental sounds that enhance the viewing experience without overwhelming it. The focus remains on clarity and precision, making "Brooklyn's" audio track a technically proficient and emotionally supportive component of the film's presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Brooklyn" are a well-curated selection that significantly enhances the viewing experience. The 11 deleted and extended scenes allow deeper insight into the storytelling, complemented by optional commentary from Director John Crowley. A series of six promotional featurettes provide a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of the film's production, focusing on elements like story development, casting, and adaptation from book to screen. Crowley's audio commentary is both informative and engaging, offering valuable perspectives on directorial choices. The photo gallery, with both auto and manual advance options, provides a visual treat of stills from the film. Completing the package is the original theatrical trailer and a digital HD copy.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted and Extended Scenes: Optional commentary by Director John Crowley.
Promotional Featurettes: Includes insights on story, home, love, cast, making of the film, and adaptation from book to screen.
Audio Commentary by John Crowley: In-depth director's insights.
Photo Gallery: Auto and manual advance options.
Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer of the film.
Digital HD Copy: For convenient access and viewing.

"Brooklyn" is a quietly evocative film that centers on the life of Eilis, a young Irish woman who immigrates to America in search of a better future. Saoirse Ronan's Academy Award-nominated performance anchors the movie, providing an emotional depth to this introspective narrative. The film skillfully documents Eilis' journey from Enniscorthy, Ireland, where she endures the tyrannical Miss Kelly, to the bustling streets of 1950s Brooklyn. There, she grapples with homesickness and cultural adaptation while working at a department store. Her trajectory changes dramatically when she meets Tony, a charming Italian-American with a close-knit family, presenting her with new opportunities and romantic entanglements.

The thematic resonance of "Brooklyn" is amplified by its focus on immigration and the search for the American Dream, mirroring historical struggles documented in classics like "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." The screenplay by Nick Hornby and the direction by John Crowley bring a restrained yet deeply felt emotional tone to the film. The narrative avoids overt melodrama, instead finding its power in intimate, quieter moments. The relationship between Eilis and her sister Rose, as well as her burgeoning romance with Tony, provides the central emotional nucleus of the story. As Eilis faces devastating news from Ireland that threatens her newfound happiness, the film moves deftly through her internal struggles and choices, maintaining an emotionally compelling grip on the audience.

"Brooklyn" successfully combines a nuanced exploration of personal growth with historical and cultural context. The supporting cast is vibrant, enhancing the film's lived-in feel. Scenes such as Eilis walking down a picturesque Brooklyn street evoke a poignant sense of place and continuity with films of yore, adding layers to its narrative fabric. The simplicity of "Brooklyn" is its strength, contributing to a film that is emotionally enriching and authentically engaging.

The Blu-ray release of "Brooklyn" is a commendable presentation that immerses viewers into the vividly recreated era of the 1950s through exceptional technical details and an evocative narrative. The depiction of Eilis Lacey's journey, portrayed superbly by Saoirse Ronan, showcases exquisite cinematography and period-appropriate production design. The color palette is rich and nuanced, enhancing the nostalgic feel of the film. Supporting performances across the cast contribute significantly to the film’s emotional depth, making it a compelling watch.

Audio quality on this release is excellent, featuring a clear and immersive sound mix that highlights the subtleties of dialogue and the lush orchestral score. The fidelity of the audio enhances the viewing experience, enabling a deeper connection to the narrative's emotional beats. The mastering has maintained a high standard, ensuring both visual and auditory elements are pristinely presented for home viewers.

In conclusion, "Brooklyn" on Blu-ray is an exceptional offering that blends heartfelt storytelling with top-notch technical attributes. The film's ability to evoke large emotions from its understated narrative and performances makes it a standout. It comes highly recommended for connoisseurs of cinema and technical enthusiasts alike.