It Might Get Loud Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "It Might Get Loud" boasts an AVC MPEG-4/1080p transfer that provides a visually compelling experience despite the inherent limitations of its diverse source material. Footage captured with modern HD cameras under controlled settings is distinctly superior, featuring sharp lines, deep contrast, and vibrant colors. Nuances like rain droplets on cars and the dust visible as Jimmy Page strums during the opening credits are meticulously detailed. Flesh tones appear natural, and hues are consistently rich, while blacks offer excellent separation, preventing details from being lost in shadows.

However, the documentary's reliance on archival material introduces notable variability in video quality. Historical footage, including interlaced archive segments and old TV appearances, displays various levels of grain, artifacts, and occasional macroblocking. These imperfections are inevitable given the age and original formats of these sources. Despite this, guitar close-ups reveal a certain charm through visible wear-and-tear on well-loved instruments, whether it's a classic Gibson or Jack White's iconic red plastic guitar.

Overall, while the transfer doesn't always achieve perfection, it authentically reflects the film's eclectic visual tone. The integration of differing materials—from pristine contemporary footage to gritty historical clips—aptly complements the documentary's narrative style, making "It Might Get Loud" a visually rewarding experience for enthusiasts who appreciate its unique compilation of sources.

"It Might Get Loud" features an exceptional DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless audio track that excels across various sources and settings. The documentary's sound design is well-balanced, bringing each guitar strum, whether gentle or powerful, to vivid life. The clarity and precision of the audio are evident, particularly during concert scenes. Notably, U2’s "Where the Streets Have No Name" delivers an astounding experience, with music pouring into the soundstage with striking clarity. The low-end frequencies are managed expertly, offering a deep yet controlled bass that complements kick drums and bass guitars without overpowering the mix.

From Jimmy Page’s nuanced mandolin picking to The Edge’s intricate guitar effects, every note resonates with lifelike richness. The track ensures that each instrument remains distinct, even during simultaneous play by the three musicians. The audio delivery doesn't just rely on pure power; rather, it offers a detailed and resonant listening experience that is both immersive and natural. Dialogue reproduction is stable and true, necessitating no volume adjustments for clarity.

Ambient sounds enrich the track without distracting from the music; subtle noises from outdoor scenes are palpable, while concert footage includes slight audience ambiance that augments the performance. Of remarkable note are the thunderous drums in Led Zeppelin’s "When The Levee Breaks," which translates to a physical experience as the subwoofer captures and delivers the deep tones with a solid punch. Overall, "It Might Get Loud" is equipped with an audio presentation that will captivate audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike, delivering a near-perfect sonic experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "It Might Get Loud" offers a compelling suite of special features, making it a must-have for fans seeking an immersive experience. The highlights include the engaging audio commentary track with Director Davis Guggenheim and producers Lesley Chilcott and Thomas Tull, providing rich insights into the filmmaking process and behind-the-scenes stories about the star guitarists. The Toronto Film Festival Press Conference offers an additional 38 minutes of Q&A with the director, producers, and musicians Jack White, The Edge, and Jimmy Page, further delving into their experiences and thoughts on the film. Eleven deleted scenes give viewers a deeper look into intimate moments between the guitarists, such as discussions about their equipment and watching each other perform. Additionally, MovieIQ offers an interactive experience for users to curate playlists based on the film's soundtrack.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary Track: With Director Davis Guggenheim, Producer Lesley Chilcott, and Producer Thomas Tull.
• Toronto Film Festival Press Conference: Q&A with the cast and crew.
• Deleted Scenes: Eleven clips showcasing more interactions and musical insights.
• It Might Get Loud Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film.
• BD Live Enabled
• MovieIQ

It Might Get Loud is a documentary film directed by Davis Guggenheim, which brings together three iconic guitarists across three generations: Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (The White Stripes). The film dives deep into the personal stories and musical journeys of the artists, each of whom has carved out a unique sound and style. Through intimate interviews and captivating on-screen discussions, viewers gain insight into how the electric guitar became an extension of their creativity and individual identities. Vivid archival footage, personal anecdotes, and a shared jam session on January 28, 2008, where the three musicians exchange techniques and inspirations, further enrich this exploration.

The documentary transcends typical musical biopics by placing an emphasis on the artistry and emotional connections each guitarist has with their instrument. Viewers are treated to an examination of how Page's roots in London blues, The Edge’s punk influences from Dublin, and White’s Detroit upbringing amidst a rap-dominated scene collectively shaped their innovative sounds. The interaction between the guitarists reveals not just details about their technical processes, but also about their mutual admiration for each other’s work. This dynamic exploration of individual styles and collaborative respect highlights the profoundly personal nature of their artistry.

Davis Guggenheim's direction ensures that It Might Get Loud is not just a film for rock enthusiasts or guitar aficionados. By forgoing a third-person narrator and letting the musicians tell their own stories, the documentary achieves a level of intimacy and authenticity. The combination of personal narratives, technical details about guitars, and moments of creative synergy provides a thorough exposition of the bond between musician and instrument. This makes the film accessible to general audiences, offering a compelling look at how passion for music can shape lives and inspire greatness.

"It Might Get Loud" is an engrossing documentary that dives deep into the lives and artistry of three rock legends: Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge. The film masterfully intertwines their personal stories with their professional journeys, offering a vivid exploration of how the electric guitar has shaped their lives and careers. Each musician's unique approach to the instrument is showcased, and the documentary succeeds in painting a comprehensive portrait of their dedication, creativity, and impact on the rock genre. The Blu-ray presentation enhances this narrative with outstanding 1080p picture quality that faithfully captures the film’s intended look and a lossless soundtrack that immerses the viewer in the rich, iconic sounds of these artists.

Technically, the Blu-ray is top-tier. The visual clarity brings out every detail, whether it's in the tight shots of intricate fingerwork or wide shots of electrifying performances. The audio quality is equally impressive, delivering a dynamic and soul-stirring experience that resonates with the viewer long after the credits roll. However, one slight letdown is the supplementary material, which is somewhat sparse and could have added more depth to the main content. Despite this minor drawback, the overall package remains strong, offering both an emotional and auditory feast that fans of rock music and documentary enthusiasts will find deeply satisfying.

There is a great moment when Jimmy Page starts riffing on "Whole Lotta Love," and The Edge and Jack White look like little boys with awestruck frozen grins. I felt like that many times while watching 'It Might Get Loud.' To any fans, music lovers, or audiophiles, this is a must-have. To anyone remotely interested, it is a great watch. Besides having a slightly lackluster set of supplemental material, 'It Might Get Loud' is a great example of what good documentary filmmaking and Blu-ray can be. This will be re-watched and is a welcome addition to my collection.