Tommy Blu-ray Review

Tommy" graces the Blu-ray format with a commendably sharp 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that preserves the movie's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, offering an authentic cinematic experience true to the 1970s era from which it hails. While maintaining a slightly faded look typical of its time, the transfer excels in color reproduction, delivering an array of hues that are predominantly accurate, though it's noted that bright reds can occasionally appear slightly amplified. This minor deviation does little to detract from the overall impressive presentation, where the film-like quality is enhanced by a perfectly balanced fine grain, ensuring detailed textures in close-ups of characters and their attire. Despite some fleeting instances of blocking and banding, these are but minor quibbles in an otherwise exemplary visual feast that showcases well-preserved blacks and natural flesh tones, all while leaving the print remarkably free from excessive wear.

The vivid colors and dynamic range stand out significantly, with examples ranging from the colorful spectacle of Tommy's birth to the intricate detail observed in the graveyard scenes, where even individual blades of grass are discernible amidst the vibrant setting. Director Ken Russell's vision is brought to life with stunning clarity, especially in scenes laden with texture, such as Nora's master bedroom, where various types of white fabrics showcase the transfer's adept handling of detail. Sharpness is consistently on display across diverse textures, from weathered walls to shiny metallic contraptions, demonstrating the transfer's fidelity to both the artistic intent and the tactile reality of the film's diverse settings.

While the video presentation of "Tommy" on Blu-ray is near flawless, it is not without its imperfections - most notably, a slight issue with banding in the film’s concluding scene. However, this does not mar what is overall a spectacular visual treat that does justice to the eclectic and visually striking nature of the film. Sony delivers another top-tier transfer, ensuring that "Tommy" looks its best, with natural inky blacks and contrast levels that contribute to a rich visual depth. The end result is a presentation that effectively balances nostalgia with modern high-definition standards, ensuring both longtime fans and newcomers alike can fully appreciate the vibrancy and detail of this classic film.

Tommy's Blu-ray audio experience is extraordinary in its delivery, modernizing the original sound without losing the essence that made it unique. The disc offers two main audio tracks: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a Quintaphonic 5.0 mix. The latter, a particularly rare find, was first introduced with "Tommy" and has been painstakingly recreated for this release. It operates through a sophisticated matrixing technique that blends channels to produce a comprehensive soundscape, yielding a listening experience that is both intense and enveloping. The surround channels in this mix are utilized to their full potential, conveying the depth and complexity of the movie’s iconic sound with extraordinary fidelity.

Despite their differences, both audio presentations boast impeccable clarity and depth, bringing new life to the rock opera’s legendary score. The Quintaphonic 5.0 mix offers a certain rawness and spatial dynamics reminiscent of the original theatrical experience, pushing the limits of surround sound technology of its time. It features a vigorous use of the surround channels, creating an expansive auditory experience that might overwhelm at reference volume but nonetheless captures the listener with its audacity. On the other hand, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix delivers a more polished and traditional auditory experience. Improved clarity and a focused soundstage offer listeners a different yet equally impressive encounter with the film’s soundtrack, especially noticeable in iconic segments like "Pinball Wizard."

The use of subwoofers in both tracks adds a physical dimension to the sound that reinforces the movie’s dramatic intensity. Yet, there's an occasional oversight in controlling bass levels, leading to distortion in scenes with heavy thumping bases, such as Entwistle’s musical arrangements. This notwithstanding, the digital restoration ensures that neither track shows any sign of ageing, showcasing an excellent balance between innovation in sound design and respect for the original production's ambition and creativity.

The extras on the "Tommy" Blu-ray present a mixed bag of connectivity options and standard high-definition trailers but noticeably lacks in-depth material directly related to the film or its iconic creators, The Who. It includes modern features like MovieIQ Connectivity and BD-Live functionality, offering an interactive viewing experience. However, the absence of commentary from surviving band members or even a carry-over of the 2004 DVD release's commentary track is a significant oversight, given the film's cultural impact. Fans might find the inclusion of 1080p trailers for unrelated movies a curious choice, underscoring a missed opportunity to enrich the release with more meaningful content dedicated to the musical phenomenon that "Tommy" represents.

Extras included in this disc:

• MovieIQ Connectivity: Provides interactive access to real-time information about the movie's cast, music, trivia and more while you watch.
• BD-Live Functionality: Offers additional downloadable content and interactive features through an internet-connected Blu-ray player.
• 1080p Trailers: High-definition trailers for "The Pillars of the Earth," "It Might Get Loud," and "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Ken Russell's adaptation of The Who's iconic rock opera "Tommy" stands as an audacious cinematic experiment that veers into an almost hallucinogenic territory, crafting a visual and auditory spectacle that either captivates or divides its audience. At the heart of the film is the strange and compelling narrative of a "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" who, after witnessing the traumatic death of his father, spirals into an isolated existence, only to discover an extraordinary talent for pinball. This talent rockets him to national fame and a messianic status, challenging the viewer's perceptions of celebrity, spirituality, and redemption. With its bold deviations from conventional filmmaking and storytelling, "Tommy" doesn't just invite viewers to watch a movie but rather to experience a slice of rock history reimagined through Russell's visionary lens.

The performances are a mixed bag of musical and acting talent, with The Who's Roger Daltrey embodying Tommy with an ethereal presence that’s both enigmatic and captivating. Ann-Margret, as Tommy's mother, delivers a turn that earned her an Academy Award nomination, portraying a gamut of emotions often with little more than expressions and body language, especially in scenes that could only have sprung from Russell’s avant-garde approach to the source material. However, it's the integration of music that truly defines "Tommy," with classic tracks from The Who reinterpreted in ways that mesh seamlessly with the film’s visuals — sometimes enhancing the original compositions, sometimes overshadowed by the film’s ambitious visual sequences.

Director Ken Russell’s "Tommy" is a testament to the potential of cinema to transcend traditional narratives, opting instead for a film that feels more like an immersive concert experience — a feast for the senses that defies easy categorization. Though not without its excesses and inconsistencies, the film remains a unique artifact of its time, capturing the spirit of its era while pushing the boundaries of what a movie could be. Whether through its stunning visuals, its reinterpretation of The Who's music, or its narrative of trauma and transcendence, "Tommy" stands as a bold statement in film history — demanding to be experienced if not fully understood.

Tommy," a film that continues to evoke strong, varying emotions even decades after its release, remains as perplexing and divisive as ever. This cinematic journey, characterized by its structural oddities and unabashedly unique presentation, challenges viewers in a manner seldom encountered in the realm of movie-watching. The film’s inherent ability to provoke thought, stir debate, and incite a wide range of reactions underscores its potent artistic value. The Blu-ray release, while lacking in special features, impressively showcases the movie’s visual and auditory prowess with a pristine 1080p transfer and exceptionally crafted soundtracks. Viewers are advised to approach this experience with an open mind, prepared for an exhaustive analysis that goes beyond the surface-level allure of its musical and psychedelic elements.

Despite its shortcomings, notably the absence of behind-the-scenes content that could have enriched the viewing experience, "Tommy" stands out for its ambitious experimentation and visual splendor, qualities that are magnified in high definition. The recommendation to familiarize oneself with The Who’s album before diving into the movie is well-founded, potentially offering a more cohesive understanding of the narrative. Such an addition would have undoubtedly enhanced the Blu-ray edition, bridging the gap between music and film in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray presentation of "Tommy" serves as a valuable acquisition for both aficionados of the film and newcomers intrigued by its reputation. Even without supplemental features, the quality of the audiovisual restoration justifies a recommendation. The film itself, a testament to artistic risk-taking and thematic complexity, continues to invite interpretation and admiration. As such, "Tommy" not only survives but thrives in the modern digital age, maintaining its status as a remarkable piece of cinematic art.