I Am Bruce Lee Blu-ray Review

'I Am Bruce Lee' arrives on Blu-ray in a 1080p transfer, presented in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio and utilizing the MPEG-4 AVC codec. The interview segments, shot in HD, demonstrate exceptional detail and clarity with stable contrast levels. Colors are bright and vibrant, the black levels are deep and inky, and flesh tones appear smooth and natural. Interestingly, the archival footage presents a mixed bag, reflecting the diverse quality of the original recordings. While some clips, such as Lee's Hollywood auditions, maintain decent quality, others, including practice sessions with James Coburn, exhibit roughness indicative of aged media. Despite this, the Blu-ray presentation is commendable for its ability to seamlessly meld high-definition interviews with varied archival material.

The transfer is devoid of anomalies typically associated with Blu-ray presentations such as edge enhancement, video noise, or aliasing. This is particularly noteworthy given the film's nature as a made-for-TV documentary that deftly integrates high-quality HD footage with significantly older archival content. It’s important to emphasize that this Blu-ray disc is Region-A locked; thus, viewers will need a compatible Region-A or Region-Free player to access the content. Overall, Shout Factory has delivered a visually engaging and technically proficient Blu-ray transfer for 'I Am Bruce Lee,' preserving the film’s integrity while showcasing the legendary martial artist’s life and legacy effectively.

The Blu-ray release of "I Am Bruce Lee" offers two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Both tracks deliver a comparable listening experience, with no substantial discrepancies in quality. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, while robust, does not fully exploit the surround channels due to the nature of the film's content, which is heavily comprised of interviews and archival footage. Nonetheless, the dialog remains clear, clean, and stable throughout the original content, providing a solid foundation for the auditory experience.

As the film is predominantly interview-driven, it does not necessitate complex soundscapes or ambient effects that would otherwise engage the rear speakers in a more dynamic mix. The crystal-clear dialogue is a highlight, ensuring that all interviews are easily comprehensible. However, the audio quality of archival footage is notably less refined but this is balanced effectively in post-production, ensuring it does not detract from the overall experience. Despite the inherent limitations of the source material, the audio presentation remains well-balanced and professional, delivering a commendable performance in line with the expectations for such documentary-style content.

The Blu-ray extras of "I Am Bruce Lee" offer a captivating and comprehensive look at the legendary martial artist's life and influence. The "Backyard Training" segment showcases rare archival footage of Bruce Lee's personal training sessions with celebrities, narrated by his family. "Bruce Lee's Hollywood Audition" provides a rare glimpse into his first Hollywood screen test for a never-made TV series, highlighting his natural charisma. "Bruce Lee in Action" compiles select scenes from his filmography, perfect for fans wanting to relive his iconic moments. The "Inspiration" segment features quick yet insightful comments from Linda Lee Cadwell, Dan Inosanto, and Shannon Emery Lee on Bruce Lee's enduring legacy. Finally, the package is complemented by the original theatrical trailer for the documentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Backyard Training: Raw footage from Bruce Lee's training sessions with celebrities.
• Inspiration: Linda Lee Cadwell, Dan Inosanto, and Shannon Emery Lee on Bruce Lee's legacy.
• Bruce Lee in Action: Select scenes from Bruce Lee's films.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "I Am Bruce Lee".
• Bruce Lee's Hollywood Audition: Original footage from Bruce Lee's first Hollywood audition.

Pete McCormack's documentary 'I Am Bruce Lee' utilizes an intriguing blend of archival footage and celebrity interviews to explore the legendary martial artist's life and legacy. The documentary, presented on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, includes compelling original material such as Bruce Lee’s training sessions with various celebrities and rare audition footage. The film highlights Lee's impact on diverse individuals, from family members like his widow Linda Lee Cadwell to athletes and actors who were inspired by his philosophies and practices. The documentary distinguishes itself from traditional biographical works by featuring numerous personal anecdotes and reflections, albeit sometimes veering into superficial commentary.

The narrative effectively covers the span of Lee's life, from his early days in Seattle to his rise to international stardom. Crucially, it delves into his pursuit of success in Hollywood and his eventual acceptance in Hong Kong, where he truly felt appreciated for his craft. The insights provided by Cadwell and other close associates furnish a richer understanding of Lee's personal and professional trials. While the array of interviews with celebrities like Mickey Rourke, Kobe Bryant, and Manny Pacquiao showcase Lee’s broad influence, their interpretations occasionally miss the depth required to fully grasp Lee’s complex philosophies.

A significant portion of the film is dedicated to revisiting Lee's untimely death, presenting various conspiracy theories without offering definitive answers. This segment may fascinate casual viewers but frustrates those seeking clear explanations. Moreover, the documentary won accolades for Best Picture Editing and Best Musical Score at the Leo Awards, underscoring its technical proficiency. Overall, 'I Am Bruce Lee' provides an engaging yet somewhat fragmented portrait that might appeal more to casual viewers than those looking for an exhaustive exploration of Bruce Lee’s life and legacy.

"I Am Bruce Lee" is a captivating documentary that delivers an in-depth portrayal of the legendary martial artist, Bruce Lee. Through a rich array of rare archival footage and insightful interviews, it paints a vivid picture of Lee's substantial influence on both martial arts and popular culture. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray are top-notch, providing clear and vibrant visuals alongside crisp audio quality. These elements enhance the experience, making it immersive and engaging from start to finish. The documentary also features a robust selection of extras that add significant value for collectors and fans alike.

However, the film isn't without its shortcomings. A substantial portion of the runtime is dedicated to interviews with celebrities and UFC personalities whose contributions occasionally detract from the focus on Bruce Lee himself. The most compelling parts of the documentary are the personal anecdotes and insights shared by Lee's family members, particularly his widow Linda Lee Cadwell. While these segments offer genuine glimpses into Lee's life and philosophy, they are somewhat overshadowed by less relevant interview content.

In conclusion, "I Am Bruce Lee" is a commendable addition to any Bruce Lee enthusiast's collection. While it sometimes strays from its central subject, the documentary's high-quality production, coupled with exclusive footage and sincere testimonials from Lee’s relatives, make it a worthwhile view. RENT IT for those curious but not entirely devoted to Bruce Lee's legacy, but for fans and collectors, it remains Highly Recommended.