Race Blu-ray Review

"Race" on Blu-ray delivers a commendable high-definition transfer that dazzles with its superb visual fidelity. The 2.35:1 1080p presentation is notable for its intricate detail and exceptional depth, showcasing the film's digital source material with remarkable clarity. The sepia-toned aesthetic enhances shades of browns, grays, greens, and blacks, adhering firmly to the historical time frame. Whites are snappy and crisply rendered, while grays exhibit multi-layered depth. Black levels excel, providing dynamic contrast without any unwanted washing out of details or blooms. The intricate costuming and production design effectively recreate the 1930s atmosphere, although wide-angle pan shots occasionally reveal the softer background elements due to green screen work.

Color tones feature a subdued, earthy palette with a nod towards golds and deep reds, occasionally lending flesh tones a yellow hue. However, this effect is a deliberate artistic choice that complements the movie’s period aesthetic. Close-up shots impressively highlight the finest skin textures and the intricate details of heavier period clothing such as sweatshirts, sports coats, hats, and neckties. Intimate details are supremely revealed with the highest level of skin imperfection captured effectively. Night scenes are handled adeptly, exhibiting honest depth and commendable shadow detail. Although minor noise can be observed in lower light conditions, other artifacts like compression issues or banding are virtually non-existent.

Universal's Blu-ray presentation of "Race" stands out for its professional execution in image clarity and fine detail resolution. The digital vistas may occasionally appear flatter, especially in broader views, yet tangible backgrounds maintain impressive realism. Wooden accents around interior locales, for instance, are vivid and lifelike. Overall, this Blu-ray presentation impresses through its technical rigor and fidelity to the period aesthetic, offering an immersive viewing experience free of significant visual flaws.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Race" provides an overall commendable auditory experience that largely succeeds in delivering clear dialogue, robust dynamics, and subtly engaging surround sound. It effectively captures the nuances of various environments, such as the roar of the crowd during race scenes and the ambient sounds of locker rooms and office spaces. Discrete directional sounds and a punchy low end further enhance the immersive qualities of the audio presentation. The soundtrack's implementation of spatial dimensions adds an occasionally immersive listening environment, creating a rousing backdrop with well-balanced music.

However, there are some inconsistencies. While crowd noise effectively immerses listeners during key moments, making the race sequences engaging, there are instances where the execution falters. Dialogue, though generally clear and centered, occasionally suffers from a hollow, canned quality and an inorganic feel during certain scenes. This oddity detracts from an otherwise solid mix. Heavy planes and even the Hindenburg provide rich use of the LFE channel with deep bass response, but lighter ambient effects do not always achieve the same level of effectiveness.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the audio presentation does a good job with the film’s thematic tone and music clarity. Still, it leaves room for improvement, particularly regarding consistent surround activity and immersive crowd atmosphere. Perhaps future releases in advanced formats like DTS:X or Dolby Atmos may address these issues better. Overall, it is a serviceable audio mix that complements the video well, enhancing the viewing experience whilst maintaining a respectable level of technical performance.

The Blu Ray extras for "Race" deliver a succinct but insightful behind-the-scenes look into the making of this biographical film. The special features explore core storytelling aspects, meticulous actor preparations, and the personal insights from Jesse Owens' daughters. Though brief, these extras provide valuable context and enrich the viewer's understanding of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Race: Go behind the scenes to see how this epic story was translated to film, featuring insights from cast and crew.
• Becoming Jesse Owens: Covers Stephan James' rigorous preparation and transformation into the iconic athlete.
• The Owens Sisters: Offers personal anecdotes from Jesse Owens' daughters, contributing to the film's familial insights.
• Digital HD Copy: Voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy is included.

"Race" presents the extraordinary journey of Jesse Owens, an American icon who blazed through the 1936 Olympics amidst immense prejudice and political tension. Director Stephen Hopkins endeavors to meld Owens’ athletic triumphs with the intricate socio-political environment of Nazi-era Germany. This integration creates an ambitious yet occasionally disjointed narrative. Stephan James’ portrayal of Owens captures the essence of a man whose prowess on the track stood in stark contrast to the racial animosities he faced, particularly as he defies both American and global prejudices.

The film juxtaposes Owens' personal struggles against broader themes such as the U.S. Olympic Committee's deliberations on boycotting the Berlin Games and the propaganda efforts of Joseph Goebbels (Barnaby Metschurat) and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl. Jeremy Irons’ Avery Brundage embodies the conflicting sentiments within America regarding participation. While these subplots enrich the historical context, they sometimes overshadow Owens' primary arc, leading to a sense of narrative imbalance. Despite this, moments like Owens' refusal to be acknowledged by Hitler poignantly highlight the era’s harsh realities.

Hopkins showcases Owens’ rise from Cleveland's economically disadvantaged neighborhoods to global acclaim, emphasizing his relationship with Coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), who sees beyond race, focusing solely on talent and drive. However, the film’s multifaceted approach can dilute its emotional weight, making some scenes appear perfunctory. The depiction of Owens’ rival-turned-friendship with German athlete Carl Long (David Kross) offers a glimpse into potential profundity but doesn’t fully develop. "Race" is commendable for its production values and its effort to transcend mere biopic constraints, yet it sometimes feels more like a series of historical vignettes than a cohesive narrative.

"Race," while well-intentioned, ultimately falls short of achieving the high standard it aims for. The film attempts to tackle too many aspects of Jesse Owens' life and legacy, resulting in a narrative that feels fragmented. It intertwines personal, political, social, and global issues without fully immersing the viewer in any one area. This catchall approach prevents the film from rising above the ranks of standard inspirational sports films, and in a crowded genre, this effort feels more basic than extraordinary.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Race" features an exceptional video presentation with crisp visuals and vibrant colors that enhance the overall viewing experience. However, the audio track is somewhat lackluster, failing to deliver the immersive soundscape that one might expect from a film of this nature. Additionally, the supplementary materials are minimal and fail to add significant value. While the historical context and Jesse Owens' story are both compelling, the film's execution does not fully capitalize on these elements.

In conclusion, "Race" is a solid movie that provides interesting historical insight, but it lacks the depth and engagement required to make it truly exceptional. Its Blu-ray release offers high-quality video but falls short in terms of audio and extras. It is worth watching for those interested in Owens' story, but a purchase is recommended only at a discounted price.