Short Term 12 Blu-ray Review

"Short Term 12" is presented on Blu-ray by Cinedigm with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This feature, shot with a Red Epic camera, showcases excellent detail with a reasonably sharp image, although the overall appearance is rather soft with often low contrast. The naturalistic cinematography by Brett Pawlak leverages the soft focus to create an intimate mood that befits the emotional narrative of the film. Notably, exterior daytime scenes exhibit enhanced brightness, boosting fine detail and offering a crisper visual experience. However, interior shots within the group home maintain a somber tone with subdued colors and softer visuals, which aligns seamlessly with the film's emotional undertones.

The Blu-ray transfer demonstrates proficient handling of the film's aesthetic choices. Natural lighting is utilized effectively, enhancing the authenticity and rawness of the depiction. While the palette remains mostly muted, outdoor sequences allow colors like blues and greens to truly shine, bringing a vibrancy to these moments. Skin tones are depicted naturally with black levels running deep and inky, and close-ups provide a precise portrayal of textures, including skin imperfections. The deliberate choice to avoid bright primary colors underscores the film's thematic intent, ensuring the visual presentation complements the narrative atmosphere smoothly.

In conclusion, "Short Term 12" on Blu-ray delivers a strong video presentation that emphasizes naturalistic and subdued cinematography. While the overall softness and low contrast might initially seem like drawbacks, they are intentional choices that enhance the film's mood. The transfer excels in bringing out fine details in close-ups and natural lighting conditions while maintaining an authentic primacy that suits its indie aesthetic. This is a commendable effort by Cinedigm in maintaining visual fidelity for this poignant film.

The Blu-ray of "Short Term 12" impresses with its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, offering a surprisingly immersive experience for a film of its scale. The sound design makes the most of the confined, often chaotic environment of the care facility, providing excellent discrete channelization. Scenes that involve dialogue, whether in calm or intense moments, are pristinely presented. Despite occasional complexities in scenes where multiple characters speak simultaneously, the dialogue remains generally clean and decipherable.

The audio mix is robust and full, reflective of a well-balanced LFE and a broad dynamic range that enhances the film's emotional beats. Ambient noises, such as children in different rooms and specific sound effects, come alive through the surround channels, augmenting the sense of immersion. The rap scene between Marcus and Mason is a highlight, showcasing noteworthy separation and directionality. This DTS-HD Master Audio track adds depth to every scene without overpowering the critical dialogue.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray does justice to the film’s sound design. The soundtrack is well-integrated, enhancing scenes without overshadowing the dialogue, and ambient noises are finely tuned to create an authentic soundscape. This expertly crafted audio experience ensures that "Short Term 12" is not only visually engaging but also aurally compelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "Short Term 12" provide a comprehensive and engaging array of supplemental content that enhances the main feature, appealing to both casual viewers and film enthusiasts. The behind-the-scenes featurette offers an informative look into the making of the film, filled with candid footage and insightful interviews. The deleted scenes, totaling over 22 minutes, delve deeper into character development and narrative nuances that enrich the story. The inclusion of the original short film on which "Short Term 12" is based is a noteworthy addition, offering a comparative look at the evolution of the film. Music aficionados will appreciate the featurette focusing on the film’s score. Other bonus materials, including trailers, TV spots, and a brief piece on the cast and crew screening featuring The Shivers, round out this solid set of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: An engaging look at the on-set experience with interviews.
• Deleted Scenes: Over 22 minutes of additional scenes expanding the story.
• Short Term 12: The Original Short Film: The original short that inspired the feature.
• Making the Music: Insight into the film's musical score recording sessions.
• Cast & Crew Screening Featuring The Shivers: Footage from a post-screening celebration including a musical performance.
• Trailers: Promotional content including multiple trailers and TV spots.
• Foster Care Outreach Info: Information on support websites for foster kids and families.

Destin Daniel Cretton’s film "Short Term 12" offers a harrowing yet touching glimpse into the lives within a group foster home, brilliantly balancing adversity and hope. Anchored by captivating performances from Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr., the film explores the chaotic and emotionally charged world of at-risk teenagers under the care of dedicated workers who become their makeshift family. Larson's portrayal of Grace, a child care worker grappling with her past, is particularly noteworthy for its authenticity and emotional depth. Gallagher Jr. complements her performance superbly, providing a blend of humor and empathy that brings much-needed light to the narrative.

The ensemble cast, including standout performances from Kaitlyn Dever and Keith Stanfield, adds layers to this poignant narrative. Dever's portrayal of Jayden, a newcomer to the home with a traumatic background, highlights the hidden commonalities between the counselors’ own unresolved issues and the children’s struggles. Stanfield’s depiction of Marcus, an 18-year-old on the cusp of aging out, is equally riveting, particularly in scenes where his raw talent as a rapper reveals deep scars from his troubled past.

Cretton’s direction ensures these stories unfold naturally without resorting to excessive dramatization. The interactions among the characters are meticulously crafted, resulting in moments that feel genuine and impactful. The film’s ability to juxtapose humor and heartache achieves a delicate balance, making it both deeply affecting and unexpectedly uplifting. Despite the heavy themes, "Short Term 12" never delves into despair, instead offering glimpses of resilience and camaraderie that leave a lasting impression. The film is a testament to the power of compassion amidst hardship, making it an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

"Short Term 12" epitomizes well-crafted indie cinema, offering an emotionally resonant narrative that deftly avoids the pitfalls of cliché. With a pitch-perfect cast and exceptional direction by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film brings to life credible and empathetic characters. The heartfelt screenplay navigates the delicate line between intense drama and uplifting moments without veering into melodrama. The Blu-ray presentation underscores this authenticity, delivering stellar video and audio quality that enhances the viewing experience.

This film stands out not just for its narrative prowess but for its technical achievements as well. The Blu-ray format does justice to Cretton’s vision, offering crisp visuals and a balanced sound mix that allows viewers to immerse themselves fully in the story. The supplemental features add value by offering further insight into the film’s production, making it a comprehensive package for both casual viewers and film enthusiasts.

"Short Term 12" could have devolved into the indie film equivalent of a Lifetime made-for-television movie, so kudos are in order to the pitch-perfect cast and especially to Cretton, who has written believable and sympathetic characters who ring true even as potential cliché-ridden pitfalls abound. This is one film where the light at the end of the tunnel turns out not to be a train headed squarely for the viewer, and it's a refreshing change of pace to find a small-scale film like this that isn't immune to celebrating the triumph of the human spirit. Highly recommended.