Jem and the Holograms Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Jem and the Holograms" on Blu-ray showcases a visually appealing albeit somewhat subdued color palette, primarily captured on the Red Epic digital system which imparts a film-like quality to the digital footage. Despite a slight lack in absolute sharpness, the image retains a high level of detail across varied textures such as glittery makeup, skin, clothing, and environmental backgrounds. The picture quality shines even in low-light scenarios, such as dark concert scenes and nighttime exteriors, where critical definition remains intact without faltering. The colors, characterized by a dazzling array of pinks, greens, blues, and other vibrant hues, are mildly subdued, not exploding off the screen but instead offering a lively contrast against skin tones and different backdrops, especially noticeable in darker concert venues. Black levels are deep and detailed, contributing to the overall solid visual experience, while skin tones are presented in a neutral light.

Incorporating footage from home video cameras like the GoPro and Internet-submitted videos alongside the primary Red Epic footage, the film presents a varied texture in its visual quality. Presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the majority of the film displays crisp, detailed imagery with solid black levels that enhance the many scenes set in dimly lit clubs or under the cover of night. However, this integration of lower-quality Internet footage and home videos results in some inconsistency in image quality, though it doesn’t detract significantly from the high-definition experience. An issue noted is the 'blocky' appearance of flashbulbs in the film, which might stem from the original camera work rather than being a transfer flaw. Despite these minor deviations, no significant problems with banding, aliasing, or macroblocking are observed, maintaining a generally pleasing aesthetic throughout.

Overall, "Jem and the Holograms" achieves a commendable video presentation on Blu-ray, skillfully balancing its digital cinematography with a near-filmic essence. The intentional use of various video qualities adds to the narrative's texture, though with slight compromises in consistency. The handling of colors, details, and black levels predominantly showcases the care taken in transferring this visually dynamic film to home video, ensuring that minor issues do not overshadow the strengths of its visual composition.

The "Jem and the Holograms" Blu-ray release impresses with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, delivering a rich and immersive auditory experience primarily during its musical sequences. The pop-rock songs are the centerpiece, bursting through with a clarity and depth that captures every note and beat with precision. The balance is admirable; the bass is strong yet does not overshadow other elements, allowing for a harmonious blend of vocals and instrumentation that entices a toe-tapping response. The soundstage is expansive, stretching from the front and flowing effortlessly into the rear channels, with ambient soundscapes and more dynamic auditory elements like crowd noises and environmental effects being well-rounded and engaging, thereby enhancing the overall sense of immersion.

However, a notable point of contention lies in the audio mix's volume levels, particularly how the musical numbers significantly overshadow the film's dialogue sections in loudness. This discrepancy can disrupt the viewing experience, potentially requiring frequent adjustments of the volume control to maintain a comfortable listening level. Despite this drawback, the soundtrack is devoid of any technical flaws such as dropouts or glitches, ensuring a clean and uninterrupted audio presentation. The inclusion of multiple audio tracks—including a Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio option and a 2.0 English Descriptive Video Service track—alongside subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French, further bolsters the Blu-ray's accessibility and appeal to a diverse audience.

All things considered, "Jem and the Holograms" excels in delivering an audio experience that is both technically proficient and emotionally engaging, albeit with a few mix balance issues concerning volume levels between musical sequences and dialogue. The soundtrack's precision in capturing the essence of the music and its effective use of the surround sound space places it as a noteworthy example of audio production in film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Jem and the Holograms" offer a fundamental yet engaging insight into the making and potential behind-the-scenes quirks of the film. The Director Jon M. Chu and star Aubrey Peeples notably contribute to a featurette and commentary, providing an optimistic yet slightly disconnected view given the film's performance. A variety of deleted scenes, totaling around 20 minutes, allow for a deeper dive into what could have been, while the gag reel, albeit not exceedingly humorous, presents a glimpse into the on-set atmosphere. Additionally, the included music video for "Youngblood" juxtaposes film scenes with performance clips, encapsulating key moments. These extras are further complemented by a digital copy voucher, ensuring fans can enjoy both the primary and additional content across different formats.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of scenes not included in the main feature.
• Gag Reel: Bloopers and funny moments from the shoot.
• Music Video 'Youngblood': A montage of film scenes mixed with the performance.
• Glam, Glitter, Fashion and Fame: The Reinvention of Jem: Behind-the-scenes look at the movie’s making.
• Audio Commentary by Jon M. Chu: The director discusses various aspects of the creation of the film.

Jem and the Holograms," Hasbro's latest foray into converting 80s nostalgia into cinematic experiences, fails to make a notable impact at the box office, diverging sharply from its more lucrative siblings, Transformers and G.I. Joe. Directed by Jon Chu, notable for his work on "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" and "Now You See Me 2," the film brings to life a reimagined tale of Jerrica Benton, or Jem, and her path from obscurity to Internet sensation, courtesy of a viral video posted by her sister Kimber. Despite its shoestring budget of $5 million, the movie's inability to recapture even half of that investment speaks volumes to its reception, notwithstanding a backdrop of familial crisis, ambition, and a dive into self-realization facilitated by Jem's late father and an advanced robot named Synergy.

The core of the narrative centers not on the glitzy path to stardom but rather on the introspective journey Jem embarks upon, spurred by her unexpected fame and the machinations of music executive Erica Raymond. While possessing moments that sparkle with genuine inspiration, thanks in part to Aubrey Peeples' earnest portrayal of Jem, the film struggles under the weight of clichéd storytelling and a predictable supporting cast lineup. The robot Synergy introduces a twist that adds depth, but ultimately, the tale meanders through well-trodden paths of discovering one's identity against the backdrop of the superficial music industry.

Technically, "Jem and the Holograms" is competently assembled, supported by catchy tunes that could believably capture audience attention. However, its foundational issues lie in an uninspired script that leaves its commendable cast grappling with one-dimensional roles. This live-action adaptation, while aiming to deliver messages about individuality and courage, ends up ensnared in the very clichés it seeks to rise above. Coupled with lackluster box office performance, it's a clear miss for Hasbro and Paramount, yet it somehow manages to provide a mild charm that might be enough for viewers who come with calibrated expectations, looking for light entertainment rather than groundbreaking cinema.

In reviewing the Blu-ray presentation of "Jem and the Holograms," we find a product that, while not groundbreaking in its narrative innovation, delivers a competent and somewhat enjoyable experience. The film itself straddles the line between mediocrity and modest charm, characterized by its adequate production values, capable acting performances, and an assortment of catchy tunes that manage to captivate at intervals. However, it's mired in commonplace themes and a narrative approach that lacks originality, relying heavily on overused dramatic conventions that fail to inject any real zest or novelty into the storyline. Despite these shortcomings, the effort and enthusiasm of the cast are palpable, though this does little to elevate the overall impact of the film beyond the realm of the ordinary.

From a technical standpoint, Universal's Blu-ray release of "Jem and the Holograms" stands out as a redeeming feature. The Blu-ray offers an excellent visual experience with its outstanding picture quality, further complemented by superior sound design that enhances the film's musical components. Additionally, the inclusion of a fair assortment of bonus features adds value to the package, making it a worthwhile consideration for fans and collectors alike. It is clear that while the film may not have met box office expectations or transcended its generic bounds, the Blu-ray presentation has been crafted with a level of care that somewhat mitigates these content-related flaws.

In conclusion, while "Jem and the Holograms" may fall short of being a cinematic masterpiece or even a notable departure from well-trodden thematic paths, its Blu-ray release is commendable for its technical merits. For enthusiasts of the franchise or those with a penchant for 80s nostalgia, this release might hold some appeal, primarily due to its high-quality audio-visual presentation and the earnestness behind its production. It's certainly not a must-have for every collection, but for what it lacks in narrative depth, it compensates with a well-produced home viewing experience.