True Grit Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray of "True Grit" offers a remarkable AVC transfer, capturing the Coen brothers' 2.35:1 frontier vision with impressive fidelity. The transfer effectively translates Roger Deakins' stunning cinematography, delivering a rustic, period-authentic visual experience. The image is rich and incredibly detailed, making the most of the earthy palette of browns, tans, blacks, and greys that define the film. Despite the muted color scheme, the clarity remains exceptional, reveling in the naturally occurring hues and lighting conditions. The transfer boasts deep, three-dimensional images while maintaining a film-like grain texture without any artifacts, banding, or edge enhancement. Blacks are robust and form a reliable foundation for the image, although some exterior night shots exhibit a less convincing midnight blue cast.

The high-definition transfer is nearly flawless, with an immaculate presentation and fine detail in every frame. Close-ups and mid-level shots reveal exquisite detail in facial features, clothing, and background objects. The stylized color palette deemphasizes primaries but rewards viewers with well-balanced and texturally rich earth tones. Skin tones are neutral yet highly detailed. The film's grain structure provides a textural essence that enhances its cinematic quality without becoming intrusive. Contrast levels reflect the chilly sunlight consistent with the film's setting and season, though opinions on the contrast may vary based on personal perspectives.

Overall, Paramount's Blu-ray of "True Grit" stands out with its pristine clarity and natural beauty. From finely textured background elements like pebbles and wooden planks to intricate facial features and costume details, every frame is meticulously reproduced. The black levels are pitch-perfect, avoiding any crush or unwanted brightening. The image enjoys a natural depth and remains squeaky clean throughout, devoid of print damage or unwanted artifacts. This transfer exemplifies top-tier quality, earning its place among the finest high-definition presentations available.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track of the "True Grit" Blu-ray is a stellar accomplishment, perfectly balancing the film's intricate soundscape with its dynamic elements. The dialogue, a critical aspect of this Coen Brothers' film, is rendered with exceptional clarity, allowing each vowel-mangling voice and whispered threat to be heard with precise character and definition. The prioritization of speech ensures that even the subtlest intonations are delivered with impeccable detail, enhancing the immersive quality of the viewing experience.

Carter Burwell’s score is a triumph in its own right, seamlessly integrated within the mix to provide a rich and detailed auditory experience. The piano notes and strings are conveyed with remarkable realism, creating a sense of depth and presence as though the instruments are physically present in the room. Background elements such as environmental ambiences, including the flowing of water and rustling of leaves, are reproduced with pinpoint accuracy and a naturalism that lends authenticity to every scene.

When action sequences do occur, the audio track flexes its dynamic capabilities impressively. Gunfire, while not as frequent as in some more explosive films, is delivered with a forceful impact that includes a pleasing degree of bass augmentation. The sound of gunshots reverberating through open landscapes instills a visceral sense of space and distance, making each blast felt as well as heard. Effects such as the rhythmic rushing of blood when Mattie is carried through the woods and the bustling environment of Fort Smith are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an immersive and engaging listening experience throughout. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 presentation is a masterclass in audio precision and balance, providing a top-tier auditory experience that complements the film's visual splendor.

The Blu-ray extras for "True Grit" provide a deep dive into the film’s creative and technical aspects, though they vary in their levels of detail and engagement. Hailee Steinfeld’s charming discussion in "Mattie’s True Grit" stands out, capturing her enthusiasm and on-set experiences. Costume Designer Mary Zophres's segment, "From Bustles to Buckskin," offers intriguing insights into recreating authentic period attire. The four-minute "Colts, Winchesters & Remingtons" is a short but informative featurette on the film’s weaponry. "Re-Creating Fort Smith" excels with an 11-minute exploration of set design transformations. The "The Cast" featurette feels somewhat promotional, while the 30-minute documentary on "Charles Portis" provides a comprehensive look at the author’s life and the novel's impact. However, "The Cinematography of True Grit" is too brief to be substantial. This assortment ranges from insightful to merely promotional, providing a mixed but informative viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mattie’s True Grit: Actress Hailee Steinfeld discusses her role, preparation, and on-set experiences.
• From Bustles to Buckskin: Dressing for the 1880s: Costume design insights from Mary Zophres and actors.
• Colts, Winchesters & Remingtons: The Guns of a Post-Civil War Western: Property Master Keith Walters on the film's weapon authenticity.
• Re-Creating Fort Smith: Detailed look at building an authentic Old West town in Granger, Texas.
• The Cast: Brief featurette with cast members discussing their roles.
• Charles Portis: The Greatest Writer You've Never Heard Of...: Comprehensive documentary on the author's life and works.
• The Cinematography of True Grit: Short feature praising Roger Deakins.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.
• DVD/Digital Copy of True Grit: Additional viewing formats.

Joel and Ethan Coen’s True Grit stands as a masterclass in modern Western filmmaking and storytelling, expertly adapting Charles Portis’ novel while surpassing the original 1969 John Wayne film. The Coen brothers craft a hauntingly authentic and slow-burn narrative that is both captivating and profoundly layered. The story revolves around young Mattie Ross, played by the outstanding Hailee Steinfeld, who is determined to avenge her father's murder by enlisting the help of the grizzled U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (a transformative Jeff Bridges) and the cocky Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (an impeccable Matt Damon). Their journey across unforgiving terrain is not just a quest for vengeance but also a harsh exploration of justice, friendship, and survival.

The cinematography by Roger Deakins is nothing short of stunning, capturing the stark beauty and perilous landscapes with exceptional clarity and vibrancy, whether it be sun-bathed exteriors or impenetrable night scenes. Carter Burwell’s score complements this visual splendor with an evocative blend of traditional Western themes tinged with modernity, enhancing the film’s atmospheric depth. The screenplay retains Portis’ eloquent period dialogue, which is delivered with remarkable authenticity and finesse by the cast. Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of Rooster Cogburn redefines the character originally immortalized by John Wayne, bringing a nuanced depth that melds rugged toughness with unexpected gentleness.

Each performance in True Grit contributes significantly to its overall impact. Steinfeld’s Mattie Ross is an embodiment of youthful determination and intelligence, while Jeff Bridges’ Cogburn is a masterstroke of character acting—both raw and captivating. Matt Damon’s LaBoeuf displays a balance of humor and heroism, and Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper provide convincingly grim representations of outlaws. True Grit's combination of meticulous craftsmanship, powerful performances, and profound storytelling firmly places it among the finest cinematic achievements in recent years.

The Coen Brothers' adaptation of "True Grit" surpasses the excellence of the original 1969 film and arguably the seminal novel by Charles Portis. The filmmakers' astonishing ability to craft cinematic treasures is brilliantly evident here. Their proficiency in rendering literary works into compelling visual narratives, as seen previously with Cormac McCarthy’s "No Country For Old Men," cements their status among the finest directors in contemporary cinema. This rendition of "True Grit" showcases impeccable set design, authentic costuming, a poignant score, and exceptional performances, making it one of the standout films of 2010.

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "True Grit" is exemplary, delivering remarkable video and audio quality complemented by a well-rounded selection of bonus features. The high-definition transfer highlights the film's meticulously crafted visuals, from the nuanced lighting to the textured details of the period settings. Audio fidelity is equally impressive, presenting Carter Burwell's haunting score and the crisp, evocative dialogue with pristine clarity. From a technical perspective, this Blu-ray presents an ideal home cinema experience, embodying both artistic and technical prowess.

In conclusion, "True Grit" on Blu-ray is an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection. It perfectly encapsulates a masterclass in filmmaking, elevated by superior technical delivery on home media. This release not only honors the Coen Brothers’ vision but also emphasizes the film's intrinsic qualities, ensuring it will stand as a benchmark for years to come. Highly recommended.