Don Jon Blu-ray Review

"Don Jon" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment with an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The cinematographic collaboration between Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Thomas Kloss successfully paints New Jersey—with scenes also filmed in Los Angeles—in a glossy, vibrant manner. The colors are richly saturated, and the outdoor scenes, in particular, have a noticeable pop that enhances the film's visual appeal. The movie's warm golden hue serves as a deliberate contrast to its somewhat smarmy characters, effectively creating a visually striking tableau. The overall clarity is commendable, although slight shadow detail loss is observed in darker interior scenes. The natural grain pattern and excellent fine detail further enhance the viewing experience.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode consistently delivers a high level of detail, exposing even the tiniest blemishes and pores on the actors’ faces while presenting the background objects with sharp resolution. The contrast is brilliantly managed, providing vivid primaries and lively secondary hues that do not appear exaggerated. Black levels are deep and accurate, contributing to the video’s remarkable dimensionality and cinematic quality. However, a minor issue is noted in an intimate scene between Jon and Esther, preventing the video presentation from achieving perfection. Despite this, the transfer remains stunning with no visible artifacts, noise, or specks of dirt throughout the film.

Overall, "Don Jon" demonstrates an excellent video performance on Blu-ray. The image exhibits deep black levels, lively colors reflective of their environments, and meticulous attention to fine detail—from facial pores to intricate background settings. This high-definition presentation is highly commendable with its appreciable clarity and negligible faults. Whether noting the actors’ physical details or the textured decor within scenes, the transfer showcases a heavyweight presentation deserving of notable praise.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Don Jon" stands out as a dynamic and immersive experience, delivered via a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The soundtrack is remarkably boisterous for a dramedy, with an impressive use of source cues and general underscore that effectively utilizes the surround channels. Dialogue is impeccably clear and well-prioritized in the center, allowing viewers to appreciate the unique character accents. Meanwhile, ambient environmental effects add significant immersion throughout the film.

The sound design offers a phenomenal balance and separation within the soundstage, delivering detailed background noises with clarity. The dynamic range is particularly notable, handling both music and environmental sounds, whether indoors, outdoors, or in bustling club scenes, with precise intelligibility. Although the low-end does not dig exceptionally deep, it still provides impactful bass responses that add oomph to each song and edit cut. Rear channel activity is equally thrilling, enveloping the room with lifelike directionality and adrenaline-charged transparency through traffic noise, bird chirps, echoes, and music.

Overall, the audio mix for "Don Jon" not only meets but exceeds expectations for a rom-com drama. The track ensures that dialogue remains consistently clear and audible, contributing to an atmosphere that encapsulates the viewer thoroughly. With vigorous engagement from the rear speakers and a robust score that alternates between serene and powerful, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is undoubtedly demo-worthy and ranks among the best in its genre.

The Blu-ray of "Don Jon" offers a compelling selection of extras that delve into various aspects of the film's creation and thematic content. The special features are informative and provide valuable insights into Joseph Gordon-Levitt's multifaceted role as director, writer, and lead actor. Particularly notable are the behind-the-scenes featurettes that explore the origins and development of the character and project, as well as the technical and artistic choices made in the film's production. Composer Nathan Johnson's commentary on the film’s score is especially enlightening, adding a layer of appreciation for the nuanced musical themes. Although brief, these extras collectively enrich the viewing experience, despite the omission of an audio commentary, which would have been a welcomed addition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Don Jon: Behind-the-scenes footage and crew interviews.
• Don Jon's Origin: Gordon-Levitt discusses the character's genesis.
• Joe's Hats!: Multitasking as writer, director, and actor.
• Objectified: Exploration of objectification in media.
• Themes and Variations: Composer Nathan Johnson on the film's score.
• HitRECord Shorts: Compilation of fan-created shorts on themes of love and objects.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

In his directorial debut, Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a captivating performance in "Don Jon," a refreshingly original rom-com that balances comedy with a nuanced exploration of modern relationships and addiction. Gordon-Levitt stars as Jon Martello, a stereotypical Guido whose life revolves around his body, his pad, his family, and, notably, his obsession with internet pornography. His seemingly fulfilling yet compartmentalized lifestyle is thrown into turmoil when he meets Barbara Sugarman, played by Scarlett Johansson, who challenges his views on intimacy and relationships. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the film shines in portraying the clash between Jon's fantasies and the often brutal reality of human connections, emphasizing his journey from superficiality to a semblance of self-awareness.

"Don Jon" is further elevated by an exceptional supporting cast, including Julianne Moore as Esther, who plays a pivotal role in Jon's transformation. Moore's character provides a grounding influence that propels Jon into reevaluating his relationships and addiction. The film cleverly juxtaposes Jon's porn addiction with Barbara's obsession with romantic movies, questioning the broader societal influences on personal fantasy and expectations in relationships. Gordon-Levitt's solid direction captures this dynamic exquisitely through sharp dialogue and visual storytelling, maintaining an engaging balance between humor and drama throughout the narrative.

Technically, the film is a well-crafted piece with vibrant and energetic cinematography that enhances the storytelling. The distinct visual styles and sound design applied to each act indicate Gordon-Levitt's meticulous attention to detail and vision for the project. The movie does not shy away from controversial themes but tackles them with intelligence and sensitivity, avoiding clichéd resolutions for a more thoughtful and grounded experience. Despite its sometimes pat denouement, "Don Jon" stands as an accomplished debut, marked by strong performances and a compelling script that resonates well beyond its runtime.

"Don Jon" marks a significant milestone in Joseph Gordon-Levitt's career as he transitions into the roles of writer and director with impressive ease. The film, featuring remarkable performances by Gordon-Levitt himself alongside Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore, is engaging and bold. It delivers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre with underlying themes of addiction and personal growth that add depth.

Visually, the Blu-ray presentation of "Don Jon" is stellar, with crystal-clear picture quality that enhances the viewing experience. The audio presentation stands out exceptionally well, providing a reference-quality experience that immerses the audience. Though the supplements on the disc are relatively sparse, they offer valuable insights into Gordon-Levitt's creative process, making the overall package worthy of recommendation.

In conclusion, "Don Jon" isn't perfect but boasts a unique charm and an honesty that resonates. Gordon-Levitt's adept storytelling and directing debut are complemented by an excellent Blu-ray release marked by top-notch video and audio quality. For fans of the cast or anyone interested in a refreshing romantic comedy, "Don Jon" comes highly recommended.