A Good Person Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "A Good Person" effectively represents its 4.5K Arri Alexa capture, maintaining a high level of detail in its 1080p AVC-encoded transfer. The colors are intentionally muted, often presenting a brownish-yellow tone to complement the film's somber themes. This palette choice, though subdued, does not detract from the overall quality, with textures and facial features rendered clearly.

Despite lacking the enhancements of a potential 4K HDR release, the Blu-ray provides satisfactory contrast and shadow detail, ensuring that darker scenes maintain clarity even as black levels tend to hover around dark grey rather than achieving true deep blacks. Macro blocking is occasionally present, particularly in fast-moving scenes with detailed backgrounds, but it remains mostly unobtrusive. Overall, while a 4K edition might offer superior vibrancy and depth, this Blu-ray release maintains a competent representation of the film's artistic vision.

The audio presentation of "A Good Person" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that aligns with the film's predominantly dialogue-driven nature. This mix is primarily front-heavy, emphasizing crisp and clear dialogue to ensure the film's narrative remains comprehensible throughout. Despite its focus on dialogue, the mix introduces discrete atmospheric effects that elevate the viewer's experience by creating a subtle yet effective sense of immersion depending on the scene's setting.

Particularly notable are the lively environments in specific sequences, such as the high-ceilinged church during Allison's AA meeting and a vibrant concert setting in Brooklyn, which demonstrate a slight but effective use of spatial sound. The mix adeptly employs music cues that contribute significantly to the film's atmosphere, showcasing a robust dynamic range with occasional deep dives into low-frequency effects (LFE) territory. This depth adds meaningful emphasis not only to the music but also to impactful moments like the opening car crash, providing an appropriate, though restrained, auditory punch.

The overall audio landscape of the film can be described as adequately subdued, focusing more on clarity and effectiveness rather than aggressive surround sound deployment. Optional subtitles, including English (SDH), are available, enhancing accessibility for viewers who require them. This master audio mix successfully complements the film without complications, reflecting its intended quiet undertone while ensuring pivotal scenes resonate with apt auditory support.

The Blu Ray release of "A Good Person" does not include any additional features, resulting in a barebones package that leaves much to be desired for collectors and film enthusiasts. The absence of commonly appreciated extras, like behind-the-scenes content or director's commentary, is a notable shortcoming for a movie of this caliber. This one-disc edition is presented in a standard keepcase, flanked by poster-themed cover art and a matching slipcover, but disappointingly lacks any inserts or physical booklets that could enrich the viewing experience. While possessing a digital copy redeemable on Vudu, this does little to compensate for the lack of supplementary content expected from Blu Ray releases tailored to cater to an audience seeking more than just the film. The scarcity of extras is a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the creative process behind the film and offer insights from the filmmakers' perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

Zach Braff’s "A Good Person," while not without its flaws, presents a poignant exploration of grief, addiction, and redemption. The film navigates these complex themes with a narrative centered around Allison (Florence Pugh), whose life spirals after a tragic car accident leaves her grappling with physical injuries and a debilitating addiction to prescription drugs. The storyline delves into the emotional and relational turmoil that ensues, specifically focusing on Allison's fractured connections with ex-fiancé Nathan (Chinaza Uche) and his guardian father Daniel (Morgan Freeman), amid their struggles to mend their lives. Despite the heavy subject matter, the narrative's potential is partially overshadowed by clumsy storytelling decisions and over-reliance on indie song cues for emotional weight.

The strength of "A Good Person" lies primarily in its powerful performances. Florence Pugh delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman grappling with the aftermath of trauma, complemented by Morgan Freeman’s nuanced take on Daniel, who manages his own struggles with alcoholism and lost familial bonds. Celeste O’Connor, as the teenaged Ryan, provides a solid supporting role that navigates her character's rebellious phases and attempt to reconcile her family. The chemistry between these leading actors infuses the narrative with emotional depth, allowing the audience to separate the characters' flawed actions from their intrinsic humanity.

Despite its engaging performances, the film falls short in terms of pacing and narrative coherence. Running slightly over two hours, it indulges in melodramatic sequences and disjointed time transitions, particularly missing crucial glimpses of the period preceding Allison's addiction recovery. Such elements could have enriched character development and provided a more cohesive storyline. Although the film’s thematic exploration is familiar territory for dramas about addiction, it remains a compelling watch largely due to its cast, though it could benefit from more refined storytelling. Overall, while not revolutionary in its genre, "A Good Person" offers a bleak yet hopeful portrayal of personal redemption.

Zach Braff's "A Good Person" delivers a narrative that ventures into emotionally complex territories, supported by a stellar cast that elevates its appeal. The film intricately navigates challenging subject matter, resonating deeply with audiences who may find its themes profoundly personal. Despite its formidable emotional weight and sometimes protracted pacing, the film is propelled by performances that offer undeniable richness and depth.

The Blu-ray release of "A Good Person" provides a satisfactory A/V presentation with some minor shortcomings. While the visual and auditory qualities bring the intended ambiance of the film to life adequately, the package is notably devoid of additional content. This absence of supplemental materials underscores an inadequacy, particularly when juxtaposed against its price point, making it less justifiable for immediate purchase.

Ultimately, "A Good Person" is a film of poignant reflection and gravitas, receiving a mixed reception due to its pacing and emotional demands but ultimately redeemed by powerful performances. The Blu-ray's quality suggests potential buyers consider renting before committing to ownership, ensuring that the narrative and presentation align with their expectations.