Darkest Hour Blu-ray Review

"Darkest Hour" makes a visually captivating appearance on Blu-ray, presented in a 1.85:1 1080p AVC transfer (@ an average of 33 mbps) and sourced from a native 4K Digital Intermediate. Shot with Arri Alexa cameras and finished in a 2K digital intermediate, the film employs a specific, colder color timing that enhances the atmospheric and dramatic tones of various scenes. The transfer reveals exquisite fine detail across various elements, from the intricate weaves of costumes to meticulously textured sets. Indoor scenes feature a heavy yellow/green color grading, giving them an earthy, subterranean feel. Outdoor and brighter scenes utilize vibrant colors, creating a stark contrast with their angelic white levels. Each color grading choice is distinct and resplendent with detail, from the natural fleshtones to the finely appointed interiors.

The video quality boasts exceptional clarity and depth, showing no signs of banding or black crush. Blacks are rich and stable, crucial for the dark, smoky war rooms, while whites are bold yet restrained to avoid washout. The impeccable image quality is evident in Churchill’s underground War Chamber, where even the smoke puffs from his cigar are diligently rendered. The outdoor scenes' bright colors and high contrast add to the overall narrative impact. The finely detailed cinematography extends to facial textures and clothing fabrics, with razor-sharp close-ups highlighting subtle makeup work on Gary Oldman’s Churchill, ensuring his prosthetics appear genuine. Shadows remain finely delineated, avoiding any crushing while maintaining rich texture in darker segments. Despite its challenging visual elements, "Darkest Hour" delivers a stunning Blu-ray experience.

The Blu-ray image effectively balances the film's dynamic visual contrasts, showing remarkable fidelity in both bright and dimly lit scenes. It captures every detail impeccably—from musty books within Parliament's corridors to the scuffed airplane interiors and war-torn terrains of France. Vibrant greens, golds, and reds accentuate otherwise muted color palettes, staying true to the film's historical period while enhancing the visual storytelling. No digital artifacts or technical flaws are apparent, making this transfer a meticulously crafted presentation that brings Joe Wright's directorial vision to life. This high-definition render notably enriches the visual impact of "Darkest Hour," leaving audiences with an immersive viewing experience that perfectly complements its narrative intensity.

"Darkest Hour" features an impressive Dolby Atmos track accompanied by a TrueHD 7.1 core that adds significant depth and dimension to the film's predominantly dramatic scenes. Despite being a largely dialogue-driven narrative, the audio mix utilizes the surround channels and overheads to enhance atmospheric immersion effectively. Notably, the House of Commons scenes benefit immensely from this, providing a rich 360-degree soundstage that captures the full roar of parliamentary debates and Winston Churchill's iconic speeches with precision and clarity. The subtle use of height channels for aircraft flyovers and bomb drops adds a visceral layer to these sequences, supported by a refined LFE foundation which underscores these moments with impactful yet tasteful bass. Furthermore, Dario Marianelli’s score is seamlessly integrated, providing an emotional punch that elevates the tension and drama.

The implementation of the surround sound is consistently excellent, creating an enveloping auditory experience. Dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout, maintaining its clarity even during more complex soundscapes, though the occasional gravelly delivery by Gary Oldman as Churchill is accurately rendered without distorting the mix. The dynamic range of the track is notable, accommodating both quiet, nuanced moments and more expansive effects without compromising on fidelity. Background elements such as typewriter keys, clock ticks, and doors closing are rendered with sharp detail, adding to the overall sense of realism. There is also commendable use of directional sound across the channels, accentuating movement and environmental shifts effectively.

In conclusion, while "Darkest Hour" might primarily be a dialogue-centric drama, the Dolby Atmos mix enhances the film significantly, making it a richly textured and engaging audio experience. The balanced approach to using overhead channels and surround sound underscores the thematic elements without overwhelming the core narrative, resulting in an exemplary audio presentation that complements its compelling visuals and storyline. Additional audio options, including Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus and French 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks with various subtitle options, cater to a broader audience while maintaining high standards in sound quality.

The Blu-ray extras for "Darkest Hour" provide a robust array of content that complements the main feature well, though a more extensive documentary would have been appreciated. The audio commentary by Director Joe Wright stands out as the highlight; it is well-spoken, informative, and covers various aspects of film production including makeup techniques, historical context, and the casting process. Wright's insights into working with Gary Oldman, transforming him into Churchill, and the authenticity pursued in set designs add substantial value. The two featurettes, while relatively short, offer engaging soundbites from cast and crew, focusing on the film's creation and Oldman's remarkable portrayal of Churchill. The extras, together with the inclusion of a DVD copy and a digital code, make this Blu-ray package commendable for enthusiasts of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Into Darkest Hour: A brief introduction to the film's production, historical accuracy, and behind-the-scenes insights.
• Gary Oldman: Becoming Churchill: Examining the transformation of Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill through the perspectives of the cast and crew.
• Feature Commentary with Director Joe Wright: An absorbing discussion covering historical context, filmmaking techniques, and actor performances.

Joe Wright's "Darkest Hour" offers a gripping and immersive experience that masterfully interweaves political drama and historical biopic. Set during Winston Churchill's harrowing first month as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the film captures the tumultuous period of May 1940, as Britain faced the imminent threat from Nazi Germany. While Churchill’s leadership is put to the test, the tension mounts through behind-the-scenes political struggles and his relentless determination to fight rather than negotiate peace with Hitler. Wright’s direction ensures that viewers are engrossed from the moment Churchill is appointed, with Gary Oldman's transformative performance as Churchill standing out as a highlight. Oldman not only embodies Churchill's mannerisms but also brings depth and humanity to the role, creating an unforgettable portrayal that has garnered widespread acclaim.

The film excels in its depiction of historical events and political deliberations, often using confined spaces such as war rooms and parliamentary chambers to heighten the drama. The supporting cast, including Lily James as Churchill's secretary Elizabeth Layton and Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI, deliver stellar performances that add to the authenticity and intensity of the narrative. Moments of levity interspersed throughout the film offer brief respite from the overarching tension, further humanizing Churchill and grounding the story in poignant realism. The narrative is meticulously crafted, seamlessly combining wartime strategy with intimate character study.

Oldman’s performance is complemented by excellent makeup work, which enhances but never overshadows his portrayal. The film's narrative crescendos with Churchill’s iconic speeches, underscoring his indomitable spirit and rhetorical prowess. "Darkest Hour" effectively contextualizes historical events, offering a layered perspective on Operation Dynamo and the broader stakes of World War II. Wright’s meticulous attention to detail in production design, combined with Anthony McCarten's well-balanced script, ensures that this film is both a compelling historical document and a riveting piece of cinema.

"Darkest Hour," directed by Joe Wright and featuring an award-worthy performance by Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, has received wide acclaim from several reviewers. The Blu-ray presentation of this historical drama, which delves into the early, tumultuous days of Churchill's tenure as Prime Minister during WWII, is marked by exceptional technical quality. The film succeeds not only as a historical political narrative but also as an intimate character study, enriched by meticulous attention to historical details and dynamic performances.

Technically, the Blu-ray release is exceptional. The 1080p video transfer is flawless, capturing the nuanced lighting and shadowing that illustrate the film's dramatic tension. The Atmos audio track is noteworthy for a film of this genre, providing an immersive experience with clear dialogue and a rich soundscape that complements the on-screen action. The aspect ratio is presented in 1.85:1 AVC, maintaining the director's vision. Despite some criticism about the extras being somewhat ordinary, the included commentary by Joe Wright adds valuable insight into the production.

Conclusively, "Darkest Hour" is a masterful cinematic experience brought to life by Gary Oldman's riveting portrayal of Churchill and Joe Wright's compelling direction. Though the array of extras may be modest, the superior video and audio quality make this Blu-ray release highly recommended. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a fan of powerful performances, this release is a necessary addition to your collection.