Ordinary Angels Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Ordinary Angels" from Lionsgate Films is presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The digital capture showcases commendable detail, evidence in the meticulously reproduced fine textures. Ritchson’s beard stubble, Swank’s elaborate costumes, and the authentic 90s production design are notably sharp and clear. The transfer features vibrant colors with impressive primary tones, deep black levels maintaining clean shadows, and balanced contrast, avoiding any undesirable blooming effects.

However, the presentation is marred by a consistent presence of video noise that many viewers found distracting. The intention behind this choice remains unclear; it could either be a deliberate stylistic attempt to emulate film grain or a consequence of disc compression issues. This semi-crunchy digital grain did not convincingly mimic the intended 90s film look, proving to be a contentious element. Despite this, there were no major compression artifacts within the actual feature film.

In low-light conditions, the transfer continues to deliver solid performance with appealing detail retention. The glossy, sleek digital capture is prominent in stringently well-lit scenes, providing a modern cinematic feel, though at times contrasting with the attempted filmic grain. The Lionsgate masthead still manifests visible banding; nonetheless, this does not carry over significantly into the main content, allowing viewers to enjoy the film without frequent visual interruptions. Overall, despite its minor setbacks, the Blu-ray presents a visually engaging rendition of "Ordinary Angels".

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Ordinary Angels" boasts a notable Dolby Atmos track, despite what one might assume for such a film. While the overhead channels are used sparingly, they serve to enhance the overall sound environment rather than steal the focus. Particularly during the more climactic sequences, such as the dramatic final act featuring a blizzard, the Atmos speakers come alive with the sounds of gusting winds, swirling snow, and a hovering helicopter. This adds layers of authenticity and immersion to the viewing experience.

In terms of surround activity, the track excels in fleshing out the ambient environment. Scenes set outdoors provide well-executed surround sound effects that contribute to a truly immersive auditory experience. The soundtrack, incorporating several source cues including "Angels We Have Heard on High," is seamlessly integrated into the mix without overshadowing other elements. Even in bustling settings like a church or a bar, the mix remains balanced, making full use of the left and right channels for subtle yet effective atmospheric details.

Dialogue is consistently clear and perfectly centered, ensuring that all spoken elements are intelligible throughout. The balance between dialogue and environmental sound is expertly managed, demonstrating a thoughtful sound design approach. For multilingual audiences, the availability of optional English, French, and Spanish subtitles is a useful touch. Overall, while "Ordinary Angels" may not push the limits of what Dolby Atmos can achieve, it makes intelligent and effective use of its capabilities, enhancing the narrative without distraction.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ordinary Angels" offer a robust supplementary package that significantly enhances the viewing experience. An audio commentary featuring Director Joe Gunn with Producers Kevin Downes and Jon Berg provides a deep dive into the film’s production nuances. The well-produced featurettes explore various thematic elements and behind-the-scenes aspects, though they can occasionally feel like standard EPK material. Each featurette concentrates on specific areas of production, providing meaningful insights. The deleted scenes, totaling seven minutes, are mostly superfluous extensions and do not contribute significantly to the narrative. Overall, while not overwhelming in quantity, the extras are substantial enough for fans seeking deeper engagement.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Joe Gunn and Producers Kevin Downes and Jon Berg: Detailed insights into the film's making.
• Making Ordinary Angels: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Inspiring the Ordinary: Focus on the power of faith.
• Finding Your Purpose: Looks at Sharon's personal struggles.
• You Are Not Alone: Emphasizes community support.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content that offers minimal new information.

Ordinary Angels tells an inspiring yet somewhat predictable story, focusing on the extraordinary goodwill of ordinary people in trying times. The movie, based on a true story, follows Ed (Alan Ritchson), enduring hardships akin to a modern-day Job, and Sharon (Hilary Swank), a recovering alcoholic who finds a renewed sense of purpose by aiding Ed and his ailing daughter. Despite its faith-based premise, the film subtly underscores the human capacity for kindness and resilience rather than overt divine intervention. Although the narrative takes some liberties and compresses the timeline for dramatic effect, it effectively pulls at heartstrings and depicts relatable human struggles and triumphs.

The cast performance is undeniably a highlight. Hilary Swank excels as Sharon, bringing depth and vulnerability to her character, reminiscent of her Oscar-winning roles. Alan Ritchson's portrayal of Ed is equally compelling, showcasing his ability to seamlessly shift from rugged action roles to more sensitive performances. The chemistry between Swank and Ritchson enhances the emotional weight of the film, with Sharon’s journey becoming as significant as Ed’s fight to save his daughter. These strong performances help mitigate the film’s more formulaic elements, making it an engaging watch.

The screenplay by Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly skillfully balances sentimental storytelling with moments of genuine character development. While some aspects of the narrative may feel clichéd or contrived, these are offset by the authentic emotional journeys of the protagonists. Director Jon Gunn adeptly avoids heavy-handed sermonizing, ensuring that the faith-based themes do not overshadow the story's broader appeal. Ordinary Angels is a heartfelt film that, despite its predictability, manages to resonate due to its earnest tone and stellar performances.

"Ordinary Angels" on Blu-ray offers a compelling blend of heartfelt storytelling and technical proficiency, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection. The film benefits from excellent performances by the lead actors and a script that gracefully navigates emotional depths without descending into cliché. The direction is commendable, presenting a well-rounded narrative that resonates on multiple levels. Whether you are a fan of deeply emotional cinema or simply enjoy well-crafted character arcs, "Ordinary Angels" has much to offer.

The Blu-ray presentation of the film is praiseworthy, with a respectable video transfer that captures the subtle nuances of both settings and performances. Though the video quality is commendable, the standout feature is the surprisingly effective Dolby Atmos track, which enhances the viewing experience through immersive audio design. The additional package of extras, including behind-the-scenes features and interviews, adds significant value, making this Blu-ray edition tempting for both casual viewers and collectors.

In recent challenging times, many have turned to various forms of entertainment for solace and relief. "Ordinary Angels" fits this bill well, offering a mix of emotional rehabilitation and heartfelt narrative. While some might feel the film treads familiar ground and manipulates emotions intensely, those who appreciate three-hankie weepers and faith-based content will find plenty to enjoy. The technical merits are solid, and the well-curated supplements enhance the overall value of this release. For those looking for an emotionally potent yet technically robust addition to their Blu-ray collection, "Ordinary Angels" comes highly recommended.