Get on Up Blu-ray Review

"Get on Up," captured digitally using Arri Alexa equipment, is delivered in a pristine 1080p transfer that showcases the film's rich visual texture. The transfer is exceptional, reflecting outstanding clarity and sharpness in detail. Textures are vividly rendered, from the nuanced wear on costumes and set pieces to the intricacies of facial features and makeup application. Colors are striking, exhibiting a balanced warmth typical of period pieces, yet maintaining lifelike accuracy and vibrance without oversaturation or bleed. Deep blacks dominate the image, particularly in the numerous performance scenes set in dark environments, with minimal crush and slight pale drift observed in only a couple of instances.

The film benefits from an impressive sense of depth, especially visible during James Brown's electrifying stage performances, enhancing the viewer's immersion. Skin tones are generally consistent, though occasionally they lean slightly orange in certain flashback sequences, and older makeup effects on Chadwick Boseman appear less realistic at times. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray offers an excellent overall visual fidelity that nearly reaches reference quality, only marred by minor flaws. The encoding via MPEG-4 AVC at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio ensures a clean image, virtually free from blockiness, noise, and artifacts. Universal's presentation of "Get on Up" on Blu-ray is a superb visual treat that does justice to its vibrant aesthetic and delivers a rewarding viewing experience.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Get on Up" stands out markedly, setting a high benchmark for music-centric films. The track offers a rich dynamic range, ensuring even subtle background sounds within the recording are discernible. Instruments and vocals are presented with exceptional clarity, creating a full and spacious soundstage that places listeners in both the recording studio and live performance environments. The sound design meticulously positions spoken dialogue centrally, rendering voices with defining texture and precise tonal distinction.

Musical numbers are where this soundtrack truly excels. James Brown's vocals emerge with impressive detail and classic tonality, matched by the vibrant yet well-balanced instrumental accompaniments that never overpower the lead voice. The surround channels are expertly used to offer an immersive experience, particularly during scenes like Brown's performances and high-energy moments involving aircraft and explosions, which produce robust, deeply pronounced auditory effects. While low-frequency effects might not be as intense as in action-heavy films, the subwoofer stays engaged, delivering substantial bass that complements the music and thematic elements effectively.

Beyond music, ambient sounds and discrete effects contribute significantly to the film's audio tapestry, generating a believable and engaging soundfield. During quieter scenes, light ambient effects further enhance the narrative. While one might desire a 7.1 audio track for an even more immersive experience, the 5.1 configuration is nonetheless superb, balancing every aspect of the soundtrack proficiently. In addition to the primary English DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, there are Spanish and French DTS Digital Surround 5.1 tracks, an English Descriptive Video Service track, and subtitles available in English SDH, Spanish, and French. This audio presentation is unquestionably reference quality and serves as an exemplary model for music-driven cinema soundtracks.

The Blu-ray edition of "Get on Up" presents a robust selection of extra features that both enhance the viewer's understanding of James Brown's life and delve into the film's production. While some may wish for even deeper explorations, the collection included offers a comprehensive and engaging supplement to the main feature. Key elements such as deleted scenes, full and extended song performances, and multiple featurettes provide valuable insights into Brown's legacy and the meticulous efforts in portraying his story. Notably, the commentary track by Director/Producer Tate Taylor, though occasionally dry and sparse, offers detailed commentary on the film’s performances, shooting locations, and other significant aspects.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes: Ten scenes adding depth to the film.
• Full Song Performances: “Out of Sight”, “Steal Away”, “I’ll Go Crazy”, and “Cold Sweat”.
• Extended Song Performances: Recording and live sessions.
• Long Journey to the Screen: Insights into the film's development.
• Chadwick Boseman: Meet Mr. James Brown: Casting and character preparation details.
• The Get on Up Family: Focus on supporting cast.
• On Stage with the Hardest Working Man: Recreation of key moments.
• The Founding Father of Funk: Brown’s influence and legacy.
• Tate Taylor’s Master Class: Behind-the-scenes dance sequence.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from Director/Producer Tate Taylor.
• Bonus DVD
• Digital HD Copy

"Get on Up" delivers a dynamic portrayal of James Brown's extraordinary life, effectively capturing the essence of the Godfather of Soul through both its narrative structure and the stellar performance by Chadwick Boseman. The film doesn't follow a strict chronological order; instead, it employs a nonlinear storytelling approach that juxtaposes pivotal moments in Brown’s career against his humble beginnings and eventual stardom. This method, skillfully handled by director Tate Taylor, provides a comprehensive view of Brown's life and allows for a more intimate understanding of his journey. Through careful editing, the film maintains coherence and vitality, presenting a thoughtful exploration of Brown's personal and professional milestones.

Boseman's transformation into James Brown is nothing short of remarkable. He captures Brown’s charisma and energy with a portrayal that transcends mere mimicry, offering a deeply nuanced performance that conveys the complexity of the man behind the music. Boseman masterfully channels Brown's stage presence and vocal prowess, delivering performances that are both electrifying and authentic. His embodiment of Brown is complemented by strong supporting performances, notably Nelsan Ellis as Bobby Byrd, who highlights the enduring friendship that was central to Brown's life and career.

While "Get on Up" may at times gloss over some of the more controversial aspects of Brown's life, such as his struggles with drug addiction and instances of domestic abuse, the film succeeds in celebrating his musical genius and lasting impact on the industry. It offers a vibrant tribute that balances entertaining musical sequences with insightful looks into Brown’s personal triumphs and trials. Despite its minor critiques, fans of James Brown and newcomers alike will find "Get on Up" an engaging and enlightening film that showcases not only Brown's legacy but also Boseman's burgeoning talent.

"Get on Up" is a captivating biopic that skirts around the conventional genre pitfalls by delving beneath the surface of James Brown's storied life and career. Rather than simply showcasing high-energy musical numbers, the movie intricately explores what drove Brown to become the Godfather of Soul, focusing on his relentless pursuit of greatness amid life's adversities. Chadwick Boseman anchors the film with a tour-de-force performance that transcends mere mimicry, offering a nuanced portrayal that reveals the emotional depths and complexities of Brown's character. His ability to capture the essence of Brown goes beyond external traits and contributes significantly to the film’s high caliber.

The Blu-ray release of "Get on Up" complements the movie's high production standards with impressive technical specs. The video quality is sharp, capturing every detail with precision, while the audio is immersive, bringing the film's dynamic soundscape to life. Additionally, the package includes a robust array of extra content that adds considerable value for fans and collectors alike. While some critics argue the film glosses over darker aspects of Brown’s life, it undeniably presents one of the most enjoyable and well-crafted biopics to date.

In conclusion, "Get on Up" stands as a remarkable achievement both as a film and as a Blu-ray release. The compelling storytelling, coupled with Boseman’s electrifying performance, ensures it will be remembered alongside the best biographical films. The exceptional video and audio quality make this Blu-ray a must-own for any cinema aficionado. Highly recommended for both film lovers and those who crave deep dives into the lives of musical legends.