The Water Man Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Water Man" delivers a visually compelling experience, all credited to the adept cinematography of Matthew J. Lloyd, renowned for his work on major films like "Spider-Man: Far from Home." Unlike Lloyd's more fantastical projects, "The Water Man" embraces a grounded aesthetic with occasional spectacular visual effects, including standout animated sequences that add a creative touch. The film is visually intimate, featuring excellently lit environments that alternate between the warm, inviting Boone family home and the stark, ominous forests leading up to a fiery climax. Skin tones are reproduced with precision and texture, complementing the overall nuanced color palette, which is generally muted with occasional vibrant bursts and bold contrasts. RLJ Entertainment's Blu-ray offers an organic presentation devoid of compression artifacts or digital imperfections, though an Ultra HD 4K release could have further enhanced the experience.

The technical specification boasts a 2.39:1 aspect ratio and AVC encoding, reflecting the modern standards expected from contemporary films. The transfer provides robust visuals without notable flaws, reinforcing the film's strong aesthetic appeal. The Blu-ray disc captures the film's visual elements effectively, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the detailed and meticulous visual storytelling, even though it lacks the additional enhancements of a 4K experience. Ultimately, it is a solid video presentation that does justice to the film’s artistic intent, giving viewers a satisfying and immersive viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "The Water Man" employs a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that excels in clarity and delivers a reliable listening experience. Dialogue is presented with impressive crispness, ensuring that conversations remain distinct and intelligible. The mix embraces occasional use of surround effects, enhancing the immersive quality, particularly in dramatic or suspenseful sequences. The music track significantly contributes to the auditory experience, often enveloping the viewer by occupying substantial portions of the rear channels.

In terms of auditory spatiality, the placement of objects and characters is handled with precision. Solo scenes are complemented by an ethereal and music-driven ambiance, creating an emotional and atmospheric depth. Conversely, sequences featuring multiple characters benefit from a grounded and discrete auditory environment, maintaining a clear separation between voices. This audio mix adeptly supports the film's genres, blending family drama with elements of light fantasy, without venturing into complex sonic territories. Despite this, it remains a well-executed effort that aligns effortlessly with narrative demands.

Moreover, the inclusion of optional subtitles, such as English (SDH), caters well to broader accessibility needs during the main feature. Meeting contemporary standards with ease, the audio track on this Blu-ray strikes an admirable balance between clarity and engagement, ensuring it stands as both solid and fulfilling for listeners seeking an authentic cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Water Man" offer a comprehensive look behind the scenes, providing rich context and insights into the film's production. The offerings begin with an informative audio commentary by director David Oyelowo and cinematographer Matthew J. Lloyd, which blends on-set anecdotes with technical insights. The "Making of The Water Man" featurette provides brief but engaging behind-the-scenes glimpses and cast interviews, though it may strike some as slightly superficial. The "Animation Behind-the-Scenes" dives into the creative process behind the film's animation, featuring input from Bent Image Lab’s talented team. Additionally, a recorded Q&A session from the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival offers a roundtable discussion with key cast and crew members, providing depth and perspective on the film's journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of The Water Man: Behind-the-scenes insights with cast and crew interviews.
• Animation Behind-the-Scenes: Exploration of the film's animation process.
• Toronto International Film Festival Q&A: Roundtable discussion with cast and crew.
• Filmmaker Commentary: Detailed audio commentary by the director and cinematographer.

The Water Man, a well-executed family fantasy from first-time director David Oyelowo, offers a blend of adventure and emotion reminiscent of classic family films. While it may not establish itself as a staple in the genre, it successfully engages younger audiences with solid fundamentals and compelling characters. The narrative follows young Gunner Boone, played by Lonnie Chavis, an imaginative 11-year-old who relocates to Pine Mills, Oregon, with his family. As his mother, Mary (Rosario Dawson), battles illness and his relationship with his father Amos (Oyelowo) remains strained, Gunner embarks on a quest inspired by the local legend of The Water Man, believed to hold the key to his mother's cure.

The film is propelled by the nuanced performances of its ensemble cast, with a particular focus on the bond between Gunner and Jo, portrayed by Amiah Miller. Their journey through the dense Oregon wilderness, only to be complicated by a growing wildfire, forms the heart of the story, ultimately overshadowing the mythical destination itself. Though some character decisions feel convenient and dialogue at times clunky, the emotional weight carried by the family dynamics and the portrayal of Gunner's determination provide depth.

While certain mystical elements lack resolution and narrative confidence, The Water Man remains anchored by its thematic exploration of family and connection. The film's strengths are rooted in its endearing characters and their development, particularly Amos' gradual transformation driven by paternal love. Oyelowo's directorial debut, though imperfect, hints at promise for future projects. Accompanied by a well-produced Blu-ray release with commendable audio-visual specifications, it's a film that, despite its flaws, merits at least a viewing for fans of family-centric stories seeking both heart and light escapism.

David Oyelowo's "The Water Man" marks a commendable directorial debut, as it blends strong performances and memorable settings with an engaging narrative. The film showcases a unique visual allure, drawing viewers into its compelling world through well-executed cinematography and impressive attention to detail. While the story carries significant emotional depth, it occasionally falters in fully achieving its mystical objectives. Nevertheless, the combination of solid acting and a meticulously crafted environment ensures that the film remains a worthwhile family viewing experience.

From the technical perspective, RLJ Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "The Water Man" excels with its superb audio-visual presentation, enhancing the rich textures and sounds that underpin the film's narrative drive. The clarity in visuals and balanced sound dynamics contribute to an immersive viewing experience, making the Blu-ray format an ideal medium for appreciating Oyelowo's vision. Additionally, the inclusion of worthwhile bonus features provides further insight into the filmmaking process, offering additional value for viewers interested in exploring beyond the movie itself.

In conclusion, "The Water Man" succeeds as a formidable family film with a heartfelt narrative that resonates despite its occasional narrative shortcomings. The Blu-ray serves as a robust conduit for experiencing the film's aesthetic qualities, complemented by its agreeable price point and supplementary materials. It may not ascend to status of a modern classic, yet it certainly merits attention for its notable strengths and passionate execution. Firmly recommended for both purchase and rental considerations.