An Affair of the Heart Blu-ray Review

"An Affair of the Heart" is presented on Blu-ray by Breaking Glass Pictures with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The high-definition detail is evident throughout, particularly in interview segments and planned sequences, where it offers superb clarity and sharpness. The image maintains excellent fine object detail, displaying skin textures, and intricate designs on instruments with remarkable fidelity. Colors are accurately saturated, providing a vibrant and lifelike visual experience.

However, the live performance footage can sometimes exhibit uneven contrast, a minor shortcoming in an otherwise commendable transfer. The raw concert and candid footage retain good quality but don't match the pristine level of the planned sequences. Archived footage from before the documentary's production is passable yet noticeable in its lesser quality compared to the fresh material. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall visual presentation remains solid, offering a crisp and well-defined image throughout the majority of the runtime. The blending of high-quality planned scenes with variable live and archival footage is skillfully managed, making this a compelling HD presentation.

"An Affair of the Heart" boasts several audio options that cater to various listening preferences, with the standout being the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The 5.1 track elevates Rick Springfield's music, offering an immersive experience with fulsome low-end performance and a vibrant, spacious soundstage. During live music sequences, the mix delivers surprisingly visceral results, enhancing audience engagement with superb fidelity. Talking head segments are presented clearly, albeit with a narrower focus, yet they benefit from the ambient backdrop provided by the surround channels, adding depth to the documentary’s atmosphere.

The inclusion of an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 stereo fold-down track provides a more straightforward auditory option, though it is notably less impactful than the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. The 2.0 track maintains clarity and suitability for general listening but lacks the dynamic range and concert-like presence that the 5.1 mix delivers. Overall, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is undeniably the highlight, bringing Springfield’s performances to life and effectively utilizing surround sound to create a thorough sense of immersion, particularly during music and backstage segments.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "An Affair of the Heart" provide an excellent extension of the main documentary, presenting additional material that deepens the viewer's understanding of the topics and characters. Presented in high-definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, the content includes extended scenes with more profound insights, interviews and conversations with participants and celebrities, and coverage from multiple film premieres. Each section contributes significantly to the overall experience, making it a valuable addition for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Extended Scenes: In-depth material on subjects featured in the documentary, such as concert engagement expansions.
• Interviews and Conversations: Longer discussions with participants and celebrities, enhancing the documentary's narrative.
• Screenings: Footage from three different premieres/screenings.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of 32 stills from the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for the documentary.
• Breaking Glass Trailers: Previews of other Breaking Glass Pictures releases.

"An Affair of the Heart" is a captivating documentary primarily focusing on the profound and personal connections between Rick Springfield and his devoted fan base. The film offers a unique glimpse into Springfield's life post-stardom, highlighting his resurgence in the music world two decades after his peak in the 1980s. It effectively showcases how Springfield, originally dismissed by critics as a lightweight pop artist, possesses a remarkable songwriting talent bolstered by instantly memorable hooks and meaningful lyrics. The documentary is not merely a retrospective but a heartfelt exploration of the mutual benefits of celebrity and fan interactions.

The narrative features touching vignettes of fans whose lives were significantly impacted by Springfield's music. These stories range from childhood recoveries from severe health issues to emotional healing after traumatic experiences. Unlike many other celebrity documentaries that often focus solely on the star, this film reveals Springfield's genuine engagement with his fans, including helping them find strength through difficult times. One notable aspect is the inclusion of fan Dustin, who has evolved from a comedy relief participant onstage to an active performer alongside his idol, underlining Springfield's unparalleled accessibility and affinity with his supporters.

Technically, the film maintains a professional tone even while delving deeply into personal territory. Despite occasional moments that feel slightly staged, the majority of the documentary remains refreshingly honest. It does not shy away from addressing Springfield's past mistakes, such as admitted infidelities and a suicide attempt. Instead, it portrays a more mature and repentant artist seeking redemption and connection. The pacing is smooth, ensuring viewer engagement throughout without overstaying its welcome. "An Affair of the Heart" succeeds in illustrating how the bonds between a musician and their fans can transcend typical celebrity culture, offering layers of mutual giving and receiving that enrich both sides profoundly.

"An Affair of the Heart" Blu-ray is a commendable tribute to Rick Springfield and his enduring relationship with his fans. This documentary offers stellar video and audio quality, rendering the live performances and interviews in exceptional detail. Breaking Glass has ensured a well-produced package, although certain additional footage might have been better omitted. Despite these minor missteps, the Blu-ray delivers an insightful look into Springfield's career and genuine connection with his devoted followers, articulated through heartfelt narratives and memorable concert clips.

Technically, this Blu-ray excels with impressive visual clarity and robust audio fidelity, making full use of its 5.1 surround sound to immerse viewers in the concert experience. The supplementary material is comprehensive and engaging, offering additional insights though some may find Springfield's moments of fatigue at book signings less flattering. The packaging is neat, and while some might have preferred more complete live performance extras, the included content remains substantial.

Rick Springfield has had a kind of unusual career, and he perhaps never really got his due as a major musical force in the big hair 1980s. Looking back on his string of huge hits from that decade, it's obvious that Springfield was always a more than capable craftsman, but perhaps his most important achievement has been his connection to his fans, something that "An Affair of the Heart" highlights to a frequently touching degree. There are some really interesting stories here, and the most interesting thing about many of them is how deeply they seem to have touched Springfield. In our world of insta-fame, it's nice to get a portrayal of a guy who's been around for a while and has experienced considerable success, but who still has his feet firmly planted on the ground. This Blu-ray offers excellent video and audio and comes packed with great supplementary material. Highly recommended.