Annie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Annie" is a visually appealing marvel, showcasing spectacular attention to detail and vibrant colors through its 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. Shot using Sony's digital CineAlta cameras, the transfer should leave viewers satisfied with its remarkably smooth and sharp image quality. There is an exemplary level of detail, ensuring that textures from cityscapes, clothing, and even minute elements like floating dust and fibers are well-defined. The film's color scheme is exceptionally vivid and dynamic, with fiery reds standing out prominently against an urban backdrop that also features deep blues and other primary colors.

However, the digital photography does introduce some minor drawbacks. Black levels can be a touch murky, occasionally pushing to a slightly purple hue and affecting dark scenes by obscuring finer details, for example, in Annie's hair during lower-lit scenes. Additionally, there are minor instances of aliasing and banding that slightly interrupt an otherwise high-quality visual experience. This is evident in specific sequences, such as the Guggenheim Museum scene where the strings on a harp reveal subtle aliasing. Despite these few issues, the strengths of the transfer—particularly its clarity and detail—significantly overshadow these minor flaws.

Overall, this Blu-ray release delivers highly commendable video quality, balancing impressive sharpness, vibrant and richly saturated colors, and an immersive level of detail. While there are little periodic challenges with black levels and minimal digital artifacts, they do not detract heavily from the overall viewing experience. Enthusiasts of "Annie" will find this Blu-ray edition to be a visually rewarding experience that enhances their enjoyment of the film.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Annie" showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that strikes a balance between dynamism and subtlety, although it’s not without its flaws. One key shortcoming stems from the original mix rather than the lossless track: the singing sequences suffer from an awkward ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) effect, creating an artificial detachment from the on-screen performances. This disparity is evident every time the characters transition from dialogue to song, slightly detracting from an otherwise impressively clear vocal delivery. Despite this issue, the dialogue typically remains crisp and fixed at the center, with a noticeable but minor shallow quality in certain instances.

The soundtrack predominantly shines in its immersive qualities and dynamic range. The score kicks off with engaging sequences such as the Broadway rendition of "Hard Knock Life," with horns and drums pumped through different channels with impressive clarity and vitality. The integration of effects and music is exceptionally well-executed, contributing to a captivating auditory experience that persists throughout the film. The soundstage is mostly full and involves listeners effectively, especially during cityscape scenes that feature enveloping ambient noises like passing bikes, elevated trains, and hovering helicopters.

Bass response adds a robust underpinning to the musical elements without overwhelming them, providing a balanced weightiness and texture to the audio. There are moments where the music could benefit from greater richness and fullness, yet overall, the track remains engaging and detailed. Acoustic details like the realistic reverberation in key sequences, such as the Guggenheim scene in chapter 11, enhance the authenticity and presence of the audio environment. While it may not maximize all home theater system capabilities, "Annie's" sound mix delivers a proficient and largely satisfying listening experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Annie" includes an array of bonus features that provide deeper insight into the film’s production and offer engaging content for viewers. These extras range from technical breakdowns by Director Will Gluck, such as in his detailed audio commentary covering cast performances, shooting locales, and stylistic choices, to more entertaining supplements like sing-along tracks and music videos. The behind-the-scenes content is thorough, with featurettes exploring the young cast's experiences on set and the choreography of complex song-and-dance numbers. The inclusion of photo galleries, bloopers, and previews adds further value for fans of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Will Gluck discusses various aspects, including cast performances, technical details, and digital post work.
• Deleted Song: "Something Was Missing."
• Bloopers: Humorous outtakes from the set.
• Sing Alongs: Karaoke-style versions of key songs.
• A Day on the Set with Quvenzhané: Insight into the young actress' daily routine on set.
• It's a Hard Knock Camp: Casting and rehearsals involving the young performers.
• Fun with Sandy: Behind-the-scenes look at working with the film's dog.
• Moonquake Lake, On Set!: Fake interview about the fake movie seen in "Annie".
• The Making of Annie: Overview of updating the story to modern times.
• Music Video: "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile."
• Music Video: "Tomorrow Around the World" clips in different languages.
• Annie Trivia Track: Factoids presented on-screen while the film plays.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of still images from the film.
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.

The 2014 remake of "Annie" directed by Will Gluck, while attempting to modernize a cherished classic, falls short of its predecessor in multiple ways. The film aims to repackage the 1982 version for a contemporary audience, incorporating modern elements like Hip-Hop influences and urban settings. However, these updates fail to mask its lack of core spirit and charm. Unlike the successful transformation seen in 2010's "The Karate Kid," this rendition struggles with soulless flow and superficiality, failing to capture the heartfelt essence of the original. Though it maintains basic plot elements, including Annie's quest to find her family while living under the care of a wealthy benefactor, and retains familiar musical motifs, the movie overall feels disjointed and insincere.

The cast's performances are uneven, further impacting the movie's quality. Quvenzhané Wallis, in the titular role, brings a mix of charm, determination, and innocence that makes her the standout performer. Jamie Foxx, however, falls flat as Will Stacks, lacking the charisma and emotional depth essential to the character's bond with Annie. Rose Byrne excels as Stacks' assistant Grace, providing warmth and relatability. Conversely, Cameron Diaz delivers an inconsistent portrayal of Miss Hannigan, with some moments capturing the character's crudeness effectively but others teetering into exaggerated farce.

Despite its shortcomings in narrative and pacing—particularly in the final act—the film's sound and music stand out. Iconic songs like "Hard Knock Life" and "Tomorrow" are given a fresh twist with the inclusion of sounds from in-movie objects, making the musical composition a delight. New tracks by Sia blend well with the classics, adding to the film's auditory appeal. While the film manages to entertain with clever sound design and sporadic moments of fun, it ultimately cannot overcome its manufactured vitality and lack of organic emotional development, leaving it a patchwork disappointment.

Sony's Blu-ray release of the 2014 remake of "Annie" brings a modern twist to an iconic story. Directed by Will Gluck, this contemporary adaptation features a standout performance by Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie, who brings charm and charisma to the leading role. The supporting cast, including Jamie Foxx as the father figure, and Rose Byrne as the caring assistant, enhance the film's overall appeal. Cameron Diaz delivers a surprisingly enjoyable portrayal of the ruthless Ms. Hannigan, adding a touch of humor and character to the narrative. Despite some criticism regarding pacing and structure, the ensemble cast helps maintain an engaging tone.

Technically, the Blu-ray boasts robust video and audio quality, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The picture quality is crisp and vibrant, perfectly capturing the film's updated aesthetic. The audio track is equally impressive, delivering clear dialogue and dynamic sound effects that enhance the musical sequences. Additionally, the Blu-ray is packed with a generous selection of special features. These extras cater to both children and adults, offering behind-the-scenes insights and interactive content that extend the enjoyment beyond the primary feature.

In conclusion, while this version of "Annie" may not fully replicate the charm of the original, it offers a fresh, entertaining take on the beloved tale. The strong performances, particularly by Wallis, coupled with the high-quality Blu-ray presentation, make it a worthy addition to any family movie night. Despite its flaws, the 2014 "Annie" manages to inject enough vitality into the story to warrant at least a rental for fans of light-hearted musicals.