Finding Forrester Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Finding Forrester," courtesy of Mill Creek, presents a blend of disappointing and inconsistent quality. The transfer, hindered by using an antiquated DVD-era master, brings with it numerous technical flaws. Among these, image-wide macroblocking is prevalent across nearly every scene, with frequent occurrences of edge halos, banding, pixelation, and poor fine detail. Colors often appear undersaturated, compromising the vibrancy and leaving scenes appearing dim and lifeless. Contrast is muted, further impacted by suboptimal black levels that fail to deliver depth, while fine textures suffer from muddled and haphazard resolution. Overall, the transfer resembles an upscaled DVD at best.

Some reviewers note a marginal improvement in image sharpness, citing a clean print. However, any advantages are overshadowed by persistent compression artifacts. These flaws result in a lack of natural filmic qualities, leaving the imagery flat and devoid of texture. Lighter shadows expose thick blocking, while the overall resolution struggles to surpass DVD quality. The intentionally subdued color palette contributes to an uninspired visual experience, aligning with the film's tone yet failing to create visual impact. Any existing dimensionality is further undermined by raised shadows and compromised contrast, all leading to an unremarkable presentation that barely escapes mediocrity.

In conclusion, while there are sporadic positive elements such as natural flesh tones and adequate black levels in specific scenes, they do little to redeem the overall transfer. Some audiences might find the color and contrast sufficient for casual viewing, but the prevailing technical shortcomings and pervasive artifacting mark this release as a lackluster effort from Mill Creek Entertainment.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of the "Finding Forrester" Blu-Ray provides a solid yet understated auditory experience, appropriate for its dialogue-driven narrative. While primarily front-heavy, the track occasionally makes effective use of rear speakers in specific scenes like school halls and busy streets, creating an engaging, if not entirely immersive, auditory environment. The directional audio is executed with modest accuracy, although it can be inconsistent, responding mostly when the scenes demand more aggression. The bass output is present but underutilized, lacking the impactfulness that could elevate certain moments.

Despite the limited action in the surround channels, the mix excels in its delivery of dialogue. The clarity and prioritization ensure vocal elements are always presented with crispness and precision, vital for the film’s narrative focus. The jazzy score adds depth to the front soundstage, with instruments sharply separated to enrich the overall listening experience. The music's presence compensates for the subdued use of ambient sounds, enhancing the film's subtle atmosphere.

Overall, while this DTS-HD Master Audio track may not deliver a blockbuster's full-bodied sound profile, it remains faithful to the film's intent through its natural sonic presentation. The prioritization of dialogue and music ensures that while understated, the audio mix successfully complements the content's dramatic integrity.

The Blu Ray extras for "Finding Forrester" are modest yet insightful, offering a glimpse into the film's production and its impact. The disc includes a valuable behind-the-scenes look, showcasing early-career insights into Rob Brown's discovery and development in his role as Jamal. The included HBO featurette is an EPK-style presentation from 2000, providing a retrospective look at the making of the film. However, the selection is limited, with a notable absence of comprehensive bonus content that might have been present on previous DVD releases. Nevertheless, the extras provide some value for fans looking to delve deeper into the film's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Found: Rob Brown: Van Sant and co. discover the young actor who'd go on to play Jamal.
• Making of Finding Forrester: An HBO behind-the-scenes EPK-style featurette from 2000.
• Deleted Scene: A school choir singing Mozart's Lacrimosa.

"Finding Forrester" engages with a poignant tale of mentorship between the reclusive writer William Forrester (portrayed by Sean Connery) and the exceptionally talented African American teenager Jamal Wallace (Rob Brown). Despite its earnest attempts to explore themes of cross-generational and racial friendship, the film is anchored in the conventional tropes of the early 2000s, where story arcs tend to rely heavily on predictable plot devices and archetypal characters. The famous line, "You're the man now, dog," though emblematic of the era, has inadvertently overshadowed Van Sant's narrative intentions, becoming a byword for internet culture, yet highlighting the film's datedness in tackling complex socioeconomic issues.

The film's narrative suggests a thinly-veiled homage to J.D. Salinger and mirrors Gus Van Sant's earlier work in "Good Will Hunting," albeit with a shift from math to creative writing as the medium of talent. Rob Brown's portrayal of Jamal is commendable, adding depth to his character's internal struggles between his intellectual potential and the stereotypical role as a basketball star. However, the film skirts truly engaging with deeper societal issues of race and class, leaving certain character arcs, such as that of Jamal’s mother, inadequately developed amidst the film's context.

Yet, amidst these criticisms, "Finding Forrester" remains a compelling watch due to the dynamic interplay between Connery and Brown, whose performances elevate an otherwise formulaic plot. Connery's depiction of Forrester diverges from his usual roles, bringing nuance to a complex character. The narrative of overcoming personal challenges through friendship resonates on a universal level, making it both endearing and thought-provoking. Nevertheless, certain thematic elements appear rather contrived; elements of racial dynamics offer little innovation compared to contemporaries and subsequent cultural advancements, leaving "Finding Forrester" as a charming yet imperfect relic of its time.

The Blu-ray release of "Finding Forrester" has proven to be underwhelming, offering a mixed bag when analyzed from a technical standpoint. The video quality presentation is notably lacking and fails to meet the minimum expectations set by contemporary Blu-ray standards. The image quality is disappointingly subpar, suggesting minimal attention to detail in the transfer process. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track somewhat redeems the package, presenting an adequate auditory experience. However, the limited inclusion of supplementary content further detracts from its appeal, providing little incentive for even ardent fans of the film.

While Sean Connery delivers a commendable performance, demonstrating his continued versatility beyond his iconic James Bond role, the overall cinematic quality of "Finding Forrester" does not elevate it to the zenith of his career achievements. The film itself, a well-intentioned drama with racial undertones, may fit the bill for casual viewing on a mundane afternoon but doesn't stand out amidst Connery's expansive body of work. Additionally, this Mill Creek release lacks substantial features such as behind-the-scenes insights or interviews, which could have enriched its offering to fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, despite the enduring appeal of Sean Connery's performance, this Blu-ray edition of "Finding Forrester" fails to deliver a compelling home viewing experience due to its inferior video presentation and lack of bonus material. Those who consider themselves die-hard fans may still find some enjoyment, especially if they prioritize audio over visual fidelity. However, collectors and casual viewers might do well to investigate alternative releases, such as the rumored superior UK Region B edition, for a more gratifying experience.