The Normal Heart Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Normal Heart" benefits greatly from its original shooting on 35mm film using Arricam ST cameras, with the cinematography helmed by Danny Moder. This choice lends the transfer an admirable filmic quality that aligns well with the period setting of the drama. Throughout, viewers can appreciate a consistent, though not overwhelming, presence of film grain, reinforcing the production's cinematic texture. The conversion to digital, executed with a 1080p AVC encoding, manages to maintain the sharpness and clarity one would expect from a modern high-definition release without falling prey to artificial enhancement or noise issues. There's a tangible richness to the images, complemented by a deliberate color grading that echoes the narrative's progression from the vibrant tones of Fire Island to the starkness of medical and bureaucratic environments.

Despite not exhibiting the utmost in visual 'pop' compared to other contemporary Blu-ray releases, "The Normal Heart" delivers in terms of detail reproduction, especially in outdoor scenes, where the daylight helps accentuate the meticulousness of the production design. Indoor sequences, while generally exhibiting somewhat softer details and more subdued colors, still maintain integrity with consistent skin tones and adequate black levels. Night scenes and darker interiors present solid blacks and fine shadow delineation, contributing to the overall atmospheric quality of the film.

No significant digital artifacts detract from the viewing experience; aliasing, banding, and other common disturbances are notably absent. The intentional use of visual effects to recreate period-specific television footage—complete with aspect ratio changes and analog video imperfections—serves as a thoughtful stylistic touch rather than a distraction. Authored with a generous average bitrate of 29.99 Mbps, this Blu-ray accommodates the dynamic range required for the film's array of settings—from crowded social gatherings to intense, intimate dialogues—without compromise. The result is a technically proficient and visually faithful representation of this emotionally charged narrative.

The Normal Heart" boasts an English 5.1 DTS Master Audio track that is more than adequate for a film dominated by character-driven scenes. This Blu-ray release excels in delivering clear, distinctive dialogue, channeled primarily through the front speakers, ensuring that every word is easily discernible without any obvious audio glitches. The sound mix does an admirable job of recreating various eighties New York settings, from the lively beachfront communities of Fire Island to the palpable tension of anti-gay demonstrations. The inclusion of period-specific tunes further enriches the audio experience, bringing to life the era's ambiance with tracks from Culture Club, Tom Tom Club, and The Rolling Stones, among others.

However, the surround channels are notably underutilized throughout most of the film, resulting in a soundstage that lacks a sense of directionality and immersiveness typical of more dynamic sound mixes. This conservative approach limits the audio's potential to fully immerse the viewer in the film's emotional and physical landscapes. Yet, the soundtrack, underscored gracefully by Cliff Martinez, enhances the narrative's emotional depth without overwhelming it.

Additional audio options include French 5.1 DTS and Spanish (Latin) 2.0 DTS tracks with subtitles available in English SDH, Spanish (Latin), and French, catering to a diverse audience. Despite the minor shortcomings in surround sound use, "The Normal Heart's" audio presentation on Blu-ray remains competent and serves its primary purpose well - to accurately convey the dialogue and thereby the powerful story it tells, supported by an evocative musical score and carefully selected period pieces that complement the visual journey through one of New York's most tumultuous eras.

The Blu-Ray extra presentation of "The Normal Heart" consists of a singular yet substantial featurette titled "How to Start a War." Despite its brief duration of approximately 9 and a half minutes, this HD extra offers a profound glimpse behind the scenes. It gathers insights from notable figures such as Larry Kramer, who not only penned the original play but also serves as the real-life inspiration behind Ned Weeks, and key cast members including Ruffalo and Parsons. The piece adeptly weaves together their perspectives, shedding light on individual contributions and experiences. While it significantly enhances understanding and appreciation of the film’s depth, the absence of director Ryan Murphy from the commentary is a palpable oversight. Nonetheless, this featurette remains an essential watch for those seeking to delve deeper into the making of "The Normal Heart."

Extras included in this disc:

• How to Start a War: A brief behind-the-scenes look featuring interviews with Larry Kramer, Mark Ruffalo, Jim Parsons, Julia Roberts, and others discussing their involvement with the movie.

The HBO adaptation of Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart," directed by Ryan Murphy and featuring Mark Ruffalo as the autobiographical protagonist Ned Weeks, is a vivid and emotional recount of the early AIDS crisis in the 1980s. This film encapsulates the fear, ignorance, and suffering that defined the era, depicted through the lens of New York City's gay community. Through its detailed narrative, the movie chronicles the journey of Weeks, a writer who becomes an activist, as he learns about a menacing disease targeting his community. His alliance with Dr. Emma Brookner, portrayed by Julia Roberts, a character based on the real-life pioneer who fought the epidemic from its onset, adds a profound depth to the storyline. Their battle against the disease amidst apathy from both governmental and public sectors forms the crux of this heart-wrenching tale.

Ruffalo's portrayal of Ned Weeks is compelling, channeling the frustration, anger, and desperation of a man witnessing the decimation of his community. The support cast, including Jim Parsons as Tommy Boatwright, brings authenticity and nuanced performances that highlight the internal conflicts within the gay community and their fight against the disease. Despite its direct approach, the film has been critiqued for occasionally veering into melodrama, particularly in scenes that may appear more theatrical than realistic. However, these moments do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the narrative.

"The Normal Heart" uses its platform to address broader socio-political issues, including criticism of President Reagan's administration's handling of the crisis. While some contend this aspect ventures into revisionist history, it undeniably sparks discussion on the role of leadership during health crises. Visually, the film benefits from Murphy's use of close-ups and New York City’s backdrop to amplify the emotional resonance of the story. Despite its divisive elements, "The Normal Heart" serves as an essential reminder of a dark chapter in recent history, emphasizing love, loss, and resilience amidst adversity. It's a poignant exploration that may not surpass other AIDS-related dramas in memorability but nonetheless stands as a significant portrayal worth engaging with for both historical insight and emotional reflection.

The Blu-Ray presentation of "The Normal Heart" emerges as a powerful, albeit polarizing experience for viewers, capturing a crucial moment in history with its vivid portrayal of the early AIDS crisis, coupled with a debatable execution that may not resonate uniformly. It stands as an artifact that splits opinions: On one hand, it's lauded for its brave exposition of prejudice and public health negligence during a dire period for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated for shining a light on the unsung heroism and unexpected depths of love and sacrifice among those embattiled. On the other, criticisms pivot around its perceived melodramatic tendencies and a sense of manipulation that might detract from its core messaging, suggesting a one-time viewing might suffice for most.

Technically, the Blu-Ray does justice to the film’s aesthetic ambitions, delivering crisp visuals and sound quality that enhance the emotional gravitas of its narrative. The inclusion of special features, such as Julia Roberts' commentary in "How to Start a War," further enriches the viewing experience, offering deeper insights into the challenges of representing such a complex era with honesty and sensitivity. Regardless, the divisive reception suggests that while it serves as an essential educational tool, it may not universally appeal as a piece of entertainment.

In conclusion, "The Normal Heart" Blu-Ray offers a compelling yet contentious viewing experience that is likely to invoke strong responses ranging from admiration to skepticism. It's an important, though not unflawed, cinematic effort that underscores the intersections of activism, love, and tragedy during the AIDS crisis. Whether it's seen as a must-watch or a one-off viewing, its contribution to shedding light on a dark chapter of history—and the ongoing battle against prejudice—makes it an undeniably significant release.