Stardust Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image of "Stardust" (1:85:1 aspect ratio) delivers a nuanced visual experience that expertly balances the film's darker scenes with sufficient frame information, avoiding the pitfalls of murky visuals. Detail remains consistently communicative, capturing the emotional and physical wear on the characters, as well as the intricate makeup and fibrous costumes designed to reflect the early 1970s. The set decoration and period-specific attire allow viewers to immerse themselves in the historical ambiance, with colors predominantly favoring oranges and browns, complemented by colder blues during hospital scenes. Skin tones are rendered naturally, maintaining a sense of realism throughout.

The Blu-ray presentation showcases authentic period details and costumes with crisp definition and a slightly muted aesthetic that aligns with the early '70s cinematic vibe. Shout Factory’s transfer of the film to BD ensures a technically sound and faithful representation, boasting an AVC encode with high parameters on a BD-50. While it may not reach reference video quality, the HD clarity is notable, particularly in tighter shots, where stunning detail can be observed. The color palette embraces autumn hues with brown and amber highlights, and black levels are well-maintained during darker scenes. Exterior shots benefit from vivid depth, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the film.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio sound mix for "Stardust" successfully balances intricate dialogue exchanges, ensuring clear articulation, even amidst British and American banter. The film's emotional range is preserved meticulously, with delicate introspection flowing seamlessly into more intense argumentative scenes, notably featuring Angie, a character whose loud outbursts are distinctly rendered. The soundtrack underscores the narrative with gentle scoring cues that transition into pronounced stage performances, where instrumentation and vocals remain crisp, and the surround channels enrich atmospherics and room tone. The low-end frequencies are managed well, delivering robust rock beats and nuanced physical altercation sounds.

Further enhancing the auditory experience, Stardust’s audio mix thrives in the dynamics department, ensuring that dialog clarity is never sacrificed during louder musical segments. The score is skillfully distributed across the soundstage, offering gentle separation that highlights different instrumental elements, creating an immersive listening experience. Bass frequencies are tight and robust, adding depth to the soundtrack without overwhelming other elements. Brief musical sequences benefit from a wider, more expansive soundstage with exceptional acoustics, further drawing the listener into the film's world. For added accessibility, optional English and Spanish subtitles are available in a white font, alongside secondary 2.0 DTS-HD MA and Audio Descriptive tracks.

The Blu-ray release of "Stardust" from Shout! Factory and IFC Films includes a modest selection of extras. These supplementary materials enrich the viewing experience but are rather limited, primarily offering promotional content without deeper behind-the-scenes insights. Despite the dearth of extensive special features, the included theatrical trailer is presented in high definition, ensuring clarity and quality. Additionally, trailers for other IFC Films productions provide a brief overview of the studio's offerings, playing prior to the main menu. The disc is coded for Region A, and early pressings include a cardboard slipcover.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer in HD.
• IFC Films Trailers: Previews for "Embattled," "No Man’s Land," and "The Night."

"Stardust" endeavors to explore a pivotal yet overlooked period in David Bowie's early career, eschewing his iconic music due to licensing constraints. Co-writer and director Gabriel Range delves into Bowie's 1971 American promotional tour, a time laden with uncertainty as the artist grapples with commercial pressures and self-doubt. The narrative captures Bowie's struggle to secure a foothold in the U.S. music scene, hindered by an improper visa that prevents him from performing live. Johnny Flynn's nuanced portrayal of Bowie effectively conveys the musician's complex psyche, despite his limitations in replicating Bowie's singing prowess. In contrast, Marc Maron's portrayal of a beleaguered Mercury Records publicist adds a layer of authenticity and exasperation to Bowie's tumultuous journey.

The film smartly navigates the absence of Bowie's music by including covers like Jacques Brel’s “Port of Amsterdam,” though the soundtrack remains a point of contention for those expecting Bowie's classic hits. Stardust compensates for this shortfall through engaging character development and vibrant production design that encapsulate the era's flamboyance. The movie weaves in crucial elements of Bowie's life, notably his fraught relationship with his half-brother Terry, whose struggle with mental illness profoundly impacts Bowie. This exploration contributes significantly to the film's psychological dimension, albeit at the expense of musical depth.

Stardust shines in its depiction of Bowie’s awkward navigation through a hostile American landscape, filled with cultural and professional challenges. His quest for identity and reinvention is poignantly illustrated through his interactions with key figures like Ron and his clashes with his wife Angela. The film touches upon Bowie's transformative journey towards creating the Ziggy Stardust persona, capturing the nascent stages of his impending stardom. While the movie may not be a definitive account of Bowie’s life, it offers an intimate glimpse into his formative years, making it an essential watch for fans keen on understanding the man behind the myth.

The Blu-ray release of "Stardust" presents a distinctive portrayal of David Bowie's early career, focusing on his life before adopting the iconic Ziggy Stardust persona. Johnny Flynn tackles the challenging role of Bowie, striving to embody both the rock legend's flamboyant showman qualities and vulnerable human side. Despite Flynn's commendable performance, the film struggles with the absence of Bowie's original music, significantly impacting the authenticity of the experience. Songs that fail to capture Bowie's groundbreaking sound detracts from the film's potential to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Technically, the Blu-ray edition boasts a high-quality visual transfer that effectively captures the period-appropriate aesthetics of the film. Colors are vibrant yet controlled, while black levels remain deep and satisfying. The audio mix delivers clear dialogue and appropriately balances incidental music, although the lack of Bowie's actual tracks is a noticeable shortcoming. The extras included in this package provide useful insights into the production and context of Bowie's rise, appealing to those interested in the finer details of this era's music industry.

In conclusion, "Stardust" may not fully satisfy those seeking an authentic David Bowie biopic. While it offers a visually engaging and technically sound Blu-ray presentation, it falls short due to critical music licensing issues that prevent a complete immersion into Bowie's world. Nevertheless, fans seeking a different take on Bowie's pre-Ziggy years might find some value in its unique approach and behind-the-scenes explorations.