The Good Doctor Blu-ray Review

In the Blu-ray presentation of "The Good Doctor," the filmmakers' choice to shoot on 16mm film introduces a significant level of grain and softness to the 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. This approach diverges from the more sterile and clinical appearance that a digital shoot might have imparted, instead delivering a warmer, more active visual aesthetic. The inherent grain and reduced clarity of 16mm, effectively offering about half the resolution of 35mm, are palpable. However, the transfer manages to reproduce the texture authentically without relying on excessive digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement. As a result, any potential compression artifacts become indistinguishable from the film's naturally thick analog noise.

Detail levels in "The Good Doctor" are intentionally soft, fitting the movie’s gritty and gauzy stylistic intentions. The pervasive grain softens facial details and other prominent features, leaving them less pronounced. This softness becomes even more apparent in mid- and long-range shots where faces devolve into indistinct blobs, with basic dark spots indicating eyes and mouths but lacking distinguishing characteristics. The color palette remains muted throughout, dominated by whites and grays due to the film's hospital setting, which adds to the intended bleak atmosphere. Despite these limitations, contrast remains well-managed and true to intent, ensuring the image doesn't fall completely flat.

Overall, while "The Good Doctor" may not exhibit the sharp precision and vibrant colors typical of modern digital or 35mm productions, it provides an appropriately gritty and film-like viewing experience. Crucially, the presentation is free from distracting artifacting, maintaining an unwavering integrity to the director's vision. Thus, for viewers attuned to its stylistic choices, this Blu-ray transfer offers a faithful reproduction of the film's distinctive visual character.

The Blu-ray release of "The Good Doctor" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that skillfully maintains the film's intense psychological atmosphere. As a dialogue-driven thriller, the audio presentation ensures that conversations are rendered with exceptional clarity, despite many being delivered in hushed tones. The mix is generally low-key but completely effective, allowing each word to be easily understood without the need for excessive volume adjustments. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are included, with clearly legible white lettering to assist in any challenging scenes.

Ambient sounds are subtle but well-executed, contributing to the immersive experience without overwhelming it. The rear channels often remain underutilized, although they do occasionally enhance the setting with hospital chatter or the sound of waves lapping on a beach. The emotive score by Brian Byrne subtly permeates the soundfield and utilizes the surrounds effectively, particularly during two of the film's more dramatic moments, where the music is allowed to expand and take center stage, providing an additional layer of emotional depth to the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Good Doctor" provides a well-curated selection of extras that delve into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film. The highlight is the "Making of The Good Doctor," offering nearly ten minutes of insightful interviews with key cast members and interspersed scenes from the movie, providing a comprehensive look into the production process. Complementing this is “AXS TV: A Look at The Good Doctor,” a condensed promotional featurette that heavily overlaps with the making-of documentary while serving as a brief introduction to the film's themes and characters. Additionally, the theatrical trailer is available for viewers looking to revisit the original promotional material. The collection is rounded off by a standard preview segment from Magnolia Home Entertainment, showcasing additional content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of The Good Doctor: Interviews with cast and crew, interspersed with film scenes.
• AXS TV: A Look at The Good Doctor: Short promo offering an overview of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Preview segment showcasing other content.

In "The Good Doctor," Orlando Bloom delivers a nuanced performance as Dr. Martin Blake, a British medical student navigating his residency in Southern California. Known for typically portraying virtuous characters, Bloom shifts gears to play a superficially kind but morally compromised intern. Dr. Blake’s journey is fraught with professional envy and personal loneliness that escalate into dangerous obsession when he becomes infatuated with 18-year-old patient Diane Nixon, played by Riley Keough. The initial light-hearted medical drama quickly evolves into a dark suspense thriller, exploring ethical breaches and their dire consequences.

Director Lance Daly deftly crafts an atmosphere filled with tension and psychological unease as Dr. Blake’s decisions become increasingly dubious. The film’s narrative brings moments of gripping suspense, particularly when Blake tamperes with Diane’s medications to ensure her prolonged dependence on him, creating a series of spine-chilling scenes reminiscent of "Breaking Bad." The supporting cast shines, with Rob Morrow bringing a calm but authoritative presence as Dr. Waylans and Riley Keough embodying a dangerously alluring patient.

Despite its strong performances and compelling premise, the movie falters at times with its pacing and character motivations, leading to moments that strain plausibility. The final act intensifies suspense but suffers from an unsatisfying conclusion, missing the opportunity for a more impactful denouement. However, "The Good Doctor" remains a solid thriller, showcasing Bloom's ability to balance creepiness and charm while portraying a man spiraling down a morally bankrupt path driven by desperation and loneliness.

Review of "The Good Doctor" Blu Ray

"The Good Doctor" presents a compelling narrative centered around Dr. Martin Blake, whose quest to gain admiration and validation precipitates a disturbing descent into unethical behavior. Operating on a thematic level, the film dives deep into the psychological intricacies of its protagonist, which can be both absorbing and unsettling to watch. For those who appreciate character-driven stories where the main character's downfall is painstakingly showcased, this film will offer a riveting experience.

Technically, the Blu-ray release affords a visually crisp and clean transfer. The high-definition quality brings out the tonal subtleties and meticulous framing that characterize Lance Daly's direction. The audio quality also maintains clarity, enhancing the film's subdued yet suspenseful atmosphere. However, the disc disappoints on the front of supplemental content, providing little more than the standard fare, which may dissuade collectors or those seeking in-depth behind-the-scenes insights.

Conclusion

"The Good Doctor" is a bit like taking your medicine; it's good for you—in that it's thematically rich and psychologically layered—but it isn't very fun, especially for a purported thriller. While the film does have moments of intense anticipation, it often drags its dramatic heels. Consider giving it a shot if you're in the mood for a low-key character study, although a rental or streaming option is probably more advisable than a purchase. It's unlikely that this one will see frequent replays, given its lack of substantial special features. Nonetheless, it remains an intriguing indie film worth exploring.