Molly's Game Blu-ray Review

Molly's Game arrives on UK Region B-locked Blu-ray with an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition presentation, framed in its original theatrical widescreen aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The visual quality is notably sharp and detailed, offering a rich tapestry of textures—from the sheen of the near-perfect protagonist's complexion and the intricacies of a well-kept beard to the sublime decadence of high-stakes poker rooms. This gloss and glamour are somewhat tempered by minor digital anomalies, including occasional banding and variable grain noticeable from the beginning, as well as momentary low light noise spikes and instances where blacks seem less deep. Despite these slight drawbacks, the overall clarity, especially in low light situations, tightens as the film progresses, ensuring a detailed and visually pleasing experience.

The digital source of the film ensures that most of the presentation maintains a crisp and firm picture quality, with standout moments such as Idris Elba's character introduction in Chapter 4 showcasing slightly elevated sharpness. Close-up details remain a strong point, revealing the textures of poker chips, tables, and the fabric of character apparel with impressive clarity. Colors throughout are well-handled, exhibiting good neutrality and vibrancy that enhance both the natural and neon lighting used throughout the film. Scenes are illuminated with striking lights that bring out the best in costumes and settings, while black levels are described as deep and inky, contributing to a consistent depth in the image.

Despite these strengths, it's evident that "Molly's Game" could have edged closer to being a reference quality Blu-ray with fewer digital artifacts. The detailed presentation does well to capture the film's glossy aesthetic, balancing warm and cooler tones effectively across various settings. Facial details are particularly vivid, maintaining natural skin tones amidst the backdrop of richly colored interiors. Although some stylistic choices like the yellow/green tinting during flashbacks may vary in reception, they do not detract from the overall definition. While it falls short of achieving demo quality due to these minor blemishes, this Blu-ray presentation remains a very good and proficient showcase of the movie's vibrant visuals and stylish direction.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track of "Molly's Game" on Blu Ray serves a very good, though not groundbreaking, audio experience, showcasing its technical competency within a dialogue-heavy film. Despite the lack of material that pushes the envelope of what the 7.1 configuration can do, it delivers clean, clear, and detailed soundscapes, from the subtle ambient noises to the more robust action scenes. The dialogue, crucial in Aaron Sorkin’s fast-paced narrative, is exceptionally handled, primarily anchored in the center channel ensuring clarity and presence, thus maintaining the narrative's swift pacing and intricate details without overwhelming the background and atmospheric sounds.

The track excels in creating a vibrant acoustic environment, capturing the essence of various settings with depth and nuance - from blustery cold winds and the sounds of skis over snow to the bustling atmosphere of poker games and nightclubs. While low frequency effects are not the highlight, they are effectively used to add a modest weight to action sequences and music, without overshadowing the dialogue. Ambient sounds and music receive good treatment as well, with fine spacing and fidelity that enriches the film's atmosphere, even if there isn’t significant surround activity to make it a demo-worthy experience.

Moreover, the consistent quality across different scenes emphasizes the mix’s dynamic range and detail-rich clarity, supporting subtle background sounds and ensuring that dialogue cuts through with precision. The audio presentation maintains a professional grade without engaging in excess - there are no audio artifacts like pops or hiss to detract from the viewing experience. Overall, the Blu Ray’s audio track is solid and proficient, aptly supporting "Molly's Game" without necessarily elevating it into a showcase of technical audio brilliance.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Molly's Game" offers minimal extras, focusing primarily on a single featurette titled "Building an Empire." In this brief three-minute segment, viewers are given a rapid overview featuring interview snippets from writer/director Aaron Sorkin and the film's star, Jessica Chastain. Though succinct, this piece attempts to provide insight into the narrative and character development but might leave audiences craving more in-depth material. Additionally, the release includes a bonus DVD and a digital HD copy for those interested in owning multiple formats of the film. However, the overall lack of substantial bonus content may disappoint fans looking for a deeper dive into the making of this captivating story.

Extras included in this disc:

• Building an Empire Featurette: A quick discussion with Aaron Sorkin and Jessica Chastain on the story and lead character.
• Bonus DVD: An additional format of the film.
• Digital HD Copy: A code for a digital version of the film.

Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut, "Molly's Game," based on Molly Bloom's memoir, is a compelling narrative that seamlessly integrates Jessica Chastain's formidable acting prowess with Sorkin's renowned fast-paced dialogue and emotional depth. Chastain, embodying Molly with a mix of grit, determination, and vulnerability, delivers a career-defining performance. Sorkin, having already etched his name in Hollywood through iconic scripts such as "The Social Network" and "A Few Good Men," continues his legacy, presenting a story that is both intricate and engaging. The film adeptly uses non-linear storytelling to delve into Molly's life, from her potential Olympic future dashed by injury to her unexpected ascension as the queen of high-stakes poker. This technique not only adds a dynamic layer to the storytelling but also allows for a closer examination of Bloom's character and her complex relationships, notably with her lawyer (Idris Elba) and her psychologist father (Kevin Costner), who deliver standout performances.

The movie excels in its portrayal of Molly's evolution, from a cocktail waitress to running the most exclusive poker game, attracting A-list celebrities, business moguls, and eventually, unwittingly, the Russian mob. Sorkin's script is sharp and informed, capturing the essence of Molly's intelligence and resilience while offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world she navigates. However, the film does occasionally rely too heavily on narration to progress the story, which can detract from the emotional weight of Molly's journey. Despite this, "Molly's Game" maintains its grip on the audience with its fast pacing and Sorkin’s directorial decisions ensuring the film’s structural integrity and character development remain front and center.

Ultimately, "Molly's Game" stands out as an insightful character study framed by Sorkin’s distinctive writing style. The film not only focuses on Molly’s fall from grace and her subsequent fight for redemption but also explores themes of power, identity, and redemption. Kevin Costner’s scenes with Chastain are particularly poignant, providing critical insight into Molly’s motivations. As Sorkin's first foray into directing coupled with Chastain's layered performance, "Molly's Game" is a riveting tale of ambition, failure, and resilience, making it a must-watch for fans of biopics that delve deep into their subjects' psyche while maintaining a sense of cinematic flair.

Molly's Game," directed by Aaron Sorkin and featuring an impeccable performance by Jessica Chastain, alongside notable support from Idris Elba and Kevin Costner, delivers a compelling narrative that is both a sophisticated exploration of loyalty and parental relationships, as well as an in-depth look at the realities of running an illegal poker empire. Though the film occasionally suffers from pacing issues, it's largely mitigated by Sorkin's sharp writing and a narrative structure that, despite being somewhat conventional with its non-linear storytelling, remains engaging upon multiple viewings. The Region B-locked UK Blu-ray release by Entertainment One and Universal's Blu-ray presentation both do justice to the film's visual and audio aspects, albeit with a noticeable scarcity in bonus content.

The Blu-ray's technical strengths lie in its excellent video quality and a DTS-HD MA soundtrack that boasts a remarkably rich clarity and dynamic range, effectively capturing the film’s nuanced sound environment. Dialogues are crisply presented in the center channel, ensuring that every word is delivered with precision, supported by a well-balanced front soundstage. However, it's worth noting that while low frequency effects are present, they don't stand out prominently, although the subwoofer diligently supports the film's audio elements. It's a solid aural experience that complements the visual presentation well, but like its physical extras, it leaves something to be desired in terms of depth and immersion.

In conclusion, "Molly's Game" on Blu-ray presents a high-quality viewing experience that does justice to the film’s visual and auditory intentions, even if it falls short in providing a deeper exploration of its thematic elements and characters through supplementary features. The lack of bonus content is disappointing, yet the film itself, coupled with the superior technical presentation, makes this release recommended for fans of Sorkin's work and those drawn to stories of personal resilience and redemption.