The Sum of Us Blu-ray Review

Olive Films presents "The Sum of Us" on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer, encoded using the MPEG-4 AVC codec, and framed at its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The presentation appears to be sourced from an older master, evident from some limitations in shadow definition in darker interior scenes, resulting in a slightly flat appearance. While clarity is not particularly impressive indoors, outdoor scenes exhibit better detail and clarity, although the depth still leaves something to be desired. Colors are stable but lack the saturation and broader range of nuances that a more recent master might offer.

The image is generally soft, suggesting a light filter may have been applied at some point. Despite this softness, image stability remains outstanding, with no large debris, damage marks, or stains detected throughout the review. Occasional dust specks appear, but the main transfer is clear with richly saturated colors and acceptable skin tones. The contrast, however, is inconsistent—at times appearing too milky with some scenes darker than necessary. This Region-A locked Blu-ray offers a reasonable quality viewing experience but falls short of delivering the sharpness and vibrancy expected from more modern transfers.

The Blu-ray release of "The Sum of Us" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. While the audio has not undergone significant remastering, the overall clarity and depth are commendable. Dialogue is consistently clean and stable, though some may find the thick Australian accents challenging to follow. Fortunately, the accompanying English SDH subtitles are excellent, alleviating any potential comprehension issues. Notably, there are no audio dropouts, pops, background hiss, or digital distortions, signifying a clean audio experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo sound mix effectively centers almost all audio elements, ensuring dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout the film. An exception occurs during a gay pride parade sequence late in the film, where the front speakers burst with lively disco music, adding a dynamic shift to the auditory landscape. Background music by Dave Faulkner and atmospheric effects are well-balanced and never overpower the dialogue. Despite the lack of surround sound channels, the stereo mix provides a satisfactory and immersive listening experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Sum of Us" offers a robust selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience through insightful and well-curated content. The original theatrical trailer, presented in full HD, captures the essence of the film and is ideal for both enthusiasts and newcomers. The behind-the-scenes commentary provides valuable context and delves into the production nuances, adding depth to the film's understanding. Each featurette is professionally crafted, balancing technical details with engaging narratives, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the film’s thematic and production elements. These extras showcase high-quality production values, demonstrating a commitment to providing an immersive experience for the audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for The Sum of Us. In English, not subtitled.
• Theatrical Trailer: Another theatrical trailer in HD.

"The Sum of Us," directed by Geoff Burton and Kevin Dowling, stands out as a unique exploration of the father-son dynamic with delightful humor and poignant emotion. The movie centers around Harry (Jack Thompson), an old-fashioned widower who supports his gay son, Jeff (Russell Crowe), in navigating the tricky waters of love and dating. Harry's endearing personality and touching efforts to give Jeff time to find true love are both heartwarming and humorous. The casting is excellent, with Thompson radiating warmth and humor, while Crowe delivers a sensitive portrayal of a young man comfortable in his identity but struggling to find a lasting relationship.

Burton and Dowling's direction, while mostly dialogue-driven and staged in single set locations, occasionally breaks into more cinematic sequences. Notably, the silent, black-and-white flashbacks of Jeff’s lesbian grandmother stand out for their stylistic departure and emotional resonance. Despite some stage-like elements that might feel out of place in a cinematic medium, such as breaking the fourth wall, the film manages to keep viewers engaged with its mix of comedy and drama. The actors' performances elevate the somewhat stagy script, compensating for these limitations with authenticity and warmth.

The film features fantastic ensembles beyond Thompson and Crowe. John Polson as Greg brings an authentic unease to his role as Jeff's love interest, while Deborah Kennedy’s portrayal of Joyce is emotionally charged though sometimes feels out of sync. The balance between humor and serious topics concerning sexual orientation and family expectations is expertly handled, making "The Sum of Us" a rewarding watch that hits all its narrative targets with precision and honesty. The movie is a testament to how genuine performances and heartfelt storytelling can create an engaging cinema experience despite its theatrical roots.

"The Sum of Us" is a touching and honest comedy-drama from directors Geoff Burton and Kevin Dowling, featuring spellbinding performances by Jack Thompson and a young Russell Crowe. The film deftly explores the often tumultuous journey of a straight father and his gay son as they navigate the complexities of finding true love. Thompson stands out, reminding viewers of his immense talent and strong screen presence. Crowe, early in his career, also delivers a commendable performance that hints at the star he would become.

Olive Films' Blu-ray presentation of "The Sum of Us" offers a solid technical transfer both visually and aurally, although it won’t set any new standards in home entertainment. While the video quality is acceptable, sharpened with decent color grading and clarity, the audio remains clear yet unremarkable. Long-time fans and new viewers will find the transfer satisfactory, capturing the essence of the original film adequately. There are, however, gaps in supplementary content; the inclusion of a documentary feature or interviews with the stars reflecting on their experience would have enhanced the overall package significantly.

In conclusion, "The Sum of Us" remains a poignant exploration of familial bonds and personal identity, bolstered by exceptional performances. Despite some shortcomings in its Blu-ray release, the film itself is a rewarding watch. Recommended for anyone appreciating heartfelt narratives and standout acting.