Cinderella Man Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Cinderella Man" delivers a visual experience that, while not groundbreaking, faithfully adheres to the vision of director Ron Howard and cinematographer Salvatore Totino. The 1080p/VC-1 transfer, reused from the 2006 HD DVD release, offers a filmic texture with a light grain that preserves the film’s historical atmosphere. The color palette skillfully oscillates between warm, golden tones and desolate, monochromatic landscapes, echoing the emotional highs and lows of the narrative. Fine details and textures are adequately represented, although the overall picture might not meet the high standards some Blu-ray enthusiasts expect. This is primarily due to the original cinematographic choices, such as the use of Cooke S4 lenses which promote a softer focus, and a conservative approach to digital noise reduction (DNR) which maintains a minimum of grain without overly compromising on clarity or introducing motion artifacts.

Blacks and shadow details show improvement over prior DVD releases, thanks to a transfer that manages both to capture the oppressive darkness of the era and to provide sufficient visibility in low-light scenes. However, the blacks sometimes lack the richness that might have offered a more profound visual impact, resulting in scenes where background details are lost to shadow. Contrast is consistent, with well-balanced whites and an adequate depth of field that contributes to the image's film-like quality. The absence of overt edge enhancement and noise is commendable, ensuring a clean and stable image that, while not exceptional in its sharpness or vibrancy, does justice to the original theatrical experience.

In summary, while "Cinderella Man" on Blu-ray won’t dazzle viewers with its video quality, it presents an honest and respectable representation of the film's theatrical intentions. The transfer navigates the limitations of its source material with care, striking a balance between authenticity and the inherent constraints of home media formats. Fans of the movie will find this release satisfactory, even if it doesn’t quite deliver the visual knockout expected from modern high-definition formats.

Universal delivers an impeccable auditory experience with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Cinderella Man." The track stands out most dramatically during the intense boxing matches, where the clarity of each punch — from the sharp jab impacts and the wet splatter of hooks to the deep, resonating blows to the jaw — is captured with astonishing precision. The low-frequency effects (LFE) deliver a powerful depth, making each hit feel authentically impactful. Directional sounds are finely tuned, offering a realistic and engaging soundscape that, coupled with Thomas Newman’s emotionally compelling score, draws the listener deeply into the atmosphere of both the highs and lows of James J. Braddock's story. This masterful mix of dialogues, effects, and music ensures a balanced and immersive audio experience that's hard to fault.

However, not all elements are without critique. Some of the film’s quieter moments suffer from a lack of presence, with acoustics that sometimes leave subdued scenes feeling unnervingly silent. Despite this slight inconsistency, the dynamic range throughout is commendable — from the delicate nuances in hushed conversations to the thunderous roar of a crowded stadium. The sound design effectively utilizes the entire soundscape, especially in the latter parts where the fight scenes come alive with a 360-degree auditory whirlwind that places viewers right in the center of action.

Overall, "Cinderella Man" showcases a superbly engineered DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that largely excels in delivering an engaging and emotive listening experience. Its meticulous attention to detail in dynamic power, rear speaker utilization, and fidelity presents a level of audio quality that fans and audiophiles alike will appreciate. The soundtrack is not only clear and expansive but also demonstrates remarkable depth and precision, solidifying its status as a formidable competitor among Blu-ray audio presentations.

"The 'Cinderella Man' Blu-ray extra features collection excels in its comprehensive and detailed exploration of the film's creation and historical context, making it a must-have for cinephiles and fans of the movie alike. Despite the entirety of the video content being presented in standard definition, the breadth and depth of the material compensate, offering rich behind-the-scenes insights. Director Ron Howard, screenwriters Akiva Goldsman and Cliff Hollingsworth provide engaging commentary tracks that delve into production challenges, character development, and historical accuracies. The inclusion of deleted scenes with Howard's commentary, along with featurettes on casting, pre-fight preparations, and the real Jim Braddock's legacy adds value, though the lack of new content for previous HD DVD owners is noted. However, for enthusiasts seeking an immersive dive into the film's production, boxing history, and its depiction of the Great Depression, this collection delivers abundantly."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Director Ron Howard, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, and co-writer Cliff Hollingsworth provide their unique perspectives.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes (SD): A compilation with directorial commentary.
• Becoming Jim Braddock (SD): Russell Crowe's pre-production insights.
• The Fight Card (SD): An in-depth casting documentary.
• Pre-Fight Preparations (SD): Four production featurettes delving into various aspects of filmmaking.
• Lights, Camera, Action (SD): Documents the meticulous planning of boxing scenes.
• For the Record (SD): Angelo Dundee and Wayne Gordon discuss Crowe's training.
• The Man, The Movie, The Legend (SD): Reflective mini-doc with Ron Howard.
• Jim Braddock (SD): An introduction to the real-life figures behind the story.
• The Sound of the Bell (SD): Focus on Thomas Newman's score.
• Music Featurette (SD): A brief look at Howard's collaboration with Newman.
• The Human Face of the Depression (SD): Howard discusses the impact of the Great Depression.
• Braddock vs. Baer (SD): Archival footage of the historical fight.
• Ringside Seats (SD): Discussion of the fight footage by Howard, Goldsman, Grazer, and Norman Mailer.
• Kodak Gallery (SD): A promotional featurette.
• Photo Montage (SD)
• BD-Live Functionality: Offers additional online content.

Russell Crowe's performance in "Cinderella Man" is once more a testament to his incredible ability to elevate even the most predictably sentimental biopic into a compelling cinematic experience. As he portrays James Braddock, a Depression-era boxer who fights not just for glory but for the survival and hope of his family, Crowe's nuanced portrayal grounds the film amidst Ron Howard's ambitious direction and Akiva Goldsman's script, which occasionally veers into historical embellishment. Crowe's dedication shines through, making Braddock's struggles and eventual triumphs resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. His dynamic with Renée Zellweger and Paul Giamatti enriches the narrative, transforming it into an inspiring tale of perseverance and determination against the backdrop of America’s Great Depression.

Despite its formulaic approach to storytelling, "Cinderella Man" succeeds in rendering a visually stunning depiction of the 1930s, marrying artful cinematography with Thomas Newman's evocative score to heighten the emotional stakes. The film meticulously captures the era's despair and resilience, making it not just a boxing story, but a poignant exploration of the human spirit. However, criticisms of the movie as Oscar bait or overly-manufactured cannot be entirely dismissed. Its glossy representation of squalor and the tendency to prioritize dramatic effect over substantive engagement with its historical context are notable flaws. Nevertheless, the performances—particularly Crowe's and Giamatti's—offer a masterclass in acting that significantly elevates the material.

The boxing sequences, while criticized by some for leaning towards montage rather than in-depth exploration of the sport, effectively convey the physical and emotional battles Braddock faces. These scenes encapsulate not just the fight for personal redemption but also a nation's search for hope amidst adversity. While "Cinderella Man" may wade into melodramatic waters and navigate the fine line between genuine sentiment and manipulative heartstring-pulling, it ultimately emerges as a moving tribute to one man's unyielding spirit. Its historical liberties and cinematic flourishes aside, the film delivers a powerful narrative enriched by stellar performances that warrant attention beyond its tepid box office reception.

Ron Howard's "Cinderella Man" emerges as a finely crafted biopic that, while not quite reaching the precision of "Apollo 13" or the gripping narrative of "Ransom," nevertheless stands out with its exceptional performances and a heartening storyline set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. The Blu-ray edition of "Cinderella Man" by Universal is presented with a high degree of fidelity to the original cinematic experience, featuring a commendable video transfer and an immersive DTS-HD Master Audio track. The array of supplemental materials included is extensive, enhancing the value of this edition for collectors and fans alike. Despite its inclination towards melodrama, the film's production values and narrative strength ensure it remains an engaging watch.

The Blu-ray version maintains the same audiovisual quality as its HD DVD predecessor, without notable improvements in picture quality compared to other catalog titles that have received more refined transfers. This continuity suggests a missed opportunity for technical enhancement. However, for those who have not previously acquired the high-definition release from 2006, this Blu-ray edition presents a compelling package. Its strengths lie not only in the storytelling and acting but also in the depth of its special features, providing comprehensive insights into the making of this inspiring sports drama.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Cinderella Man" offers a solid home cinema experience that notably benefits from its superb audio track and a plethora of extras, making it an appealing purchase for both fans of the film and those interested in historical biopics. Although it may not represent the pinnacle of audiovisual restoration, its overall presentation affirms it as a worthwhile addition to any collection, particularly as a heartfelt gift for Father's Day or for enthusiasts of Ron Howard's directorial portfolio.