Mr.
Turner (2014/Sony Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Film: B
Sony
Pictures Classics releases the exceptional British film Mr. Turner
(2014) on Blu-ray disc and it doesn't disappoint with an incredible
transfer and bountiful extras. The film, directed by acclaimed
filmmaker Mike Leigh, concerns the life and career of British artist
J. M. W. Turner, played masterfully by Timothy Spall. The critically
acclaimed film is well produced with extraordinary performances and
costume design. Depending upon how you feel about British period
dramas, this is either your bag or it isn't. The film also stars
Paul Jesson, Dorothy Atkinson, Marion Bailey, and Karl Johnson.
A
look at the last quarter century of the great British painter J. M.
W. Turner, who was profoundly affected by the death of his esteemed
father, loved by his housekeeper, Hannah Danby, whom he takes for
granted and occasionally exploits sexually, and he forms a close and
loving relationship with a seaside landlady with whom he eventually
lives incognito in Chelsea, where he dies.
Throughout
all this, Turner travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy,
visits a brothel, is a popular if anarchic member of the Royal
Academy of Arts, has himself strapped to the mast of a ship so that
he can paint a snowstorm, and is both celebrated and reviled by the
public and by royalty. The film is pretty fun and a must for fans of
the master's extraordinary art.
The
presentation on the disc is flawless in 1080p high definition
transfer with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and English,
French, and Portuguese lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks to
boot. Subtitles are also available on the disc as well.
Extras
include The Cinematic Palette: The Cinematography of Mr. Turner,
Commentary with the Director, a Featurette, and a Deleted Scene. One
can see why it received so many accolades last awards season.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.facebook.com/jhl5films
