The
Finest Hours (2016/Disney Blu-ray/DVD)
Picture:
B+/B- Sound: B+/B- Extras: B Film: C+
Based
on a true story and directed by Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real
Girl), The Finest Hours (2016) tells the story of a
miraculous against all odds 1952 Coast Guard sea rescue off the New
England Seaboard where two Oil Tankers (SS Fort Mercer and SS
Pendleton) are destroyed, leaving the 30 some crew members including
Bernie Webber (Pine) and Ray Sybert (Affleck), trapped while facing a
horrendous winter storm on top of huge, lethal tidal waves large
enough to toss their boats around like rag dolls.
The
film is beautifully shot, historically accurate, and has some
incredible special effects that include colossal digital tidal waves
and incredible sets that make you feel like you are on the boat with
them. On top of that, it also boasts a top notch cast including
Chris Pine, Eric Bana, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Josh Stewart, and
Holiday Grainger.
While
splendid visually and ultimately packing a powerful message of
heroism, some parts of the film drag while others are riddled with
tension, which makes it at times feel a little uneven. Some of the
character and story tropes are a little cliche, but ultimately its
the production value and the solid performances (especially Pine,
Bana, and Affleck) that are the glue that holds the film together.
Presented
on Blu-ray in stunning HD quality, the film is presented in 1080p
high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and a DTS-HD
MA (Master Audio) 7.1 lossless soundtrack mix that makes you feel
like you are part of the action. The DVD edition is presented in
standard definition with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of
2.39:1 and a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 track which looks good for the
format but can't complete with Blu-ray. This Blu-ray/DVD combo pack
also contains a digital UV copy of the film for your smartphone or
tablet.
Extras
include Against All Odds: The Bernie Webber Story (visit the
quaint and close-knit town of Chatham, and experience the events
surrounding the most heroic Coast Guard rescue ever through the eyes
of the people who witnessed them.), Brotherhood (cast members
reflect on the bonds they forged during the shoot.), Two Crews
(Pine and Affleck share insights into Bernie Webber and Ray Sybert,
men who led their respective crews against all odds), What Is Your
Finest Hour? (Coast Guard member recounts an incredible rescue),
The Finest Inspiration: The US Coast Guard (meet the people
who put their lives on the line for others) and Deleted Scenes: "A
Desperate Idea" and "The Story of How They Met".
If
you are a fan of films like A Perfect Storm, then this is
definitely up your alley as a quick and entertaining period film
involving some high stakes on the ocean. While it failed to rack in
the big bucks at the box office (due mainly to its January release),
it looks great on Blu-ray and could be a great disc to show off your
home surround system.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
