Antwone Fisher + Drumline (Fox Blu-rays)
Picture:
A- Sound: A- Extras: B Films: B+/B
Having
already covered the exceptionally good Antwone
Fisher on DVD, you can read about it below, we are delighted to finally
have our hands on the superior version of the film on Blu-ray. Our opinion of
the film has not changed at all since it’s first review; in fact our
appreciation of the film has only grown stronger as intelligent and
heart-warming films like this are few and far between. With the dry spell of solid films continuing
over the past few years, it’s refreshing to revisit a film of this
caliber.
Likewise
another strong contender from 2002 was Drumline
starring Nick Cannon, who has fallen off the map quite a bit since it’s
release, even Mariah Carey couldn’t save that!
It’s interesting how much has actually changed since Drumline was released in 2002, most
predominately the school systems trying to eliminate music programs. Even this film, despite it’s clichés, still
manages to execute the powerful message that music unites people together,
inspires, and prevails. It’s a story of
a young man named Devon (Cannon) who is a gifted drummer from Harlem that gets
a full ride scholarship to Atlanta University.
He hopes and dreams of becoming part of the schools infamous drumline
and while he has talent, he lacks discipline, but with some help from his
dedicated band director his character is sharpened and the school makes their
way to the regions most prolific competition with $100,000 on the line.
Both
films arrive to Blu-ray is stunning glory and demonstrate the best that Blu-ray
has to offer. Both films were shot in
scope and are presented in the 2.35 X 1 framing with 1080p High Definition
transfers that look vastly superior to the DVD standard definition
offerings. Antwone Fisher in
particular has a very natural palette of colors with solid refinement and
definition throughout and the film now looks sharp, crisp, and detailed, which
is a great thing considering how soft the DVD looks by comparison. Skin tones look astonishing and dark scenes
hold detail very well. Drumline has a completely different art
direction altogether with more vibrant colors that jump off the screen, in
particular are the bright blues and warm yellows that leap out at you. Again, detail is sharp and looks magnificent
and in both cases these transfers help bring a life-like image that has never
before been seen at home.
Sound is
also impressive on both films with each film getting a DTS-HD master audio 5.1
mix that demonstrates some superb audio mixing and resolution. Drumline
features a score where music is the most important element throughout and the
mix here delivers some serious punch.
Also impressive though is that during the outdoor scenes we get a real
sense of the life-like acoustics and/or reverb when applicable and the
surrounds give us the necessary ambience to draw us in. Antwone
Fisher is far more dialogue-heavy, but still an inspiring mix with a
sweeping score that flushes through the HD audio mix like never before.
The
extras for Antwone Fisher are more
publicity than anything else, but the film does feature a commentary track by
actor/director Denzel Washington, plus the ‘inside look’ type of featurettes
that were part of the DVD package. Drumline features audio commentary by
director Charles Stone III, plus three featurettes that break down the films
various aspects from characters, story, and production. Overall nothing spectacular here, but the
films speak for themselves.
Both
films deserve the accolades for picture and sound and it’s good to see two
solid films get this type of attention for Blu-ray release. For our original Fisher DVD coverage, try this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/354/Antwone+Fisher+(Fox+DVD)
- Nate Goss
