8 Mile
(2002/Universal Blu-ray)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: C Film: C+
Eminem
became part of a long line of rappers who showed they actually could act when
he played a would-be rapper caught in the trailer park known as 8 Mile (2002) and does what he can to
get out. Many wondered why Curtis Hanson
would take on this as his next project, but the film is not bad, though a bit
contrived and quickly dated. Jimmy (Eminem)
lives with his dysfunctional, screwed up mother (Kim Basinger in a better performance
than she got credit for) among other normal, ugly stresses in his life.
He gets
into a lively Rap scene in Detroit, but has so many real-life obstacles in his
way that literally even staying alive sometimes is a serious issue. The story is partly based on Eminem’s real
life, so they say and that holds some water.
Some of the moments just do not ring true, especially some of the humor,
but it turned out better than I thought it would and is a film some still talk
about. With Eminem’s hype gone (though
you never know about a comeback), the film can stand on its own better. Though not great, 8 Mile will eventually serve as a time capsule of sorts.
The 1080p
2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image was shot in Super 35mm film by Director
of Photography Rodrigo Prieto (Frida,
Brokeback Mountain, Babel) delivers some good compositions
here, but I saw this in 35mm and do not remember seeing as much grain as I do
here. The transfer is consistent, but on
a lower level. The DTS-HD Master Audio
(MA) 5.1 mix is one of the few of any multi-channel audio codec put upon to
deliver Hip Hop/Rap to any extent and handles the deep bass well, but the
soundfield overall shows some age and can be dialogue-based. Not just rap-based either. Extras include a Music Video for “Superman” and Rap Battles (uncensored on
our copy) and a making of featurette. I
expected more, but no dice.
- Nicholas Sheffo
