Closer, Blu-ray (2004)

by | Jun 13, 2007 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews | 0 comments

Closer, Blu-ray (2004)

Starring: Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen
Directed by Mike Nichols
Screenplay by Patrick Marber
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Video: 1.85:1 Enhanced for 16:9 Widescreen, 1080p HD
Audio: English PCM 5.1 Uncompressed, Italian PCM 5.1 Uncompressed, English, French, Italian, Russian DD 5.1, English DES
Subtitles: English SDH, English, Spanish, French, 24 other languages
Extras: Music Video
Length: 104 minutes
Rating: ****

‘Closer’ is a movie that deals with obsession and infatuation; the four main characters (Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen and Natalie Portman) at points throughout the film become involved in some type of relationship with each other that ultimately leads not only to brief love and happiness for some, but also the pain of jealousy, infidelity and betrayal for all. At times the film can be rather difficult and painful to watch, and the subject material and language is often rather frank and somewhat shocking. The acting is first-rate; Natalie Portman, in particular, was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress, and this role proved to be a breakout for her career and perhaps her best yet captured on film.

The Blu-ray disc’s image quality is really quite good, especially compared to the original DVD release. Colors are quite rich throughout, and contrast was quite natural, lending the disc an abundance of detail, even in scenes that were heavily color-saturated. The audio is quite serviceable, but there’s very little use of the surrounds. In a movie that’s very dialogue-driven, this is really more than acceptable – you didn’t get this disc for bombs and explosions, after all. Extras are virtually nonexistent, with nary a commentary or featurette in sight – only a music video that’s presented in standard definition. You do, however, have a choice of 24-plus languages for the subtitles!

Despite its shortcomings in terms as a total package, I still enjoyed the disc’s excellent visual presentation. Even though it’s not the most heartwarming movie to watch, the strong acting will elicit your response and provide the kind of escapism we go to the movies for anyway. Highly recommended.

 – Tom Gibbs

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