BLU-RAY REVIEW

Fifty Shades Of Grey

Featured In Issue 198, July/August 2015

Picture5
Sound4.5
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
61130687
(MPAA Rating):
R / Unrated
(Rating Reason):
(Retail Price):
$$34.98
(Disc Type):
BD-50
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
125/129
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
(Direct-To-Video Release):
(Disc Release Date):
5/8/2015
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Sam Taylor-Johnson
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(Story):
(Music):
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(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
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(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
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Based on the novel by E.L. James, Fifty Shades Of Grey is the story of a searing love affair between a naive college student and a billionaire entrepreneur. Shy and unassuming literature student Anastasia Steele (Johnson) finds her life forever altered when she interviews the enigmatic Christian Grey (Dornan) and is dazzled by the charismatic entrepreneur and his high-flying lifestyle. As the pair embarks on a passionate affair, Ana soon discovers that Grey has dark secrets and desires that will push her to the limits of her imagination––and beyond. (Gary Reber)

Both the theatrical (02:05:19) and unrated (02:08:29) versions are available. Special features include an exclusive teaser of the Next Movie: Fifty Shades Darker (HD 0:29); the featurettes The World Of Fifty Shades Of Grey: Christian Grey (HD 19:51), Ana (HD 13:50), Friends And Family (HD 45:36), and Behind The Shades (HD 19:28); an E.L. James & Fifty Shades interview (HD 05:45); Fifty Shades: The Pleasure Of Pain discussion with the BDSM consultant and a show-and-tell with property master (HD 08:42); 360-degree set tours (HD 25:12); music videos from Skylar Grey (HD 05:05) and The Weekends (HD 04:40); behind the scenes of The Weekends “Earned It” music video (HD 04:49); upfront previews; BD-Live functionality; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture was photographed digitally with the Arri Alexa XT camera system and exhibits clean and shape imagery throughout, with fine detail rendered on facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. Contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. The color palette is naturally hued throughout with well balanced saturation. Hues are vivid and warmly rendered. Fleshtones are perfectly natural throughout. Resolution is superb as previously noted. This is a reference quality picture that delivers a graphically and engaging visual experience that is sure to please fans of the novel. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is expectedly dialogue focused, but the diversified music score at times energizes the proceedings with a well-recorded score that spans the wide soundstage and extends aggressively to the surrounds. Atmospherics are subtle and nuanced but effectively present, which enhances the sense of spatial realism, as do the occasional sound effects. Deep bass is limited but naturally presented without exaggeration. Dialogue is naturally presented with excellent spatial integration. This a very complementary soundtrack to the storytelling and perfectly enhances the experience.