Last Flag Flying

"Last Flag Flying" reunites three Vietnam War veterans 30 years later when one of their sons tragically dies in the Iraq War. In 2003, thirty years later, former Navy Corps medic Richard "Doc" Shepherd (Carell) reunits with former marines Sal Nealon (Cranston) and Reverend Richard Mueller (Fishburne) on a different type of mission: burying Doc's son, a young marine killed in the Iraq War. Doc decides to forgo a burial at Arlington National Cemetery and, with the help of his old buddies, takes the casket on a bittersweet trip up the East Coast to his home in suburban New Hampshire. Along the way, Doc, Sal, and Mueller reminisce and come to terms with shared memories of the war that continues to shape their lives. (Gary Reber)

Special features include three deleted scenes (HD 95:38), the featurettes "An Unexpected Journey" (HD 15:48) and "Veterans Day" (HD 05:41), outtakes (HD 09:11), upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally using the Panasonic Varicam 35 camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture is decent, though, the setting is largely a road trip under overcast skies. Under such conditions the color palette is subdued, highlighted with the occasional saturated hues, such as the red, white, and blue of the American flag and the varied lights of Philadelphia streets. Interior scenes fare better with natural hues. Fleshtones are consistently natural throughout. Contrast is generally good with deep, solid blacks and well-defined shadows. Resolution is good with fine detail evident in closeups. Noise is a constant, but not distracting, as it has a natural presence. Overall, the image quality is mediocre but pleasing. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused. Atmospherics are mostly the low-level ambient sort, such as chatter in the train station, with the occasional sound effect such as a loud train whistle as the train whizzes by. The music score is light but nicely supported, with extension subtly to the surrounds. Dialogue is effectively integrated spatially throughout. This is a satisfying soundtrack that delivers a powerful message.. (Gary Reber)