BLU-RAY REVIEW

J. Edgar

Featured In Issue 165, March 2012

Picture4
Sound4
WSR Score5
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):
Warner Home Video
(Catalog Number):
3000042354
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
Brief strong language
(Retail Price):
$35.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
No
(Running Time In Minutes):
137
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
Not Indicated
(Theatrical Year):
2011
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
02/21/12
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
No
(Director):
Clint Eastwood
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(French Language):
(Spanish Language):
(Chinese Language):
(Subtitles):
(Cantonese Language):
(Mandarin Language):
(Japanese Language):
(Italian Language):
(German Language):
(Portuguese Language):

During his lifetime J. Edgar Hoover (DiCaprio) would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover, in this time-jumping biopic, waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted, if ever elusive, prize. Hoover was a man who placed great value on secrets—particularly those of others—and was not afraid to use that information to exert authority over the leading figures in the nation. Understanding that knowledge is power and fear poses opportunity, he used both to gain unprecedented influence and to build a reputation that was both formidable and untouchable. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurette J. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man In The World (HD 18:10), up-front ads, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 1080p AVC picture is purposely desaturated and filtered to create a sense of historical storytelling. Such stylization renders the color palette unnatural, with an emphasis on brownish hues during the early timelines and a more natural look in more modern times. The hue is also evident in fleshtones. Black levels remain deep and solid, and shadow delineation is revealing. Resolution is excellent, especially during close-ups of facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. Generally, the picture exhibits a dated appearance and nicely serves the dramatic
storytelling. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused with a frontal emphasis, punctuated with segments of violence that energize the soundfield. Atmospherics and sound effects are directionalized and at times aggressive, such as gunshots. The softly orchestrated music score never is prominent but is always dramatic and mood supported. Dialogue is impressively spatially integrated and perfectly natural and intelligible throughout. Deep bass is limited. Overall, this is a fine soundtrack that delivers engaging dialogue, with appropriate support from other sound elements. (Gary Reber)