Blu-ray Review: Get Low
Overall: 4.4 Stars (out of 5)
Synopsis
Oscar winners Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek team up to tell the true story of irascible Felix Bush, a backwoods Tennessee loner who planned his funeral in 1938 while he was still around to attend -- and enjoy -- the proceedings. Director Aaron Schneider's deft blend of dark humor and poignancy also stars Bill Murray as Frank Quinn, the huckster owner of a failing funeral home, and Lucas Black as his dubious assistant. Starring: Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, Lucas Black, Gerald McRaney
Director: Aaron Schneider
Blu-ray Release Date: February 22, 2011
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Rating:
Overall rating weighted as follows:
Audio 40%, Video 40%, Special Features 20%,
Movie - its just our opinion so take it with a grain of salt
Audio (4.1 Stars)
Dolby and DTS Demo Discs used as basis for comparison
Subwoofer - 3.5 Stars
Dialog - 5.0 Stars
Surround Effects - 4.0 Stars
Dynamic Range - 4.0 Stars
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 2.0
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
This film is subtle and so is the audio mix. There are a few scenes that draw you into with movie with sounds of flames flickering, leaves rustling in the breeze, and birds chirping in the distance. There is a scene in the rain, that doesn't quite fill the room as you would expect. However, the clarity and presentation of the dialog is what is most important for a movie like this, and it is given to you on a silver platter. I found myself paying extra attention to the accents and slight intonations of the characters. It made me believe that this movie took place in the south in the 1938.
Video (4.8 Stars)
Spears & Munsil Benchmark Blu Ray Edition used as basis for comparison
Color Accuracy - 4.5 Stars
Shadow Detail - 5.0 Stars
Clarity - 4.5 Stars
Skin Tones - 5.0 Stars
Compression - 5.0 Stars
Video Codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Original Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Get Low is not a very colorful movie. It is mostly filled with natural colors of wood, dark clothing, and grey skies. However, it presents these elements in beautiful detail and accurate hues. Most of the characters in this film are getting on in years and their loose skin and wrinkles are shown and crystal clarity, and help tell the story of their lives. There are many scenes in the dark, and this Blu-ray handles them superbly, without compromising color.
Bonus Features (4.0 Stars)
Commentary with Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Director Aaron Schneider & Producer Dean Zanuck
The Deep South: Buried Secrets
Getting Low: Getting Into Character
Cast & Crew Q&A
A Screenwriter's Point of View
On the Red Carpet
Movie (4.0 Stars)
Get Low is a small introspective character driven film that tackles the themes of death, regret, love, confession, and redemption. It accomplishes it all with class and without using a heavy hand. What really shines in this film is Robert Duvall's performance. He brings his character to life in such a charismatic way; I was hanging on every word he said. It sounds strange to have Bill Murray in this film, but he helps lighten the films mood and is a good contrast to the main character.
This movie has a good mixture of drama, comedy, and life lessons that leaves you feeling satisfied. Get Low is a very charming and thought provoking film. Who's eclectic cast keep the film moving at a comfortable pace. After you watch it, you may find yourself questioning how other's truly see you, and if you'll have any regrets when your life is over.