Set in Los Angeles in the slight future, “Her” follows Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), a complex, soulful man who makes his living writing touching, personal letters for other people. Heartbroken after the end of a long relationship, he becomes intrigued with a new, advanced operating system, which promises to be an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. Upon initiating it, he is delighted to meet “Samantha,” a bright, female voice (Scarlett Johansson) who is insightful, sensitive and surprisingly funny. As her needs and desires grow, in tandem with his own, their friendship deepens into an eventual love for each other.
From the singular perspective of Oscar winning filmmaker Spike Jonze comes “Her,” an original love story that explores the evolving nature—and risks—of intimacy in the modern world.
Director Spike Jonze has been one of my favorite modern filmmakers and with HER he cements his place as a true creative visionary. The film is a beautiful tone poem that at least in my case took a couple viewings to appreciate fully. The pace is slow and calming which takes a little getting use too but once your in it , your set and feel a part of Theodore's life. Joaquin Phoenix continues his brilliant run of great performances with his role of Theodore, through his eyes and reactions he makes it seem totally real and understandable that this man has fallen in love with his operating system. Scarlett Johansson lends her voice to Samantha and she conveys a sense of wonder and warmth that very few women can do on film or in everyday life.
The screenplay won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and it certainly deserved it. The future LA in the film has a ton of charm and the costume design is interesting with the retro high waisted slacks, sleek sweaters and crisp shirts. The tech seen in this future is cool but not overly showy. I highly recommend setting aside the time to watch Spike Jonze's best film to date. 9.5/10
HER arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1 - A razor sharp presentation that stuns in it's clarity of fine details. Every stitch and ridge in corduroy, button and texture of clothing is rendered with lifelike quality. Close ups reveal every little detail and emotion that characters are expressing and experiencing. I was even able to see a very fine line of Joaquin's hairlip visible just above his awesome mustache for the film.
Colors feature some bold primaries in clothing and Theodore's work environment and rest of the time are more earth tone and natural. Skintones looked natural throughout. Black levels were deep without crushing. Shadow detail was above average. I didn't notice any digital tinkering or compression artifacts. 10/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - While not a stunner like the video the audio is still a solid performer. This is a dialogue heavy film so it is key that everything is heard crisp and clear, which it is at all times. The voice work of Johannson breathes through the mix and makes you feel connected to her as much as Theodore is. Surrounds are used lightly for environmental effects like the sound of the city and some breezes blowing on by. Bass is tight and precise but isn't called upon too much. The score is presented well in the mix and makes for the couple more dynamic audible moments during the film. 8.5/10
* The Untitled Rick Howard Project (HD, 24min19sec) - An engaging fly-on-the-wall making of. It follows various moments onset as well as location. We see cast and crew working and enjoying the process. I would also say it is visually interesting due it's use of various video formats.
* Her: Love in the Modern Age (HD, 15min10sec) - Lance Bangs questions and records reactions from a variety of people who share their feelings on love. Clips from the film are mixed in.
* How Do You Share Your Life with Somebody (HD, 3min56sec) - Basically an extended trailer for the film.