The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Ben Stiller directs and stars in this classic story of a daydreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a fantasy world filled with heroism, romance and adventure. When his job, along with that of a co-worker (Kristen Wiig), is threatened, Walter takes action in the real world, embarking on a journey more extraordinary than anything he could have imagined.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


Based on the 1939 short tale by James Thurber this was an interesting adaptation that is definitely worth taking the time to watch. Ben Stiller stars as Walter Mitty and he has the every man mode down pat and comes across as likeable. His character fantasizes grand adventures that he is a part of but until now has never had the means or courage to do so. When he finally steps out of his dreary office work at TIME magazine the film comes to life. It should be mentioned that Stiller also does a fine job directing the film. The cast is impressive and a couple of great character actors steal the show here. If I were to nitpick I would say the pacing was a little off and it isn't as comical as some of the previews would have you believe but overall this is an enjoyable and surprising experience. 8.5/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - I'll start by saying this film is gorgeously shot and the transfer presents it perfectly. Colors range from modern office boring to lush greens, brilliant blues and beautiful saturation. Fleshtones have a natural appearance. Deep, inky blacks were seen throughout with solid shadow delineation. The image is razor sharp with fine details popping with clarity. No edge enhancement or anomalies noticed during the film's run time. 9.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. - When I saw that the Blu-ray was going to have a 7.1 presentation I thought to myself "overkill" but that is not the case at all. This is a wholly immersive and dynamic mix that can excite with some deep LFE during the daydream sequences and enthrall the listener by using the surrounds to great effect. Music has a beautiful clarity and richness whether through music cues or the score by Theodore Shapiro. Dialogue was placed front and center ans was always crisp and clear. 9.5/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Deleted Scenes: (HD, 7min30sec)
- Morning Routine
- Young Odessa Fantasy
- Jester Fantasy
- Manfree Fantasy
- Impound Lot

* Extended Scenes: (HD, 4min33sec)
- Extended Arctic Fantasy
- Christmas Walk

* Alternate Scenes: (HD, 3min42sec)
- Fly to Greenland
- Severance Package

* Behind The Scenes: (HD) - Detailing various aspects of production what's here is brief but there are some interesting moments. Cast and crew participate.
- The History of Walter Mitty (HD, 3min39sec))
- The Look of Life (HD, 5min01sec))
- That’s A Shark (HD, 5min57sec))
- The Music of Walter Mitty (HD, 4min01sec))
- Icelandic Adventure (HD, 3min26sec))
- Nordic Casting (HD, 3min51sec))
- Titles of Walter Mitty (HD, 2min49sec))
- Skateboarding Through Iceland (HD, 2min23sec))
- Ted-Walter Flight (HD, 2min48sec))
* Pre-Viz (HD, 4min15sec)

* Gallery: Reference Photography (HD)

* Music Video “Stay Alive” by José González (HD, 4min22sec)

* Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1min55sec)

Black Nativity Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Struggling to pay the bills, single mom Naima (Jennifer Hudson) sends her teenage son Langston (Jacob Latimore) to live with his estranged grandparents, Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett) in New York City. At first Langston resents their strict household, but with the help of new friends — and a little divine intervention — he embarks on an inspirational journey of self-discovery that brings the whole family together.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


A slick production that just didn't grab me emotionally as much as it tried to. The powerhouse cast are enjoyable to watch in their roles but the material is something that doesn't interest me much in daily life so a lot of the more religious based songs became a little grating. If your looking for a good rental I would recommend the film just for the superb cast.7/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


Black Nativity arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - The film gets a beautiful home presentation with warm and inviting tones. Faces have a natural appearance to them. Black levels were deep and exhibited perfect shadow delineation. Clarity can be quite striking and fine detail went above and beyond the call of duty. No digital tinkering to be found. 9/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - The audio while not as brilliant as the video presentation is a solid performer. Dialogue is crisp and clean. The music numbers are well balanced and the LFE adds some good depth when needed. Surrounds aren't used all that much past the musical moments. No pops or anomalies heard. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Deleted Scenes (HD, 13min51sec) - There are a total of four scenes that can be watched individually or via a play all feature.

* Promotional Featurettes (HD, 26min55sec) - This is a collection of ten EPK style clips that can be viewed via play all or separately.

- First Look
- The Music Behind the Film: He Loves Me Still
- The Music Behind the Film: Raphael Saadiq
- The Cast of Black Nativity
- Introducing Jacob Lattimore
- An Inspiring Playwright: Langston Hughes
- Inside Production in Harlem
- Be Grateful
- Feel Good
- Photoshoot B-Roll

* Theatrical Trailer (HD 1min33sec)