Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

• The Journey to Lincoln (9:25)

• A Historic Tapestry - Richmond, Virginia (4:00)

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Description: Capturing the danger and excitement of political intrigue, Steven Spielberg's Lincoln chronicles the final four months in the life of the man regarded as America's greatest President. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role, the untold story focuses on a defining moment in Abraham Lincoln's life - as commander-in-chief of a country in chaos; as a husband and father afraid of losing his own son to the war; and as a man guided by his conscience to end slavery. With the Civil War nearing conclusion, President Lincoln fights to convince a fractious Congress to pass a Constitutional amendment that will change the course of history. Facing fierce opposition, he wages a battle of strategy, persuasion, and political muscle to build a coalition out of his team of rivals.

 

 

The Film:

Excerpt from A.O.Scott at the NY Times located HERE

Image :    NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Lincoln arrives on Blu-ray from Dreamworks in a dual-layered transfer.  The film itself has many grey sequences with period-piece black, dark, garments.  Indoor lighting is dim, reflecting the era. Outdoor sequences of Richmond showcase some impressive greens and true earthy browns. Aside from one minor instance of visible noise (White House bedroom), the image quality is superb and fully supportive of the Art direction and style. Contrast is rock solid for the 2 1/2 hour film and detail has impressive moments.  The scope is carried well via the 2.39:1 rendering. There are not a significant amount of depth, but more in the bright outdoors than the dimly lit interiors. I have no important issues with the Blu-ray - it supplied a highly pleasing video presentation.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio is offered in a more-than-capable DTS-HD Master 7.1 at a robust 4271 kbps. Its power rarely surfaces - maybe more in the stolid score by John Williams which supports energy, enthusiasm and power as the composer strong commend of the music entails. Here is we get subtle depth rising and falling with emotion through the invisible orchestra strings section. There are foreign language DUBs and a English video descriptive track available - as well as optional subtitles and my Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE (although the enclosed DVD is region 1).

Extras :

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
Almost more than the historical relevance of the topic is the immense craft of creating such a film - so detailed, well perfumed and impacting. Spielberg brings together an incredible combination - and this as well as Lincoln ,the piece of cinema, itself is impressive. I marvel at Day-Lewis and the entire cast, the art direction, the score, how the puzzle is realized... . The Blu-ray produces an impressive viewing - consistent with the theatrical film and the extensive details of the filmmakers. Recommended! 

Gary Tooze

March 12th, 2013