Biography Blu-ray Review

Review: ‘Green Book’ is Poignant and Powerful on 4K Blu-ray

March 13, 2019Ben MK



FEATURE: 
Although best known for making slapstick comedies, director Peter Farrelly's transition to period drama proves remarkably effective, due in large part to praiseworthy performances from co-stars Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen.

Set in 1962 and based on real-life events, Green Book tells the story of African American pianist Dr. Donald Shirley (Ali), who enlists out-of-work nightclub bouncer Tony Vallelonga (Mortensen) to drive him on a cross-country concert tour through America's Deep South. What neither man expects, however, is that they will forge a genuine friendship with one another, as they each set aside their mutual differences while experiencing firsthand the racial prejudices that were an all-too-common fact of life during the Jim Crow era.

Poignant and powerful, the result is not without its share of controversy, however. Yet, despite the criticism leveled against it, Green Book arguably overcomes, winning over viewers in the process. Suffice to say, the film's message is ultimately a positive one — and it's one that remains timely and much-needed to this day.

AUDIO & VISUALS: 
Green Book debuts on the 4K format boasting a crisp 2160p image and a rich Dolby Atmos sound mix, and one would be hard-pressed to ask for a more pleasing technical presentation. Details are sharp and the color palette is warm and inviting, perfectly showcasing the period production and costume design. As for the audio, the movie's sound design shines through wonderfully, especially the classical melodies that are evoked by Dr. Shirley's impeccably fast fingerwork on the ivory keys.

EXTRAS: 
Universal's two-disc 4K Blu-ray release includes a Blu-ray and a Google Play digital copy, as well as the following extras:

  • Virtuoso Performances (4:10) - The cast and crew commend Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali for their performances and their on-screen chemistry together.
  • An Unforgettable Friendship (5:09) - Co-Writer/Producer Nick Vallelonga talks about bringing the real-life friendship between Don Shirley and his father Tony to the screen.
  • Going Beyond the Green Book (4:20) - A look at Victor Hugo Green's real-life Green Book and what it means to the film.

Green Book is available from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment as of March 12th, 2019. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray features English Dolby Atmos, French DTS 5.1 and English Dolby Digital 2.0 Descriptive Audio tracks. The film is presented with English SDH, French and Portuguese subtitles. The total runtime is 2 hrs. 10 min.






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