True
Story (2015/Fox Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B- Film: C+
True
Story is an interesting thriller based on true events and
starring Jonah Hill, Felicity Jones, and James Franco in dramatic
roles. Directed by Rupert Goold, New York Times journalist Michael
Finkel (Hill) loses his job when it's revealed that he was not
entirely truthful in a cover story he wrote on contemporary slave
trading in Africa. His world collapses even further when he learns
he's a victim of identity theft; a man named Christian Longo (Franco)
assumed Finkel's name and stood accused of murdering his own family.
Seeing a way to rebuild his shattered reputation, Finkel meets with
Longo to hear his story, much to the dismay of his wife Jill (Jones).
It's
funny seeing Hill and Franco in serious roles after just recently
seeming them together in This Is The End, which I enjoyed, but
they work really well off each other here. Some of the highlights of
True Story are seeing the two of them onscreen together in the
prison during the interviews and seeing how convincing they are.
This film is serious in tone and strong on the production end and the
acting throughout is solid. If you are a fan of crime thrillers,
while not as strong as a David Fincher production, this film still
stands on it own.
Presented
in 1080p high definition and a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the
film is mastered in a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that
sounds crisp and clear throughout. There are additional Spanish and
French Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks on the disc as well. There is little
to complain about the Blu-ray transfer here, the details throughout
are very strong. Subtitles are also on the disc in English SDH and
Spanish. A digital copy is also included.
Fox
does a great job with extras and that's highly evident here. Extras
include an Alternate Ending, Deleted Scenes, The Truth Behind True
Story, Who is Christian Longo?, Mike Finkel Featurette, Director's
Audio Commentary, a Trailer and a Gallery.
All
in all, if you are of the two leading actors you are seeing them in
very different form here. The production design, editing, and
cinematography is strong throughout and the story is interesting but
things get a little muddled once the third act rounds up. Still, Fox
has done a nice job with this release and it should not be
overlooked.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.facebook.com/jhl5films
