DVD Corner

Oppenheimer Blu-ray Review

“Oppenheimer” is Christopher Nolan at his best. 

Based on the book “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, 2023’s “Oppenheimer” is a biodrama that chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer. While the Manhattan Project team and the creation and testing of the atomic bomb is a significant part of the film, the story also digs into Oppenheimer’s often messy personal and professional life that includes his time at Cambridge, his research and studies, his lovers (Kitty and Jean) and colleagues. The post-war time period is also explored here where a troubled Oppenheimer speaks out against the further use of atomic and hydrogen bombs, but finds his life, career, and public image being tarnished in the process (especially by Lewis Strauss).

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” represents a mature step forward for the fan favorite filmmaker. While Nolan has directed several modern classics like “Memento” and “The Dark Knight,” he’s also been known to helm bloated spectacles like “The Dark Knight Rises” and more recently “Tenet.” With “Oppenheimer,” Nolan has crafted a movie that is much more than a mere biopic, but rather an intense rumination on nuclear and war horrors, humanity, pushing the boundaries of science, and ambitions. The storytelling structure may put off some viewers, but once you get used to the style and rhythm it becomes entirely compelling.

Nolan’s films are often criticized for their cold characters, but that is certainly not the case here. In fact, the cast is a literal who’s who of Hollywood as it contains the likes of Cillian Murphy, David Krumholtz, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Kenneth Branagh, Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek, Jason Clarke, Benny Safdie, Dane DeHaan, David Dastmalchian, Alden Ehrenreich, Alex Wolff, Matthew Modine, Michael Angarano, Josh Peck, Jack Quaid, James Urbaniak, Olivia Thirby, Gary Oldman, and more. Obviously, the two most talked about actors here are Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. Murphy gives the performance of his career in the titular role. He gives such a deep introspective performance. Now that his time with the MCU is done, Robert Downey Jr. reminds us all just how good he can be as Lewis Strauss. Florence Pugh gives a heartbreaking and effective performance as Jean. The always underrated David Krumholtz gets a rather major role here as physicist Isidor Isaac Rabi which was great to see. Give this man more work! Emily Blunt also shines here as Oppenheimer’s wife Kitty. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.20:1 and 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The very visual film gets a crystal clear transfer. Note: This title is also available on 4K.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Although Nolan’s films continue to have weird sound mixes (seriously, why is the score so overpowering at times), the 5.1 track is nothing short of impactful.

Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* Teaser, trailers 2 and 3, IMAX Exclusive Trailer and Opening Look.
* “Meet The Press: Q&A Panel: Oppenheimer” with moderator Chuck Todd, Christopher Nolan, author Kai Bird, Dr. Kip Thorn, Dr. Tom Mason, and Carlo Rovelli.
* “Innovations In Film: 65MM Black And White Film In Oppenheimer”- An 8 ½ minute featurette on using film for “Oppenheimer.”
* “To End All War: Oppenheimer And The Atomic Bomb”- A 90 minute NBC News documentary about J. Robert Oppenheimer.
* “The Story Of Our Time: The Making Of Oppenheimer”- A sprawling 7 part extra with interviews, Oppenheimer’s story, nuclear weapons, the cast, special effects, production design, costumes/makeup, the score and Christopher Nolan’s directorial vision. Easily the best extra.

November 22, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Biopic, Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer Blu-ray Review, Robert Downey Jr.