DVD Corner

Blue Moon Blu-ray Review

You can never go wrong with a Richard Linklater film.

Richard Linklater had a banner year in 2025 with two period pieces in “Nouvelle Vague” and “Blue Moon.”  Written by Robert Kaplow (who just earned an Oscar nomination for his work), the film revolves around the lyricist Lorenz Hart who is most well known for tunes such as the titular “Blue Moon” and “My Funny Valentine.” He’s also known for his collaborations with Richard Rodgers. The story takes place on 3/1/1943 where “Oklahoma!” just had its big opening on Broadway. Lorenz ducks into Sardi’s Bar early where the “Oklahoma!” celebration is set to take place. While there he converses with the bartender (Eddie), author E.B. White, a piano player in the armed forces (Morty) and awaits the arrival of his new love Elizabeth (a Yale student and aspiring production designer). He is also, of course, waiting to see his former pal and colleague Richard Rodgers whom he is hoping to collaborate with again despite having an uneasy partnership with him at this point in time.

From the description, it doesn’t sound like a lot happens in “Blue Moon.” Truth be told, it very much feels like a talky stage play (for better and worse), a biographical-fictional character study of Lorenz Hart, an acting showcase (more on that shortly) and another opportunity for Linklater to tell a different kind of story. As a character piece it’s engaging. The charismatic Hart’s hopes and dreams are pinned on his romance with Elizabeth and maintaining a creative partnership with Richard Rodgers, but as we know Rodgers is about to have a grand career creating musicals with his most well known partner Oscar Hammerstein II. Lorenz (a struggling alcoholic) has burned a lot of bridges and has made many mistakes. He’s a talented artist to be sure, but he’s a sad and desperate man whose life and career are falling apart. 

On the subject of Hart, Ethan Hawke is absolutely splendid in the role and really carries the film on his back. Hawke (who also received an Oscar nomination) is always at his best when teaming up with Richard Linklater. From the Before trilogy to “Boyhood,” the two always somehow make magic together. They bring out the best in each other and play to each other’s strengths. The rest of the cast here is also on point with Bobby Cannavale, Margaret Qualley and especially Andrew Scott delivering notable supporting performances. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? “Blue Moon” may not be the most visual film, but this is a sharp hi-def nonetheless.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the plethora of dialogue to the music, this is a strong 5.1 track. 

The lone extra is a theatrical trailer.

February 1, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Blue Moon Blu-ray Review, Ethan Hawke, Lorenz Hart, Margaret Qualley, Oklahoma!, Oscars, Richard Linklater