Mailbag Roundup: Lincoln comes to Blu-Ray

Mar 28, 2013- Permalink

Lincoln
Photo: ©2012 DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

In my Lincoln review, I said that the film had my vote. Now that the Blu-ray is out, it has got my vote again.

There are a few versions out there including the Four Disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy and the Two Disc Blu-ray/DVD, which I received. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film focuses on the time after Abraham Lincoln’s second inauguration, when Lincoln worked, cajoled, wheeled-and-dealed to get the 13th Amendment passed before an embattled Confederacy could sue for peace. Daniel Day-Lewis is brilliant as his the supporting cast featuring Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.

On the video side, the 1080p transfer with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio does justice to cinematographer Janusz Kaminski’s work, the contrast being perfect for his palette of dark and light and the grit of war and a lamp-lit Washington. The detail is all there and sets and fabrics look amazing,

On the sound side, the main DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track subtly immerses the viewer in the action, with the low-frequency channel giving just the right amount of oomph to scenes where needed. (I think “oomph” is a technical term.) The disc also has French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks and subtitles in English SDH, French and Spanish.

The four disc set outweighs the two disc when it comes to extras (about 80 minutes vs. 30), so if you’re looking for a whole disc of Blu-ray supporting material, that would be the one to get. Here’s a look at the extras for both sets:

Four Disc Extras:

  • The Journey to Lincoln is a short featurette interviewing Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, screenwriter Tony Kushner, production designer Rick Carter, and Team of Rivals author Doris Kearns Goodwin.
  • A Historic Tapestry: Richmond, Virginia – The filmmakers discuss shooting in Richmond.
  • In the Company of Character – Takes a look at the performances of Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Gloria Reuben, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook and David Strathairn.
  • Crafting the Past — A look at Rick Carter’s production design and Joanna Johnston’s costumes.
  • Living with Lincoln — a look at the lengths Spielberg and his team went to immerse themselves in this biopic.
  • In Lincoln’s Footsteps — Spielberg and co-producer Kennedy, the film’s editor Michael Kahn, and legendary composer John Williams discuss the techniques of editing and music used to draw the audience into the story.

Two Disc Extras:

  • The Journey to Lincoln and A Historic Tapestry: Richmond, Virginia.

As I said, if the extras interest you, get the four disc set, but either way you’ll be satisfied.