Wife, The

In "The Wife," after nearly forty years of marriage, Joan and Joe Castleman (Close and Pryce) are complements. Where Joe is casual, Joan is elegant. Where Joe is vain, Joan is self-effacing. And where Joe enjoys his very public role as Great American Novelist, Joan pours her considerable intellect, grace, charm and diplomacy into the private role of Great Man's Wife. Joe is about to be awarded the Nobel Prize for his acclaimed and prolific body of work. Joe's literary star has blazed since he and Joan first met in the late 1950s. The movie interweaves the story of the couple's youthful passion and ambition with a portrait of a marriage, thirty-plus years later––a lifetime's shared compromises, secrets, betrayals and mutual love. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes "Keeping Secets: Glenn Close On The Wife" (HD 06:37), "In Conversation With Cast Of The Wife: Q&A" (HD 38:12) and "Q&A With Author Meg Wolitzer And Glenn Close" (HD 16:19); the theatrical trailer; and upfront previews.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture appears natural throughout with excellent color fidelity in both present-day and flashback scenes. Hues are warm and rich, with natural fleshtones. Contrast is excellent with excellent black levels, shadow delineation, and natural highlights. Resolution is terrific as well, exhibiting fine detail in facial features and complexions, hair, beards, clothing fabrics, and environmental object textures. This is a really excellent, naturally appearing picture that is perfectly satisfying. (Gary Reber_

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused throughout, Surround envelopment is subtle throughout, with environmental nuance. The brief music provides a bit more engaging envelopment, and at times intensifies. Dialogue is a bit forward sounding at times, though, not always. Overall, this is a satisfying soundtrack that nicely complements the unfolding of the story, including the flashback sequences. (Gary Reber)