BLU-RAY REVIEW

Best Of Enemies, The

Featured In Issue 241, July 2019

Picture5
Sound4.5
WSR Score5
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
64202130
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
Thematic material, racial epiths, some violence and a suggestive reference
(Retail Price):
$34.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
132
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
7/2/2019
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Robin Bissell
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"The Best Of Enemies" is a timely drama that centers on an unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater (Henson), an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis (Rockwell), a local Ku Klux Klan leader who reluctantly co-chaired a community summit, battling over the desegregation of schools n Durham, North Carolina during the racially charged summer of 1971. The incredible events that unfolded would change Durham and the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever. Based on a true story. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes "Make A Connection" (HD 01:46), "Ann Atwater" (HD 02:20 and "Unlikely Friendship" (HD 34:46), a trailer, upfront previews and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

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 period picture is perfectly natural and realistic throughout. The color palette is rich and warm in hue character. Fleshtones are distinctively natural. Contrast is excellent. Natural black and shadow levels are well balanced and revealing, and lighting is perfect. Resolution is superb with fine detail exhibited in facial features, including skin pores, lines, hair, beards, clothing, and the textures of objects that define the realism of the settings. This is a strong, visually engaging picture that documents the challenges of racial divides in America. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused with excellent spatial integration and intelligibility. Atmospherics are delivered with superb realism. Foley sound effects are realistic and relatable. The music score is terrific and nicely recorded with natural dynamics. The music fills the soundfield with effective envelopment. This is a really well-crafted soundtrack that delivers a sensitive emotional impact. (Gary Reber)