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    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    The Whale

    Featured In Issue 266, March/April 2023

    Picture4
    Sound4
    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):
    Lionsgate Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number):
    61009
    (MPAA Rating):
    R
    (Rating Reason):
    Language, some drug use, and sexual content
    (Retail Price):
    $21.99
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    117
    (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):
    3/14/2023
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    (Director):
    Darren Aronofsky
    (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 Whale" is the story of a reclusive English teacher, who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. (Gary Reber)

    Special features include the featturettes "People Are Amazing: Making The Whale" (HD 24:33) and "The Sounds Of The Sea: Scoring The Whale" (HD 07:41) and a digital copy.

    The 1.33:1 1080p picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Sony CineAlta Venice camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture's setting is the drab interior of an apartment and only occasionally ventures outside for a few seconds. The lighting design casts a dim production design. The color palette exhibits natural hues throughout for excellent realism. Background colors are generally drab. Flesh tones are perfectly natural, Contrast is generally good given the drabness of the set and underlit lighting design. Black levels are deep, shadow delineation is excellent and lighting highlights are realistic. Resolution is excellent. Closeup facial features are finely detailed such as skin complexions and hair. Clothing and the apartment's object texture are also finely resolved. This is a limited visual experience but absolutely realistic. (Gary Reber)

    The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused throughout supported with excellent Foley sound effects and claustrophobic and background rain ambiance. The orchestral score is rather quiet and subdued but sets the emotional tone. Surround energy is comprised of the music extension and the occasional directionalized sound effect such as the flutter of wings of a bird Charlie feeds from his apartment window. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with excellent spatial integration. This is a compelling soundtrack that delivers an emotional experience. (Gary Reber)

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