BLU-RAY REVIEW

The American Society Of Magical Negroes

Featured In Issue Issue 273, May/June 2024

Picture4
Sound4
WSR Score3.5
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):
191329262412
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
Some strong language, suggestive material and thematic material
(Retail Price):
$34.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
104
(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):
5/14/2024
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Kobi Libii
(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 7.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"The American Society Of Magical Negroes" is a satirical comedy about a young man, Aren, who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people's lives easier. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director/Writer/Producer Kobi Libii, the featurettes "Secre Society Members" (HD 05:20), "Crafting A Magical Sociiety" (HD 04:14) and "Speaking Your Truth" (HD 04:14) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC 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 2K Digital Intermediate. The imagery at times during the society's magical situations is stylized and otherwise natural and realistic in appearance. Color fidelity is perfectly accurate with and without exaggeration. Flesh tones appear accurate and natural. Contrast is well balanced with deep black levels, revealing shadows and realistic white levels. Resolution is good with fine detail exhibited in facial features, clothing fabrics and object textures. This is a satisfying picture that exhibits dynamic magical imagery. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused and presents decent spatial integration but also ADR production. Atmospherics are subtle and sound effects never overpower as with deep bass. The music score is limited but nicely recorded with extension to the four surrounds. This is a satisfying holosonic® soundtrack full of meaningful dialogue. (Gary Reber)