Florence Foster Jenkins Blu-ray
My mother always told me if you’re going to say something unkind about a person to make sure they are at least out of the room.
Have you ever had a friend come up and show you something that they think is the next best thing since sliced bread only to nod quietly, smile and wonder how they function daily? Or, even more to the point, have you ever watched “American Idol” and a contestant has come in telling the judging panel that they are part of the church choir and that their pastor has encouraged them to share their gift with the world only to find out that the sound like the Cowardly Lion from THE WIZARD OF OZ? Well these examples are nothing compared to the blind eyes – actually, ears – turned towards Meryl Streep in the title role of the new film FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS.
Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of wealthy socialite Florence Foster Jenkins (Streep), a woman who somehow is under the delusion that she is an amazing opera singer. Her feelings are protected by her husband, St. Claire Bayfield (Grant), who has been successful in prolonging the ruse by paying off critics and encouraging friends to offer up polite applause. Unable to hear how terrible she really is, Florence actually cuts a record which not only gains airplay but draws more attention to Florence. Deciding to give the people what they want, she books a concert at Carnegie Hall and gives away the tickets.
What could have been a mean-spirited story becomes a sweet love story in the hands of director Frears and his cast. I’m not sure if anyone reading this sings, but if you CAN you know it’s very hard to sing poorly. Your ear and your training constantly try to get you back on key. Streep is a fine singer in real life and her work here, both vocally and in her performance, is sure to bring her a record 20th Academy Award nomination, having already garnered her a 29th Golden Globe nod. As the good-doing husband, Grant is equally award worthy. Though Bayfield is a bit of a cad (he doesn’t live with Florence and has mistresses), you can almost forgive him because of the genuine love he has for his wife, going above and beyond in his efforts to keep Florence from discovering the truth. “The Big Bang Theory” co-star Helberg also does a fine job as Florence’s musical accompanist who must also hide the truth if he wants to be able to say that he played at Carnegie Hall.
Frears direction is smooth and easy, guiding the film with an elegance befitting its main character. The period design, including costume design, locations and atmosphere easily take the viewer back to 1944, when America was a much simpler place. If you are looking for a warm film to help take away the winter charm, you couldn’t do much better then FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS.
BLU-RAY REVIEW
Video: The film is presented in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio and has an almost sepia tint in parts, presumably to let you know that the events of the film took place 70-plus years ago.
Audio: The soundtrack is presented with a DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 track and the manufacturer has made sure that you can hear every bad note sung as clear as a bell!
“Ours Is A Happy World (5:01): A clip filled piece featuring the cast and crew telling the story of Florence Foster Jenkins.
The Music and Songs of Florence (4:02): Another short feature with the cast and crew commenting on first hearing the real Florence Foster Jenkins’ recordings.
Designing the Look (3:43): Looking at how the film was designed and how England became New York City.
From Script to Screen (4:18): What makes a good script? They tell you.
“Florence Foster Jenkins” World Premiere (1:58): Quick clips of the film’s premiere.
Q&A with Meryl Streep (16:06): Filmed at the Director’s Guild Theatre, an amazing conversation with one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Live at Carnegie Hall (10:10): A look at the history of Carnegie Hall.
Deleted Scenes (6:10): Four short scenes, none of which are missed.