AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on September 28, 2021, 07:06:18 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/vA1Ay9K.jpg)
Studio: Criterion
Release Date: September 21, 2021
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5
Plot
Sparks fly both on and off the court in this groundbreaking feature debut by writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard), which elevated the coming-of-age romance by giving honest expression to the challenges female athletes face in a world that doesn’t see them as equal. Sanaa Lathan (Alien vs. Predator) and Omar Epps (Higher Learning) make for one of the most iconic screen couples of the 2000s as the basketball-obsessed next-door neighbors who find love over flirtatious pickup games, fall apart under the strain of high-pressure college hoops and families, and drift in and out of each other’s lives as they pursue their twin aspirations of playing professionally. Aided by stellar supporting performances and an eclectic R&B soundtrack, Love & Basketball captures the intoxicating passions, heartbreaking setbacks, and sky-high ambitions that mark a young woman’s journey to the top of her game and to lasting love.
My Thoughts
I missed this when it hit theaters in 2000 but had always heard great things about it. First off, it’s extremely well done from a directorial point of view. It never drags and you care about the main characters from the get-go. Furthermore, she does a great job of setting the mood when the characters are young, which helps when time moves forward, and the two young adults are trying to make their way in the world. Much has been made about how this is a “black” love story, which I personally hate the profile—it’s a love story with characters who happen to be black and any audience, regardless of the color of their skin, can enjoy this movie. My wife was hesitant to watch it (she wanted to continue to binge watch Mad Men) but was glad I forced her hand.
Criterion is known for putting their best effort forward with their releases and that certainly is the case here. While I don’t have the original Blu-ray to compare it to, I’d be hard pressed to say it looks or sounds any better. Film grain looks natural and fine detail is excellent, especially in skin tones. The black levels are equally impressive and there’s excellent depth in the image.
Not to be outshined is the DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. The dialog is always intelligible and firmly rooted in the center speaker, and the live basketball sequences utilizes the surround speakers to place you right in the middle of the action. Furthermore, the soundtrack is an integral part of the story and sounds phenomenal.
Video 4.5/5
Audio 4.5/5 DTS-HD MA 5.1
Special Features:
- Two Audio Commentaries
- Playing for your Heart – The Making of Love & Basketball
- Editing Love & Basketball
- Athletes and Artists and Love & Basketball
- Deleted Scenes
- Auditions
- Short Films
- Theatrical Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur83i6_BjbE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur83i6_BjbE)
Conclusion
This is not your typical Hollywood romance story in the way it depicts real-life characters and their quest for love and following their passion. This was Gina Prince-Bythewood’s first feature film and she delivered in spades by having a likeable cast with great chemistry. If you haven’t seen the film before, definitely check it out because it’s well worth your time. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays) (https://www.portrait.com/)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion F110 Subwoofer x 2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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for some reason i never have seen this. too bad its not 4k, but ill have to give it a f\spin