Ordinary People (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
 Release Date: March 29, 2022
 Rating: R
 Film: 5/5
 
 Plot
 Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton give powerful and moving performances as a family being torn apart by tragedy and the unrelenting pressure to maintain a façade of normalcy.  ORDINARY PEOPLE marked Hutton’s first film role and his performance not only earned him the Oscar® for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, but it also made him the youngest person to win in the category. 

My Thoughts
 Winner of four Academy Awards—including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Redford), Best Writing, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Hutton), the film tackles very serious subjects such as survivors’ guilt, handling the loss of a child, insecurity, and suicide. To say the film is powerful would be an understatement, although it’s not a pick-me-up by any stretch. Hutton definitely deserved the Oscar, but it should have been for Best Actor, since he was the main focus of the story, so I’m not sure why he was classified in a supporting role. Regardless, it was an award that was more than deserving.

The presentation is quite good in the video department, but the mono TrueHD audio left a lot to be desired. It can sound rather thin and harsh during the louder segments, but at least the dialog is always intelligible. The video transfer is very good given its age and the new 4K restoration is outstanding. Is suspect all of these Paramount Presents ids (this is #30) will make their way to 4K UHD at some point in the future given the treatment they’re getting on Blu-ray.
 
Video 4.5/5 (AVC)
 
 Audio 3.5/5 (Dolby TrueHD Mono)
 
 Special Features:

• Swimming in the Rose Garden
• Felling is Not Selective
• Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 
 Conclusion
 It’s easy to see why this won multiple Academy Awards. The story is engrossing and emotional and the acting and directing is absolutely fantastic. The latest edition of the Paramount Presents line meets a very high standard for entertainment value and puts its best foot forward with the video presentation. Hopefully its eventual 4K release will have a remixed audio track to couple with the stellar video. 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)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 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
 SVS SB-3000 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

[bmoney]

Another not sure how I’ve never seen it. I’ll add it to the queue 

[AVSCraig]

I remember that being a bit depressing a movie.

[David Vaughn]

Another not sure how I’ve never seen it. I’ll add it to the queue

As Craig says below...it's a bit depressing, but worth watching for the great acting/directing. 

[bmoney]

I don’t mind depressing as long as it’s worth it

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Totally worth it...

Nice review Dave!

Regards,

[David Vaughn]

Greetings,

Totally worth it...

Nice review Dave!

Regards,

Thanks for chiming in on all the reviews Ralph. I know you had a busy weekend