Song Sung Blue (2025) (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Universal           
Release Date: February 17, 2026
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4.5/5
 
Plot
Based on an incredible true story, Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson) are two down-on-their-luck musicians who prove that it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. They form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning and Thunder, rising from a humble garage to dive bar gigs to unexpected hometown stardom. When tragedy strikes, their love for each other and passion for music give them the strength to overcome hardships, rediscover hope, and inspire everyone around them.
 
My Thoughts
I expected Song Sung Blue to be light-hearted, but it was anything but that. There are some heavy topics such as addiction, loss, and what it means to truly love someone and loving what you do for a living. While the story is based on true events, they deviate far from the actual lives of the people the movie is based on. Despite that, it's extremely well made, will make you cry and also tap your feet to the fantastic Neil Diamond music.
 
Hugh Jackman captures Mike's charisma and vulnerability without ever slipping into caricature, and Kate Hudson brings real depth to Claire (garnering an Oscar nomination in the process), making their partnership feel lived-in and authentic. Both did a great job in their singing in the film, delivering heartfelt renditions of Diamond's classics that add emotional punch. Furthermore, the supporting cast, especially the scenes with family and bandmates, adds warmth and grounding. The film balances the concert highs with the personal lows beautifully, and the soundtrack—packed with Diamond classics performed live—sound amazing.
 
My personal initiation to Neil Diamond came when I went on a week-long houseboat trip when I was 17 in 1986. My step-brother and I neglected to bring any of our own music along and the lake where we were at didn't get radio reception. It turns out, the rented boat had a cassette tape that someone left behind of Neil Diamond's greatest hits. Neither of us were very familiar with his music but by the end of the trip we were both fans—we must have listened to that tape 100 times during the week! If you’ve never seen one of his concerts, pick one up on Blu-ray—he’s a hell of an entertainer.
 
The 1.85:1 video presentation looks outstanding with crip detail in concert lighting, facial close-ups, and costumes. Skin tones are natural, colors vibrant and accurate, and the black levels are inky and deep without any crush. There is an occasional soft shot mixed in, which drops it from a perfect score, but overall it’s a clean, pleasing presentation that serves the film’s performance-driven look.
 
The Dolby TrueHD soundtrack matches the visuals, but unfortunately there isn’t any Atmos on the disc. Regardless, dialog is crystal-clear during the intimate scenes and the surround channels place the audience in the concert venues with cheering crowds. The Neil Diamond songs sound great with deep bass response on the rhythm section, wide staging from the band, and plenty of dynamic range. 
 
Video 4.5/5
Audio 4.5/5 (Dolby TrueHD 7.1)
 
Special Features:

• Extended Performances
• One Plus One Equals Three
• Lightning in a Bottle
• Eye for Style
• Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Craig Brewer
• Digital Code

 

 
 
Conclusion
This is an emotionally honest film that surprised me with its dramatic depth. I expected a light-hearted film centered around Diamond’s music and instead I was entertained by a well-made drama about love, addiction and redemption that’s loosely based on a true story. While some may be turned off because of the “musical” genre (I’m talking to you Scott), this isn’t a musical in a classical sense with characters bursting into song unexpectedly—it’s much more than that and is one of the best films I’ve seen in the past year. Highly recommended.
 
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
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
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
 
 

 

[SRW1000]

Glad you liked this one, David!

Lightning & Thunder were well known in the Milwaukee area, having played for decades at local bars, venues, and festivals.  They'd pop up on the radio occasionally and came across as genuinely good people.

The documentary that inspired the movie is available for free on YouTube, but I'd recommend viewers hold off watching it until after seeing the new movie.



I am kind of curious how well they portray the city or if that even plays into the movie in any way.  Jackman even came to Milwaukee for its local premier and served frozen custard to the delight of happy fans.

[David Vaughn]

Glad you liked this one, David!

Lightning & Thunder were well known in the Milwaukee area, having played for decades at local bars, venues, and festivals.  They'd pop up on the radio occasionally and came across as genuinely good people.

The documentary that inspired the movie is available for free on YouTube, but I'd recommend viewers hold off watching it until after seeing the new movie.



I am kind of curious how well they portray the city or if that even plays into the movie in any way.  Jackman even came to Milwaukee for its local premier and served frozen custard to the delight of happy fans.

There were a few locations like the custard shop and maybe a local arena for one of the concerts. One true aspect of the story is they did sing with Eddie Vedder at the Marcus Amphitheater. 

[bmoney]

I keep forgetting I have this to watch. Can’t wait. Glad you liked it. Gives me hope 

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave. As I mentioned, we really enjoyed this one also. Glad you guys felt the same!


Regards,

[David Vaughn]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave. As I mentioned, we really enjoyed this one also. Glad you guys felt the same!


Regards,

Thanks for chiming in Ralph!

[bmoney]

This was SO good. I’m a BIG ND fan so that helps. 

Inknow Hudson got a nod for actress Oscar’s. But this should have gotten a nod for best picture. Better than any oh the other crap this year 

[David Vaughn]

This was SO good. I’m a BIG ND fan so that helps.

Inknow Hudson got a nod for actress Oscar’s. But this should have gotten a nod for best picture. Better than any oh the other crap this year

This and Eddington should have been nominated. Just shows how out of touch the Oscars have become. 

[bmoney]

This and Eddington should have been nominated. Just shows how out of touch the Oscars have become.

I’ll have to see eddington  I’m not shocked how much I enjoyed this. Being a big Neil fan (I’ve seen him twice) and before the 90’s when he became en vougue lol. 

[Paul Heroy]

I assumed this was a biopic when I saw the listing, and passed it over as 1) I'm a bit weary of the musical biopics; 2) I'm not a big ND fan, though I don't hate him or anything.

But this looks a bit more interesting so it's on the "maybe" list, lol.

[bmoney]

I assumed this was a biopic when I saw the listing, and passed it over as 1) I'm a bit weary of the musical biopics; 2) I'm not a big ND fan, though I don't hate him or anything.

But this looks a bit more interesting so it's on the "maybe" list, lol.

More of a human interest story with a Neil diamond theme 

[Paul Heroy]

Saw SSB this past weekend. 

Damn, that was good but rough at times. Very good performances, and I see that both Jackman and Hudson sang in the live performances and other songs in the soundtrack. That's impressive, and although I guess you could say that they only have to come close since they aren't actually mimicking Neil & Patsy, just Mike & Claire, but it was still very good.

I'm not really a Neil Diamond fan and this movie didn't convert me but I can certainly relate to being a big fan and having huge respect for an artist, and being determined to honor them with integrity. (Mine would be Rush.) 

I did look up a little more about the true story, enough to know they vastly compressed the timeline and modified the ending, but I don't know that it detracted from the overall story. 

[bmoney]

They only took slight liberties with the true story aspect which is refreshing. They didn’t Hollywood it too much. I was surprised 

[David Vaughn]

Saw SSB this past weekend.

Damn, that was good but rough at times. Very good performances, and I see that both Jackman and Hudson sang in the live performances and other songs in the soundtrack. That's impressive, and although I guess you could say that they only have to come close since they aren't actually mimicking Neil & Patsy, just Mike & Claire, but it was still very good.

I'm not really a Neil Diamond fan and this movie didn't convert me but I can certainly relate to being a big fan and having huge respect for an artist, and being determined to honor them with integrity. (Mine would be Rush.)

I did look up a little more about the true story, enough to know they vastly compressed the timeline and modified the ending, but I don't know that it detracted from the overall story.

Glad you enjoyed it. If you want to become a Diamond fan, go on a 2-day drive and only have his music along for entertainment. Trust me...he grows on you

[Paul Heroy]

LOL David... playing ANYBODY exclusively for 2 days trapped in a car would probably make me sick of them.