Rabbit Hole Blu-ray Review

3.9 Stars (out of 5)

Synopsis

In this raw drama based on David Lindsay-Abaire's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) grapple with the realities of life eight months after the death of their 4-year-old son, Danny. Even with Becca's well-meaning mother (Dianne Wiest) offering comfort and weekly group therapy always available, the couple go about their own secret ways of coping. (Buy Now $19.99)

Starring:

Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest, Miles Teller, Sandra Oh, and Tammy Blanchard

Director:

John Cameron Mitchell

Blu-ray Release Date:

April 19, 2011

Subtitles:

English, Spanish

Rating

Overall rating weighted as follows:
Audio 40%, Video 40%, Special Features 20%, Movie - its just our opinion so take it with a grain of salt

Audio 4.0 Stars (out of 5)

Dolby and DTS Demo Discs used as basis for comparison

• Subwoofer - 3.0 Stars
• Dialog - 5.0 Stars
• Surround Effects - 4.5 Stars
• Dynamic Range - 3.5 Stars

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1

Rabbit Hole is a quiet intimate film. There is no need for a booming subwoofer, or very active rear channels. What's most important is dialog. There are no conversations in this film that required me to rewind to hear it again, or to ask my wife what was said. As stated surround effects are minimal, however their are several scenes were ambient sounds are tastefully used. Birds and crickets are heard in the distance outside and rolling balls and falling pins are heard in the bowling alley.

Video  4.3 Stars (out of 5)

Spears & Munsil Benchmark Blu-ray Edition used as basis for comparison

• Color Accuracy  - 3.5 Stars
• Shadow detail - 4.0 Stars
• Clarity - 5.0 Stars
• Skin tones - 4.5 Stars
• Compression - 4.5 Stars

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC, Resolution: 1080p, Aspect ratio: 1.78:1, Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1

This film has stellar clarity. There are times I had to stop myself from staring at terry cloth bath robes and old comfortable sweaters and marvel and the detail. There is very little film grain, which I like, but some viewers miss the warmth it can bring to film. Colors outside in the park and the garden are vibrant and rich. However, most of the scenes are a little pale. While it may have been done on purpose in an attempt to match the characters' mood, it's defiantly noticeable and is inconsistent.

Bonus Features 3.0 Stars (out of 5)

• Commentary by director John Cameron Mitchell
• Two Deleted Scenes
• Trailer

Movie - 4.0 Stars (out of 5)

Review

I was not looking forward to watching this film. The subject matter is seriously sad. However, I am happy to report that I have come out of the Rabbit Hole without being effected by the heavy themes and emotions this movie brings to the table. I was surprised. I was even more amazed when I laughed a few times. Then I realized, this movie is not about losing a child. It's about how to live after it, and how to open your heart again.

The acting performances are outstanding, in fact Nicole Kidman was nominated for an Oscar. The film does a great job at making the subject matter palpable and believable. None of the scenes are overacted or seam sappy. The tone is perfect and does not get too dark or uncomfortable. Rabbit Hole is a slow, subtle, and deliberate film that you shouldn’t be afraid to watch.