Blu-ray Movie Reviews

In 1955, a tough, skinny guitar-slinger who called himself J.R. Cash walked into the soon-to-be-famous Sun Studios in Memphis. It was a moment that would have an indelible effect on American culture. With his driving freight-train chords, steel-eyed intensity and a voice as deep and black as night, Cash sang blistering songs of heartache and survival that were gutsy, full of real life and unlike anything heard before. That day kicked off the electrifying early career of Johnny Cash. As he pioneered a fiercely original sound that blazed a trail for rock, country, punk, folk and rap stars to come, Cash began a rough-and-tumble journey of personal transformation. In the most volatile period of his life, he evolved from a self-destructive pop star into the iconic "Man in Black" facing down his demons, fighting for the love that would raise him up, and learning how to walk the razor-thin line between destruction and redemption.

Phoenix delivered the performance of a lifetime with this one and Witherspoon also delivered her best to date. The story of rock legend Johnny Cash follows the man in black from his rough childhood through the war and to fame. A story ripe in drama, the film does a superb job of capturing the character of Cash and his later to be wife June Carter.

Walk the Line looks outstanding on Blu-ray benefiting from what appears to be a nearly flawless print. Fine object detail is outstanding and I was really taken with the great contrast of the transfer. Image dimensionality can waver at times but overall depth was exceptional. The DTS-HD Master Audio mix is outstanding with great dynamic range and presence. The music sequences really take things up a notch and deliver a very believable live atmosphere with plenty of punch on the bottom end.

Extras include a collection of deleted scenes and production features. You also get a feature commentary and a retrospective on Cash.

With brilliant performances by both leads and an outstanding Blu-ray transfer how could I not recommend this one!