Once upon a time in...Hollywood Blu Ray Projected.
Finally, we have Tarantino's 9th Film. Its nothing new that a tarantino flick will bring about controversy, mixed reviews and that marmite flavour. Well I love controversy and love marmite.
.
Ok, its a slow burner, but aren't they all? I have always enjoyed the pacing of his films, I just sit there and soak it all up, trying to figure out which angle the film is coming from. It also helps that a tarantino film always looks good, with fine attention to detail, period settings and unique camera work. Mrs N sat with me on this, but was not as impressed as I was.
DiCaprio and Pitt are just excellent, and from what has been said about pitt stealing the show, DiCaprio is right there with him imo. So DiCaprio plays a washed up actor, looking for work, and pitt is his Stuntman/ Best friend/ PA/ Driver lol. The chemistry is spot on, its like they are true best friends, through thick and thin, looking for work in Hollywood, we are taken on a timeless tour, set in the late 60s. the hippy movement is strong, love and peace man, but its the intertwining stories of a certain set of people that start to raise the interest levels. The Manson cult were out and about as was Roman Polanski, in true Trantino style, theres a trio of stories and how they all cross paths, just like in the classic Pulp Fiction. Theres lot sof random driving about, lots of unrelated chit chat, but I was trying to explain to mrs n that the story is mainly about 60s movement and DiCaprio/pitt are the backdrop, with extra elements added into enjoy, that's the way I saw it.
Theres the classic Trantino dialogue levels/ chit chat that I love when its delivered so expertly, yep, half of it leads to nothing, bit its just awesome to watch and listen to. DiCaprio had me in stiches when he starts giving himself a good telling off, cursing himself in the trailer. Then theres the pitt and famous martial arts expert meeting, I will say no more..
the 2nd half of the film starts to pick up though, theres some great cameos from some of my favourite people, which I loved. Theres a far more sinister feel during certain parts, the errie feel of a dusty village where brad pitt is seemingly lured to, I felt some tension during this part, things are so drawn out, but so watchable man!! and it leads nicely to its conclusion, theres not a lot violence, but when it comes, it comes in true tarantino fashion, and I bloomin loved it.
PQ from the blu ray disc is very nice, the 60s have never looked so good, thanks to the excellent shooting style, from all the period vehicles to pitts cool sunglasses and levis jeans, every little detail is overseen, from shop signs, to the look of the towns. detail is excellent, from looking at the gorgeous face and legs of Margot Robbie, and yes, theres a lot of leg looking going on lol, to the ageing brad pitt but still in excellent shape, fine detail is easy to make out and theres a slight fine grain if I remember correctly. Sunlight blasts across the city giving everything in its path a rich golden tone to it. I mean, who else could make me enjoy watching pitt pouring dog food into a bowl lol, that's right, I'm not going to lie or try and hide it, I'm a tarantino fan boy. I'm actually contemplating getting rid of the Blu Ray and upgrading it to the 4k to watch it on the projector again. I actually watched the last half hour again after it finished, because I freaking loved it lol.
SQ, Its a shame there was no immersive audio on the film, but I see tarantino as a bit of a purist, the DTS HD track is fine though, as expected, its a dialogue heavy film, but the track does a fine job, throw in some trademark 60s music, decent surround steering and effects when called upon. car engines have decent bite and grumble, punches and gunshots have nice levels of LFE and a certain flame propelled gadget engulfs the listening area, all in all, a very nice soundtrack.
I really think this worth a watch, you will love it or hate it. I personally really enjoyed it, and as long as it is and takes its time to get going, I just find it intriguing and will certainly be watching several more times, hopefully on 4K next time, noting wrong with the blu at all.