Only the Brave is perhaps one of the better surprises of 2017 with some great performances from Josh Brolin, Jennifer Connelly and even Miles Teller, and telling a story that I’m not entirely sure many have heard of or at least remember.
Only the Brave
(2017)
Genre(s): Drama, Suspense/Thriller
Sony | PG13 – 134 min. – $34.99 | February 6, 2018
Date Published: 02/10/2018 | Author: The Movieman
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Note: This review contains MAJOR SPOILERS.
THE MOVIE — 4.25/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Through hope, determination, sacrifice and the drive to protect families and communities, the Granite Mountain Hotshots — Eric Marsh (JOSH BROLIN), Brendan McDonough (MILES TELLER), Jesse Steed (JAMES BADGE DALE), Christopher MacKenzie (TAYLOR KITSCH) amongst 16 others — become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the country. While most people run from danger, they run toward it, watching over lives, homes and everything people hold dear, forging a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire in Yarnell, Ariz.
Quick Hit Review: Only the Brave is a very well made, finely acted drama that probably is one of the best, and harrowing, movies about firefighters that truly makes you appreciate just what they do to protect lives and property, especially considering the costly fires that hit California last and this year. With this true story, even when you know what it’s about, it’s not any easier to watch, especially the final 15-minutes which was both powerful and gut-wrenching, perhaps one of the more distressing movies (and scenes) I’ve come across in quite a while; and I will not admit that I cried. I didn’t. Really… *Looks around*
In any case, besides a strong script that thankfully des takes its time to develop the characters, at least three anyway, one being more or less the eyes for the audience, it goes a long way to allow one to care about their personal lives and their ultimate sacrifice. Also doing some research, I am glad it (mostly) adheres to what happened with some shortcuts taken such as the creation of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and taking some dramatic license with some of the personal story elements, such as the marital troubles between Eric Marsh and his wife, Amanda played by Jennifer Connolly. Only the Brave was helmed by Joseph Kosinski and made one hell of a movie that honored the oft unspoken heroes and tells a story that sadly probably not many know about. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 4.0/5 |
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This release comes with a slip cover and inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Audio Commentary – Director Joseph Kosinski and Actor Josh Brolin sit down for what has become a bit of a rarity for new releases, a commentary track and one also featuring the star. It’s a nice little track that is on the low key side and given the story, obviously somber. Deleted Scenes (2:07; HD) – Only two scenes here and nothing all that noteworthy. Honoring the Heroes: The True Stories (8:08; HD) looks at how the filmmakers approached the story and its real life people and finding reverence for those who perished. Includes sound bites with Brendan McDonough, Amanda Marsh and Duane & Marvel Steinbrink. Boot Camp: Becoming a Hotshot (8:42; HD) takes viewers behind the scenes as the cast goes through the process of becoming a hotshot. Behind the Brotherhood: The Characters (7:20; HD) is about the actors who portray the real life people and how they honor each one of them as best they could. Music Video (4:42; HD) – “Hold the Light” by Dierks Bentley Behind the Song: “Hold the Light” (2:42; HD) is a behind-the-scenes featurette on the heartfelt song. |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Only the Brave comes to Blu-ray presented in its original 2.39 theatrical aspect ratio and a great looking 1080p high-definition transfer which really pops with the yellow/orange of the flames as seen throughout the film, including the opening bear/fire scene, and detail is well defined. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is well done though on the limited side as a fair portion of the film is strictly dialogue-driven but does come to life with the fire sequences as well as the cordial music and end title song. It’s nothing that will give your sound system a workout, but certainly impressive enough. |
OVERALL – 4.0/5 |
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Overall, Only the Brave is perhaps one of the better surprises of 2017 with some great performances from Josh Brolin, Jennifer Connelly and even Miles Teller, and telling a story that I’m not entirely sure many have heard of or at least remember. The Blu-ray released by Sony offers up good video/audio transfers and a better-than-average amount of features. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.