Project-Blu Julie & Julia, by M. Enois Duarte

Julie & Julia

By: M. Enois Duarte, 12.19.2009

The Movie Itself:
Nora Ephron (best remembered for 'Sleepless in Seattle') returns after the abysmal 'Bewitched' remake with better results in 'Julie & Julia'. This true-tale about a frustrated office worker finding inspiration in the recipes of a culinary arts legend is a surprisingly heartwarming treat for the holiday season. Adding to the mix is the phenomenal and exceptional - if even somewhat uncanny - performance of Meryl Streep, a living legend of the thespian arts in her own right. The two women work together to transform this mild and ordinary dramatic comedy into a delicious and charming feast that fills the soul. The film also does an interesting thing by mending two unique sources into one entertainingly coherent storyline.

Moving between 1950s Paris and one year in the life of an internet blogger, we very quickly learn the relationship of two distinct women stuck in a rut and feeling their age finally catch up to them. While adjusting to her new life in France and experiencing French cuisine for the first time, Julia Child (Meryl Streep) suddenly realizes her passion for cooking and enrolls in a class to become a chef, which marks the beginning of her celebrated career. Working at a call center for victims of the September 11 attacks, Julie Powell (Amy Adams) is a fledgling writer discovering she's living a dreary existence. Looking to spice things up, she decides to document her attempt at cooking all 524 recipes from Child's first book in one year, introducing the art of French cuisine to a new generation of online readers.

Though separated by time and space, Ephron, who also penned the screenplay, finds just the right tone to intertwine the lives of two women at the start of their careers. When certain monkey wrenches are thrown into each lady's aspirations and pursuits, the narrative handles those situations in such a manner as to parallel their similarities and their desire to keep moving forward. During the course of the film, however, Child is shown as a strong, daring woman who confronts her challengers with an affable and easygoing sternness. Powell, on the other hand, is depicted as apprehensive and easily intimidated by the slightest difficulties. Again, this all works out well because she uncovers strength and perseverance by channeling Child through her food.

When I was much younger, I had a habit of waking up very early in the morning to watch 'Danger Mouse' and other cartoons before school. It was during those times of channel surfing that I encountered reruns of 'The French Chef', the influential cooking show with Julia Child. There was just something awkwardly entertaining about her and the way she enjoyed cooking that it would catch my attention for a few minutes before moving. Watching Meryl Streep in the role of the renowned TV personality, this is quite possibly the remarkable performance of her career, if not the best of any lead. Streep is not merely imitating or impersonating Child, but she actually embodies and encapsulates our collective memory of the legendary chef. If this does not win her a well-deserved third Oscar, then who knows what else ever could.

Despite all the attention given to Streep's extraordinary performance, Amy Adams does an equally fine job as the would-be writer that aspires as Child's protégé. Ephron, too, maintains a good eye and an enjoyable pace, with the frequent shifts in time easy to follow. The only real shortcoming comes by way of a slightly disappointing denouement - the ending sort of just happens and leaves little of an impression. Nonetheless, the end product is a well-told tale of two women seeking only to make a change and end up discovering more to their goal.
Rating: 8/10

The Presentation:
Nora Ephron's latest comedy debuts with an attractive and film-like picture quality that somehow makes the Streep-Adams starrer even more appealing. The squeaky-clean AVC-encoded transfer presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio is nicely detailed with strong resolution. Whether in France or Queens, objects are at all times clearly visible and well defined, with exterior shots looking absolutely beautiful while low-lit sequences take nothing away from the darker portions. Brightness and contrast levels are perfectly balanced to give the image a bright and welcoming appeal. Whites are crisp and stable while blacks are rich and intense. The full-bodied color palette is rather unique in that it is warm and boldly saturated during segments involving Child but ever so slightly softer - even a tad gloomier - for scenes in modern day New York. Flesh tones, too, appear accurate and healthy in all the actors.
Rating: 9.0/10

The high-definition picture also comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that's fairly nice and equally attractive. Only, viewers should be warned that it's a very front-heavy design, which shouldn't be much of a surprise for a dramatic-comedy, and it does the film great justice. The dialogue-driven mix exhibits wonderful, detailed clarity and an inviting warmth in the front soundstage with adequate low-frequency bass to give the picture some depth. Dynamic range is sharp and consistently firm although it's never really pushed extensively in any way. Once in a while, surround effects fill the rear speakers, but they're only used very lightly - just enough for pleasing ambience. The musical score spreads evenly in the fronts and possesses an enjoyable acoustical presence which absorbs the viewer. This is not a highly-active lossless track, but it gets the job done and compliments the subject matter perfectly.
Rating: 7.8/10

Overall Presentation: 8/10

** 9 - 10 = Reference / 8 = Excellent / 7 = Good /
6 = Satisfactory / 5 = Average / 4 & under = Below Average **

The Extras:
Sony Home Entertainment releases 'Julie & Julia' with a strong collection of bonus material, most of which are exclusive to the Blu-ray format. The disc is also BD-Live Enabled and all the featurettes are presented in high definition.

Audio Commentary with writer/director Nora Ephron.
Secret Ingredients: Creating 'Julie & Julia' (27 min)
Family & Friends Remember Julia Child (48 min)
Julia's Kitchen (22 min)
Cooking Lessons (23 min)
MovieIQ
Previews

Rating: 8/10

Final Thoughts:
'Julie & Julia' is a whimsical film intended to be taken at face value, and it does a fine job at entertaining with its sweet tale of a woman finding inspiration in the recipes of a culinary arts legend. The Blu-ray edition of the film debuts with a very good A/V presentation and a strong collection of bonus material, some of which are exclusive to the format. Fans are sure to purchase the hi-def version as there is no better way to enjoy the Streep-Adams starrer at home. Rating: 8/10