Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Julie & Julia (Blu-ray)

Kris Deering  |  Dec 4, 2009  |  First Published: Dec 5, 2009

Meryl Streep is Julia Child and Amy Adams is Julie Powell in writer/director Nora Ephron's adaptation of two bestselling memoirs: Powell's "Julie & Julia" and "My Life In France," by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme. Based on two true stories, "Julie & Julia" intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends...until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.

I can't begin to tell you how many times I've heard "What" when I said I had never heard of Julia Child. I guess it was before my time. Anyway, the film is a back and forth between Julie, a struggling operator who decides to write a blog while going through Child’s cookbook on recipe at a time; and Julia, an American living in France that decides to learn to be a chef because of her love of French food. The interplay is fun and it has plenty of heart, but for some reason I didn’t feel like French food or picking up the famous cookbook afterward.

Sony delivers a gorgeous transfer with beautiful cinematography, rich detail, and I loved the color pallet. The DTS-HD Master Audio track is a nice balance of ambiance and playful scoring that suits the material perfectly.

Extras include a look at the production along with a feature commentary with the director. The Blu-ray exclusive extras contain a cooking class and a look at Julia Child. Using BD-Live you can also share recipes with friends during the movie or check out some of her famous recipes during the film.

This is probably a pretty safe bet for the food lover in your life or even a relaxing evening. The performances are outstanding and presentation is fabulous.

Release Date: December 8, 2009
Studio: Sony

Movie: 7/10
Picture: 9/10
Sound: 8/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display
Planar PD-8150 1080p DLP Projector
120" ST 130 Screen w/ Carada Masquerade Masking System

Electronics
Integra DHC-80.1 pre/pro
Outlaw Model 7900 Fully Balanced Amp
Exact Power EP-15A Voltage Regulator
Exact Power SP15x4 Balanced Power Transformer

Speakers
Paradigm Reference Signature S8 Mains
Paradigm Reference Signature C5 Center
Paradigm Reference Signature ADP Surrounds
Paradigm Reference Signature S6 Width Channels
Dual SVS PB12/2 Plus Subs
Dual SVS 25/31 Subs

Cables
Cables by Accell, Nordost, Blue Jeans and Better Cables

X