Harriet

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, "Harriet" tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Haunted by memories of those she left behind, Harriet (Erivo) ventures back into dangerous territory on a mission to lead others to freedom. With allies like abolitionist William Still (Odom Jr.) and the entrepreneurial Marie Buchanon (Monae), Harriet risks capture and death to guide hundreds to safety as one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad. Witness the story of a woman who defied impossible odds to change the course of her life and the fate of the nation. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Co-Writer and Director Kasi Lemmons, seven deleted scenes (HD 15:35), the featurettes "Her Story" (HD 05:57) and "Becoming Harriet" (HD 03:37) and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally in anamorphic Panavision® using the Sony CineAlta Venice camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is excellent with a warm and rich color palette that reveals nuanced hues. Hues are accurate with no exaggeration of saturation. Flashback sequences tend to be filtered with a bluish tint. Contrast is superb with nicely defined black levels, revealing shadow delineation and natural light, whether in interiors lamp lit, daytime scenes. or moon-lit nighttime. Costume design, as well as production design, is wonderful. Fleshtones are perfectly natural and nuanced. Resolution is excellent as well with fine nuances exhibited throughout in realistic settings, interiors and object textures. This is a wonderful visual experience with realistic dynamics and color that impresses. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7.1-channel soundtrack features a fantastic orchestral/choral score by Terrence Blanchard with gospel vocals. The music is bold and dynamic sounding and occupies a wide and deep soundstage that extends and envelops the soundfield. Foley sound effects are precise and enhance the impressive realism. The atmospherics on the plantation, such as wind, birds, and nighttime insects is very realistic and extends to the surrounds. Sound effects perfectly capture the settings and the objects of the time, such as horses and wagons, a steam train, and primitive machinery. Sound effects are effectively panned with a great stereo imaging across the soundstage. Rivers and waterfalls sound totally real. Deep bass extends to sub-25 Hz but never sounds unnatural and is used in tense situations and as a foundation to the orchestral score. Dialogue is intelligible for the most part but a bit muffled at times and wanting in spatial integration, though, at times is effectively directionalized. This is a wonderful and dynamic soundtrack that sounds natural and dramatic, one that has elements of reference quality throughout. (Gary Reber)