Overview: A story of love and resilience, “The Color Purple” is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated The Color Purple (2023) in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this March 12th, 2024.

For my money, this The Color Purple [4K UHD+BR] combo pack sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is The Color Purple presented to us as a two-disc combo pack with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.

As for the audio, well we get the choice of: English: Dolby Atmos, English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps), French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps), Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps) and Audio descriptive.

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the story to hand, well, The Color Purple is not your usual historical drama. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of anguish, resilience, and the bonds of sisterhood set against the backdrop of a Jim Crow South that is both filled with sunshine and crushing to the soul.

We are introduced to Celie, an African American woman whose life is a symphony of suffering-abandoned by her father, subjected to abusive husbands, and denied even the basic right to express her truth. However, Celie’s spirit refuses to be extinguished; it blooms like a wildflower pushing through cracks in the concrete.

The film does not shy away from portraying the realities of racism and sexism; nevertheless, it also recognizes the power of joy. Director Bazawule skillfully balances moments of darkness with bursts of gospel music and captivating dance sequences. This serves as a reminder that, in the face of oppression, the human spirit can discover ways to celebrate life.

The cast delivers a performance led by Fantasia Barrino, who is radiant as Celie. Barrino portrays Celie’s pain and vulnerability with honesty while subtly hinting at a burning fire within her character. As the fierce and unbreakable Sofia, Danielle Brooks captivates us and steals every scene she is in. The chemistry between these two actresses is electric.

The conversation, adapted from Alice Walker’s novel that won the Pulitzer Prize, has a lyrical quality. It is peppered with Southern vernacular and, according to what I have read elsewhere, showcases a profound understanding of the Black experience. Some may find the pacing a bit erratic, as moments of quiet reflection are interspersed with bursts of lively energy. However, this unevenness seems to mirror Celie’s life itself-a dance between hope and despair.

The film’s visual style is breathtaking. It presents landscapes drenched in golden sunlight that starkly contrast with the harsh reality of the cotton fields. The use of color is particularly striking, where vibrant shades represent Celie’s growing self-awareness and the transformative power of love. The music, blending gospel, R&B, and blues genres, pulsates throughout the film, adding another layer of depth.

In closing, as did the original, this 2023 version of The Color Purple won’t leave you feeling comfortable either. It will evoke anger; it might make you shed tears; it could even challenge your privilege. However, it will also empower you. Leave you filled with hope and deep emotions. This movie stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit - a reminder that even in our darkest moments (represented by purple bruises), beauty can still flourish.

Special Features:
Creating The Color Purple:
A Bold New Take on the Beloved Classic
Hell Yes! The Iconic Characters of The Color Purple
In the Flow: Creating The Color Purple’s Biggest Musical Moments
A Story for Me: The Legacy of The Color Purple