King Richard appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 2.39:1 on this Blu-ray Disc. The movie’s visuals looked good.
The film offered solid clarity. Only a smidgen of softness materialized, so definition was usually positive.
No issues with jagged edges or shimmering appeared, and I saw no edge haloes. Source flaws failed to mar the presentation.
The film opted for a palette with a definite teal and amber tint. Within those parameters, the colors seemed fine.
Blacks were pretty deep and tight, while shadows appeared positive, with only a little opacity on occasion. Overall, the film provided appealing picture quality.
Downconverted to Dolby TrueHD 7.1, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack suited the movie but won't win any awards. The soundstage appeared nicely broad at the appropriate times and could be moderately engulfing on occasion. It's a talky little film, so the focus was mainly up front, but the audio expanded when necessary.
This occurred mostly via music and environmental ambience – especially in terms of score and songs, as those used the various speakers well. Tennis matches and a few other neighborhood sequences added some range as well.
Sound quality seemed fine. Dialogue always appeared crisp and natural, and I had no trouble understanding it. The score was warm and distinctive.
Effects also seemed realistic and adequate for the tasks at hand. Richard won't be anyone's demo track, but the mix worked well for the film.
When we shift to extras, we find three featurettes. Following the Plan runs nine minutes, six seconds and offers notes from producers Tim White and Trevor White, executive producer Isha Price, screenwriter Zach Baylin, director Reinaldo Marcus Green, tennis coach Eric Taino, tennis doubles Gianna Twine, Kalli Minor, Ayan Broomfield and Thea Frodin, and actors Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Demi Singleton, Saniyya Sidney, and Jon Bernthal.
“Plan” looks at the project’s roots and development, story and characters, cast and performances, and recreating tennis scenes. Although we get a few useful notes, much of “Plan” remains fluffy and insubstantial.
Becoming Richard spans six minutes, 26 seconds and delivers comments from Smith, Trevor White, Price, Green, Ellis, hairstylist Pierce Austin, makeup artist Judy Murdock, and actor Tony Goldwyn.
“Becoming” looks at Smith’s performance as well as his physical makeover. Like “Plan”, “Becoming” produces some informative content, but too much of it exists to generate praise.
Next comes Champions on Screen, a five-minute, 51-second piece that includes remarks from Sidney, Singleton, Price, Green, Ellis, Smith, Taino, Trevor White, and Tim White.
Here we look at casting and the young actors’ work to play tennis stars. Expect another mix of puffery and minor insights.
Two Deleted Scenes occupy a total of three minutes, three seconds. The first presents a call in which Richard tries to get Rick to come to Compton, while the second focuses on Rick’s attempts to convince Richard to take the Nike money. Both offer minor information but nothing significant.
At the core of King Richard, we find a remarkable and inspirational story. While the movie makes this tale an enjoyable experience, it lacks the depth and meaning it needs to really work. The Blu-ray brings solid picture and audio along with minor bonus materials. Expect an entertaining but superficial biopic.