Yesterday appears in an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 on this Blu-ray Disc. This became a pleasant presentation.
Sharpness was positive. Only a smidgen of softness impacted some interiors, so the image remained pretty tight and well-defined most of the time.
I noticed no issues with shimmering or jaggies, and edge haloes failed to appear. Print flaws also failed to mar the presentation.
Yesterday went with a teal-influenced palette that sprinkled in some amber/orange as well. Within the movie’s color design, the tones seemed solid.
Blacks were dark and deep, while shadows demonstrated nice smoothness. This was a consistently satisfying image.
As for the Dolby Atmos mix of Yesterday, it showed scope generally typical of the drama/comedy soundfield. Downconverted to Dolby TrueHD 7.1, the film’s material allowed it to open up in a satisfying manner when necessary
Musical segments added immersiveness, especially when performed in various venues. The mix used the music in a broad, engaging manner, though, and the whole package fit together smoothly.
Audio quality seemed good. Speech was distinctive and natural, without edginess or other issues.
Music seemed warm and lush, while effects showed nice clarity and accuracy. Bass responses delivered great punch. The mix suited the story and kicked into gear when necessary.
The disc comes with a bunch of extras, and these begin with an audio commentary from director Danny Boyle and writer Richard Curtis. Both sit together for this running, screen-specific look at story/characters, cast and performances, music, editing and deleted scenes, sets and locations, and related domains.
Overall, this becomes an engaging piece. Boyle and Curtis show an easy chemistry and give us a chatty, informative view of the film.
In addition to 12 Deleted Scenes (23 minutes, 29 seconds), we find an Alternate Opening (4:47) and an Alternate Ending (3:10).
The “Opening” sets up a few story/character concepts, whereas the “Ending” gives us a more concrete resolution to the movie’s romance – plus another anachronism-related gag. The “Opening” basically sets up concepts that don’t need reinforcement, so it feels superfluous, and the “Ending” ties too neat a bow in the film.
As for all those deleted scenes, we get some good nuggets here. Of most interest, we see the James Corden Show sequence teased in trailers, one that shows a potential connection between Jack and an actress. In the same vein, we find a clip that shows Jack’s comments to Ellie about a sexual conquest in Russia wasn’t a lie.
Others flesh out minor character bits and parts of Jack’s career. Outside of the romance-based scenes, none seem significant, but they’re interesting to see.
A Gag Reel spans two minutes, four seconds and shows the usual goofs and giggles. Nothing enchanting appears, but at least it wraps up quickly.
Musical content shows up under Live At Abbey Road Studios. It runs nine minutes, 50 seconds and features Himesh Patel’s performances of “Yesterday”, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Let It Be”.
“Live” exists for promotional reasons. At least it comes at the advertisement in an unusual manner, so that makes it more valuable than usual.
Six featurettes follow, and From Stadium to Screen lasts three minutes, nine seconds and offers notes from Curtis, Patel, Boyle, and actor Ed Sheeran. We get thoughts about Sheeran’s work in the film via this fairly fluffy piece.
With Agent of Comedy, we get a three-minute, 17-second featurette that involves Curtis, Patel, Sheeran, Boyle, and actor Kate McKinnon. We learn about McKinnon’s role and performance. It’s a forgettable reel but I like the smidgen of McKinnon improv we see.
A Talented Duo occupies three minutes, 25 seconds and includes material with Boyle, Curtis, Patel, McKinnon, and Sheeran, producer Matthew James Wilkinson and actor Lily James. “Duo” looks at the working partnership of Boyle and Curtis. It tends toward happy talk and doesn’t tell us a ton.
Next comes Playing for Real, a five-minute, 35-second segment with Curtis, Patel, Boyle, Sheeran, McKinnon, music producer Adem Ilhan, producer Tim Bevan, and composer Daniel Pemberton.
“Real” covers the movie’s musical performances. Despite the inevitable praise, we get a mix of decent insights.
Via Soul Mates, we locate a four-minute, 47-second reel that features Patel, James, Curtis, McKinnon, and Boyle. This one discusses the lead characters and performances. It lacks much substance.
Finally, A Conversation with Richard and Ed goes for three minutes, 22 seconds and offers a chat between Curtis and Sheeran. They banter in a self-mocking way that doesn’t present a ton of info but it seems fun.
The disc opens with ads for A Dog’s Journey, The Hustle, Fighting With My Family, Amazing Grace and Perfect Harmony. No trailer for Yesterday appears here.
Blessed with a delightful concept, Yesterday offers occasional moments of mirth. However, it seems too long and too concerned with a dreary romantic subplot to really work. The Blu-ray brings very good picture along with satisfying audio and a mix of bonus materials. I like the premise of Yesterday but the movie itself doesn’t gel as well as I’d like.