Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 111 mins – 1992 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.35: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

After selling millions of CDs and becoming the most successful white rap artist of all time, the only place left for Eminem to conquer was Hollywood. He was offered multiple roles in movies but was smart enough to wait for something that was tailor made for him. 8 Mile is a semi-autobiographical movie based on the life of Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, who rises from the dead end ghetto of Detroit to become a musical icon. 8 Mile comes to Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment ready to drop the rhyme in real time. 

THE MOVIE

Jimmy Smith (Eminem) is a kid who dreams of being a big rap star, but is crippled by his life of poverty, living in a trailer with his unfit mother (Kim Basinger) and her young boyfriend who is the same age as him. Jimmy works at a local factory to put food in the mouth of his baby daughter, while trying to keep his baby’s momma off his back. Attempting to get closer to his goal Jimmy begins to enter rap battles that are featured at a local club, but constantly gets booed off stage. He is mentored by one of his friends (Mekhi Phifer) to keep at it, because he’s got talent and something will spark for him. Like another movie underdog, Rocky Balboa, Jimmy takes the challenge and goes up against some of the best rappers Detroit can throw at him.

Directed by Curtis Hanson, the award-winning director of LA Confidential, who seems like an odd choice, but it’s because of his skills that the film holds together. Eminem does his best, but he knows his limits as an actor, so he just basically plays himself. Phifer, even though he’s wearing a bad dredlock wig, still gives a good performance, and Brittany Murphy stands out as the girl who becomes the focus of Jimmy’s desire. Like an Elvis movie, you’re not watching this to see Eminem’s acting ability; you want to see him rap. Thanks to the excellent rap battle sequences Eminen shines, showing why his one of the best out there. 8 Mile is entertaining as long as you just accept it for what it is, and if you’re a fan of the rap star you will be rooting for this rabbit to win. 

VIDEO

Presented in 1080p in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, 8 Mile looks good, but it’s not the glossy high-definition experience you’re accustomed to now. The image is muddy at times mainly because the film was shot in smoky clubs, and plenty of night scenes, but skin tones are sharp and close-ups benefit from the transfer. Overall the image quality is a step-up from the DVD. 

AUDIO

Offering a DTS-HD Lossless 5.1 sound mix, this is where the film shows its stripes. A film with music as the highlight can’t skimp on the sound design, and 8 Mile delivers with raging beats that will rattle your speakers. Pump this one up when the music starts. 

EXTRAS

All the bonus features from the original DVD have been ported over, but the pickings are slim shady. There’s no director’s audio commentary and the ported features are all in standard definition. The Making of 8 Mile is barely ten minutes long, and is just one big promotional reel. There’s really nothing here to keep you interested. Uncensored Rap Battles is the only thing worth watching, because it shows footage from the auditions of rappers who tried out for the film. This is underground stuff that matches the tone of the film and displays that not everyone can grab a mike and be a star, because it takes a lot of skills and dedication. The final bonus feature is the uncensored version of Eminem’s Superman video. Yes that means you’ll see boobies. 

BOTTOM LINE

8 Mile will not be labeled as a classic but maybe one day it’ll get that Flashdance of Footloose treatment for nostalgia. The Blu-ray offers a decent picture and good sound quality, but the bonus features leave a lot to be desired. This one is for fans of Slim Shady, and fortunately for him, there are plenty of them. 

SCORES (out of 5):

The Movie: 3.0

Video: 3.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 2.0

Bottom Line: 3.0