There are so many great reasons to watch The Soloist [Blu-ray], whether on DVD or Blu-Ray. You’ve got Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. giving Oscar-worthy performances, incredible original music by Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning composer Dario Marianelli, as well the music of  Beethoven (Eroica, Ninth Symphony) and the haunting Cello Suite No. 1 by J.S. Bach.

The Soloist tells the true story of how L.A. Times reporter Steve Lopez met homeless musician Nathaniel Ayers, and discovered that underneath the paranoid schizophrenia was a raw talent that had gone unnurtured.  Calling each other “Mister Lopez” and “Mister Ayers” as a show of respect, the two men forged a friendship, a bond, that neither would have expected but both came to rely upon.  Lopez helped Ayers rediscover the world of music, and Ayers helped Lopez see that everyone has a story to tell.

I watched this movie with my 12 year old son, who has been playing the violin for two years. His favorite part of the movie was the music, especially the scenes where Lopez takes Ayers to rehearsals of the L.A. Symphony and we see the professional orchestra. We watched all the bonus features, which include An Unlikely Friendship: Making The Soloist (HD),  Deleted Scenes, and Commentary by Director Joe Wright.

Ryan and I recommend The Soloist for purchase or rental. It’s got star performances, incredible music, and it’s a chance to talk to kids about the importance of not judging people, of not assuming you know who they are just from how the look.  We think you’ll like it.