Killing Them Softly

Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly" is showcased in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding, offering a crisp 1080p transfer on Blu-ray, courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment/The Weinstein Company. The source appears to be the same high-quality master used for the Entertainment in Video (EIV) Blu-ray release in the UK, presenting an exceptional level of detail and image depth. The film's color palette shines, exhibiting a broad range of cool yet natural hues, from greens and blues to browns and grays, maintaining a stylistic integrity that complements the unique visual flair of the film. Noteworthy are the film’s slow-motion effects and sequences captured with Super High Speed Lenses, enhanced by Kodak's new 500T 5230 film stock, which contribute to its distinctive and beautifully rendered style. Although minor compression differences might exist when compared to the EIV release, they do not detract from an overall impressive presentation.

The Blu-ray transfer excels in portraying the gritty atmosphere of a criminal underworld set against the backdrop of a damp, sweat-soaked New Orleans. Greg Fraser's cinematography emphasizes critical details and textures - from facial expressions to clothing fabrics - with a carefully managed depth of field, ensuring viewers’ focus is exactly where the director intended. Skin tones are vivid and lifelike, contributing to the immersive experience, while contrast levels support exceptionally deep blacks and well-balanced whites, enhancing visibility in darker scenes without overwhelming brightness.

Colors are both bright and vivid without being artificially enhanced or muted, remaining true to the naturalistic yet stylistic vision of the film. The technical fidelity ensures that elements like Pitt's sleek hair and Gandolfini’s character traits are palpably realistic, thus maintaining a visual consistency that elevates the movie experience. In summary, "Killing Them Softly" on Blu-ray stands out for its technical excellence, supporting both the artistic vision and the atmospheric storytelling with a visual quality that demands viewers' attention.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track featured on the "Killing Them Softly" Blu-ray presentation showcases an intricate balance of sonic elements that enrich the film's dense narrative and violent aesthetics. This track, complemented by optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles fitting neatly within the image frame, offers a dynamic auditory experience. While the lossless audio is assertive during action sequences, it masterfully integrates subtler sounds, such as the nuanced effects in Russell's hallucinatory experiences and the clear, distinct political speeches emanating from the rear channels. Despite this robust design, there are moments where dialogue, particularly from Brad Pitt's character, feels somewhat subdued, necessitating occasional volume adjustments to capture every word.

Furthermore, the audio mix excels in marrying musical scores with the raw intensity of the film's more explosive scenes, crafting an immersive atmosphere that underscores "Killing Them Softly"'s thematic and stylistic intentions. The precision in the mix is apparent, as is its adeptness in utilizing surround sound capabilities to envelop the listener in ambient noises from a variety of settings like construction sites, bustling bars, and tension-filled interrogations. The tactile impact of punches and the visceral echo of gunshots are enhanced by thoughtful audio detailing, adding depth to the film's physical confrontations.

In synthesis, the audio presentation on the Blu-ray does not merely serve as a backdrop but actively participates in the storytelling, skillfully accentuating moments of quietly simmering tension and sudden violence. While the occasional need for volume adjustment due to the muting of dialogue signifies a slight imperfection, it does little to tarnish an otherwise exemplary auditory experience. The track’s clarity, depth, and attention to detail offer a compelling audio landscape that stands as a testament to the film's gritty realism and stylish execution.

The Blu-ray extras for "Killing Them Softly" add a deeper layer to the viewing experience, particularly through its four carefully selected deleted scenes and an insightful, albeit brief, making-of featurette. The deleted scenes, presented in pristine 1080p with optional English subtitles, offer extended character moments that shed light on motivations and backstories, enriching the narrative fabric of the film. The making-of featurette, though concise, provides compelling commentary from director Andrew Dominik and key cast members such as Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini. They delve into the film’s thematic essence and its reflection on societal issues, echoing its source material by George V. Higgins, while also touching on the collaborative dynamic on set. This combination of content serves not just as supplemental material but as a valuable expansion of the film’s universe and production story, although leaving viewers possibly wanting more in terms of depth and breadth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes offering extended character interactions and further insight into the plot.
• The Making of Killing Them Softly: A brief featurette discussing the film’s themes, adaptation process, and cast reflections.

Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly," a 2012 film released on Blu-ray by Anchor Bay Entertainment/The Weinstein Company, presents a noteworthy reflection on America's economic turmoil through the lens of a stylized gangster narrative. Adapted from George V. Higgins' 1974 novel "Cogan's Trade," the film weaves a tale of crime, greed, and the consequences of financial crisis, set against the backdrop of the 2008 Presidential election and the resultant economic despair. With Brad Pitt delivering a pivotal performance as Jackie Cogan, an enforcer tasked with restoring order amongst the criminal underworld, the movie effortlessly merges brutal violence with sharp political commentary, embedding its storyline within the real-world context of impending doom felt across the nation.

Dominik's craftsmanship in "Killing Them Softly" extends beyond mere storytelling, employing a mixture of sardonic humor, acute violence, and a direct engagement with socioeconomic themes that echo the director's previous work. The ensemble cast, including Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, and James Gandolfini, enhances the film's immersive quality, portraying a world where loyalty and trust are commodities as expendable as the characters themselves. The narrative's intertwining of personal vendettas with broader societal issues offers a gritty exploration of American life on the fringes, marked by compelling performances and a potent script that balances cynicism with moments of unexpected levity.

Furthermore, the film's technical aspects—marked by its release as a Blu-ray + DVD combo with minimal supplemental features—underscore its cinematic qualities, highlighting Dominik's unique visual and narrative style. While "Killing Them Softly" navigates familiar genre tropes, it stands out through its incisive commentary and the juxtaposition of crime cinema aesthetics with contemporary historical events, making it not just a gangster film but a nuanced critique of America's financial landscape. Through this blend of style and substance, Dominik challenges viewers to reflect on the parallels between the film's fictionalized crime saga and the real-world economic hardships, establishing it as a distinct piece in modern cinema that resonates beyond its immediate narrative.

Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly" stands as a seminal work in the modern noir film genre and is rightly celebrated for its distinctive approach and execution. Released on Blu-ray in the United States, the film has finally made its way into the hands of cinephiles and enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into Dominik's unique vision. The technical quality of the Blu-ray is commendable, boasting impressive picture and sound that elevate the viewing experience. However, the package is marred by a notable lack of supplemental features, which could have significantly enriched the overall appreciation of the film. An extended interview with lead actor Brad Pitt, or a deeper exploration of Dominik's process and stylistic decisions, would have been particularly beneficial.

The film itself signals a bold step forward for Andrew Dominik, marking a departure from his previous works while exploring common themes within a new stylistic framework. "Killing Them Softly" offers a nuanced take on the crime genre, eschewing typical run-and-gun narratives for a more contemplative and complex examination of crime and consequence. This approach has positioned Dominik as an auteur worth watching, as he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling within the cinematic landscape. Despite its underperformance in theatrical release, the Blu-ray edition presents an opportunity for a wider audience to engage with this thought-provoking piece, although its potential is somewhat diminished by the scant selection of special features.

In conclusion, "Killing Them Softly" on Blu-ray is a commendable release that showcases Andrew Dominik's prowess as a filmmaker and his innovative contribution to the crime genre. While the high-quality technical presentation of the film merits praise, the release falls short in offering a comprehensive insight into the creative process behind this noteworthy cinematic endeavor. The inclusion of additional supplemental materials would have greatly enhanced the value of this Blu-ray, making it truly HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for both enthusiasts of modern noir and casual viewers alike.