Chocolate

The Blu-ray presentation of "Chocolate" showcases a high-definition video with a distinctive visual aesthetic. Its considered use of a reserved chromatic palette, primarily in interior and darker sequences, emphasizes sepia tones and muted primaries, while outdoor scenes burst with bolder colors and deeper saturation. The transfer, presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded with VC-1 for the US release by Magnolia Pictures, mirrors the quality seen in the UK version by Showbox, albeit with a differing encoding method (MPEG-4 AVC for the UK). Notably, the image quality boasts excellent contrast, brightness levels, and deeply punchy blacks. Flesh tones, despite sometimes appearing bland possibly due to filtering rather than encoding issues, maintain sufficient complexity.

Detail and clarity across the presentation are commendable, with close-ups displaying appreciable texture and subtle refinement, allowing for excellent delineation. Wide angle shots extend this promise of quality through impressive depth and sharp resolution that holds consistently across the board, with a clean transfer free from compression or video-related artifacts. However, it's worth noting the presence of digital noise in scenes dominated by green or yellow hues, most evident in specific locations such as the meat-packing plant and during intense action sequences. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the transfer does not suffer from disturbing debris, scratches, or signs of digital noise reduction, ensuring a largely healthy visual experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Chocolate" ensures that both aficionados and newcomers to Prachya Pinkaew's work will appreciate the technical prowess of its video presentation. With a careful balance of color schemes intact and an overall impressive detail and depth, it's a solid release, region-free and ready to be appreciated globally on any compatible player without geographical limitations. This technical consideration extends the film's reach, promising an engaging viewing experience rooted in both its visual storytelling and high-definition transfer quality.

The Blu-Ray release of "Chocolate" boasts an exceptional audio presentation, consistently lauded for its high-resolution DTS-HD Master Audio. Particularly impressive is the Thai DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, which, when compared to the Dolby Digital 5.1 alternative, showcases superior depth and fidelity, bringing the film's dynamic action sequences to life with considerable impact. Viewers are treated to a mix that balances intensity with nuance, from the richly textured dialogue to the meticulously detailed ambient sounds. The differentiation in audio channels facilitates an immersive experience, especially noted in the tactile rendering of sound effects—be it the shattering of glass or the clash of swords—all contributing to a palpable bass presence that elevates the tension and excitement throughout.

The audio tracks available on this Blu-Ray include both English and Thai in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 formats. This selection accommodates a broad spectrum of preferences, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the film in high quality, regardless of their language choice. Despite the availability of these versions, the original Thai DTS-HD Master Audio track stands out for its authentic delivery and robust performance across the dynamic range. Dialogue clarity is unwavering, with no detectable dropouts or quality issues, enhancing the overall viewing experience without sacrificing the integrity of the film's sound design.

Distinctive efforts in mixing and mastering have fashioned a sound stage that not only captures the essence of the film’s score—with its striking contrasts between tranquil melodies and vigorous compositions—but also engages listeners directly in the midst of action-packed sequences. The English dub tracks maintain technical parity in dynamics and rear-channel activity with their Thai counterparts, albeit without matching the original’s vocal subtleties. Nonetheless, the inclusion of English and Spanish subtitles ensures accessibility for a diverse audience. As a comprehensive auditory experience, Chocolate's Blu-Ray release excels, offering a richly layered soundtrack that commendably complements the visual spectacle, making it a standout choice for aficionados seeking a premier home theater auditory experience.

The extra content of the Blu-ray edition of "Chocolate" caters especially to those fascinated by the art behind cinematic fight choreography and the athletic prowess required for martial arts films. Highlighted by a standard 9-minute "Making of Chocolate" documentary, the extras delve into the rigorous preparation and skillful execution showcased by lead actress JeeJa Yanin. Director Prachya Pinkaew provides insightful commentary on the intricacies of shooting the film's key fighting scenes, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the creative process. Additionally, the inclusion of HD previews from Magnolia HE gives a glimpse into the broader repertoire of Magnolia Pictures releases, enriching the overall viewing experience for fans of the genre.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Chocolate: A documentary focusing on JeeJa Yanin's preparation and execution of her role, alongside director Prachya Pinkaew's insights on the film's fight choreography.
• HD Previews from Magnolia HE: A compilation of trailers for other Magnolia Pictures releases.

In "Chocolate," a unique and compelling narrative unfolds as an autistic girl embarks on a tumultuous journey to settle her mother's old debts, driven by a pressing need to fund her medical expenses. Directed by Thai action connoisseur Prachya Pinkaew, renowned for his work on "Ong-bak," the film, despite not reaching the technical finesse of Pinkaew's previous masterpieces, still delivers a powerful punch with its well-choreographed fight scenes. Starring JeeJa Yanin in an unforgettable role, the movie intricately balances the raw emotions of its characters against the backdrop of gritty underworld dealings involving Yakuza ties and a diverse cast that includes a Japanese killer (Hiroshi Abe) and a terminally ill mother (Ammara Siripong).

Technically, "Chocolate" showcases Pinkaew’s continuous exploration of the martial arts genre, blending intense action with cinematic homage, notably to Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill." Its strength lies in the electrifying combat sequences that compensate for the film's narrative simplicity and editing hiccups. The action scenes are both breathtaking and visceral, punctuated by a dedication to realism without reliance on special effects wizardry. Remarkably, this ethos of authenticity extends to the performances, especially Yanin's, whose physical commitment to her role stands out as a testament to the film's dedication to martial arts authenticity.

However, "Chocolate" does grapple with its pacing and cohesiveness, particularly in its initial scenes which suffer from erratic editing, making parts of the narrative feel disjointed like extended TV commercials. This, coupled with a lack of chemistry among some of the main characters, occasionally detracts from the film’s overall impact. Still, for fans of the genre and admirers of Pinkaew’s work, "Chocolate" offers enough high-octane action and innovative stunt work to be considered a worthwhile watch. The movie reiterates Pinkaew's ability to craft visually stunning fight sequences that are capable of elevating a straightforward story into something memorable for martial arts cinema enthusiasts.

In a detailed assessment of the Blu-ray presentation of "Chocolate," the technical setup utilized for viewing encompassed a high-caliber array of equipment, including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and a Carada Precision Brilliant White 96 Screen, promising an exceptional viewing experience. The playback devices used offered a wide range of formats and connectivity, from the Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player to the Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-ray disc player, all connected through premium HDMI Audio/Video interfaces. The audio was equally prioritized with an immersive setup featuring Canton Ergo Series and Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers, driven by the Marantz DV7001 Universal Disc Player and Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor, ensuring a dynamic soundstage.

The visual quality was further enhanced by the meticulous selection of cabling from manufacturers such as Wireworld and Audioquest, aimed at providing the clearest and most unadulterated signal from source to display. The power management and conditioning systems, including the APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector and the Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator, ensured that all components operated under optimal electrical conditions, thereby safeguarding against any potential quality degradation due to power fluctuations.

In conclusion, despite personal reservations regarding the film's content, the technical merits of "Chocolate" on Blu-ray are undeniable. The dedication to a high-grade viewing setup significantly enhances the film's visual and auditory presentation, making it a notable viewing experience. JeeJa Yanin's exceptional performance is highlighted impressively due to this meticulous arrangement. While its storyline may not appeal to everyone, the overall quality of its Blu-ray presentation warrants acknowledgment and could well be recommended for those who appreciate cinema through a tech-savvy lens.