Election Blu-ray Review

"Election" is showcased on Blu-ray with a wide aspect ratio of 2.35:1 to 2.39:1, utilizing MPEG-4 AVC 1080p encoding that captures the intricate details and the sophisticated interplay of light that director Johnnie To intricately weaves throughout this dark narrative. The video quality exhibits a variable presentation where scenes bathed in natural light reveal a surprising level of depth and detail, from the nuanced greyscale of characters' suits to the vivid reds in ceremonial scenes, and even the stark detail in mundane settings like a butcher’s shop. However, this clarity is not consistent across all scenarios. Indoor and dimly lit sequences often fall prey to a lack of sharpness and clarity, with shadow details sometimes losing their definition, leading to moments where the viewing experience might feel slightly compromised.

The color palette of the movie leans heavily towards subdued hues – grays, light blues, yellows, and blacks – presumably as an artistic choice to complement the film's overarching gloomy aesthetic. Despite this restriction, the transfer handles these elements well, occasionally allowing for eye-catching moments that punctuate the otherwise dark narrative. While there is an evident presence of film grain and minor print damage, such as speckles and a few minor specks, along with a hint of edge enhancement, these aspects do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Rare instances of what could be perceived as DVD-quality visuals and slight overcompression are observed but happen infrequently enough not to mar the overall high-definition experience.

Technical anomalies aside, including some mild edge enhancement and macroblocking concerns that don't overly affect viewing pleasure, "Election's" Blu-ray presentation by Panorama manages to deliver a visually engaging experience that respects the film's complex visual construction and intended atmospheric depth. The transfer navigates the challenging balance between maintaining fidelity to the original theatrical presentation and adapting to the home viewing environment, suggesting a careful consideration of both artistic intent and audience engagement. This Region-Free disc’s performance on various setups, including through digital projectors, indicates a respectable effort in bringing Johnnie To's vision to home audiences with an appreciable level of authenticity and immersion.

The audio presentation of "Election" on Blu Ray offers an exemplary dts HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that showcases an impressive array of soundscapes, making it a feast for the ears of audiophiles and cinema fans alike. From the get-go, the mix excels in creating a vivid auditory experience, with ambient effects like chanting monks and whirring ceiling fans enveloping the viewer from all sides. Additionally, the nuanced sounds such as Uncle Teng's labored breathing and the unsettling crunch of a ceramic spoon showcase the attention to detail in the mix. The dialogue is consistently crisp and maintains its clarity against the backdrop of both high-octane action sequences and Tayu Lo's striking score, ensuring that every word is easily discernable without losing to the competition of background scores or effects.

Tayu Lo's score is nothing short of a revelation, enhancing the tension and dynamic of action scenes with a blend of guitar pieces underscored by the deep tones of skin drums, creating a novel auditory experience. This is complemented by innovative uses of maracas and Chinese cymbals adding depth and texture to the soundscape. The uncompressed mix allows for a lush presentation of these musical elements, fully utilizing the capabilities of the surround setup to envelope the listener in an immersive sonic world.

On comparison, while the Blu Ray also includes Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1 and Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks, the Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands superior in both dynamism and clarity. The latter excels in rendering Lo Tayu's soundtrack with exceptional fidelity, showcasing marked differences in quality when compared to its Dolby Digital counterpart, particularly in music's dynamic range. The provision of subtitles in multiple languages, appearing within the image frame without distracting from the visuals, also complements the auditory experience by ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Election" offer an in-depth look at the making of this Hong Kong cinematic gem, albeit mostly harvested from its Special Edition DVD counterpart. Despite being in standard definition, the collection remains invaluable, covering a wide spectrum of behind-the-scenes insights. Interviews with director Johnnie To and key cast members such as Simon Yam, Tony Leung Ka Fai, and Tian-lin Wang shed light on their experiences and character explorations within the triad-themed storyline. Especially notable is To's detailed account of film-making processes and triad culture insights. The making-of documentary extends this exploration, providing broader context on Hong Kong's cinematic portrayal of triads. Uniquely, a brief photo montage from Cannes adds a touch of international acclaim to the package. Lacking only a director's commentary, this compilation nonetheless stands as a comprehensive resource for fans and newcomers interested in the intricacies of Johnnie To's work and his depiction of triad life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Johnnie To: A comprehensive discussion covering various aspects of making 'Election'.
• Interview with Simon Yam: Insights into the collaboration with Johnnie To and character development.
• Interview with Tian-lin Wang: Reflections on Oscar nomination and career highlights.
• Interview with Tony Leung Ka Fai: Thoughts on working with Johnnie To and character comparisons.
• Making Of: Introduction to the film with cast interviews and movie footage.
• Election at the Cannes Film Festival: Photo montage set to music.
• Trailers: Two trailers for the main feature.
• TV Spots: Commercials for the movie.
• Photo Gallery: Stills from the movie set to music.

Johnnie To's critically acclaimed gangster drama, Election, released in 2005 and now presented on Blu-ray by Panorama, dives deep into the intricate and perilous world of the Wo Shing Society, a formidable triad facing an internal power struggle as it seeks a new chairman. With nominees being the young, strategically minded Lok (played by Simon Yam) and the brash, self-interested Big D (Tony Leung Ka Fai), the film unfolds a complex narrative that explores ambition, loyalty, and the unyielding power dynamics within the triad. As the story progresses from the tense election to the violent aftermath and eventual resolution, To's direction ensures that the political machinations within the Wo Shing Society take center stage, eschewing traditional action-packed sequences for a more nuanced look into organized crime, its inherent conflicts, and the personal vendettas that threaten its very existence.

Election has received recognition not only for its compelling storytelling but also for its technical merits. The cinematography by Cheng Siu-keung offers a visually stunning experience that combines simplicity with sophistication, utilizing light and shadow to enhance the emotional depth of the election process and ensuing power struggles. Patrick Tam’s editing is precise and effective, crafting a pace that keeps viewers engaged despite the complexity of the plot and the multitude of characters. Moreover, Lo Tayu’s score introduces an exceptional auditory layer to the film, adding a new-age sensibility that complements its modern take on triad narratives. Unlike many films in its genre, Election does not glorify crime but instead provides a raw, unfiltered look into the mechanics of triad societies.

Despite its initially challenging character roster and complex interrelations within the Wo Shing Society, Election becomes increasingly compelling as its story unfolds, revealing itself as a meticulously crafted film that challenges and subverts the norms of its genre. Audience expectations for generic gangster thrills are recalibrated towards appreciating a gripping drama that lays bare the soul of organized crime, backed by strong performances and a directorial vision that portrays the triad world with an unprecedented level of realism and insight. As such, Election stands out not just as a pivotal work in Johnnie To's filmography but as a landmark in modern cinema's portrayal of crime and power.

The Blu Ray release of Johnnie To's "Election" managed to echo the distinctiveness and high caliber that has come to be expected of To's filmography, a testament to why his works frequently grace the screens of the Cannes Film Festival. This particular release harnesses a palpable moody ambiance and a captivating narrative that propels "Election" beyond just a crime genre piece into a memorable cinematic experience. The transfer shines in showcasing the film's unique stylistic nuances, preserving its gritty, atmospheric visuals and the director’s meticulous attention to detail which plays a pivotal role in crafting the film's immersive world.

Technically, this Blu Ray edition stands out for its meticulous preservation of both audio and visual elements, ensuring that aficionados and first-time viewers alike are treated to an exceptional viewing experience. The clarity and depth of the image quality do justice to the film’s moody cinematography, while the audio track envelops the viewer, enhancing the immersion within the film’s intense, complex narrative. This combination of superior technicality with the film’s inherent narrative strength and stylistic flair makes this edition a must-have for both collectors and enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity cinematic experiences at home.

In conclusion, the Blu Ray presentation of "Election" is an exemplary release that not only brings Johnnie To's unique cinematic vision into sharp relief but does so with notable technical prowess. It is highly recommended for its ability to encapsulate the essence of To's storytelling and aesthetic innovation, presenting it in a format that respects and amplifies the original work's quality and impact. Whether you're revisiting or discovering "Election," this edition ensures a profound and engaging viewing journey.