A Single Shot Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "A Single Shot" is characterized by a moody, cooler palette that effectively aligns with the film's somber narrative. Encoded in 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, it maintains good color fidelity, with primary colors appearing satisfying and skin tones lifelike. The film’s intentional use of a drab aesthetic, marked by a slate gray and blue color grading, enhances the stifling mood but occasionally sacrifices some of its potential visual pop. Close-up shots are where the transfer truly shines, revealing fine detail, though this clarity diminishes in wider and low-light scenes. Overall resolution is commendable despite the inherent softness in some elements.

Shot on 35mm, the source material is in excellent condition, free of overt video anomalies or compression artifacts. Contrast is well-managed with stable blacks, although they can appear somewhat blue in darker scenes. Shadow detail remains solid without showing significant crush. Several sequences shot in near-complete darkness do result in scenes where visual information is sparse, slightly detracting from the viewing experience. Minimal noise and digital artifacts occasionally surface in these darker areas, but these instances are rare and not overly distracting.

Overall, "A Single Shot" boasts a mostly fitting transfer that stays true to its dreary, atmospheric style. The encoding is pristine, ensuring a high-quality audiovisual experience despite the film’s inherently muted and low-light visual approach. The balance in contrast, coupled with natural flesh tones and well-handled colors in brighter scenes, wraps this transfer into a package that, while not razor-sharp in every aspect, respectably honors the director's vision.

The audio presentation of "A Single Shot" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and an optional Dolby Digital 2.0 track, excels in delivering an immersive and nuanced sound experience. Dialogue is generally clear and well-articulated, though occasional softness and mumbling may be attributed more to performance quirks than technical flaws. The soundtrack showcases an impressive dynamic range, with ambient environmental effects such as wind, birds, and other natural sounds effectively dispersed throughout the soundstage. This enhances the film's desolate and tense atmosphere.

Notably, specific sound effects such as gunshots, ringing phones, and passing trains deliver a powerful auditory punch, supported by deep low-frequency effects that add solidity and realism. Atli Orvasson's brooding score, characterized by throbbing low frequencies in tense moments, fills the surround channels effectively, contributing to an overall immersive experience. While the film's sound design is generally restrained, it bursts into life during critical scenes, utilizing the entire soundstage to create an engaging and enveloping acoustic environment.

In terms of technical execution, the soundtrack is meticulously crafted, with sound effects well-placed within the sound field to enhance the narrative impact. The low-frequency effects are utilized judiciously, lending depth and presence to key moments without overwhelming the quieter, atmospheric elements. The presentation serves the source material well, providing a delicate yet forceful auditory experience that complements the film's gradual escalation in tension. Overall, "A Single Shot" delivers a compelling audio experience on Blu-ray, embodying both subtlety and intensity in its sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "A Single Shot" offers a robust collection of extras that provide an engaging and insightful look behind the scenes. The centerpiece is the "Making Of" featurette, a 26-minute documentary presented in 1080i with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound. This feature delves into various aspects of the film's production, including story inspirations, the adaptation process, and the neo-noir visual style. It is enriched with cast and crew interviews, including laudable mentions of Sam Rockwell. Supplementing this are separate standard-definition interviews with Rockwell and William H. Macy, where they discuss their roles, motivations, and work experiences on the film. Additionally, the package includes a high-definition trailer of the movie. Each element contributes to a comprehensive appreciation of the film's creative journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Behind-the-scenes documentary with interviews and production footage.
• Interviews with Crew & Cast:
  • David Rosenthal
  • Eduard Grau
  • Sam Rockwell
  • William H. Macy
  • Jeffrey Wright
  • Ted Levine
  • Jason Isaacs
  • Kelly Reilly
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer in high-definition.

John Moon (Sam Rockwell), an unemployed and estranged man, relies on his rural lifestyle in the Appalachian mountains. A hunting accident leads him to a horrifying discovery of a woman’s body and a hidden stash of cash. Seizing this windfall as a chance to win back his wife, Moira (Kelly Reilly), Moon’s hopes are quickly dashed when word spreads and he becomes a target for dangerous criminals seeking their lost money.

Visually, "A Single Shot" is atmospheric, using extended scenes devoid of dialogue to capture John’s isolated existence. The film evokes noir sensibilities and Southern gothic dread, reminiscent of "Winter's Bone" and "Deliverance". Despite slow pacing and some generic plot elements, director David M. Rosenthal crafts an immersive tone with methodical editing and bleak imagery, transforming the rugged landscape into a character itself. Performances shine, particularly Rockwell’s largely non-verbal portrayal filled with nuanced action and reaction.

Matthew F. Jones' screenplay distills the story into a tense cat-and-mouse game emphasizing paranoia. The supporting cast, including William H. Macy’s quirky attorney and Jeffrey Wright’s troubled friend Simon, add depth to the narrative’s dark world. Despite some underdeveloped characters and familiar themes, "A Single Shot" delivers a compelling, if gradual, journey through moral ambiguity and survival instincts in a deadly wilderness.

"A Single Shot" is an intense, devastating film that thrives on its unique atmospheric tension and sporadic dialogue. Sam Rockwell delivers a compelling performance as John Moon, portraying a deeply conflicted individual whose attempts to right his life are thwarted by poor decisions. The film's claustrophobic ambiance plays out fittingly against the backdrop of the ever-present, moody wilderness, captured with precision on the Blu-ray. However, the film's visual presentation, while generally organic and authentic, is hampered by an almost unrelenting darkness, occasionally obscuring crucial on-screen actions.

On the narrative front, "A Single Shot" is a solid but somewhat uneven crime thriller. Although the cast brings considerable depth to their roles and the dark, brooding style suits the story’s themes, the plot suffers from familiar tropes and a dragging pace at times. Technical merits include a competent video transfer marked by some occasional artifacts and a robust audio mix that enhances the film's gritty tone. The extras, while not extensive, offer insightful behind-the-scenes content and interviews that provide a glimpse into the production process.

In conclusion, "A Single Shot" on Blu-ray presents a competent entry in the crime thriller genre, supported by stellar performances and meticulous production values. Although its narrative isn’t groundbreaking and the presentation sometimes falters in clarity, it remains an engaging watch. The strong technical specs and thoughtful extras make it a solid recommendation for thriller enthusiasts.