I Kill Giants Blu-ray Review

"I Kill Giants" presents an outstanding Blu-ray video transfer, primarily leveraging the virtues of digital capture via Arri Alexa cameras. The 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation from RLJ Entertainment stands out with razor-sharp details and impeccable clarity. Scenic exteriors, mainly filmed in Ireland and Brussels, exhibit reference-quality sharpness. The movie's color grading favors teal tones and darker lighting, a distinction that enhances the narrative's thematic duality. Though the encoding is limited at a modest 17.99 Mbps bitrate due to a BD-25 disc, the lack of noise, artifacts, and banding—except for a few fleeting instances—underscores the capable compression.

The film's visuals combine everyday naturalism with striking special effects sequences. The predominant palette is subdued, switching to more intense tones when Barbara's alternate reality takes over. The depth and definition achieved are comparable to top-tier Hollywood releases, affirming the quality of the digital cinematography. A standout feature is the black levels; shadow details are remarkably rendered, enhancing scenes involving CGI creatures and night-time sequences without losing clarity. Colors pop vibrantly, especially in outdoor scenes featuring sunlight and lush green landscapes.

Despite the overall visual excellence, one minor shortcoming lies in the quality of the CGI monsters, which somewhat lack the visual impact seen in contemporary films. Nevertheless, the blending of real-world elements with CGI in Barbara’s fantastical universe is seamless and technically impressive. The visual storytelling aids significantly in portraying Barbara's struggle to distinguish fact from fiction, further cementing "I Kill Giants" as a visually compelling Blu-ray experience.

The audio presentation of "I Kill Giants" on Blu-ray delivers an impressively immersive experience via its DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. The strong orchestral score by Laurent Perez Del Mar enhances the film's fantasy and adventure elements, with fine dynamics and a naturally expansive soundstage. Deep bass extension is particularly notable during moments involving giants, manifesting an ample, immersive bass response that gives these scenes a palpable sense of scale and weight. Environmental ambiance is effectively rendered through the surrounds, creating the sensation of being at the beach or within a dense forest, while wind and trees blowing add to the comprehensive atmospheric immersion.

Dialogue throughout the movie remains crisp and intelligible, standing out clearly even when dramatic or fantastical elements intensify. This clarity is essential for maintaining engagement and ensuring the narrative is easily followed. The soundtrack's design is far from subtle but in this context works to its advantage, making it particularly appealing to younger audiences who will appreciate the enhanced audio dynamics during fantasy scenes. Overall sound levels are well-balanced, providing a listening experience that feels generous while remaining focused and direct.

While not quite reaching reference-quality material, "I Kill Giants" demonstrates that a well-crafted audio mix does not necessitate a massive budget. The creative use of the LFE channel and selective employment of bass ensures an engaging, richly textured soundscape. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are clearly presented inside the 2.40:1 frame, further aiding accessibility without detracting from the visual experience. This DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix demonstrates thoughtful attention to detail and underscores the effectiveness of expert sound design in enhancing cinematic storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "I Kill Giants" includes a collection of insightful extras that delve into both the source material and the production process. Two featurettes, "The Making of I Kill Giants" and "Anatomy of a Scene," offer valuable perspectives from the cast and crew, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s creation and visual effects. Additionally, an exclusive first chapter of Joe Kelly’s graphic novel serves as a unique bonus, enriching the viewer's understanding of the storyline and its adaptation. The disc also features a gallery of production stills, giving fans a closer look at the film’s visual composition.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of I Kill Giants: Interviews with the cast and crew.
• Anatomy of a Scene: Barbara's battle with the giant she identifies as Titan.
• I Kill Giants Graphic Novel: Chapter 1: Digital version of the graphic novel's first chapter.
• Photo Gallery: Eighteen production stills.

"I Kill Giants," a European-produced fantasy drama, stands out with a unique narrative approach driven by a female protagonist, young Barbara Thorson, played convincingly by Madison Wolfe. Wolfe's portrayal lends the character a complex blend of precocity and tragedy, essential for the film's impact. Directed by Anders Walter, the movie adeptly merges Barbara's fantastical world with tangible reality, much like Jeff Nichols' "Take Shelter." Filmed in Ireland and Belgium, the setting adds a surreal layer that accentuates Barbara's escapist fantasies. Although the film achieves a poignant emotional resonance, some challenges arise due to underwhelming CGI and occasional narrative drags.

Based on Joe Kelly's acclaimed graphic novel, with artwork by Ken Niimura, "I Kill Giants" delves deeply into Barbara's turbulent psyche. Her belief in giants, cultivated through an extensive imaginary taxonomy and arsenal of traps, positions her as an outsider in her seaside town. The script intelligently explores her relationships with her overburdened sister, Karen (Imogen Poots), and a sympathetic but underdeveloped school psychologist, Mrs. Molle (Zoe Saldana). However, Wolfe’s performance ensures that despite Barbara's often abrasive behavior, she remains a figure of empathy and intrigue.

The film deftly handles themes of loss and coping mechanisms through its fusion of reality and imagination. Barbara’s relationship with newcomer Sophia (Sydney Wade) provides a vital connection that emphasizes the disparate realities each character inhabits. While the visually immersive integration of Barbara's fantastical battles with giants enriches the narrative, her unyielding flippancy poses a challenge for viewer empathy. Despite minor shortcomings in CGI and pacing, "I Kill Giants" remains a compelling character study, marked by strong performances and a distinctive emotional core.

"I Kill Giants" presents some unique challenges in translating its source material to the screen. Barbara, portrayed by Madison Wolfe, navigates through her fantasy world, a concept that unfortunately does not transition as seamlessly from page to screen. Her character, while compelling on paper, may come across as abrasive and unlikable in the film adaptation. Despite this, Wolfe delivers a noteworthy performance, embodying the complexity and emotional depth of a young girl grappling with internal and external conflicts.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray excels with a reference-quality video transfer that faithfully captures the film's imaginative visuals. The image clarity and color reproduction are top-tier, offering a visually pleasing experience that does justice to the fantastical elements of the story. Accompanying this is an immersive audio mix that enriches the cinematic experience, making it a formidable A/V presentation. These technical achievements place "I Kill Giants" above many contemporary releases in terms of home viewing quality.

While the film revisits themes similar to those explored in "A Monster Calls," it manages to carve out its own narrative space. However, the pacing feels somewhat prolonged, potentially diluting the impact of its heartfelt message. Despite its flaws, the sincerity at its core resonates well with audiences, particularly older children and families.

"I Kill Giants" runs a little too long, but its heart is sincere, and Madison Wolfe's performance is terrific. It's a family film for older children. The Blu-ray's technical merits are satisfactory and, accordingly, recommended.