Salt Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray edition of "Salt" is a mixed bag but leans into high-quality territory. The 1080p high-definition transfer is mostly exceptional, showcasing fine detailing and depth throughout. Faces reveal intricate textures, capturing nuances even in the actors’ complexions. Cityscapes, concrete, street signs, and building façades are rendered with remarkable clarity, bringing out a sense of immersion. However, the transfer isn't without flaws; some elements appear slightly soft and colors occasionally seem washed out, primarily during the film's early scenes or flashbacks. These issues seem to be a result of filmmaker intent rather than technical failures. A light layer of grain enhances the film-like texture, making for a visually appealing experience.

Colors in "Salt" are accurately represented but tend to be subdued, which removes some of the high-def 'pop' expected from top-tier action films. While hues aren't dazzlingly bright, they handle the grays of urban environments and various hair colors with reasonable precision. Flesh tones remain natural, although contrast tends to be slightly muted, leading to a somewhat flat visual impression. Black levels are adequate but lack the desired inky depth, with occasional digital noise creeping into solid objects like the sky. Despite these minor shortcomings, the image maintains impressive clarity in close-ups and background details, avoiding common issues such as banding and aliasing.

Overall, while "Salt" may not reach the pinnacle of Blu-ray demo material, it stands as a commendable effort that delivers a largely satisfying visual experience. The transfer effectively balances detail and clarity, though it could benefit from richer contrasts and more vibrant colors to fully engage viewers.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Salt" is a masterclass in dynamic and immersive sound design, encapsulated by its exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. From the moment the heavy metal doors of a North Korean prison slam open, the listener is transported into an aural world that is both thrilling and meticulously crafted. The surround channels deliver an enveloping 360-degree sound field, effectively placing the listener in the center of the action. Explosions and gunfire are rendered with stunning clarity and power, while low-frequency effects, such as the rumbling of a subway train or motorcycle, are deep and smooth without feeling overpowering.

The audio's balance is particularly commendable, managing to weave atmospherics, music, and sound effects into a seamless auditory experience. This balance ensures that no single element drowns out another, even in the most intense action sequences. Minute details, from office chatter to echoing voices, are integrated flawlessly into the mix, thereby enhancing the overall sense of immersion. Dialogue is centered and clear, maintaining its integrity amidst the cacophony of sound effects.

Special mention must be made of James Newton Howard's pulsating score, which runs through the film with both power and nuance. Despite minor instances where dialogue contains excessive bass, the spoken word remains crystal clear. The mix's ability to manage stereo separation up front adds an extra dimension to conversations and background effects, enriching the overall spatial experience. Overall, "Salt's" sound mix exemplifies what modern-day action thrillers on Blu-ray should aspire to achieve.

The Blu-ray release of "Salt" offers a comprehensive collection of extras, providing an in-depth view into the making of the film and its various elements. Director Phillip Noyce's commentary stands out for its insightful exploration of the film's development, historical influences, and intricate details about the shooting process. The Spy Cam feature, while occasionally informative, lacks frequency but still delivers valuable behind-the-scenes content. Several high-definition featurettes elaborate on topics such as Angelina Jolie's dedication to her role, the meticulous creation of her varied disguises, and the realistic portrayal of Cold War-era espionage. A notable addition is the in-depth piece "Salt: Declassified," which delves deep into character development, production challenges, and the film's post-Cold War context. This array of extras adds significant value to the Blu-ray, making it a commendable offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmakers Commentary: In-depth insights from Director Phillip Noyce and team.
• Spy Disguise: The Looks of Evelyn Salt: Exploration of Jolie’s character appearances.
• False Identity: Creating A New Reality: Overview of digital effects.
• The Ultimate Female Action Hero: Highlights Jolie’s performance and stunt work.
• The Real Agents: Former spies discuss Cold War espionage.
• The Modern Master of the Political Thriller: Phillip Noyce: Insights from the director and cast.
• SALT: Declassified: Comprehensive dive into film dynamics and production.
• Spy Cam: Picture-in-Picture: Behind-the-scenes content during film playback.
• Trailers: Previews for multiple films.
• BD Live enabled
• movie IQ

"Salt," directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Angelina Jolie, is a contemporary espionage thriller that skillfully blends slick action sequences with a compelling narrative packed with unexpected twists. Jolie excels as CIA officer Evelyn Salt, who, after being accused by a defector of being a Russian sleeper spy, goes on the run to clear her name. The film's storyline is its strongest asset, transitioning from what initially seems like a generic spy plot into a refreshingly unpredictable journey. Noyce and writer Kurt Wimmer expertly subvert genre conventions, delivering a film that continually keeps the audience guessing. This dynamic approach is bolstered by Noyce's sharp direction and beautifully choreographed action scenes that remain grounded enough to enhance their tension and excitement.

Jolie's performance as Salt anchors the film. Initially appearing stilted, her portrayal gains depth as the narrative progresses, revealing the complexities of her character and supporting the film's tension-filled atmosphere. She masterfully transitions from being a wronged agent to a relentless force aiming to uncover the truth and protect her loved ones. The supporting cast, including Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor, also deliver noteworthy performances, although their roles are more straightforward in comparison. The film skillfully weaves high-octane action scenes with nuanced character development, ensuring that each surprise feels earned and impactful.

Despite some criticisms regarding the predictability of its action movie clichés and seemingly superhuman stunts, "Salt" provides a robust, entertaining experience for fans of the thriller genre. It deftly balances intelligence and action, making it a standout in an otherwise crowded field of espionage films. While it may not redefine the genre or reach Oscar contention, "Salt" remains a finely polished production that showcases Phillip Noyce's direction and Angelina Jolie's undeniable star power.

Phillip Noyce's "Salt" delivers a high-octane thriller that merges top-tier action sequences with an engaging, although somewhat predictable plot. Angelina Jolie's performance exudes an alluring charisma, adding significant appeal despite the film's moments of implausibility. The narrative features numerous twists and turns, ensuring that genre enthusiasts remain captivated from start to finish. Sony's Blu-ray release excels in both technical and content aspects, offering pristine video and audio quality that significantly enhances the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray package is particularly commendable for its extensive supplemental materials, including three different versions of the film - the original theatrical cut, a director's cut, and an extended version. While the runtime across these versions remains fairly consistent, they provide ample content for fans to explore the subtleties and variations in Noyce's vision. The action scenes are impressively choreographed, maintaining a high level of excitement throughout, though some viewers may find the storyline veers into the realm of the fantastical, with Jolie’s character exhibiting near-superhuman endurance and skill.

Conclusion

Sony’s Blu-ray presentation of "Salt" is notable for its exceptional audio-visual quality and comprehensive extras, making it a valuable addition for action-thriller aficionados. While the film itself may require a suspension of disbelief and is better enjoyed without overanalyzing its plot, it remains a highly entertaining watch. Whether as a rental or a purchase, particularly for those who appreciated its theatrical release, "Salt" offers both excitement and replay value, solidifying its recommendation for a broad audience.