Secret in Their Eyes Blu-ray Review

The video quality of "Secret in Their Eyes" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag but leans towards the positive. Rendered in 2.40:1 aspect ratio and encoded in MPEG-4 AVC, the presentation benefits from sharp edges and crisp definition, offering a wealth of fine detail during wider shots. Colors fluctuate between warm, vivid tones and cooler, more neutral shades, which appears to be an intentional choice to define visual boundaries effectively. Notably, the film's black levels are rich and deep, adding a visually dynamic aesthetic with slightly boosted contrast that does not compromise image fidelity. Low-lit scenes may exhibit some softness, yet this remains non-problematic overall. Fortunately, banding and macroblocking issues are minimal to non-existent.

However, the transition back to 1080p from recent experiences with UHD Blu-rays does highlight certain shortcomings. Despite the generally pristine quality, some scenes appear oversaturated with reds running too hard and instances of black crush. The fine details can feel lacking in texture, particularly with facial features which sometimes come across as flat and lifeless compared to higher resolution counterparts. Background noise is noticeable but not overly distracting, aligning with typical performance from Arri Alexa XT Plus cameras. Nonetheless, basic clothing and environmental details are adequately sharp, ensuring that general image clarity remains satisfactory.

Overall, while "Secret in Their Eyes" may not reach the high marks set by some UHD presentations, its Blu-ray release still delivers a solid high-definition experience. The video transfer accommodates both indoor and outdoor sequences well, sustaining clarity, depth, and color reproduction where necessary. Flesh tones maintain strong textures, and the viewer experience is largely unmarred by aliasing or other common artifacts. Universal's transfer stands as above-average within 1080p standards, despite its minor drawbacks in finer details and color handling.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "Secret in Their Eyes" demonstrates impressive handling of the film's dialogue-driven elements. Vocals are delivered with discernible inflection, clear room penetration, and tonal accuracy. Capture of low-level detail ensures even the faintest spoken passages and background ambient sounds stand out distinctly. While predominantly front-oriented, the soundstage occasionally broadens through effectively mixed music and discrete sound effects. Despite not being heavily action-packed, the track's dynamic range shines during pivotal sequences, adding substantial punch.

The audio presentation meets the film's demands with good definition and meticulous attention to detail. Music is not omnipresent but, when utilized, features nicely detailed notes and well-spaced arrangement across the frontal soundstage with minimal back-channel involvement. The track enriches the cinematic environment with subtle sonic details such as office clatter, chirping birds, and PA announcements. Key immersive effects like crowd cheers at a Dodgers game or the rumbling of prison doors enhance the experience, although gunshots slightly lack authenticity but still provide enough impact. Dialogue reproduction is prioritized with natural clarity and centered dominance.

While not extensively action-oriented, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track serves its purpose effectively—delivering crisp dialogue primarily upfront while rear channels contribute ambient noise and musical embellishment for a satisfying auditory experience. The soundtrack utilizes moments of low-frequency extension well, particularly during scenes featuring gunfire and other significant events. The overall center-focused presentation is supported by ambient noise and score leveraging surrounding channels efficiently. There are no apparent glitches or audio issues, ensuring a seamless listening experience. Subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, and French for additional accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "Secret in Their Eyes" offer a concise set of special features that enrich the viewing experience despite their brevity. The highlight is the audio commentary by Director/Screenwriter Billy Ray and Producer Mark Johnson, providing in-depth insights on themes, performances, and production nuances, albeit with some instances of self-congratulatory remarks. Complementing this, two brief but informative featurettes provide additional context. "Adapting the Story for Today’s World" explores the adaptation process and introduces key actors and their roles. Meanwhile, "Julia Roberts Discusses Her Most Challenging Role" delves into the emotional gravity and behind-the-scenes details of a pivotal scene. The package is rounded out with a DVD copy and a Digital HD Copy for added viewing flexibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• Adapting the Story for Today’s World: A brief look into the American adaptation of the film.
• Julia Roberts Discusses Her Most Challenging Role: Julia Roberts delves into her emotionally intense role.
• Filmmaker Audio Commentary: Director Billy Ray and Producer Mark Johnson discuss various production aspects.
• Bonus DVD
• Digital HD Copy

"Secret in Their Eyes" is a tale replete with intricate timelines and emotional devastation, centering on FBI counter-terrorism investigator Ray Karsten (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who spends 13 years obsessively searching for the killer of his colleague Jess Cobb’s (Julia Roberts) teenage daughter. Alternating between events shortly after the September 11 attacks and the present day, the film intertwines personal vendettas with procedural rigor. Despite the compelling premise and A-list cast that includes Nicole Kidman as Assistant DA Claire Sloan, the movie often falls flat due to its emotionally vacant approach and reliance on procedural elements. Julia Roberts delivers a vulnerable performance, yet the film’s reliance on actor skill to flesh out the story does not compensate for its otherwise lackluster script.

Director Billy Ray adapts this film from the book "El secreto de sus Ojos," previously made into an Oscar-winning Spanish-language film by Juan José Campanella. Unfortunately, this re-imagining lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor, leaning heavily on a non-linear narrative that unnecessarily complicates the storytelling. The constant timeline shifts do provide an effortless flow, aiding viewer understanding of the sequence of events, yet also reveal gaps in logical consistency. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Nicole Kidman work hard to create chemistry, but their romance angle adds little to the story’s weight. Supporting characters, portrayed by actors like Dean Norris and Alfred Molina, remain underdeveloped, offering minimal value beyond advancing the plot.

Despite powerful performances in key scenes—such as Roberts’ emotionally charged moments and an intense interrogation scene with Kidman—the film predominantly slogs through its narrative. Ejiofor’s portrayal of Ray stands out as a testament to his acting prowess, though he is frequently undermined by a script rife with questionable tactics and implausibilities. This imbalance stymies what could have been a gripping thriller, leaving instead a procedural that spikes in critical moments but ultimately fails to maintain sustained interest. In essence, "Secret in Their Eyes" manages to captivate briefly yet remains entrenched in mediocrity, rendering its impressive talent underutilized.

"Secret in Their Eyes" on Blu-ray presents an intriguing yet ultimately underwhelming cinematic experience. The film, featuring a stellar cast including Roberts and Kidman, shows glimpses of potential but falls short in executing its promising narrative. The screenplay is fraught with implausibilities, diluting the emotional impact and cohesiveness of the story. Despite these shortcomings, the performances offer occasional sparks of brilliance, which mitigates but doesn’t fully rescue the overall lack of engagement.

Technically, the Blu-ray provides satisfactory audiovisual quality. The 1080p video is decent, though not exceptional, exhibiting a competent level of detail and clarity. The lossless soundtrack complements the viewing experience adequately but fails to leave a lasting impression. Supplementary materials include a commentary track and two brief featurettes, which are informative but rather sparse given the film’s potential for deeper exploration.

In conclusion, "Secret in Their Eyes" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag. It has the foundation of a compelling thriller but falters in its execution. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray are commendable, although the special features leave much to be desired. For those interested in a casual watch, it may suffice, but for a truly gripping experience, the original classic is highly recommended.