The Take Blu-ray Review

Universal's presentation of "The Take" in 1080p is an exemplary showcase of meticulous digital craftsmanship. The high definition transfer, presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio using the AVC codec, brims with clarity and precision, serving as a benchmark for digital cinematography. Facial features are rendered with lifelike complexity, capturing every pore and hair strand with striking realism. Equally impressive are the dense city environments and robust textures on clothing and weapons, which exhibit finely detailed nuances both near and far from the camera. Colors are vibrantly captured, from eye-popping primaries to earthier urban backdrops, maintaining an engaging visual punch and nuanced shading throughout. The black levels are solid with accurate flesh tones, and overall source noise is negligible, ensuring a clean and pristine viewing experience.

Complementing the vibrant color palette is the strong contrast and shadow detail, particularly evident in darker interior scenes where lighting is sparse yet effectively nuanced. The white subtitles used for the French dialogue sections are clear and easy to read, ensuring a seamless viewing experience without distraction. Universal’s prowess in preserving the theatrical aspect through this high-definition transfer is commendable, resulting in a visually impressive Blu-ray presentation of "The Take" that stands as a testament to the potential of modern digital filmmaking.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack for "The Take" is nothing short of outstanding, providing a dynamic and immersive experience that complements the film's action-packed narrative. The track is frequently intense, with explosive audio elements that offer a wide, deep auditory landscape. Music spreads effortlessly across the listening area, often pushing beyond the physical limits of the home theater environment. This track excels in creating a three-dimensional soundstage, with noticeable and occasionally aggressive surround activity that envelops the listener. Front-end dominance is prevalent but balanced well with the rear channels, ensuring an all-encompassing sonic experience.

Sound effects, particularly gunfire, explosions, and crashes, are delivered with remarkable authenticity and substantial bass presence. Gunshots, for instance, hit hard with plenty of authority and are expertly positioned to emanate from various points across the stage. The scene at the 44:40 mark stands out as a pinnacle of the audio mix, featuring an intense hit-and-run attack with a car explosion and metal siding impacts that showcase exceptional stage width and transparency. Dialogue remains clear and naturally rendered, centered and well-prioritized even amidst the most chaotic scenes. Alex Heffes' background score subtly enhances the overall experience without overshadowing the intricate layers of atmospheric effects and action elements.

The Blu-ray release of "The Take" offers a limited yet engaging set of extras that provide valuable insights into the film's production and character dynamics. The primary feature, "Making The Take," is concise but packed with content, featuring interviews with stars Idris Elba and Richard Madden who discuss their characters and their experience working together, all while retaining their natural accents. Additionally, viewers can enjoy a selection of HD promotional trailers for other intriguing titles. A code for a digital copy/Ultraviolet version is conveniently enclosed within the case for those who prefer to watch digitally.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making 'The Take': Idris Elba and Richard Madden discuss their characters and filming experiences.
• Promo Trailers: Includes trailers for "In a Valley of Violence," "Nocturnal Animals," "Loving," "Desierto," "Bleed for This," "Priceless," and "Snowden."
• Digital Copy/Ultraviolet: Code sheet enclosed.

"The Take," originally known as "Bastille Day," begins with a chillingly coincidental backdrop: just a day before the 2016 Bastille Day terror attack in Nice. This event adds a somber undercurrent to the film's storyline, which follows a catastrophic bombing incident amid Bastille Day celebrations. Directed by James Watkins, the narrative centers around Michael Mason (Richard Madden), a pickpocket who inadvertently steals a bag containing a bomb. After the bomb detonates, killing four people, Mason becomes the target of an intensive manhunt spearheaded by American CIA agent Sean Briar (Idris Elba). As the two characters evade capture and unravel the conspiracy, they become embroiled in a broader political machination gripping Paris.

Technically proficient, "The Take" aligns more closely with the action-packed, pulse-pounding style of the Bourne series than with conventional thrillers. The film is marked by high-energy sequences, including heart-stopping rooftop chases and visceral street shootouts. Its production values are notably high, capturing the dense urban backdrop of Paris seamlessly and with visual finesse. The action choreography, particularly during the cat-and-mouse chases and combat scenes, is executed with precision, maintaining viewer engagement from start to finish. Although the action isn't groundbreaking in its originality, it is stylishly rendered and consistently exciting.

Performances in "The Take" elevate it beyond typical genre fare. Idris Elba delivers a stand-out portrayal of Agent Briar, combining physicality with a nuanced humanity that sets him apart from standard action heroes. Richard Madden complements Elba well, imparting vulnerability and resourcefulness to his role as Mason. Their on-screen chemistry significantly contributes to the film's effectiveness. Supporting roles are competently handled, with Charlotte Le Bon and Kelly Reilly providing solid contributions that add depth to the narrative. Despite relying on familiar tropes and sometimes predictable plot twists, "The Take" manifests as a tightly-wound thriller that entertains through its slick execution and robust performances.

The Take serves up a high-octane mix of action and drama, delivering thrills and surprises with a streamlined narrative that avoids unnecessary bloat. The lead performances, delivered with commendable intensity, significantly elevate the film's somewhat standard plot mechanics and flat characterizations. Universal's Blu-ray presentation enhances this attribute by providing an excellent video encode that maintains clarity and depth across the myriad explosive sequences and dynamic settings.

Audio quality stands out as a key highlight of this release. The sound mix is of reference quality, immersing the viewer in a robust sonic environment that captures every nuanced detail, from the subtle ambient noises to the booming action sequences. However, it is worth noting that the Blu-ray is notably lean on supplemental content, offering only a brief two-minute featurette, which is disappointing for those looking for behind-the-scenes insights or additional context.

Conclusion:

The Take is one of those movies that was never going to be much more than filler, but it's filler done right and about the best case scenario for second-tier cinema. Even if the movie's core plot mechanics don't amount to anything and the characters are rather flat, excellent production values, fine pacing, and good lead performances elevate it well above its middle-of-the-road slotting. Universal's Blu-ray is short on even brief supplemental content; only a two-minute featurette is included. Fortunately, video is excellent and audio is of reference quality. The Take won't be remembered on the annual top-ten list (unless this turns out to be a really, really lousy year for Blu-ray), but it's one of top second-rung releases for February and a worthwhile addition to any Blu-ray collection. Recommended.