Alpha Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "Alpha" predominantly excels, presenting a visually engaging and meticulously detailed experience typical of Sony's high standards. The imagery is characterized by profound clarity, showcasing intricate details such as layers of dirt and grime on faces and clothes, fine stonework, and the rich textures of animal furs. However, there are occasional inconsistencies; specifically, the opening drone shot exhibits noticeable noise and a lack of resolution, and some effects-heavy scenes appear somewhat artificial and flat. Digitally inserted backgrounds can sometimes seem lifeless, as observed at the 64-minute mark during the fishing scene. Despite the digital source photography stripping away a bit of the potential gritty texture film might have afforded, the overall presentation remains impressively precise and texturally refined.

Colors in "Alpha" are well-represented, with blood standing out vividly against the film’s frequently barren, snowy, and earthy palette. Other colors such as intense yellow and orange sunbeams, natural greens, and auroras provide striking contrasts to the prevailing desolation. While black levels occasionally exhibit an undesirable purple tint, they generally maintain considerable depth and accuracy. Flesh tones are rendered accurately throughout. This video presentation from Sony is robust and often visually striking, even with some minor deficiencies in effects-heavy segments.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack for "Alpha" stands out with exceptional richness and precise sound quality, mirroring the 1080p video’s clarity. From the opening scenes, the track exerts an impressive, airy spatial presence, complemented by tribal beats and detailed percussion. During the intense buffalo hunt sequence, the audio showcases strongly defined charge and power, effectively surrounding listeners as the animals rush across the stage and cascade over a plateau's edge. The surrounds are masterfully utilized, carrying gentle natural sounds like insects and wind, creating an immersive experience.

As the film progresses, the audio continues to impress with dynamic elements like lingering thunder rolling through the rears in chapter four and haunting woodland atmospherics in chapter five. The technical prowess of the track is further demonstrated in chapter six, with buzzing flies encircling the sound stage, and during Keda’s cliff descent scene, where striking reverberation expands the audio landscape significantly. Dialogue delivery remains consistently clear and refined, anchored with robust front-center placement. This meticulous attention to auditory detail ensures that "Alpha's" DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers a compelling and engaging sonic experience throughout.

The Blu-ray release of "Alpha" offers a compelling suite of extras that delve into various aspects of the film's production and thematic elements, augmenting the viewing experience significantly. The package includes two cuts of the film: Theatrical (1:36:30) and Director's (1:35:19), providing a comprehensive look at the director's vision. The featurettes focus on the collaboration between the human and animal actors, the authentic world-building grounded in historical accuracy, and the journey of the film's protagonist. Notably, these extras highlight the meticulous casting and training of Chuck, the wolf dog, underscoring the film’s commitment to authenticity. The additional deleted scenes, complete with optional commentary by Director Albert Hughes, offer deeper insights into the narrative's development. This release comes in a non-embossed slipcover and includes a Movies Anywhere digital copy code.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Includes Alternate Opening, Starscape, Fighting for Survival, Dream Sequence, and Alternate Ending, with optional commentary.
• Boy & Wolf: Insights into casting and training Chuck, the lead wolf dog.
• Building the World: Exploration of creating an authentic historical world through language, objects, locations, and digital effects.
• A Hero's Journey: Examination of Kodi Smit-McPhee's performance and character.
• Meet Chuck: The Wolf Behind Alpha: Introduction to the wolf co-lead.
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.

"Alpha" delves into the survival and coming-of-age journey of a young man, Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee), set in prehistoric Europe. Directed by Albert Hughes, the film crafts a touching tale encompassing both human and animal bonds. Keda, alongside his father Tau (Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson), undertakes a hunting expedition that ends in tragedy when Keda is presumed dead after a buffalo attack. Struggling against the odds, Keda's encounter with a wounded wolf named Alpha burgeons into a profound friendship shaping his journey back home, showcasing a transformation that intertwines physical survival with personal growth.

The narrative complexity extends to Keda's conflicting relationships. While his bond with his father is anchored in tribal values and the arduous task of proving himself as a capable hunter, his bond with Alpha emerges from empathy and mutual trust. The story highlights Keda's evolution not only in mastering survival skills but also in embracing his sensitivity, which turns into a strength rather than a weakness. The shared journey with Alpha allows Keda to reconcile his inherent kindness with the robust spirit his father believed he possessed. Through this partnership, Keda navigates the formidable landscape, learning that survival extends beyond mere physical prowess.

"Alpha" stands out for its meticulous use of a tribal language and stunning cinematography by Martin Gschlacht. Subtitles fortify its authenticity, pulling viewers deeper into the stark, primal world where spoken words carry weight. The film thrives on visual storytelling - from expansive landscapes to intimate, expressive moments between Keda and Alpha - thereby crafting a deeply immersive experience. This dedication to visual elegance and narrative precision renders "Alpha" an absorbing cinematic triumph, resonating through its unspoken emotional connections and the breathtaking portrayal of a bygone era.

The Blu-ray release of "Alpha" stands out as a technical marvel and a visual gem. The film unfolds an engaging narrative set in prehistoric times, enriched with stunning cinematography that effectively captures the raw beauty of the landscapes. The performances, especially those of Kodi Smit-McPhee and his on-screen canine companion, are nuanced and deeply compelling. The decision to cast a Czechoslovakian wolf-dog named Chuck, rather than a real wolf, was a practical and smart choice. This decision allowed for a believable and heartwarming bond between the characters that might not have been achievable with a real wolf.

Sony's Blu-ray package boasts top-notch video quality, providing a crisp and immersive viewing experience that does true justice to the film's breathtaking visuals. The audio quality is equally impressive, ensuring that every environmental sound and piece of dialogue enhances the overall experience. Additionally, the extra content offered on the disc is substantial and insightful. Features such as “Boy and Wolf,” where producers and cast members discuss the unique casting decisions and training processes, add valuable context and deepen viewer appreciation.

In conclusion, "Alpha" is one of the most pleasant surprises of 2018. Richly layered, beautifully acted and photographed, and heartfelt, the film proves ever compelling and a treat for the eyes and the spirit. Sony's Blu-ray is quite good, delivering top-rate video and audio along with a nice little assortment of extra content. Highly recommended.