First Kill Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "First Kill" by Lionsgate features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, delivering a largely clean and clear digital production. Utilizing the Arri Alexa Mini, the film showcases sharp imagery with excellent detail levels, particularly in well-lit scenes. The digital production manages good clarity with fine details prominent in forest backdrops and close-ups of faces. However, there are moments of mild softness and some overly exposed white levels that, while notable, do not significantly detract from the overall presentation.

The color grading leans towards the unusual, with a cooler palette juxtaposed against the drab settings typical of the story. There are instances of yellow-green hues permeating normal lighting conditions, especially in forest scenes, and deep blue grading in rainy storm sequences. This color manipulation coupled with numerous dark scenes hampers fine detail visibility at times but excels in mid-level shots and close-ups, revealing lifelike tonality and subtle textures. While there is some mild banding and washed-out black levels intermittently, these imperfections are minimal. Resolution is commendable, with complexions appearing texturally descriptive and contrast remaining stable. Noteworthy is the absence of significant video anomalies or compression artifacts throughout the presentation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "First Kill" delivers a technically proficient audio experience, adeptly rendering clean and articulate dialogue. Throughout the film, sound effects are imbued with dynamic energy, providing full-bodied and aurally satisfying output. Although the movie doesn't heavily rely on surround sound to convey its narrative, it leverages the complete soundstage to create atmospheric depth on occasions that demand low-frequency detail. The mix skillfully balances sound levels and positions them accurately within the sound field's acoustic environment, ensuring that low-frequency effects contribute effectively to the sound effects and the music score. Overall, the audio presentation serves the source material commendably and maintains clarity throughout.

Environmental sounds such as forest ambiances, vehicular chases, and gunfire are incorporated, though the track generally opts for a more subdued approach than one might anticipate for such sequences. The side and rear channels are activated noticeably during intense scenes, albeit with intermittent usage. Much of the surround activity is driven by the score rather than ambient or action-specific sounds. Dialogue remains consistently clear, with a well-prioritized audio track that is free of technical issues. The overall integrity of the mix allows for an immersive audio experience that aligns well with the thematic demands of "First Kill."

The Blu-ray extras for "First Kill" provide an adequate exploration of the film's production, though they do not transcend standard supplementary material. The Director's Commentary offers insightful anecdotes and technical details that enrich the viewing experience. The Behind-the-Scenes featurette, despite its brevity, includes engaging footage of action scenes in the making, contributing to a better understanding of the film's execution. The Deleted Scenes, while interesting, do little to enhance the overarching narrative. Most notably, the Cast and Crew Interviews segment is quite extensive, giving a comprehensive view of various perspectives from key members involved in the production. Overall, these extras round out the Blu-ray without offering substantial depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary: Insightful anecdotes and technical details.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content cut from the final film.
• Behind the Scenes of First Kill Featurette: Engaging footage of action scenes.
• Extended Cast/Crew Interviews: Comprehensive interviews with key production members.

"First Kill" features Hayden Christensen and Bruce Willis in a familiar crime drama setting that unfortunately fails to deliver substantive originality or engaging performances. Christensen, taking on the role of Will, a finance guru attempting to reconnect with his son Danny (Ty Shelton), shows earnest effort but struggles to overcome a formulaic and predictable script. Willis, as Police Chief Marvin Howell, appears disinterested, barely injecting any energy into his role, which significantly detracts from the film's potential impact. The performance issues and a weak plot are capped by clunky dialogue and over-reliance on well-worn tropes.

The movie kicks off with a seemingly promising setup where Will and Danny's hunting trip in Will's hometown spirals into chaos after they witness a murder and the subsequent kidnapping of Danny. Will is compelled to aid the criminals, setting off a chain of events that lacks the necessary tension or surprise to keep viewers invested. Although the first 45 minutes show some potential with minor twists, the narrative's predictability quickly becomes apparent, particularly with an obvious third-act twist that's poorly hidden from the start.

Notably, the film attempts to develop Levi (Gethin Anthony), one of the robbers, as a sympathetic figure through his interactions with Danny. While these moments lend some nuance, they are ultimately insufficient to bolster the movie. Furthermore, clunky messaging around non-violence and forced pacifist themes by Laura (Megan Leonard) disrupt the flow, making key confrontational scenes feel absurd and unconvincing. Despite a few well-staged action sequences, such as an ATV chase through the forest, "First Kill" falls short due to its clichéd storytelling and lackluster performances, rendering it another forgettable direct-to-video entry in Willis's recent filmography.

"First Kill," directed by Steven C. Miller and featuring Bruce Willis alongside Hayden Christensen and Ty Shelton, presents a moderately engaging thriller that misses its mark due to predictable writing and uneven performances. The film, rendered in a 2.40:1 AVC aspect ratio with DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, ensures a solid technical presentation, though this alone cannot offset its narrative shortcomings. The portrayal of Levi is unique, and the quasi father-son dynamic with Danny has potential, but lacks depth due to the telegraphed plot and unconvincing acting from the leads.

On the technical front, "First Kill" excels in delivering high-quality audio-visual experience consistent with contemporary Blu-ray standards. The video quality is sharp and detailed, providing an immersive viewing experience, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track offers a robust auditory experience with clear dialogue and well-mixed sound effects. The director's usage of cinematography and sound design could have elevated the suspenseful moments more effectively if not for the weak plot execution.

In conclusion, while "First Kill" showcases commendable production values and has moments of intrigue, it ultimately falls short due to its lackluster script and uneven acting. Bruce Willis's presence may entice his fanbase, but the film does not rise above the level of a casual rental, best suited for a Friday night when other options are exhausted. It is recommended for renting rather than adding to your personal collection; services like Netflix or Redbox would be ideal for this moderately entertaining piece.