The Kingdom Blu-ray Review

"The Kingdom" on Blu-ray presents an exceptional 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that retains a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, delivering a visually impressive experience that mirrors the film's cinematic ambition. The image quality is distinguished by its incredible sharpness and depth, showcasing detailed scenes with high fidelity, from the sprawling Saudi exteriors to the intricate close-ups of characters and the chaotic detail in scenes of destruction. Colors, while sometimes appearing subdued to blend with the desert landscapes, remain strong and consistent, ensuring that the film's specific visual tone is maintained. Explosions and action sequences exhibit vibrant oranges and bright yellows, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the picture and adding a lifelike texture to every frame.

Despite the director's choice for a post-processed look that occasionally increases contrast and alters fleshtones, resulting in a somewhat sunburned appearance on characters and occasional digital noise and artifacting, these elements do little to detract from the overall quality of the transfer. The clarity and stability of the image are commendable, allowing viewers to appreciate even the most minute details such as individual hair follicles or stitches on costumes. This Blu-ray edition manages to convey the film's stark aesthetics without compromising on the depth and richness of visual details.

Universal has done a remarkable job with "The Kingdom" Blu-ray release, offering one of the most technically proficient transfers available for live-action content. The balance between maintaining the film’s intended visual style and maximizing the capabilities of high-definition technology results in a viewing experience that is both immersive and aesthetically consistent. Solid black levels, finely rendered flesh tones, and exceptional detail in both bright and dark scenes affirm this release as a standout among home entertainment options, ensuring that it not only pleases fans but also serves as a showcase for the high-definition format.

The audio presentation on "The Kingdom" Blu-ray, courtesy of Universal's DTS-HD MA 5.1 codec, delivers a commendably robust experience, though it fails to ascend into the echelons of the finest audio tracks in the Blu-ray sphere. The soundstage impresses with deep, impactful gunshots and a broadly immersive soundtrack. However, there's a pervasive sense that the audio lacks a certain depth and dynamic range that would propel it into top-tier territory. Explosions, while forceful, seem to miss a final layer of power that would ensure a truly room-shaking experience. Dialogue, strong for the most part, occasionally becomes muddled beneath layers of ambient noise or effects, detracting slightly from the clarity one might expect.

Despite these criticisms, the audio track has moments of brilliance that showcase its potential. Noteworthy scenes include the reverberating roar of a .50 caliber machine gun and the dense thud of an RPG, both of which demonstrate the track's capability for producing heart-pounding, tangible sonic impacts. Yet, inconsistencies in sound quality, particularly in the mix's failure to fully utilize the LFE channel and rear speakers, suggest a missed opportunity for creating a consistently enveloping audio experience. Ambient sounds and environmental details often come across as underutilized, especially in a film set amidst such potentially rich acoustic settings.

Ultimately, while "The Kingdom's" DTS HD Master Audio mix presents a step up from its original DD+ mix, it remains hamstrung by a somewhat uninspiring sound design and a lack of cohesive atmospheric immersion. High points in action sequences reveal what could have been if the entire track maintained this level of auditory engagement. The mix does not quite reach the auditory heights of Universal's best efforts like "The Incredible Hulk" or "U-571," leaving one to appreciate the sparks of excellence amidst an overall context of slightly unfulfilled potential.

The Kingdom's Blu-ray presentation boasts an impressive array of extras that cater to fans and newcomers alike, offering deep dives into both the making of the film and its historical context. Director Peter Berg's commentary, while marred by occasional lengthy pauses, provides intriguing insights into the film's production, his experiences in Saudi Arabia, and thematic explorations, making it a worthwhile listen. The disc shines with its U-Control enabled features, including Picture in Picture and the standout Mission Dossier segments, which enhance the viewing experience by offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and enriching the film’s backdrop with cultural and investigative details. The deleted scenes, presented in high definition, add depth, despite lacking explanatory commentary. Moreover, the inclusion of creatively constructed featurettes like Constructing the Freeway Sequence and Creating 'The Kingdom' offer comprehensive looks at the stunts and overall production. The History of 'The Kingdom:' an Interactive Timeline stands out by succinctly documenting significant events in Saudi-American relations, providing context that is both educational and engaging.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A commentary track with director Peter Berg.

• U-Control: Four visual tracks including Picture in Picture and a series of investigative and cultural insights via Mission Dossier and more.

• Deleted Scenes: A collection of additional scenes, extending character and story development.

• Constructing the Freeway Sequence: A detailed look at one of the film's most intense action sequences.

• Creating ‘The Kingdom’: An 8-part documentary providing a thorough exploration of the film’s creation from multiple perspectives.

• History of ‘The Kingdom’: An Interactive Timeline: A feature highlighting pivotal moments in Saudi-American relations.

"The Kingdom," directed by Peter Berg, emerges as an engaging thriller set against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and global conflict. It shines on Blu-ray with its crisp visual presentation, capturing the vivid contrast between the desolate landscapes and the intensity of urban chaos. The narrative, rooted in the modern war genre, transcends traditional war storytelling by delving into a war fought not on open fields but through terror, fear, and cultural animosities. This war's battleground is within city streets, directly impacting innocent lives with its unpredictable and quick strikes. The film is more than a mere action spectacle; it's an examination of the violent clash between modernity and tradition, underscored by a deep dive into the complexities of international relations and intercultural misunderstandings.

At the heart of "The Kingdom" is a meticulously crafted story of an FBI team led by Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx), deployed to Saudi Arabia following a devastating attack on American citizens. Accompanied by experts in various fields, the team embarks on a tense and tightly regulated mission to unveil the perpetrators, navigating through a labyrinth of local laws, customs, and escalating threats. The film's narrative strength lies in its balanced amalgamation of action, political intrigue, and procedural drama. Despite its brisk pacing, it never compromises its intricate plot or character development for mere spectacle, instead offering a thoughtful exploration of themes like vengeance, justice, and cultural reconciliation amidst high-stakes tension.

Peter Berg's directorial prowess is evident in his utilization of dynamic visual techniques—rapid edits, jerky camera movements—to intensify the film's sense of urgency and realism. This stylistic choice serves not as a distraction but as an enhancement to the film's immersive experience. Despite facing challenges in its theatrical run amidst a saturated genre, "The Kingdom" stands out for its compelling performances, notably from Foxx and Cooper, and its unflinching commitment to telling a story grounded in the harrowing realities of modern warfare. It deftly manages to captivate fans of both action-packed thrillers and nuanced dramas with its deep political insights, all while maintaining genuine tension and excitement throughout.

"The Kingdom" Blu-ray edition encapsulates a compelling blend of emotion, intrigue, and meticulously orchestrated action, delivered in a story that evolves with a natural and logical progression. This seamless blend ensures that the action components are integrated into the storyline in a manner that enhances rather than detracts, offering viewers a genuinely immersive experience. Backed by commendable performances and skillful direction, coupled with Danny Elfman's memorable score, this film offers a cinematic journey that is engaging from start to finish. The Blu-ray release from Universal showcases the studio's commitment to quality, presenting an outstanding visual and auditory experience that enriches the viewing pleasure. The high-definition video transfer is sharp and true to the original theatrical presentation, complemented by a collection of bonus materials that adds value for the aficionado and newcomer alike.

Despite the overall impressive presentation, the Blu-ray's audio capacity, featuring a DTS HD MA track, while vastly improving on previous releases, may not meet the expectations set by the video's quality. However, this minor caveat does not significantly detract from the overall experience. The inclusion of exclusive content, such as Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and U-Control interactive features, offers an enriched viewing experience that is both engaging and informative, providing additional layers to appreciating the film's craftsmanship.

In conclusion, "The Kingdom" Blu-ray is a must-have for fans and collectors alike. Its superior video quality paired with a comprehensive suite of extras makes it a standout release, notwithstanding a slightly underwhelming audio performance. Universal has indeed cemented its reputation with this release, making it a highly recommended addition to anyone's Blu-ray collection. This edition not only celebrates the film's cinematic achievements but also ensures its enduring legacy in the digital age.