Flawless Blu-ray Review

"Flawless" is brought to Blu-ray armed with a commendable 1080p, AVC-encoded video presentation that impressively brings the 1960s setting to vivid life while keeping true to its narrative's aesthetic demands. The film navigates through indoor, office-centric environments and across subdued, almost melancholic cityscapes with a deliberate desaturation that enhances its thematic heft. The color scheme leans towards cool blues and muted tones, contrasted by occasional bursts of color—vibrant yellows and greens—that stand out against the dominantly somber palette. Particularly in scenes of personal significance, like Michael Caine's character visiting the cemetery, the colors pop with a careful restraint. The image quality boasts solid blacks and balanced contrasts, ensuring that the visual tone remains unfaltering and never feels washed out despite the restrained contrast levels.

On the technical front, the transfer showcases a meticulous attention to detail, managing to capture the intricacies of the era’s fashion and the nuanced textures of both the environmental and character fabrics on screen. The fine grain present adds a layer of cinematic authenticity, serving to enhance rather than detract from the viewing experience. Remarkably, issues common to video transfers such as digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement are conspicuously absent here, allowing for a pristine viewing experience that is both clean and notably sharp.

However, despite the overall clarity and fidelity to period aesthetics, there's a slight inconsistency in skin tones which occasionally appear a bit drained of color, likely a side effect of the overall color grading chosen for the film. Nonetheless, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise an exemplary Blu-ray presentation. Elements like the texture detail on clothing and facial features are rendered with crystal clarity, making "Flawless" not just a visually accurate period piece but also a demonstration of the capabilities of high-definition media to enhance storytelling through meticulous visual treatment.

The audio presentation of "Flawless" on Blu-ray distinguishes itself by a restrained elegance that befits its narrative and stylistic choices. Unlike the typical cacophony associated with heist movies, this release is a testament to the power of understatement, focusing primarily on dialogue and subtle soundscapes. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track is meticulously balanced, delivering crisp, clear dialogue that anchors the auditory experience. The absence of aggressive action sequences means the surround channels are not leveraged for explosive effects but are instead used with finesse for the film's score and minimal ambient sounds, such as the nuanced reverberations in London Diamond’s marble lobby.

Technical details of the audio track underscore its quality and refinement. The dialogue’s tonal accuracy and the pleasing clarity of voices demonstrate an emphasis on an articulate auditory experience. Despite its restrained use of the surround channels, the mix is far from dull; it is dynamically stable, ensuring that even the softest sounds, like the clicking of a lighter or the subtle ambiance of office spaces, are conveyed with precision. The jazzy score enriches the audio landscape with a well-rounded bass and a smooth saxophone mid-section, enhancing scenes without overwhelming them.

In essence, "Flawless" offers an audio experience that complements its quiet, deliberate pacing and dialogue-driven narrative. The precise mix and high-resolution DTS-Master Audio ensure an aural pleasure that aligns with the film’s understated elegance. Absent are the bombastic elements typical of genre films, replaced with a sound design that values clarity and mood over spectacle. Listeners looking for an auditory experience that prioritizes clear dialogue and atmospheric music will find the Blu-ray’s audio track perfectly suited to the film’s calm and collected demeanor.

The "Flawless" Blu-ray's extra content may feel scant with just a single behind-the-scenes featurette titled "Exploring the Facets," but it is a valuable addition for enthusiasts keen to dive deeper into the film's creative process. Presented in standard definition and running just shy of 12 minutes, it features candid remarks from writer Edward Anderson, director Michael Radford, and key cast members, all sharing their perspectives on the film's narrative sophistication and its elegantly executed heist plot. Notably, cinematographer Richard Greatrex sheds light on the nuanced lighting techniques employed to enhance the visual storytelling, while production designer Sophie Becher discusses the set designs aimed at evoking a specific atmospheric mood. Despite its brief duration and lack of surprising revelations, this featurette offers insightful glances into the production values and the collective ambition behind bringing "Flawless" to life, making it an essential watch for fans interested in the artistry behind the scenes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Exploring the Facets: A behind-the-scenes look featuring insights from the writer, cast, and director on the making of the film, alongside discussions on cinematography and production design.

Directed by Michael Radford, known for 'Il Postino,' "Flawless" presents an atypical yet intriguing approach to the heist movie genre, with a narrative that trades fast-paced action for a more deliberate and elegant storytelling. Set against the backdrop of 1960s London, much like AMC's "Mad Men," the film weaves its plot in a conservative, male-dominated business world, focusing on Ms. Laura Quinn (played by Demi Moore), an American expat with a razor-sharp business acumen who finds herself stagnated by the glass ceiling at the London Diamond Corporation. Michael Caine delivers a robust performance as Mr. Hobbs, a cunning janitor plotting a heist of the corporation's vault and views Quinn as a perfect accomplice. Together, they embark on this criminal endeavor, facing numerous challenges and uncovering various serpentine twists that keep viewers engaged.

The film’s pace is measured, crafted for a viewing audience that appreciates a slower unraveling of the plot over the high-octane thrill often associated with heist films. This measured pacing allows for deep character exploration, particularly of Quinn and Hobbs, while also painstakingly recreating the era’s ambiance through meticulous attention to props, sets, and costumes that transport the audience back in time. The narrative, while at times may seem to veer towards conventional themes, ultimately provides a satisfying blend of suspense and period piece authenticity.

Demi Moore's portrayal of Quinn adds layers to the film, presenting a complex character navigating professional frustrations and personal dilemmas in a time when feminism was still finding its voice. The support cast, including Joss Ackland and Lambert Wilson, contribute to the film's allure, underpinned by Radford's direction that opts for substance over spectacle. Despite some loose ends and undeveloped thematic elements, “Flawless” stands out for its stylistic choices and depth, offering a different flavor to the heist movie genre that merits appreciation for its craftsmanship and the thought-provoking narrative it delivers.

The Blu-ray release of "Flawless" presents a unique cinematic experience, pairing the unexpected yet effective combination of Michael Caine and Demi Moore in leading roles. Supported ably by actors of the caliber of Lambert Wilson and Joss Ackland, the film stands out for its straightforward, efficacious storytelling, which, despite its simplicity, manages to keep the audience engaged till the very end. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray complement this experience, with an excellent video quality that enhances the visual pleasure of the movie. Though the audio quality doesn't reach the same heights, it remains more than adequate, ensuring that viewers are not taken out of the immersive world the film creates. However, viewers looking for a plethora of extras may find themselves slightly disappointed, as the disc offers a scant 12 minutes of additional content.

Directed with a keen eye for detail and a compelling narrative arc that comes full circle, "Flawless" is as much a visual treat as it is a narrative one. The Blu-ray presentation upholds this quality, marked as Region A but showing compatibility with Region B players as well, making it accessible to a wider audience. While its name might invite scrutiny over its supposed imperfections, the film distinguishes itself through its departure from typical Hollywood heist narratives, offering a refreshing take on the genre that is both engaging and visually appealing.

In conclusion, "Flawless" on Blu-ray is a commendable release that does justice to the film's engaging story and outstanding performances. Although it might not satisfy those seeking an extensive collection of extras, its excellent video quality and satisfactory audio performance make it a worthwhile addition to any film enthusiast's collection. The unexpected chemistry between Caine and Moore, supported by a strong cast and proficient direction, provides a viewing experience that, while may not be without its flaws, is undeniably rewarding and deserving of recommendation.