Shattered Blu-ray Review

Kino has delivered a 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of "Shattered" with a decent master from MGM. The transfer provides acceptable detail, density, and accurate color values, although it suffers from minor source damage particularly near the film's onset. The video is encoded on a BD-25 with an average bitrate of 24.95 Mbps, ensuring satisfactory detail for the most part. However, the transfer falters in darker scenes, where the contrast is occasionally weak and blacks sometimes shade towards gray, especially during moments involving mist and fog.

Despite these issues, "Shattered" retains a strong visual appeal. While there are occasional white specks and dirt indicating a lack of restorative work on the original elements, the picture quality remains enjoyable. Whites are consistently clean and bright, but blacks are hit or miss, leading to several dull-looking moments and only acceptable shadow delineation. The color palette varies, presenting plain and listless hues in some sequences and vibrant reds and rich greens in others. Definition and clarity are generally commendable for a film of this period, although interspersed soft and blurry sequences detract from the overall sharpness. The 1.85:1 image benefits from an ultra-fine layer of grain, enhancing its cinematic quality. Despite its imperfections, this presentation of "Shattered" remains an appreciable visual experience.

The audio presentation of "Shattered" on Blu-ray employs a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo soundtrack, providing a blend of strengths and weaknesses. The original Dolby Surround mix is effectively conveyed, particularly shining in certain high-energy scenes such as the opening crash and other impactful moments, which register with substantial force. Alan Silvestri's scoring is also well-represented, offering a good balance that emphasizes the energy of key sequences.

Dialogue clarity is notably robust, ensuring that viewers perceive conversations with precision, though there are instances where the soundstage spread causes distracting echoes. The mid-range frequencies are appreciably detailed, and the low bass delivers a palpable, weighty presence that adds to the visceral experience of both the score and action sequences. However, the range between mids and highs is less impressive, lacking some dynamic excellence that could have enhanced the overall auditory experience.

When receiver upmixing functions are employed, ambient effects benefit from an extended reach into the surround speakers, creating a more enveloping soundfield. This enhancement, though at times inconsistent, adds a layer of depth to the audio landscape. Despite some minor flaws and inconsistencies, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 soundtrack provides a commendable audio experience with specific strengths in dialogue clarity and impactful sound effects.

The Blu-ray extras for "Shattered" provide an insightful glimpse into the production, albeit with a concise and standard approach. The Making-Of featurette, though brief at just 4 minutes, includes interviews with the cast and crew, offering an overview of the plot and a variety of behind-the-scenes footage—all presented in standard definition (SD). Additionally, the disc contains a collection of SD trailers for different films. These extras collectively contribute to a rounded understanding of the film's creation, even if they are somewhat limited in scope.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making-Of Featurette: Standard EPK piece with cast & crew interviews, plot details, and an array of BTS footage.
• Shattered Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Love at Large Trailer: Trailer for another film.

“Shattered,” directed by Wolfgang Petersen and adapted from Richard Neely’s novel, offers an intriguing blend of psychological thriller and neo-noir elements that captivates with its unpredictable narrative and commendable performances. The film follows Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger), who wakes up from a car accident wreaking havoc on his memory and face. As Dan struggles with amnesia, the opulence surrounding him becomes both a comfort and a maze. Initially, the plot maneuvers through Dan’s attempts to rebuild his fragmenting life but transitions into a gripping mystery as he uncovers disconcerting truths about his marriage to Judith (Greta Scacchi), who may not be as devoted as she seems.

Berenger's portrayal of Merrick is compelling, revealing a softer, vulnerable side in stark contrast to his previous roles. His character’s journey is marked by unsettling discoveries, from the photographs of Judith's affair to the inconsistencies in memories supplied by his friends, including Jeb (Corbin Bernsen) and Jenny Scott (Joanne Whalley). This slow unraveling culminates with the introduction of private detective Gus Klein (Bob Hoskins), whose performance adds depth and humor to the narrative. The shift towards a Hitchcockian mystery, replete with noir nuances and carefully constructed suspense, showcases Petersen’s deft handling of the genre.

Technically, “Shattered” stands out with exceptional cinematography by László Kovács, whose use of colors and atmospheric lighting echo classic Hitchcock while maintaining originality. The accident scenes are gut-wrenchingly realistic, setting a tone of palpable tension for the rest of the film. Despite its implausibilities, the film’s engrossing storyline, rich character development, and stylistic homage to Hitchcockian suspense ensures it remains an entertaining watch. The unexpected twist may divide viewers but reinforces the film's exploration into themes of deceit and the fragility of modern relationships.

Wolfgang Petersen's 'Shattered' borrows heavily from the techniques of Alfred Hitchcock, delivering an intricately layered noir mystery that keeps audiences engaged. Tom Berenger, Bob Hoskins, and Greta Scacchi deliver compelling performances that drive the narrative towards a shocking conclusion, making the film an entertaining thriller in its own right. Despite minor production flaws, 'Shattered' successfully pays homage to classic thrillers while carving out its unique niche.

The Blu-ray release of 'Shattered' provides a slight improvement in audio and video quality over its DVD predecessor. While the enhancements may not be groundbreaking, they do make for a more satisfying viewing experience. However, the Blu-ray edition does fall short in terms of supplemental content, offering little beyond the main feature to delve into. This lack of extras is a noticeable drawback for collectors and fans seeking in-depth insights or additional material.

'Shattered' isn't necessarily a great risk for a blind buy, but for dedicated fans, Kino's serviceable Blu-ray release fills a gap that MGM was unlikely to address. For its reasonably priced package and modest technical upgrades, it is recommended for enthusiasts and cult film collectors looking to complete their collections.