Bad Times at the El Royale Blu-ray Review

"Bad Times at the El Royale" dazzles in a stunning 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Captured on 35mm film and completed with a 4K Digital Intermediate (DI), this Blu-ray offers a deeply satisfying visual experience. The film’s meticulous production design shines through, with textures on fabrics and props rendered with exceptional clarity. Facial textures are particularly impressive, highlighting the grizzled ruggedness of Jeff Bridges and the smoothness of Cynthia Erivo’s complexion. The color palette is vibrant, with richly saturated primaries and an array of secondary hues—such as the warm yellows and oranges on the California side and royal purples on the Nevada side—bringing the film’s aesthetic to life.

The presentation boasts superb contrast, with inky black levels that enhance the cinematic mood, creating a foreboding ambiance in darker scenes without sacrificing shadow detail. While most scenes are exquisitely sharp, there are occasional moments of softer grain, such as in a brief beach scene. Overall, the HD transfer stays consistent, delivering razor-sharp definition that keeps even the minutiae of the motel’s décor and wardrobe in razor-sharp focus.

In summary, "Bad Times at the El Royale" on Blu-ray showcases a visually arresting presentation that captures the film's stylistic nuances and atmospheric depth. With its faithful reproduction of the film's intricate design elements and vibrant hues, this transfer ensures an engaging and delightful viewing experience for fans and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "Bad Times at the El Royale" on Blu-ray delivers a top-tier DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 experience that rivals theater-quality sound. The film's soundtrack is meticulously crafted, reflecting director Drew Goddard’s vision that incorporates a pre-planned selection of music enhancing the ambiance. The audio balance excels, particularly adept at maintaining clear dialogue amidst the persistent heavy rain effects. Gunfire reverberates with dramatic impact, and ambient effects provide a thoroughly immersive surround experience.

Notably, action sequences, especially in the hotel lobby, showcase expansive spatial imaging, with precisely placed environmental effects such as the rumbling thunder and the crackling fire pits. The loud gunshots and the old-telephone quality of hidden sounds contribute layers of authenticity to the auditory landscape. The sound design, despite being somewhat front-heavy focuses intensely on dialogue while still offering a satisfying immersion through dynamic sonic placements. This results in a soundfield that captures the detailed highs and powerful mids impeccably.

Although it does not hit ultra-low frequencies, the low-end is responsive and palpable, delivering a resonant impact with thunder and music selections. The distinct aural clarity ensures that each element from burst violence to immersive ambient noises is delivered with superb fidelity, making the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track an impressive feature on the 1080p Blu-ray. For those seeking even greater spatial depth, the 4K UHD version offers a Dolby Atmos track, but for standard Blu-ray listeners, this edition will provide an exemplary audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Bad Times at the El Royale" offer an engaging and insightful look behind the scenes, marked by a professional approach to examining production design and cinematography. A standout featurette, "Making Bad Times at the El Royale," provides a comprehensive 28-minute exploration of the film’s stylistic and visual elements, enriched with interviews from the cast and crew. The gallery feature includes Manual and Auto Advance options, delivering a visual feast of production stills, while the teaser and theatrical trailers round out the offerings by showcasing the film's appeal and atmosphere.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Bad Times at the El Royale: An in-depth featurette emphasizing production design and cinematography.
• Gallery: Offers Manual or Auto Advance viewing options.
• Teaser Trailer
• Theatrical Trailer

In "Bad Times at the El Royale," writer-director Drew Goddard masterfully merges a 1960s neo-noir aesthetic with intricate storytelling. The film’s production design, helmed by Martin Whist, delivers a visually arresting blend of mid-century modernism, seamlessly incorporating opulent elements reminiscent of classic Hollywood ensemble films like "Grand Hotel." The El Royale itself, once a glamorous casino straddling the California-Nevada border, is now a decaying relic of its former self, embodying the film's themes of faded glory and hidden secrets. The meticulous construction of the hotel set serves as both a luxurious backdrop and a character in its own right, enhancing the story’s theatrical, almost stage-like feel.

The plot unfolds through a series of flashbacks and chapter-style title cards, revealing the complex backstories of a diverse cast of characters, each harboring dark secrets. There's Jeff Bridges as a disoriented priest and Cynthia Erivo as a struggling R&B singer who forms an unexpected bond with him. Other notable performances include Jon Hamm's Southern vacuum salesman, Dakota Johnson's enigmatic hippie, and Chris Hemsworth's unsettling cult leader. Each character's storyline converges at the El Royale, where their hidden motives create escalating tension and unexpected violence. The narrative's structure, involving revisits to earlier scenes from new perspectives, keeps viewers on edge and maintains a brisk pace despite the film's sprawling runtime.

Goddard’s direction blends elements of mystery and suspense with visceral action, reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s stylistic flourishes. The film navigates through themes of redemption, sin, and the quest for absolution, all set against the backdrop of a deteriorating yet atmospheric motel. The unpredictable events unfolding amid the eerie ambiance and the ensemble cast’s stellar performances make "Bad Times at the El Royale" a memorable and engaging cinematic experience. Even if some plot points feel contrived or repetitive, the film’s decadent style and gripping storylines ensure it remains an entertaining neo-noir thriller from start to finish.

"Bad Times at the El Royale" offers an engaging neo-noir crime thriller experience that skillfully combines intricate narratives with a visually arresting aesthetic. The Blu-ray presentation showcases exceptional video quality with detailed imagery and a noteworthy color palette. The creative decision to differentiate the two sides of the El Royale motel using distinct color schemes—cool hues for Nevada and warm tones for California—adds a unique visual dimension to the film. The audio presentation, particularly the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, enhances the immersive atmosphere, balancing dialogue and dramatic sound effects proficiently.

The film's production is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, evident in the 16,000 square foot set meticulously built to accommodate Drew Goddard’s vision. The behind-the-scenes documentary, although lacking depth and variety in supplemental content, provides some insightful discussions from the cast and crew. Jeff Bridges’ enthusiasm for the project and Cynthia Erivo's live singing during multiple takes highlight the dedication involved in bringing this story to life.

Could "Bad Times at the El Royale" have been streamlined for clearer exposition? Certainly. Some character backstories remain ambiguous and several plot elements seem extraneous. However, despite these narrative hiccups, the film manages to surprise with its twists and sudden deaths, embodying an unpredictable charm. This movie may not cater to all tastes, but for fans of the ensemble cast and writer-director Drew Goddard, it presents an enjoyable and visually stimulating experience. Recommended for those who appreciate a blend of stylistic flair and suspenseful storytelling.