Dark of the Sun Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dark of the Sun," courtesy of Warner Archive, showcases a 1080p transfer with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, encoded using MPEG-4 AVC. This release is sourced from a recent 2K master, ensuring a high-quality visual experience. The outstanding cinematography by Edward Scaife shines through, despite some inherent density fluctuations in the original footage that slightly impact delineation and clarity. Warner Archive maintains their reputation for exceptional color balance, recreating the original theatrical hues effectively, with vivid primaries and nuanced details predominantly free from undesirable digital alterations. Although this could be the definitive presentation without a 4K overhaul, minor improvements to dynamic range could further enhance the visual depth.

The transfer brings out the beauty of Cardiff and Scaife's collaboration, transforming the landscapes into lush and engaging visuals that are captured with fine detail on Ultra HD televisions. Even considering the film’s age, graininess is minimal, contributing to the impressive clarity and richness of the images. Occasional softness can be noted, consistent with films from that era, yet it does not detract significantly from the presentation. The meticulous framing and exemplary use of widescreen create a memorable viewing experience, successfully reflecting the cinematic artistry of Scaife's earlier works such as "The Dirty Dozen."

Overall, "Dark of the Sun" benefits greatly from this revamped Blu-ray release. As expected from Warner Archive, the quality surpasses previous DVD versions, capitalizing on Jack Cardiff's directorial prowess to deliver stellar visuals. While filmed in Jamaica although set in Africa, the picturesque landscape shots and the intense, expressionistically filmed diamond retrieval sequence stand out for their sheer visual impact. This attention to preserving the visual artistry makes it an essential addition for connoisseurs of classic cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Dark of the Sun" is limited to an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, augmented by optional English SDH subtitles that reside within the image frame. The clarity of dialogues is exceptional, making every exchange easily comprehensible. Notably, any potential age-related distortions have been expertly mitigated, further showcasing the technical efficacy of this audio restoration. Despite its vintage roots, the dynamic intensity of the audio holds its own, although it should be contextualized apart from contemporary action sound design criteria.

Jacques Loussier's score is a standout element, resonating beautifully through this DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono track, proving its lasting influence—so much so that Quentin Tarantino repurposed it for his film "Inglourious Basterds." The music sets a tone reminiscent of post-Morricone compositions, adding a timeless flair to the cinematic experience. Even the dated sound effects contribute positively to the film, enriching the auditory landscape without detracting from the narrative engagement.

Overall, this audio presentation upholds a high standard of sound fidelity that complements Loussier's acclaimed score and enhances the viewer’s immersion into the film's vintage yet dynamic auditory environment.

The Blu-ray of "Dark of the Sun" offers a concise selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience for enthusiasts of this cult classic. The audio commentary, featuring Larry Karaszewski, Josh Olson, Brian Saur, and Elric D. Kane, provides a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of the film. Their discussion delves into the film's unique style and its transformation into a cult classic. Insightful anecdotes about Jack Cardiff’s career and the interplay between stars add depth to the understanding of the film's production. Despite differing opinions among the commentators on aspects like character motivations and perceived themes, their dialogue remains engaging. The commentary also humorously touches on personal stories related to the film. Furthermore, Quentin Tarantino's admiration for "Dark of the Sun," and its impact on his work, punctuates the conversation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging insights from Larry Karaszewski, Josh Olson, Brian Saur, and Elric D. Kane.
• Trailer: A remastered vintage U.S. trailer for "Dark of the Sun."

Jack Cardiff's "Dark of the Sun" (1968) emerges on Blu-ray from Warner Archive, accentuated by a 2K restoration completed in 2018. The film's narrative unfolds in a war-ravaged Congo, where mercenaries Curry (Rod Taylor) and Ruffo (Jim Brown) are tasked by the nation's leader and a diamond company to recover $50 million in uncut diamonds from rebel-controlled territory within an unforgiving three-day deadline. The story is adapted from Wilbur Smith's novel, and while it superficially embraces action-adventure tropes, it cleverly intertwines the complexities of political conflict, rendering it a distinctive product of its time.

Cardiff's direction is paired with Edward Scaife's cinematography, ultimately offering a visual feast that compensates for some lacking performances among the supporting cast. While Taylor and Brown deliver robust performances that anchor the narrative, notably through compelling fight sequences with palpable rawness, other portrayals, such as Yvette Mimieux's Claire and Peter Carsten's Henlein, falter under clichéd trappings. Yet, Cardiff's stylistic prowess shines through, delivering arresting visuals reminiscent of his celebrated cinematographer roots.

Critics have noted the film’s heavy-handed violence—a reflection of its era—juxtaposed against contemporary action flicks. Despite this, the action scenes maintain an authenticity and danger that amplify the film's gritty realism, though they sometimes overshadow the narrative’s deeper themes. Despite occasional lapses in political nuance, where colonialist dynamics remain underexplored, "Dark of the Sun" persists as a compelling, albeit controversial, artifact. Its engaging storyline and high-octane execution make it a notable compare to films like "The Dirty Dozen" and "Where Eagles Dare," nonetheless challenging audiences to contemplate the blurred lines between Hollywood dramatization and the reality of war-torn landscapes.

"Dark of the Sun" emerges as a compelling discovery in the action genre, expertly helmed by Jack Cardiff with skilful direction and riveting performances by leading actors Rod Taylor and Jim Brown. The film is a fascinating blend of intense action sequences, breathtaking visuals, and engaging dialogue, reminiscent of the adrenaline rush in "The Dirty Dozen." While some supporting performances fall slightly short of its leads, the film's overall execution and creativity compensate significantly. The film is uniquely positioned, harnessing the boundary of action without delving into exploitative depths.

Warner Archive's latest release presents "Dark of the Sun" in a splendid 2K master, region-free, that does justice to its arresting imagery and robust narrative style. Fans of the genre will appreciate its excellent transfer quality and the inclusion of an entertaining and insightful commentary track. This makes the Blu-Ray an essential acquisition for enthusiasts seeking quintessential action filmmaking from this era. With ardent intensity and technical precision, "Dark of the Sun" proves to be an essential viewing experience.

In conclusion, despite minor script imperfections that lightly shadow its potential, "Dark of the Sun" stands as a seminal piece of cinema replete with action and compelling performance. It enriches the viewer's experience with both visual and narrative prowess without succumbing to gratuitous exploitation. Its solid production far surpasses many contemporaneous works in the genre. Highly recommended for action aficionados and cinephiles alike, this release beckons for a spot in your collection, offering not only a cinematic thrill but a masterclass in balanced storytelling.