Dog Eat Dog Blu-ray Review

"Dog Eat Dog" on Blu-ray comes with a 1080p HD transfer, presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Captured on Red by cinematographer Alexander Dynan, this digitally acquired feature retains Paul Schrader's distinctive combination of lurid colors and stylistic choices. Despite the film's frequent visual roughness—arguably not the fault of the transfer—the Blu-ray handles detail, blacks, and contrast competently, consistent with a low-budget, tight-schedule shoot.

The presentation, while generally sharp and vivid, does display some aliasing and banding due to the extensive use of filters and post-production effects. Closeups can reveal detailed facial features and costume stitching, though the reliance on filters sometimes results in a flatter, softer appearance. The black levels are satisfyingly deep and inky: a critical aspect given the film's dark tone and visuals. Colors are well-rendered but do not necessarily "pop," maintaining a natural look, particularly in scenes without heavy filtering. Overall, the video presentation meets expectations for a digitally shot film under the constraints noted.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Dog Eat Dog" features a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that serves its purpose but doesn't stand out. The sound design, notably constrained by a modest budget, delivers sufficient volume and dynamic range, particularly during scenes involving weapons fire, explosions, and the club music. However, don't expect a fully immersive experience as the surround effects are minimal, providing just enough ambiance without truly enveloping the viewer. With a driving electronic score by Deantoni Parks, known for his work on "Sympathy for Delicious" and "Criminal Activities," the auditory landscape remains engaging yet understated.

Despite the film's gritty realism, which seems subtly enhanced by the softer sound effects, the audio mix maintains a clear, discernible dialogue that is easy to follow despite varying dialects. There are no noticeable distortions such as pops, cracks, hiss, or shrills, making the listening experience smooth and uninterrupted. The music score aptly builds suspense without overpowering other auditory elements, ensuring a balanced audio delivery. While this isn't a high-budget soundscape, it achieves a realistic and effective auditory presentation suitable for the film's narrative tone and budget constraints.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dog Eat Dog" provide a comprehensive and engaging glimpse behind the scenes of this intense film. Director Paul Schrader's audio commentary is particularly noteworthy for its candidness and depth, offering insights into casting decisions, script challenges, and the filmmaking process without the filter of studio influence. Nicolas Cage's brief video introduction presents an intimate, albeit low-resolution, touch recorded on his iPhone. The highlight among the extras is undoubtedly the BeyondFest Q&A session with Nicolas Cage and Paul Schrader, where the duo's responses to audience questions traverse their extensive careers, making it an informative and entertaining watch for fans. A photo gallery and several trailers round out the package, providing additional context and promotional materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Nicolas Cage Video Introduction: Recorded for the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Commentary with Director Paul Schrader: Insightful, candid discussion on the making of the film.
• BeyondFest Q&A with Nicolas Cage and Paul Schrader: Engaging session covering their entire careers.
• Photo Gallery: A dozen stills from the production.
• Introductory Trailers: Previews for other films.

Paul Schrader returns to his roots with "Dog Eat Dog," a stylized and unapologetically violent crime film that reunites him with Nicolas Cage. Adapted from Edward Bunker's novel, the narrative hinges on three ex-cons navigating a series of botched criminal endeavors. Cage, delivering a controlled performance as the trio's leader Troy, is complemented by Willem Dafoe's volatile portrayal of Mad Dog and Christopher Matthew Cook's portrayal of Diesel. These characters, although unlikable and devoid of any redeeming qualities, are intriguing in their raw brutality, echoing a certain authenticity that Schrader fully embraces.

The plot is a frenzied sequence of violent incompetence and episodic depravity, punctuated by Schrader's penchant for experimental visuals. The film deploys artificial tints, black-and-white sequences, and other visual tricks reminiscent of Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers." While these elements add an artsy layer to the overall presentation, they sometimes feel like overkill. The dissolution of narrative coherence is most egregious in the film's climax, which Schrader suggests may unfold in a surreal blood-soaked afterlife. This abandonment of logical progression might disconcert some viewers, but it fits within Schrader's vision of chaos.

On a technical level, "Dog Eat Dog" was shot over 25 days with a relatively inexperienced crew. This tight schedule and constrained budget are evident in certain lapses in storytelling and production quality. Still, the film manages to captivate through its unapologetic depiction of depravity and its unconventional take on crime drama. For those willing to venture into Schrader's violent world, the film offers a unique, albeit chaotic, experience driven by strong performances and daring directorial choices.

Review of "Dog Eat Dog" Blu-ray

Paul Schrader's "Dog Eat Dog" brings a unique take to the crime film genre, boasting unfiltered performances by Nicolas Cage and Willem Dafoe that elevate it beyond its evident shortcomings. While the film struggles with plot inconsistencies and occasional editing mishaps, its raw energy and audacious narrative lend a refreshing dynamism to the B-movie landscape. The Blu-ray presentation delivers commendable video quality with sharp visuals and balanced colors, enhancing the film’s gritty aesthetic.

The audio is equally impressive; a well-mastered soundtrack ensures dialogues are clear and the sound effects are impactful, immersing the viewer deeper into the film's violent underworld. However, the real treasure here lies in the supplementary materials. The Blu-ray includes several extras that delve into the making of the film, providing valuable insights and enjoyable content for fans and film enthusiasts. These extras serve not only to deepen the understanding of Schrader’s vision but also to showcase the work of the crew members behind the scenes.

In conclusion, "Dog Eat Dog" is a mixed bag. Although its reach sometimes exceeds its grasp, resulting in an uneven comedic tone and narrative gaps, it offers a memorable viewing experience bolstered by strong performances and technical prowess. While it may not stand as a hallmark of Schrader’s career, it remains a worthwhile watch for those seeking something different in crime cinema. Parts of Dog Eat Dog suggest that Schrader was reaching for a comedic tone, but his reach far exceeds his grasp. The best one can say about the film is that it provided work experience for a group of young crew members just starting their careers. It's best left as a line on a résumé. Not recommended.