In the Loop Blu-ray Review

"In the Loop" is delivered in a 1.85:1 widescreen format with MPEG-4 AVC 1080p encoding. Although the production operates under a limited budget, director Armando Iannucci’s choice to use HD cameras pays off with a clear and crisp image. The visual presentation captures fine details within the American and British political settings, showcasing everything from office documents and periodicals to the textures of wooden floors and regal chandeliers. Facial close-ups are particularly revealing, bringing out every pore, hair, and even pulsing veins. The imagery, however, lacks the “3D Pop” factor, occasionally resulting in a somewhat flat presentation. Additionally, there's a consistent presence of grain, especially noticeable during indoor scenes.

The color palette is intentionally washed out and muted to reflect the bleak ambiance of the governmental environment. This muted aesthetic enhances the film's realistic undertones but might not impress those looking for vibrant visuals. Contrast is occasionally overblown to emphasize the harsh fluorescent lights familiar in office settings, and digital noise can be detected in darker scenes. While the transfer might not be among the most striking available on Blu-ray, it manages to deliver a satisfactory level of detail that aligns with the film's stylistic choices. The overall look is slightly soft, more so in wide shots than in the sharper close-ups where textural detail like clothing fibers is evident.

In summary, while "In the Loop" shows the limitations of its video origin with some washed-out colors, fluctuating clarity, and digital noise, it ultimately serves its purpose well within its context. The 1080p/AVC encode might not provide the deepest or most filmic experience but succeeds in putting forward a competent and adequate visual representation of this politically charged narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "In the Loop" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track and an uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo track. Both tracks adequately accommodate the film's audio needs, albeit with significant limitations. The 5.1 surround track can be more accurately described as a glorified stereo track, given the lack of active engagement from the subwoofer and surround channels for most of the runtime. Key sound effects, like Washington DC street noises and light ambient chatter, sporadically activate the rear channels, but their sparsity results in an overall subdued auditory experience. Notably underwhelming is the audio presence during notable scenes, including the appearance of the death metal band Cannibal Corpse, which lacks the expected impact.

Despite its shortcomings, the audio mix effectively prioritizes dialogue, a crucial component of "In the Loop's" narrative structure. Every whisper and shout from Malcolm, along with other lines of dialogue—even Goldofini's intense breathing—are locked to the center channel and delivered with crystal clarity. This focus ensures that the film's signature biting wit remains front and center, although occasional overlapping lines can demand extra attention from the viewer.

Overall, while "In the Loop" does not provide a dynamic or immersive soundscape, it fulfills its fundamental duty of clear and precise dialogue delivery, essential for this dialogue-driven satire. However, those seeking an audio experience that fully utilizes a home theater setup may find this release wanting.

The extras on the Region A Blu Ray edition of "In the Loop" are somewhat underwhelming when compared to the UK release. Notably absent are commentary tracks, webisodes, and additional features that cater to a more in-depth exploration of Armando Iannucci's work. The behind-the-scenes featurette offers only a brief glimpse into the film with comments from Iannucci and a few cast members, focusing heavily on the American actors. Despite this, the lengthy collection of deleted scenes provides substantial content that aligns with the high quality and humor of the main film, making it a worthy addition. The inclusion of a TV spot and a high-definition trailer rounds out this modest extras package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes Featurette: A brief look at the movie with interviews.
• Deleted Scenes: A mix of extended and new scenes as entertaining as the film itself.
• TV Spot: A standard definition advertisement.
• Trailer: A high-definition preview of the movie.

"In the Loop" is a 2009 satire film directed by Armando Iannucci, an extension of his successful TV series, "The Thick of It". The plot centers around British Internal Development Minister Simon Foster (Tom Hollander) and his hapless advisor, Toby Wright (Chris Addison), as they're embroiled in a chaotic misadventure in Washington, D.C. After Foster casually mentions on live radio that war in the Middle East is unforeseeable, the statement spirals out of control, drawing them into the machinations of U.S. politics. This misstep sets off a frenzied debate featuring high-ranking officials like James Gandolfini’s Lt. Gen. Miller and the venomously eloquent Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi). The film thrives on its preach smart, razor-sharp dialogue and a formidable cast that injects sheer brilliance into every frame.

The narrative of "In the Loop" is crafted with precise satirical wit, targeting the incompetence and self-serving nature rampant in political bureaucracy. The screenplay stands out for its extraordinary linguistic acumen, elevating vulgarity to a poetic form. Malcolm Tucker's furious tirades are comedic gold, blending vicious invectives with a rhythm that propels the humor to a new high, possibly setting a cinematic benchmark for creative cursing. The ensemble cast, framed by handheld camerawork that strips away any glamour from the halls of government, delivers uniformly stellar performances. Each character, from politicians to aides, is depicted with remarkable nuance and biting irony.

The film satirizes both British and American governments with equal disdain, navigating through a convoluted plot involving pro and anti-war factions vying for influence over a U.N. vote on military intervention. A critical MacGuffin—a convoluted document titled "Post War Planning: Parameters, Implications, and Possibilities"—pokes fun at the labyrinthine nature of governmental procedures. Despite the complex storylines, the film ultimately delivers a deeply engaging and wild ride through the absurdities of political maneuvering. This makes "In the Loop" an essential watch for those who favor incisive and darkly comedic political commentary.

In the Loop comes to Blu-ray in a release that resonates with fans of sharp, politically infused satires. The film’s crisp dialogue and biting humor maintain their impact in high definition, but the muted visual palette of the movie results in a slightly washed out look, hindering it from achieving the highest video quality. The audio presentation, while clear, is ultimately a stereo track throughout, failing to fully utilize surround sound capabilities.

From a technical perspective, viewers looking for an abundance of additional content might be disappointed. The extras package included in this Blu-ray edition is limited, especially when compared to the more comprehensive offerings available on the UK release. This discrepancy is particularly noteworthy for dedicated followers of Armando Iannucci’s work, who may find the UK version more fulfilling.

The video presentation is crisp and clear but the muted palette and washed out colouring means that it falls short of top marks. The audio track is serviceable but basically this is a stereo presentation for the duration. The extras package is somewhat lacklustre and it seems that there are far more additional supplements available on the UK BD. All in all this is a reasonable package but fans of Iannucci's work may prefer the UK release over this one.