Breaking and Entering Blu-ray Review

Presented in the widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1, utilizing the VC-1 codec with a 1080p transfer, "Breaking and Entering" makes its Blu-ray entrance courtesy of Miramax/Buena Vista. Uniquely, this title finds itself as a particularly notable entry in the high-definition space primarily due to its limited availability, having not secured a release in the United States. This fact may dishearten fans of Juliette Binoche or those following Anthony Minghella’s directorial ventures, necessitating a dive into the European market to acquire this edition. Miramax's adoption of the VC-1 codec for this release marks a first for the studio's Blu-ray lineup, promising a convergence of technology and artistry that begs scrutiny.

The video quality of "Breaking and Entering" stands testament to Miramax's commitment to excellence. Being a relatively modern film, it boasts an exceptional level of detail and clarity. The contrast is especially noteworthy, with daylight scenes displaying an impressive vibrance and richness, and nighttime sequences maintaining clarity devoid of film noise, making for an immersive viewing experience. The transfer evades the pitfalls of heavy Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) application, showcasing an organic and meticulously detailed visual texture. Colors are nuanced and robust, serving the film’s aesthetic well. The print quality mirrors this excellence, revealing no signs of debris or wear which could detract from the viewing experience. Furthermore, common digital artifacts such as edge-enhancement or macroblocking do not mar this presentation, ensuring a clean and uninterrupted visual feast.

This release's technical aspects are rounded out with thoughtful considerations for a global audience, evidenced in its Region-B lock and multilingual menu options including English, Italian, German, and French. While this geo-specific locking may restrict playback on Region-A devices, such as PS3s or standard American Blu-ray players, it underlines the need for enthusiasts to seek compatible hardware to enjoy what is a finely crafted video presentation. Miramax/Buena Vista’s handling of "Breaking and Entering" in this Blu-ray edition affirms their dedication to delivering high-quality home cinema experiences, albeit within the constraints of regional distribution frameworks.

The audio presentation of "Breaking and Entering" on Blu Ray offers an extensive selection of language tracks catering to a Pan-European audience, indicative of its intention for broad market release. The array of auditory options includes English in both Uncompressed 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 formats, as well as German, Italian, and French in DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1. The provision of these diverse audio tracks underscores an attention to inclusivity and user preference, enabling viewers to select their desired language with ease. In examining the English Uncompressed 5.1 mix specifically, it becomes evident that the film's auditory experience is meticulously crafted to complement its visual storytelling.

The audio quality of the English Uncompressed 5.1 track is commendable, delivering clarity and depth across dialogues and background scores alike. "Breaking and Entering" distinguishes itself with its richly composed scenes that range from expansive London landscapes to intimate close-ups. The audio composition plays a crucial role in mirroring the characters' emotional journeys, effectively capturing moments of love, anger, and forgiveness through a diverse musical score. This immersive audio experience is further elevated by the impeccable integration of ambient sounds and a dynamic use of the rear channels, particularly noticeable in the film's soundtrack, providing an enveloping auditory environment without any detectable flaws like hissing or pops.

Additionally, dialogues are exceptionally clear, allowing for an effortless following of the film's narrative. The soundtrack's presence in the rear channels enhances the viewing experience, suggesting a careful design aimed at creating an immersive soundscape. The inclusion of optional subtitles in multiple languages, positioned within the image frame for ease of reading, further complements the audio experience. This thoughtful combination of high-quality sound mixing and accessibility features makes the audio presentation of "Breaking and Entering" on Blu Ray a standout aspect, ensuring that viewers are fully engaged in the film's emotional and visual landscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "Breaking and Entering" mirror the offerings found on the standard DVD release, enriching the experience with a suite of additions designed to expand viewers' understanding and appreciation of the film. Notably, the extras include an array of deleted scenes accompanied by optional commentary from director Anthony Minghella, available with subtitles in multiple languages. The highlight is the high-definition featurette "Lie. Cheat. Steal. Love.", which delves into the making of the film through raw footage and insightful comments from the cast and crew, providing an in-depth look at the creative process behind the scenes. Additional features like the original theatrical trailer and a movie showcase further complement the package, making it a comprehensive companion to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film's official promotional trailer.
• Movie Showcase: Instant access to select movie scenes that showcase the ultimate in high definition picture and sound.
• Gallery of Deleted Scenes: A collection of cuts from the film, available with optional commentary by Anthony Minghella.
• Lie. Cheat. Steal. Love: A making-of featurette presented in high definition, offering a deeper insight into the film's production through cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

Breaking and Entering, directed by the late Anthony Minghella and released in 2006, navigates the complex emotional landscapes of its characters with a delicate intricacy that is both intimate and politically charged. The film intertwines the lives of a Bosnian immigrant mother (Juliette Binoche), her problematic son (Rafi Gavron), and an ambitious architect (Jude Law) against the backdrop of London's King's Cross, a locale that mirrors the film's thematic concerns with social divisions and personal redemption. Minghella's direction is complemented by a beautifully-scripted narrative and a contemporary aesthetic, enhanced by a memorable soundtrack that further accentuates the film's emotional resonance and its contemporary London setting.

At its core, Breaking and Entering is an exploration of forgiveness, employing this theme as a narrative throughline that connects the disparate lives of its characters. The film delves into the moral ambiguities of Law's character as he confronts, and ultimately forgives, a young thief, which sets off a chain reaction of forgiveness among the central characters, encapsulating the film's message about the complexities of human relationships and the potential for personal growth and understanding through empathy. This thematic exploration is framed within a broader commentary on class and justice in contemporary society, deftly weaving together personal drama with socio-political observations.

Despite its strong emotional core and sophisticated thematic concerns, Breaking and Entering invites a divisive interpretation. Its political undertones have sparked debate regarding Minghella's integration of social commentary within an intimate narrative structure. For some, the film brilliantly captures the nuances of forgiveness and social disparity, making it a poignant and thought-provoking piece. For others, its political aspirations may detract from its storytelling, positioning it as a contentious piece in Minghella's oeuvre. Nonetheless, Breaking and Entering stands as a testament to Minghella's directorial prowess, offering a richly textured narrative that challenges viewers to reflect on their perspectives on crime, punishment, and forgiveness within the complexities of modern life.

Anthony Minghella's "Breaking and Entering" stands out not only for its profound storytelling but also for the high-quality presentation of its Blu-ray release by Miramax-UK. The film, embedded with a beautiful and terrific message that encourages forgiveness, leaves a lasting impact on its viewers. It skillfully navigates the complex terrain of human emotions and the moral quandaries surrounding crime, making it a thought-provoking experience. While some may critique its tone, the film's depth and the discussion it stimulates can hardly be overlooked.

The Blu-ray edition reviewed enhances this experience significantly. Those with the capability to play Region-B discs will find themselves rewarded with an exceptional viewing quality that does justice to the film’s cinematography and its nuanced storytelling. This release underlines the importance of a good technical presentation in amplifying the emotional and thematic depth of a movie. The clarity and precision of both audio and visual elements on this Blu-ray disc are commendable, ensuring that the film's subtle messages are conveyed effectively.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Breaking and Entering" is highly recommended for its outstanding quality that matches the film’s artistic achievements. The technical excellence of this release makes it a must-have for enthusiasts looking to experience Minghella’s work at its best. Whether it’s the emotional depth, the thought-provoking content, or the superior quality of the Blu-ray, this version stands as a testament to the power of a well-presented film. For those capable of enjoying Region-B content, this Blu-ray is an essential addition to their collection.