The Assassin Blu-ray Review

The Assassin is presented on Blu-ray by Well Go USA with an AVC 1080p transfer, predominantly in a 1.41:1 aspect ratio, subtly varying between 1.40:1 and 1.38:1 in certain scenes, with an occasional 1.84:1 interstitial frame. The film’s transfer showcases an engaging visual texture, particularly accentuated by the 35mm film's palpable grain and rich detail quality. The prologue, shot in high-contrast black and white, delivers deep blacks and well-defined grayscale while the remainder of the film offers a robust color palette emphasizing reds, yellows, and oranges of courtly life, which are often softened by veils within palace rooms. Exterior scenes shine with enhanced sharpness and precision, presenting excellent depth of field and fine detail.

In terms of visual fidelity, the Blu-ray exhibits "The Assassin" at its best during outdoor sequences where the natural light and careful color grading—especially scenes filtered toward blue—enhance the image's appeal. Interior scenes maintain impressive contrast, though occasionally some dimly lit areas and nighttime sequences exhibit slightly murky shadow detail. Notably, the transfer is clean and artifact-free, ensuring a visually smooth experience. Key moments, such as the rooftop fight between Nie and Tian, illustrate fine shadow delineation, adding to the overall depth and realism. The range of hues in the costumes and nature is vivid and vibrant, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. Despite being housed on a BD-25 disc without extensive supplementary content, the film’s compression remains problem-free, achieving an agreeably organic presentation.

The audio presentation of "The Assassin" on Blu-ray features a sophisticated and multifaceted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in the original Mandarin. This track elegantly oscillates between intricate, subtle sound design and more intense, dynamic sequences. The film predominantly leans towards an understated soundscape, frequently presenting undemanding dialogue scenes. Nonetheless, special attention is given to the ambient environments, offering clear differentiation in reverb and spatial presentation between interior court scenes and outdoor settings. Dialogue, effects, and score are conveyed with remarkable clarity and excellent prioritization throughout, ensuring an immersive audio experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track presents a balanced mix, with ambient sounds embracing the surrounds to enhance immersion. Notable details such as birds chirping, wind rustling through trees, and nuanced environmental cues contribute to the rich audio texture. These elements are effectively interspersed with more dynamic sound events like arrows flying and horses moving, adding to the narrative's rhythm. Though the film does not heavily capitalize on low-frequency effects (LFE), the bass remains robust enough to support the score and sound effects, offering a pleasing dynamic range that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Assassin" provide a captivating and insightful glimpse into the film’s intricate production process. The "Behind the Scene" featurettes combine to offer detailed commentary and analysis from director Hsiao-Hsien and esteemed cinematographer Mark Lee Ping Bin on character development, the actors’ methodologies sans rehearsal, the meticulous choreography of fight scenes, and the rich historical authenticity infused into the Tang Dynasty-era production design. Additionally, the package includes theatrical trailers and previews, which effectively contextualize the film within its genre and contemporary cinematic landscape. These features collectively enhance the viewer's appreciation for the film’s artistry.

Extras included in this disc:

Nie Yinniang: Brief discussion on character creation with insights from Hsiao-Hsien and Mark Lee Ping Bin.

The Actors: No Rehearsals: Cast members share their experiences working on the film without rehearsals.

The Fights Between Masters: An exploration of Hsiao-Hsien’s unique approach to staging fight scenes.

A Time Machine to the Tang Dynasty: Examination of the historical production design.

Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "The Assassin".

Previews: Teasers for "Ip Man 3", "Mojin – The Lost Legend", and "Memories of the Sword".

"The Assassin," directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien, is a visually captivating film underscored by a meticulous attention to aspect ratios and minimalist exposition. The film's opening in black-and-white immediately sets a tone of historical reflection, quickly transitioning into a vibrantly colorful Tang Dynasty setting. The narrative follows Nie Yinniang (Shu Qi), a lethal assassin trained by a monk-like mentor, Jiaxin (Fang-yi Sheu). Her reluctance to complete a mission propels a complex plot that intertwines duty with personal history, notably her conflicted relationship with her cousin and target, Tian Ji’an (Chang Chen).

Critically acclaimed for its aesthetic, "The Assassin" employs fluctuating aspect ratios that range nuances within the Academy spectrum to a brief expansion to 1.84:1. This deliberate variation enhances the film’s mise en scene though it perplexes some viewers. Hou's decision to shift between these ratios, contrasted by static dialogue scenes and swift yet gracefully violent action sequences, exemplifies a unique stylistic choice that emphasizes form over conventional narrative flow. This technique, akin to Anderson's intentional frame-size shifts in "The Grand Budapest Hotel," invites contemplation of cinematic presentation alongside its content.

The story, adapted from Pei Xing’s ninth-century tale, is laden with political intrigue during the Tang Dynasty’s decline as the Weibo province seeks autonomy. Yet the film opts for contemplative pacing over continuous action. Characters grapple in sparse, dialogue-light scenes, making piecing together the dense plot challenging but rewarding for those invested. The nuanced character development and the sporadic yet intricately choreographed fight scenes resonate more as aesthetic and emotional experiences than as mere plot points. Ultimately, "The Assassin" straddles the line between art house and martial arts cinema, providing a richly layered visual feast that may polarize but undeniably impresses those attuned to its rhythm.

The Blu-Ray release of "The Assassin," directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien, offers viewers an exceptional visual and auditory experience. The film is noted for its stunning cinematography, with each frame resembling a meticulously crafted painting that showcases the director's commitment to visual storytelling. The transfer quality is top-notch, presenting the film in high-definition clarity that accentuates the detailed production design and deliberate use of color. Audio tracks, available in Mandarin with accurate subtitles, further enhance the atmospheric and immersive quality of the film, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and impactful.

However, while the audiovisual presentation is a highlight, the supplementary features leave much to be desired. The release is notably sparse in terms of bonus content, which may disappoint enthusiasts looking for behind-the-scenes insights or expanded content. Despite this limitation, the film itself stands strong. Hou Hsiao-Hsien's approach to the wuxia genre is unique, emphasizing character development and narrative complexity over traditional martial arts action. This choice results in a film that is both intricate and meditative, rewarding patient viewers with a rich, albeit slow-paced, cinematic experience.

I'm not quite sure that "The Assassin" is the unqualified masterpiece it was hailed as being by at least some critics at the time of its theatrical exhibition (other critics were more lukewarm, to be fair). There's undeniable grandeur to the visuals, but the story is both convoluted and simplistic. Still, it's obvious that Hou Hsiao-Hsien was aiming for something different and perhaps more personal here, and the result is an almost hypnotic take on wuxia, one which emphasizes talk over wire work or martial arts acumen. That may mean that adrenaline junkies may be wanting a bit more of a jolt than the film ultimately ends up offering. Maybe they can get exercised about those changing aspect ratios. Technical merits are first rate, and "The Assassin" comes Recommended.