Death Wish: The Face of Death Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Death Wish 5: The Face of Death", presented by Kino Lorber, maintains its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with an MPEG-4 AVC encode in 1080p, utilizing the same master as previous international releases. Sourced from older yet serviceable masters, it mirrors the visual fidelity of its Australian counterpart, offering a nearly identical viewing experience. Though the use of a dual-layer disc provides a slightly superior encode, improvements are minimal and primarily observable in better-defined close-ups. Unfortunately, deeper or darker scenes reveal inherent limitations, with grain presenting as shaky and noisy, impacting delineation and clarity.

Shot on 35mm film by Curtis Petersen using Arriflex 535 cameras, the film's Blu-ray transfer retains the analog warmth of its photochemical finish. While the encode remains steady around 40Mbps, there is a marginal improvement in detail with enhanced contrast and black levels, offering more visual depth than its predecessor. The color palette exhibits better vibrancy, though it still benefits from the varied subtlety captured on film. Mild grain is maintained stably throughout the transfer, with occasional speckling and slight instability discernible but not overly intrusive.

Overall, while the release could benefit from a new scan of the original camera negative for a future upgrade, this edition is adequately watchable, with no glaring visual artifacts like large debris or warped frames. Consistent color balance and stable grain make it an acceptable option for enthusiasts seeking to own "Death Wish 5" on Blu-ray. However, viewers should be aware that this is a Region-A locked release, necessitating compatible hardware for playback.

The Blu-ray release of "Death Wish: The Face of Death" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which showcases the film's audio elements with notable clarity and depth. This lossless track is effective in delivering a compelling auditory experience, with sharpness in sound effects and a strong presence in the film’s score, especially noted in the peripheral channels. However, minor inconsistencies arise mid-film, where unevenness and occasional dialogue dropouts are detected, although these do not significantly detract from the overall audio presentation.

Optional English SDH subtitles are available, ensuring accessibility while complementing the audio journey. Despite sporadic flaws such as temporary sound dropouts and a single instance of soundtrack instability, the audio remains generally clean and well-integrated. The track’s full-bodied nature enhances the viewing experience, accommodating both musical scores and ambient sound effects adeptly, providing a fully formed and immersive audio landscape.

Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track excels in maintaining clarity and dynamic range in most parts, future remastering might further smooth out its minor imperfections. The clean encoding and robust support for individual elements make this release an attractive option for those prioritizing audio quality.

The Blu-ray extras for "Death Wish: The Face of Death" offer a comprehensive insight, spearheaded by an in-depth audio commentary from Paul Talbot, renowned biographer known for his works 'Bronson's Loose!' and 'Bronson's Loose Again!'. Talbot meticulously navigates the film's production history, highlighting distinctions and parallels with preceding franchise installments, and presents an extensive analysis of Charles Bronson's illustrious career. His commentary is commendably screen-specific, vividly contextualizing scenes while offering informative tidbits on the cast, crew, and script discrepancies. This enriching audio track is complemented by trailers, although it omits features like a VHS preview or image gallery found in other editions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Expert analysis by Paul Talbot focusing on production history and Charles Bronson's career.
• Trailer: Vintage theatrical trailer of "Death Wish 5: The Face of Death" without subtitles.

Death Wish 5: The Face of Death, directed by Allan Goldstein, marks the end of the iconic series and is notable for capturing Charles Bronson in his final appearance as vigilante Paul Kersey. Despite being 72 years old during filming, Bronson remarkably embodies the role with vigour that defies his age. The film, set against a gritty New York City backdrop, delivers a narrative that's deeply rooted in personal vendetta. Kersey's confrontation with gangster Tommy O'Shea, played with palpable menace by Michael Parks, creates a tension-filled and engaging plot. The atmosphere crafted in this installment stands out for its raw appeal and well-executed dramatic undertones.

The movie effectively uses its atmosphere and tone to elevate the action sequences, presenting a blend of intensity and authenticity that enriches the storytelling. While some aspects of its production, particularly the editing of Toronto's outdoor scenes, feel rushed, Goldstein and cinematographer Curtis Petersen succeed in visually engaging the audience. Despite these editorial shortcomings, the film's retro soundtrack by Terry Plumeri complements its visual aesthetic, generating the nostalgic air Cold War-era action films are renowned for. Parks’ portrayal of O'Shea is pivotal; his performance injects an unsettling energy into the film that challenges Kersey’s character and gives rise to an emotionally satisfying culmination.

Overall, whilst the film concludes Kersey’s saga on a rather explosive note, it reflects Cannon Films’ marked struggle during this period, compounded by Menahem Golan’s departure and the generally lukewarm reception of subsequent releases. As a part of Kino Lorber's Blu-ray collection, it offers a lengthy retrospective analysis through commentary by Paul Talbot and includes a vintage trailer to provide fans with enriched context, making it an essential piece for dedicated collectors and aficionados of action cinema history.

"Death Wish: The Face of Death" on Blu-ray presents a cult classic with a fresh perspective, delighting both long-time fans and newcomers. Despite being the least acknowledged entry in the Death Wish franchise, this film offers a unique charm far removed from its predecessors' original premise. The movie stands out largely due to Michael Parks' riveting performance, which arguably overshadows Charles Bronson, though Bronson remains commendable, especially given his age.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release is noteworthy for its source—a decent albeit older master that ensures the visual quality holds up well in modern home theaters. The audio commentary by Paul Talbot is a particular highlight, providing insightful context and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Talbot’s extensive expertise in all matters concerning Bronson enriches the viewing experience, allowing audiences to gain deeper appreciation for the film's nuances.

In conclusion, if prior opinions dissuaded you from exploring "Death Wish V," it might be time to reassess. While differing from its counterparts, the film possesses an intriguing narrative and impressive performances that merit attention. Kino Lorber's thoughtful release bolsters its appeal, making this edition highly recommended for both enthusiasts eager to revisit and those being introduced to this underappreciated installment.