The Devil's Double Blu-ray Review

"The Devil’s Double" is presented on Blu-ray with an outstanding AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Cinematographer Sam McCurdy's golden-hued visuals effectively evoke the desert setting, though this warmth contrasts sharply with the film's brutal themes. Bright outdoor sequences showcase exceptional fine detail, while CGI elements blend seamlessly with practical sets. A shift to a blue-hued filter in later scenes adds a chilling tone to already graphic content. Though some whites intentionally bloom and minor edge enhancement is observable in brightly backlit sequences, overall, the transfer is sharp, clear, and visually appealing.

The film’s opening juxtaposes aged, grainy '80s news footage with modern, crisply detailed scenes, highlighting the pristine quality of the new material. Flashback sequences, such as mortar attacks, render individual debris with remarkable precision, while lens flares are sharply defined. The predominantly golden palette reflects the opulence of the protagonist’s life but occasionally washes out fine details like pores and facial lines. Deeply saturated colors dominate the vivacious club scenes, though some compositional effects appear less convincing. Despite minimal grain, the presentation remains noise-free.

Throughout the film, contrast is skillfully manipulated to enhance mood and setting. Indoor interrogation scenes utilize deep blacks to obscure details, while outdoor desert shots push contrast extremes, resulting in bright, blown-out skies. Reflective surfaces and sunlight are intensely bright to underscore the harsh environment. This artistic use of contrast contributes to a consistent atmospheric effect that immerses the viewer fully in the film’s world. Minor issues include slight aliasing on car grilles and occasional flatness in composite shots featuring both Uday and Latif, but these do not significantly detract from the overall high-quality visual experience.

The Blu-ray of "The Devil's Double" showcases an impeccably designed DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix, thoughtfully constructed to immerse the audience in a comprehensive soundscape that augments the visuals of the film. Director Tamahori's attention to detail in including nuanced sound effects like jet fighters in domestic settings exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship evident throughout the audio presentation. Dialogue remains crystal clear and meticulously prioritized, ensuring an excellent fidelity and a superb dynamic range through the entirety of the track. This mix is particularly notable for its powerful LFE presence, which becomes especially pronounced in intense action scenes and bass-heavy club sequences, delivering a truly visceral experience.

The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track also demonstrates a remarkable ability to transform the viewer’s home theater into a Middle Eastern locale, subtly yet effectively enhancing the film's ambiance. Moments of heightened action, such as shootouts and wartime flashbacks, utilize the full surround capability to startling effect — gunfire ricochets, mortars explode, and debris cascades across the acoustic space, drawing listeners into the heart of the action. Beyond these segments, the sound mix excels in creating an atmospheric depth with ambient sounds like footsteps on marble floors, rattling hangers, and distant horse hooves adding layers of realism. Despite these strengths, a minor flaw surfaces intermittently, where center channel vocals occasionally exhibit a slight scratchiness at higher frequencies, suggesting some over-amplification. However, this proves to be a rare occurrence in an otherwise superb audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Devil's Double" offer a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look into the making of the film. Director Lee Tamahori's audio commentary stands out for its in-depth technical breakdowns and engaging anecdotes, including a fascinating tie-in with "Gladiator." The featurettes provide valuable insights into the characters and real-life inspirations, though some could benefit from more extensive coverage. Particularly notable is "Double Down with Dominic Cooper," which showcases the impressive transformation of Cooper into two distinct characters through makeup and special effects. Despite their brevity, each segment adds substantial value for fans and film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Lee Tamahori: An engaging and detailed discussion on the film's technicalities and budget constraints.
• True Crime Family: Features cast and crew discussing the real-life characters and Hussein family's inner circle.
• Double Down with Dominic Cooper: Explores the actor's dual role preparation and special effects.
• The Real Devil's Double: A profile of Latif Yahia, including his real-life experiences and ongoing challenges.
• Also from Lionsgate: Trailers for various films.

"The Devil's Double" offers a jolting and visceral portrayal of life under Uday Hussein, Saddam Hussein's unhinged and psychopathic son. Based on the memoirs of Latif Yahia, involuntarily recruited to serve as Uday’s body double, the film provides an intense account of the psychological and moral turbulence faced by Latif. Dominic Cooper’s dual performance as both Latif and Uday is nothing short of remarkable, seamlessly differentiating the manic sadism of Uday from the tormented stoicism of Latif. The elaborate technical effects further elevate Cooper’s portrayal, enabling him to interact with himself in scenes that fluidly integrate digital compositing and motion control camera work.

Director Lee Tamahori adeptly crafts an atmosphere rife with tension and depravity, positioning the film akin to a gangster narrative where drugs, money, and graphic violence prevail. Unlike traditional depictions of Saddam, the film delves into personal and familial dynamics, showcasing a more horrifying side of the regime through Uday's deranged behavior. However, dramatic issues arise as Latif’s lack of agency diminishes suspense, and the inclusion of an unnecessary romantic subplot slightly detracts from the core narrative. Despite this, Tamahori's brisk pacing keeps audiences engaged, portraying the chaos and moral decay enveloping Iraq during the Hussein era.

While the film excels in its visual spectacle and character portrayal, it falls somewhat short in conveying Latif’s internal conflict. The narrative focuses heavily on Uday’s grotesque persona, providing insufficient exploration of Latif’s emotional and psychological journey. Nevertheless, "The Devil's Double" remains a compelling watch for its stark uncovering of one of history’s most despised regimes, its powerful performances, and its audacious storytelling. The blend of historical events with a gangster film aesthetic offers viewers an intriguing and brutal glimpse into the insanity defining Uday Hussein’s life.

"The Devil's Double" Blu-ray offers a gripping look into the world of the Hussein regime through the eyes of Dominic Cooper’s stunning dual performance. Despite its narrative that doesn’t quite reach its full potential, the Blu-ray impressively conveys the film's intense and dark atmosphere. This is further heightened by the exceptional video quality, which captures every grim detail meticulously, and the robust audio that immerses viewers into the harrowing storyline. Cooper’s portrayal brings a dynamic energy to the film, making it compelling even when specific dramatic elements fall short.

The Blu-ray's technical prowess stands out with its pristine video transfer that maintains clarity in both brightly lit and darker scenes. This is complemented by an immersive sound design that enhances the viewing experience, particularly during the film's more gruesome sequences. While not for the faint-hearted due to its explicit violence—most notably, a graphic disembowelment—the quality of the presentation is undeniable. Director Lee Tamahori's commentary sheds some light on the creative liberties taken, which may jar purists seeking historical accuracy but amplifies the dramatic tension.

If Academy members have a long enough memory, Dominic Cooper may well be looking at an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a couple of months for his fantastic work in The Devil’s Double. The film itself has some issues, and its nonstop violence (including a couple of incredibly gruesome scenes, including a disemboweling pretty much shown full on) may turn off some viewers. But for sheer drama, albeit evidently at least partially fictionalized (Tamahori states in his commentary that he doesn’t care one whit about truth), The Devil’s Double is a fascinating look behind the curtain of the Hussein regime. If you have a strong stomach, this Blu-ray comes Recommended.