Constantine Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Constantine" on Blu-ray, framed at a widescreen 2.35:1 to 2.40:1 aspect ratio and delivered via a 1080p transfer using the VC-1 codec, offers a viewing experience that's impressive yet slightly inconsistent. Detailing is one of the strongest aspects of this transfer, with close-up scenes revealing intricate textures such as skin pores and hair follicles, and the clarity extending to mid-distance shots where signage and background objects maintain sharpness. Despite the film's limited use of distant shots, those present – often CGI-generated – are executed with clear, distinct edges. However, the image occasionally softens, notably in certain action sequences and CGI-heavy scenes, which mars the otherwise excellent visual clarity. Colors across the board are vibrant and well-balanced, with a warm pallet featuring robust reds and oranges that neither bleed nor wash out, alongside equally impressive blues and greens. The setting brightness levels contribute to deep blacks, enriching frame depth crucial for a film with dark thematic elements, while shadow detail is preserved effectively in both earthly and infernal scenes.

Contrast settings ensure whites are true to life without appearing boosted, enhancing the overall picture quality without compromising the film's visual aesthetic. Although lacking the standout 3D pop found in reference-grade transfers, this Blu-ray does not disappoint, offering a solid high definition experience that fans will find satisfying. The transfer manages the film's moody tone well, thanks to generally strong black levels and detailed special effects that stand out even amidst the slightly dulled overall presentation. Digital artifacts are minimal, with no significant compression issues observed, though a hint of edge enhancement creeps in during desert sequences. The filmic texture is maintained with a light grain overlay that adds to the cinematic feel without detracting from the high-definition clarity. While not reaching the pinnacle of reference-quality discs, "Constantine" on Blu-ray presents an excellently crafted video that combines remarkable detail and color reproduction with a few minor shortcomings, delivering a viewing experience that respects the source material's visual integrity.

The audio presentation of "Constantine" on Blu-ray is marked by a robust and dynamic Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, ensuring an immersive and engaging listening experience that capably utilizes the home theater environment. With no fewer than eight soundtracks to choose from, including various languages in Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and a Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 option, the English Dolby TrueHD track stands out for its meticulous use of surround sound and LFE effects. The soundscape is richly layered, from the atmospheric ambience of city streets and desolate deserts to the terrifyingly vivid excursions into Hell, offering a detailed and aggressive auditory encounter. The track excels in its portrayal of Hell's harrowing depths and action sequences, where every speaker dives into the fray, crafting scenes brimming with life and terror alike. Although it boasts an impressive range and substantial bass, it slightly misses the deep, resonant lows found in some of the absolute best soundtracks available today.

Dialogue in "Constantine" is natural, crisp, and well anchored to the center channel, ensuring clarity and intelligibility even amidst the chaotic crescendos of action-packed scenes. The film's score enriches the soundscape further, making excellent use of the entire speaker arrangement to enhance emotional and narrative beats. Auditory effects are both subtle and pronounced, offering a nuanced audio experience that is as engaging in quiet moments as it is in explosive confrontations. Discrete sound effects navigate the soundstage with fluid precision, enveloping the listener in a 360-degree auditory environment that is as close as one gets to being placed directly within the film's unnerving world.

Despite its aggressive and expertly crafted sound design that aggressively engages all speakers, resulting in a truly immersive experience, there are occasional desires for even deeper bass or slightly more balanced dialogue levels. However, "Constantine" demonstrates a commendable dynamic range and tangible reproduction across all frequencies, with low bass that is both strong and clean, avoiding distortion even at intense LFE moments. The soundtrack's deft balancing act between quiet dialogue and emphatic action sequences showcases an audio mix that is not only good but near the upper echelon of Blu-ray soundtracks, making it a memorable auditory journey through the film's dark and thrilling narrative landscape.

The "Constantine" Blu-ray extras present an immersive, in-depth look at the making of the film, proving informative and engaging for both fans and newcomers. Two commentary tracks lead, offering distinct angles: Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Akiva Goldsman focus on the technical and thematic layers, while Screenwriters Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello provide a deeper dive into the narrative development and script changes. The vast array of featurettes dissect nearly every aspect of production, from character analysis and special effects to prop design. However, the lack of a 'Play All' function means manual navigation through these segments. The behind-the-scenes Picture-in-Picture feature, despite its uneven distribution, enriches viewing with insightful pop-ups. Additionally, the inclusion of deleted scenes with optional commentary offers glimpses of alternate directions for the story, most notably the cut content featuring Ellie the half-demon. Music enthusiasts will find the "Passive" music video by A Perfect Circle, albeit somewhat underwhelming. Lastly, the high-definition theatrical trailers round out a comprehensive package that's slightly marred by the missed opportunity for higher quality presentation in extras and improved user interface design.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Akiva Goldsman: Insightful behind-the-scenes look with a focus on technical and thematic elements.
• Audio Commentary with Screenwriters Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello: Offers a detailed exploration of script development and narrative choices.
• Featurettes: A comprehensive collection covering all aspects of production, though lacking a 'Play All' feature for streamlined viewing.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes 14 scenes with optional director commentary, highlighting what could have been.
• Music Video for "Passive" by A Perfect Circle: A music video addition that may appeal to fans of the band.
• Theatrical Trailers: High-definition trailers that provide a glimpse into the film's marketing approach.
• Picture in Picture: An innovative, though occasionally spotty, feature providing pop-up insights during movie playback.

"Constantine," directed by Francis Lawrence, stands at the crossroads of spiritual warfare and comic book adaptation, not entirely faithful in translating its source material from page to screen but capturing its essence with a palpable appreciation. This 2005 film delves into a murky world where the battle between heaven and hell plays out on the streets of Los Angeles, with John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) serving as our weary guide through this dystopian landscape. Despite straying from the horror genre into more of a supernatural thriller, Lawrence constructs a believable universe inhabited by half-breeds and ruled by a complex moral compass, supported by strong performances across the board. The narrative, while intriguing with its unique spin on religious dogma and the eternal struggle for souls, tends to meander, often caught between delivering high-octane action sequences and pondering heavy existential debates.

Visually, "Constantine" impresses with its dark, atmospheric cinematography and innovative special effects that bring to life a hellish L.A. reminiscent of nuclear devastation. The film's design elements, from the grotesque depictions of demons to the chilling representation of hell, are commendably executed, meshing well with the thematic undercurrents of the story. However, the character of John Constantine himself, despite Reeves' earnest portrayal, feels underdeveloped—a man embroiled in a personal crusade against damnation whose motivations seem as obscured as the narrative's deeper philosophical inquiries.

While "Constantine" ambitiously aims to weave together a complex tapestry of themes ranging from redemption to the nature of faith, it ultimately falls short of exploring these to their full potential, getting lost in its own spectacle. The film straddles the line between being a critical examination of spirituality and a visually captivating action piece, never fully committing to either. This lack of focus results in a movie that, despite its ambitious premise and stylistic flourishes, struggles to leave a lasting impact beyond its visual achievements. Its place in the realm of comic book adaptations and supernatural thrillers seems destined to be remembered more for what it aspires to be rather than what it effectively delivers.

"Constantine," while not standing out as a cinematic masterpiece, offers a decent blend of special effects, action sequences, and an engaging, albeit not profoundly developed, lead character. The film struggles to fully resonate with its audience or to invite repeat viewings, positioning itself as a somewhat disposable yet entertaining piece suitable for casual viewings. Warner Brothers' Blu-ray presentation of "Constantine" does justice to the film's aesthetic qualities, providing an adequate video transfer that brings its visual effects to life, alongside a dynamic soundtrack that enhances the viewing experience. The inclusion of a robust selection of bonus materials further enriches this release, making it a worthwhile consideration for fans and collectors alike, albeit more of a rental than a must-own for the average viewer.

Despite its shortcomings as neither a quintessential horror nor action film, "Constantine" manages to capture interest with its thematic explorations, strong cast performances, and visually appealing production design. It touches base with fans of the original graphic novel, offering enough fidelity and adaptation nuances to garner appreciation. The Blu-ray edition excels in technical quality, boasting impressive video and audio presentation that uplifts the film's spectacle and auditory engagement. The comprehensive supplements provided add value to the package, suggesting that while the film may not merit an unconditional recommendation for purchase, it certainly warrants attention for those intrigued by its genre blend and source material inspiration.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Constantine" stands as a solid offering for a film that oscillates between mediocrity and fleeting moments of brilliance. It is characterized by its technical merits and the strength of its supplements, making it a sensible addition for devoted followers and a worthy exploration for newcomers. Although "Constantine" might not earn a place among the classics, its Blu-ray presentation affirms its position as an entertaining, if not essential, component of a genre enthusiast’s collection.