The Entitled Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Entitled" delivers a generally acceptable 1080p transfer yet leaves room for both appreciation and critique. Colors emerge naturally and vibrantly in brighter scenes, enhancing the visual experience with detailed close-ups that retain impressive fine detail. Conversely, some foregrounds appear a bit soft, particularly under warmer, low-light settings that tend to lean towards red, orange, and yellow hues. The image upholds strong clarity and definition in exterior scenes, such as those featuring foliage, stone, and brick work, benefiting from minimal compression artifacts. However, a distinct if subtle "filmed on video" aesthetic detracts slightly from the cinematic feel.

Unfortunately, the black levels often fall short of expectations, ranging inconsistently from dull and washed out to marginally crushed. This variance impacts the overall depth and immersion of the viewing experience, particularly in dimly lit conditions like club scenes or dark wooded areas. Moderate noise interference is observed, especially during smoky segments, casting light on the transfer's inconsistencies. Despite the film's commendable textures and peripheral definition, faces frequently lack detail, occasionally appearing blurred and undefined.

Overall, "The Entitled" offers a mixed bag of visual commodities. While it avoids the more glaring technical issues such as heavy compression artifacts, it suffers from erratic contrasts and subdued sharpness in numerous pivotal shots. This hybrid presentation will satisfy many viewers but may leave those accustomed to the high standards set by recent Blu-ray releases feeling underwhelmed by its sporadic pop and polish.

The audio presentation of "The Entitled" on Blu-ray is delivered through a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, providing a solid base but falling short of excellence. The dialogue is impressively clear and naturally human, consistently anchored at the center-front, ensuring that the spoken word maintains attention to detail. However, the mix tends to be somewhat off-balance, with the film's score overpowering dialogue in certain scenes, prompting instances of having to replay segments to catch missed lines. The LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) response is notably effective, particularly in the lively club scene, though it isn't consistently impactful across other sequences.

The soundtrack’s ambient effects, such as chirping birds and woodland noise, add a touch of realism and dimension to outdoor scenes, although the rear channels are sparsely utilized overall. The film's musical elements produce a decent soundstage that envelops the surrounds but lack substantial heft and sonic vibrancy during more intense background beats. Gunshot effects vary in execution, with some offering a natural, echoing sensation, whereas others fall short on power. This inconsistency extends to bass levels; the initial depth during certain sequences doesn't carry over to moments where a robust low-end impact would be expected.

Despite the potential for an engaging auditory experience, the audio presentation appears tame and occasionally unrealistic. Some sequences could certainly benefit from a more thorough mix to enhance their immersive quality. Overall, while "The Entitled" offers clear dialogue and a generally solid track with natural effects, enhancements in balance and bass presence could elevate the listening experience substantially.

The Blu-ray release of "The Entitled" boasts a compact yet comprehensive set of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The Deleted Scenes, accompanied by optional audio commentary from Writer/Producer/Director Stevan Mena, provide insight into the filmmaking process and the story's evolution. The Behind the Scenes featurette offers an 11-minute dive into the film's production history, plot themes, and technical construction through interviews with cast and crew. An Alternate Ending, though considered by some to be less impactful than the theatrical one, provides an interesting "what if" scenario. Additionally, viewers can enjoy high-definition previews for films such as "Kill the Irishman," "Daydream Nation," and "Frozen."

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Optional audio commentary by Stevan Mena.
• The Entitled: Behind the Scenes: Overview of production and interviews.
• Alternate Ending: An alternative conclusion to the film.
• Previews: Trailers for selected films.

"The Entitled" explores the desperate measures taken by individuals cornered by a failing system, weaving a dark narrative that seamlessly connects the motivations and consequences experienced by both perpetrators and victims. The central character, Paul (Kevin Zegers), is driven to drastic actions by financial hardships and his mother’s deteriorating health. He devises a plan to kidnap the children (Laura Vandervoort, Dustin Milligan, John Bregar) of three wealthy men (Ray Liotta, Victor Garber, Stephen McHattie) and hold them for ransom. The narrative effectively balances the perspectives of the kidnappers, victims, and the fathers, enriching the storyline with tense, unforeseen developments and moral ambiguities.

The film is praiseworthy for its ability to maintain tension and deliver some well-crafted twists. Kevin Zegers excels in portraying Paul’s combination of despair and determination, anchoring the film with a deeply engaging and dynamic performance. The supporting cast, although not as meticulously fleshed out, provides adequate performances that propel the plot forward. However, there are notable shortcomings in character development for Paul’s accomplices and the victims, who primarily serve as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

Despite its gripping premise, "The Entitled" falls short in certain narrative aspects by requiring substantial suspension of disbelief from the audience. The film’s inherent contradictions—expecting viewers to both turn off their brains while simultaneously engaging in complex storyline tracking—detract from its overall impact. Nonetheless, it capably sustains interest through its intertwining story arcs and intense character interactions, even if some elements, such as handling of firearms, feel overly convenient. Ultimately, "The Entitled" manages to entertain and provoke thought on socio-economic divides and the extremities people might explore when left with no other options.

Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of "The Entitled" melds the socio-economic repression motifs with the familiar structure of a kidnapping narrative, delivering a convincing and dark thriller. The film’s portrayal of several well-developed characters stands out, although it is somewhat marred by flat characters that merely serve to advance the plot. Despite this uneven character development, the movie manages to preserve an intense ambiance, moderately gripping the audience through the intricate storytelling and commendable acting. It surpasses typical direct-to-video productions in polish and engagement.

Technically, "The Entitled" offers decent overall quality. The video quality is satisfactory but not without imperfections, while the audio stands out as strong and immersive, enriching the viewing experience. The Blu-ray release, however, is accompanied by a minimal array of supplementary content, making it slightly less appealing for fans who cherish bonus features. The need for close attention diverges this thriller from standard entertainment, demanding much from its audience but rewarding attentive viewers with a deeper appreciation of its intricacies.

In conclusion, "The Entitled" is a moderately well-crafted thriller that blends dark thematic elements with mainstream plot techniques to create a noteworthy viewing experience. Its character development and audio quality are commendable, though it falters with video imperfections and scant extras. It’s recommended for at least one viewing, especially for those who favor intense and intricate thrillers, though it may not hold up under repeated scrutiny.