By the Gun Blu-ray Review

"By the Gun" boasts a commendable Blu-ray presentation with a 1080p transfer that delivers a robust visual performance. The encoding via AVC/MPEG-4 ensures that contrast and sharpness remain consistent, contributing to well-defined textures across various elements like faces, clothing, and urban backdrops composed of concrete and brick. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio complements the film’s visual storytelling by maintaining an impressive depth, despite minor instances where the image slightly softens. A delicate layer of grain supports the desired cinematic texture, though the occasional shift towards a slick digital look is noticeable but forgivable.

Color reproduction is balanced, with external shots adopting a muted palette while interior scenes display warmth, notably in locations such as Salvatore's office, which exudes an inviting ambiance. Black levels are deep and consistent without succumbing to heavy-handed crush or compression artifacts. Skin tones across different scenes appear accurate and healthy, even under varying weather conditions. Importantly, the transfer maintains a clean presentation, devoid of banding, noise, or other common digital artifacts, securing its place as a solid effort from Millennium Entertainment.

"By the Gun" comes equipped with a solid Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which is sufficient for its dialogue-heavy narrative. The dialogue is crisply presented from the center channel, devoid of any notable technical flaws, ensuring clarity and naturalism. Music is predominantly front-focused with nuanced surround support, aiding in spatial immersion without overwhelming the soundstage. Background elements, such as bar or strip club ambiances, gently bleed into the mix, enriching the auditory experience subtly. Although gunfire possesses an adequate punch, it lacks a truly visceral impact, making it powerful but not overwhelmingly so.

The sound quality of "By the Gun" shines through its dynamics, with acts of violence rendered with precision, courtesy of the Dolby TrueHD track. Gunfire is pronounced and prominent within the audio mix. The Low Frequency Extension judiciously supports natural bass levels without overbearing presence, contributing occasional bursts to accentuate key moments. Surround channels enhance action scenes effectively while maintaining appropriate restraint during expository sequences. Throughout, dialogue remains pristine, delivering all accent nuances clearly and cleanly.

Overall, despite some areas that might benefit from a more robust audio presence, the track performs commendably in capturing the film's auditory demands in an engaging manner.

The Blu-ray release of "By the Gun" includes an array of extras that enhance the viewing experience with insightful behind-the-scenes details. The audio commentary by Director James Mottern, Writer/Producer Emilio Mauro, and Actor Ben Barnes is especially noteworthy. It delivers an evenly paced and engaging discussion covering film structure, story elements, cast performances, and dramatic themes. The commentary stands out as both informative and entertaining. Additionally, the deleted scenes offer a succinct look at various moments cut from the film, presented in high definition, providing fans additional context and depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director James Mottern, Writer Emilio Mauro, and Actor Ben Barnes discuss various aspects of the production.
• Deleted Scenes: Include "I Don't Like This Bar", "Mani-Pedi", "No Witnesses", "Steak and Cheese", "Would You Go Away With Me?", "The Clean-Up", "I Want You", and "A Blown Mind".

"By the Gun" may not revolutionize the crime genre, but it stands out with its absorbing style and believable characters. Directed by James Mottern, the film immerses viewers in a world constructed with a deliberate sense of time and character. Nicky (Ben Barnes) is a relatively new member of a Northeastern mafia, whose life choices bring him to a crucial turning point. His journey is crafted with depth, as the audience is gradually pulled into the complexities of his world, enhancing the dramatic weight of his struggle between moral integrity and the demands of his criminal life.

The film's structure allows viewers to relate to Nicky’s emotions while highlighting the stark contrast between his internal struggles and his external actions. His hesitation to commit murder, a deed taken over by his partner George (Slaine), sets off a chain of events that threatens not only his existence but also the entire operation. The narrative weaves through typical dramatic elements with a tangible sense of realism, culminating in a dark yet satisfying ending that leaves plenty open to interpretation.

Outstanding performances reinforce the film's inward storytelling approach. Ben Barnes excels as Nicky, convincingly depicting a man shaped by both controllable and uncontrollable circumstances. His portrayal is multifaceted, capturing Nicky's emotional turmoil and evolution in a gradual, believable manner. Slaine’s performance as George is equally compelling, contributing a gritty determination that complements Barnes' nuanced approach. Despite some characters serving largely as story facilitators, the depth brought by key actors elevates "By the Gun" from a routine mob film to a rich human drama.

Review of "By the Gun" Blu-ray Release

By the Gun provides an engaging exploration into the intricacies of human drama, transcending its initial cliché gangster setup with a compelling narrative that builds to a surprising climax. The film’s protagonist, caught in the throes of a world he is ill-prepared for, underscores a deep emotional struggle and moral complexity that elevates the movie above standard genre fare. The deliberate and exploratory pacing results in a storyline that, while initially slow, ultimately maintains viewer engagement with its thoughtful build-up and superb lead performances. Despite minor continuity errors, such as inconsistencies with Nicky's 1911-pattern pistol, these lapses do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

Technically, By the Gun is well-served by its Blu-ray release, which showcases solid video and audio quality that enhances the film’s gritty aesthetic. The careful attention to sound design and visual presentation supports the immersive experience critical for a film of this nature. Additional features such as an insightful audio commentary and a collection of deleted scenes add value for enthusiasts and provide deeper insights into the filmmaking process, making this release stand out.

In conclusion, By the Gun manages to impress despite its modest budget, delivering a rich and detailed representation of a man's moral battle within the criminal underworld. The supplementary content on the Blu-ray disc, including commentary tracks and deleted scenes, underscore its worth as a solid addition to any collection. If you're in search of an impactful narrative augmented by praiseworthy technical attributes, By the Gun on Blu-ray comes highly recommended.