Accident Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory’s presentation of Cheang Pou-Soi's "Accident" on Blu-ray is a puzzle wrapped in disappointment primarily due to its significant deviations from the visual intentions of the filmmakers. Originally shot with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, the film has been controversially cropped to 1.78:1, severely impacting the viewer's experience. The compromised framing often renders scenes confusing, especially during critical moments such as the tram accident. Further compounding the issue is a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that is riddled with technical flaws. The transfer suffers from heavy filtering, contrast issues, compression artifacts, and inconsistent color reproduction, detracting from the overall viewing experience.

Despite some sequences maintaining decent clarity and definition, the inconsistency in video quality is glaring. A thin veil of grain is omnipresent, but certain scenes appear to have undergone digital noise reduction—likely a consequence of the cropping. This results in pervasive digital noise, poor shadow delineation, and noticeable posterization in whites. While black levels demonstrate occasional strength, they often waver, leading to washed-out scenes and unsightly spots of crush. Colors intermittently shine but are frequently marred by chroma noise. Importantly, the erratic zooming in on the picture introduces a range of distracting artifacts, making this Blu-ray presentation far removed from what one would expect in a high-definition format.

In essence, while "Accident" makes it to Blu-ray with some aspects of its original visual artistry intact, Shout Factory's execution is highly flawed. The controversial aspect ratio alteration combined with a very uneven 1080p transfer detracts significantly from what should have been a much stronger high-def release.

The audio presentation of "Accident" on Blu-ray is available in three standard audio tracks: Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1, and Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0. For viewers requiring subtitles, English subtitles are provided but cannot be turned off. The Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track distinctly enhances the film's overall auditory experience, particularly during the accident scenes and Xavier Jamaux's atmospheric score, making them more immersive and engaging. Dialog clarity is maintained well throughout.

Furthermore, the DTS-HD Master Audio track provides a rich and involving soundfield that significantly heightens the dramatic thriller experience. Surround channels can occasionally feel overly prominent, yet panning remains smooth and effective in creating an immersive listening environment. While ambient effects in the surrounds are inconsistent, their presence in quieter scenes is notably sparse. On balance, the front soundstage excels in producing expansive imaging and neatly employs more ambient effects. Channel separation is well-balanced, ensuring vocals stand out clearly, and the mid-range delivers detailed audio fidelity. The action sequences might appear slightly bright, yet the robust low bass adds substantial weight to the movie, making the high-resolution track a particularly pleasant auditory experience.

For a comparative perspective, the Hong Kong disc with its Cantonese Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track offers enhanced surround sound intensity and overall sound quality, particularly noticeable during high-action climatic events. Despite these differences, the translated English dialogue remains strong across all tracks, providing a solid and accessible viewing experience for non-Cantonese speakers.

The extras included in the Blu-ray of "Accident" provide valuable insights into the film's production and marketing. The Trailer offers a glimpse into the movie’s thematic elements and tone, featuring the original theatrical preview with excellent quality Cantonese audio and imposed English subtitles. The Making of featurette delves deeper, comprising interviews with the cast and crew as well as raw behind-the-scenes footage that highlights key plot points and character dynamics. Each element is presented in high definition, enhancing the viewing experience and giving audiences a concise look at the creation process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical preview, in Cantonese with imposed English subtitles.
• Making of: BTS footage and interviews with cast and crew.

"Accident" (2009), directed by Cheang Pou-Soi, is a sophisticated psychological thriller revolving around a team of assassins who meticulously stage deaths to appear as fatal accidents. The narrative centers on the team's leader, known as the Brain (Louis Koo), a master tactician whose obsession with perfection ensures the success of their elaborate schemes. However, when a straightforward job goes disastrously wrong, resulting in the death of team member Fatty (Suet Lam), the Brain descends into a chilling spiral of paranoia. The film cleverly explores themes of trust, suspicion, and the fragility of the human psyche, offering multiple interpretive layers that contribute to its immersive storytelling. The viewer is invited to piece together scattered hints about the Brain's past and his increasingly erratic behavior post-tragedy.

The film is stylistically rich, benefiting from the adept lensing of Fung Yuen Man, which imbues it with a distinct 80s vibe and energetic pacing. The opening sequence is a masterclass in suspenseful choreography—expertly setting up the film's tone with a highly engineered "accident" that captivates and builds apprehension. This tension persists throughout the film, exacerbated by the Brain's deepening paranoia and introspection. While the plot eventually leads to a predictable twist, it does little to detract from the compelling ride directed by Cheang Pou-Soi. The cinematography amplifies this sense of unease with frequent lens flares and a foreboding atmosphere.

Accident’s cast features regular contributors from Johnnie To’s Milkyway Image production company, enhancing its narrative strength with strong performances. Louis Koo stands out, portraying the Brain as a tragically flawed protagonist whose credibility unravels as he loses grip on reality. Supported by a haunting score from French composer Xavier Jamaux, the film maintains a steady grip on suspense. Although adhering to genre conventions, “Accident” delivers a thrilling and engaging experience that captures the audience's imagination through its blend of stylish execution and psychological depth.

"Accident" on Blu-ray is a mixed experience that presents both positives and negatives for fans and collectors. The film itself is a stylish entry into the crime thriller genre, offering strong performances and skillful cinematography. While it doesn't break new ground or deliver unexpected twists, it remains an engaging watch. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray transfer fails to live up to expectations with a troubled high-definition presentation. The aspect ratio is cropped from the original, and the visual quality is often lacking, which can detract significantly from the viewing experience.

In terms of audio, however, the Blu-ray shines. The lossless audio track is rich and immersive, delivering crystal clear dialogue and a well-balanced soundscape. This strong auditory presentation helps to somewhat offset the disappointing video quality. It’s worth noting that the directorial style and atmospheric intensity of "Accident" are maintained despite the visual shortfalls, which may still appeal to dedicated followers of Hong Kong cinema.

Overall, considering the subpar video transfer, potential buyers in the U.S. might want to explore alternative editions like the Hong Kong Blu-ray release by MegaStar from 2009. While this disc does provide a good auditory experience and captures the essence of the film’s atmosphere, it falls short visually, making it hard to fully recommend unless for rent to fans of the genre. Understandably, it's not an outright fail but a cautiously approached investment.