Big Kill Blu-ray Review

Cinedigm's Blu-ray release of "Big Kill" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, and showcases New Mexico’s picturesque landscapes along with impressive costume detail. The film benefits from a 2K DI of a digitally captured source, which provides excellent fine detail, particularly in the vibrant, varied costumes that stand out in bright oranges and lime greens. The natural palette ensures that both the characters and the scenic vistas are rendered with precision, delivering a visually engaging experience. Depth of field is notably strong in the wide vistas, which are especially prominent in the film’s opening sequences.

The 1080P video quality presents outstanding definition and razor-sharp clarity, making it evident that this is a product of digital filmmaking. The panoramic cinematography by Mark Atkins is well-served by the Blu-ray format, highlighting the film's scenic elements effectively. While the contrast could afford to be richer—owing to some over-blown white levels and minor banding in the video encode—the overall presentation remains pristine. The detailed textures of the environment and costumes consistently pop with excellent saturation, ensuring an immersive visual experience that, while not quite demo material, is thoroughly satisfying.

"Big Kill" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that adeptly envelops the listener with a robust array of surround activity, courtesy of Kays Al-Atrakchi's compelling score. The soundtrack impressively uses ambient environmental effects, particularly evident in the many outdoor scenes, where elements like gunshots reverberate with clarity and significant force. Directionality during gun battles is commendable, providing strong separation across the soundstage. Yet, some dialogue moments occasionally present an odd boxy quality, potentially hinting at post-dubbing issues or slight distortion in the upper midrange. This minor anomaly does not substantially detract from the overall immersive experience.

The low end effectively underpins the rich audio tapestry, adding an engaging depth to the sound and enhancing the intensity of action sequences. Despite a few quirks in the recording and mix, the surround presentation remains serviceable and effective, facilitating an immersive listening experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are clear, presented in a white font that stays within the scope of the presentation, ensuring they do not distract from the visual enjoyment.

The "Big Kill" Blu-ray features a minimalist approach to extras, ensuring the primary focus remains on the cinematic experience itself. Despite the lack of supplementary material, the physical package includes a slipcover which adds a touch of elegance. A single trailer, "Dead Ant," serves as the lone extra, offering a brief 2-minute HD glimpse into another film, playing before the main menu. Additionally, the disc showcases 15 unaltered screenshots from "Big Kill." For those seeking more, through Patreon support, viewers can access an extensive library of images and additional content across various titles. The extras might pale in comparison to other releases, but they subtly enhance the overall presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Dead Ant Trailer: Plays before the main menu, providing a short preview.
• Screenshots: 15 unaltered images from "Big Kill."

"Big Kill" is a refreshingly traditional western that leverages classic tropes while occasionally tipping its hat to more modern sensibilities. Directed and written by Scott Martin, it features solid performances from a notable cast including Jason Patric, Lou Diamond Phillips, Christoph Sanders, and a cameo by Danny Trejo. The film opens with a dramatic but somewhat superfluous scene set in Mexico, which sets the tone for its blend of serious narrative and moments of irreverent humor. As protagonists Travis (Clint Hummel) and Jake (Scott Martin), along with East Coast accountant Jim (Christoph Sanders), traverse the harsh landscapes on their way to Big Kill, the film oscillates between light-hearted banter and the imminent dread typical of westerns.

Once in Big Kill, the story unfolds around the trio’s interactions with the menacing figure of The Preacher (Jason Patric) and his henchman Johnny Kane (Lou Diamond Phillips). The town itself is portrayed as a decaying remnant of its former glory with a score by Kays Al-Altrakchi that swings between grandiose and winkingly ironic, often channeling classic western motifs from composers like Bruce Broughton and Ennio Morricone. Costuming by Toby Bronson adds color to the otherwise drab settings, highlighting the film’s commitment to visual interest. Despite some over-the-top moments such as exaggerated musical cues and improbably staged shootouts, the film maintains a visceral appeal through its chaotic action scenes and competent character interactions.

"Big Kill" stands out for its faithful recreation of western aesthetics combined with an undercurrent of playful self-awareness. Some of its strengths include the strong chemistry among the leads and the effective balance of humorous and serious elements. However, there are areas where the film misses the mark—such as the out-of-place opening sequence and an overly drawn-out runtime. Nevertheless, for fans of the genre looking for straightforward entertainment mixed with a few contemporary twists, "Big Kill" offers an engaging ride.

Big Kill's Blu-ray release offers a nostalgic journey into the realm of classic westerns, featuring strong performances and engaging characters that breathe life into well-trodden storylines. Jason Patric and Lou Diamond Phillips deliver compelling portrayals, albeit not as the primary focus, adding gravitas to their roles as formidable gunslingers. The film embraces traditional western themes with clear-cut morality, delivering an old-fashioned adventure that is both entertaining and familiar.

The technical presentation of Big Kill on Blu-ray is particularly commendable. The video quality is exceptional, showcasing the film's picturesque landscapes and period-appropriate set designs with vivid clarity and detail. The audio supports the visual presentation well, with a clean and balanced sound mix that enhances the overall viewing experience. However, some minor audio deficiencies prevent it from achieving perfection. Despite this, the technical merits of the Blu-ray generally range from decent to excellent.

I was surprisingly engaged by Big Kill. This is a film unafraid to travel western roads that are veritable rut fields, a la the Oregon Trail, having been gone down so many times before. I kind of wish Martin had gone for even more of the gusto in some of the hints he drops in terms of references to other westerns, not to mention a kind of cheeky attitude that I personally feel might have been pushed even a bit further. Big Kill may not do anything new, but it offers some fun performances and a generally breezy approach to its subject that feels unexpectedly refreshing. Technical merits are decent (audio) to excellent (video), and with caveats noted, Big Kill comes Recommended.