RocknRolla Blu-ray Review

"RocknRolla" makes a pronounced entry onto Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer that adheres faithfully to its original widescreen 2.40:1 ratio. Utilizing the VC-1 codec, its high-definition presentation maintains clarity and smoothness, with the absence of digital annoyances such as edge enhancement, halos, or noise, ensuring a clean visual experience. However, the artistic choice to overlay the film with a sepia-toned effect introduces a distinctive style that, while aiming for consistency and mood akin to that of Western genres, might not cater to all tastes. The effect dampens the vibrancy of colors and leaves them muted, affecting the overall expected sparkle of the high-definition image.

Notably, the blacks and contrast levels do not reach the depths and sharpness typically desired for a film shot in HD, leading to scenes that can appear washed out or lacking in detail. This peculiar lack of robust black levels and diminished contrast contributes to a somewhat flat visual experience in darker scenes or indoor settings. Despite these artistic choices, some scenes still manage to showcase vivid colors and details, particularly in daylight scenarios where the palette briefly diverges from its predominantly brownish hue. These moments highlight the potential for a more dynamic range that unfortunately remains underexploited.

The transfer significantly shines in terms of resolution and texture detail, especially noticeable in natural daylight settings and intricate backgrounds like London's brickwork, free from common issues like aliasing. The overall quality of this Blu-ray presentation of "RocknRolla" demonstrates a clear intention to retain the director's unique visual style. Although this results in a mixed reception regarding its color grading and contrast levels, the effort to preserve skin textures, clothing details, and urban landscapes speaks to a commendable level of attention to detail in the transfer process.

The audio presentation of "RocknRolla" on Blu-ray is exclusively served with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack in English, providing an audibly rich experience that ensures all dialogues come through with impeccable clarity and crispness, immensely benefiting the dialogue-heavy nature of the film. While French, Spanish, and Portuguese audiences might have to settle for the slightly less immersive Dolby Digital 5.1, the essence of the audio experience remains undiminished across languages. The soundtrack, though not without its faults—such as a tendency to require volume adjustments for optimal listening and occasionally unbalanced mix at higher volumes—does justice to the action sequences with well-rendered LFE touches that lend a solid backing to thumps, thuds, crashes, and the film's energetic musical score.

However, it's worth noting that the center and front channels are predominantly leveraged, directing the film’s extensive narrative and musical components effectively to the listener. This placement sometimes limits the surround sound effect, with rear channel utilization being sparse yet competent in delivering ambient sounds and depth when the action intensifies. The 16-bit encoding of the soundtrack might not make it a benchmark for audiophiles seeking demonstration-worthy tracks, but it successfully envelops the viewer in 'RocknRolla's unique atmosphere, particularly during its few but memorable action scenes where the dynamic range and deep bass come alive. Despite some minor shortcomings like car dialogue scenes being somewhat muted, this does not significantly detract from an otherwise solid auditory experience.

Moreover, the soundscape of 'RocknRolla,' from the ambient hustle of London to the gunfire and car wrecks of its more violent episodes, showcases an intriguing blend of sounds that maintain narrative focus and immersion. The soundtrack manages to preserve the distinctiveness of key audio elements—ensuring that even amidst a cacophony of sounds, dialogue remains king. The action sequences provide a satisfactory punch with machine gun fire and other effects rendered in a manner that adds dimensionality to the overall viewing experience. Despite this, viewers seeking out a fully surround sound experience may find the use limited but adequate for the film’s scope.

The Blu-ray extras for "RocknRolla" present a mixed bag of offerings that leave something to be desired for fans and newcomers alike. The commentary track led by Director Guy Ritchie and Mark Strong starts promising with occasional interesting insights but quickly devolves into a less engaging conversation, lacking depth and preparation. The two featurettes, "Blokes, Birds and Backhanders: Inside Rock-n-Rolla" and "Guy's Town," despite being presented in high definition, offer only a superficial glance behind the scenes. They recycle film clips excessively and miss the chance to delve into richer content or the film's production intricacies. The sole deleted scene featuring Gerard Butler feels inconsequential and doesn't add value to the overall package. However, the inclusion of a digital copy provides a tangible benefit, allowing for portable viewership. Sadly, these extras fail to explore the film's essence thoroughly or offer compelling reasons to revisit the disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Director Guy Ritchie and Actor Mark Strong: In-depth yet sometimes meandering discussion.
• Blokes, Birds and Backhanders: Inside Rock-n-Rolla: Cast and crew share insights into the film's making.
• Guy's Town: Guy Ritchie’s exploration of London's influence on his work.
• Deleted Scene: Brief cut featuring Gerard Butler.
• Digital Copy: Includes a copy of the film for portable devices, though compatibility may vary.

Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla" marks a vital turning point in the director's career, weaving together a complex tapestry of humor, crime, and action that harks back to his critically acclaimed early work. Amidst the eclectic backdrop of London's criminal underworld, the film introduces us to an array of characters played by a notable ensemble cast including Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, and Tom Wilkinson. Each character is embroiled in a convoluted plot involving a Russian oligarch, a corrupt British land deal, and a series of deceptions that cleverly intersect through the ownership of a luck-inducing painting. Ritchie crafts a narrative that is at once dense and engaging, challenging audiences to keep pace with its rapid twists and turns. The genius of "RocknRolla" lies in its ability to mesh Ritchie's signature directorial elements—sharp dialogue, dynamic storytelling, and character-driven humor—with a new level of sophistication and cinematic flair.

Despite its strengths, "RocknRolla" struggled at the box office, potentially due to its intricate plot and a plethora of characters that may have left viewers bewildered on first viewing. Nonetheless, Ritchie's film is an undeniable showcase of his filmmaking prowess, presenting a gritty, animated exploration of greed and power within the London underworld. The movie benefits significantly from repeat viewings, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the depth of its character development and narrative intricacies. The performances are particularly noteworthy, with Butler, Newton, Wilkinson, Jeremy Piven, and Chris Bridges (Ludacris) delivering memorable roles that capture the essence of Ritchie's unique world.

In essence, "RocknRolla" stands as a testament to Guy Ritchie's enduring talent as a filmmaker. Although it might not reach the iconic status of "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" or "Snatch," it serves as a critical juncture in Ritchie's career—reminding viewers of his capability to meld complex narratives with compelling character work. As the film finds its audience on Blu-ray, its virtues have become increasingly recognized, suggesting that it may yet assume its rightful place among Ritchie's more celebrated works. The movie's well-crafted balance of action and dialogue-driven scenes ensures that it remains engaging throughout, providing both insight into its characters and sufficient pace to keep audiences entertained.

"RocknRolla," directed by Guy Ritchie, returns to the familiar ground that fans of his earlier work such as "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" will recognize and appreciate. The film delivers a supercharged narrative, rich with clever dialogues and thoroughly entertaining character interactions set against a contemporary London backdrop. While it may tread over-exaggerated territories at times, it remains relatable, especially to those familiar with urban environments. The Blu-ray edition of "RocknRolla" enhances this experience with commendable audio and video quality. However, it's worth noting that the stylistic choices in video presentation may not appeal to all, potentially affecting the otherwise stellar transfer quality. The lack of substantial extras is a drawback, though the inclusion of a digital copy adds value by offering multiple viewing possibilities.

The technical execution of the Blu-ray presentation is evaluated using an array of high-end AV equipment, ensuring a thorough assessment. Despite being presented on a myriad of sophisticated setups - from JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector to Sony PlayStation 3 for Blu-ray playback, and a sound system complemented by high-quality components like Canton Ergo Series speakers and SV Sound PB-13 Ultra - the film remains consistent in delivering its cinematic experience. This rigorous testing highlights the Blu-ray's capability to stand up to demanding standards, offering a strong audio/visual performance that mirrors the film's dynamic pacing and stylish cinematography.

In conclusion, while "RocknRolla" might not represent Guy Ritchie's finest work, it stands as a must-watch for his aficionados and newcomers alike, particularly for its energetic rhythm and unique style. The Blu-ray version, despite its slight shortfall in video stylization and limited extras, presents a solid option for purchase due to its high replay value facilitated by robust technical quality. This release underscores the vital importance of second viewings to fully grasp the film’s intricate details, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection, albeit more recommended as a purchase for the enthusiasts rather than casual viewers.