Valkyrie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Valkyrie" across various releases consistently impresses with its 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfers, all framed at the director-preferred aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The visual fidelity, praised for its realistic depiction avoiding the Hollywood gloss, showcases a detailed and sharp image across the board. Skin tones are represented authentically, eschewing the typical tanned look for a more genuine visual aesthetic. The contrast is described as excellent, lending depth to both light and dark scenes, with black levels deep and inky, ensuring solid shadows without losing detail. Grain is present, adding a textural layer that contributes to the film's gritty atmosphere without becoming a distraction. The color palette, while subdued, emphasizes key elements like the scarlet of the Nazi flags, which pop against the mostly drab backdrops, reflecting a deliberate artistic choice that matches the film's tone and setting.

The technical execution of the video presentation respects and enhances director Brian Singer's vision, with special mention to the handling of colors and lighting. Yellows, blues, reds, greens, whites, and blacks are described as lush and well-saturated, contributing to the film's realistic portrayal. Wide angle shots and close-ups alike benefit from this treatment, revealing subtle textures and details that might otherwise be lost. While the film doesn't boast an overly colorful aesthetic, its use of color is intentional and striking when it appears, offering a visual contrast that underscores the narrative's themes. The Blu-ray's sharpness occasionally fluctuates due to CGI and lighting decisions, but this does not significantly detract from an overall high-quality viewing experience.

MGM and 20th Century Fox's Blu-ray releases of "Valkyrie" demonstrate careful attention to maintaining a pristine transfer that admirers of the film will appreciate. Despite minor instances of digital noise and a few scenes where shadow detail could be sharper, these are not widespread issues and do not mar the overall visual impact. On technical grounds, these releases maintain a consistency in quality across regions, though it's worth noting the region lock specifics for potential international viewers. With strong depth, clarity, and a faithful color scheme that aligns with the filmmakers' vision, this Blu-ray transfer ensures "Valkyrie" is presented with the respect it merits, encouraging both first-time viewers and returning fans to experience the movie in its best possible light.

The Valkyrie Blu-ray's audio performance is showcased beautifully through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which does a commendable job at delivering both the film's subtle and more dynamic sonic elements. The audio mix prioritizes clarity and intelligibility in dialogue, anchoring voices firmly in the center channel while maintaining a crisp, clear quality that demands the audience's attention. Surround sound effects are used judiciously, enhancing the realism and immersion of key scenes without overwhelming the dialogue-driven narrative. For instance, ambient effects brilliantly come to life in the rear channels during specific sequences, such as the vehicular movements in South Africa or the intensity of the air raid that puts Stauffenberg and his family in peril. The mix does not shy away from testing the limits of your equipment with its robust bass response and a detailed sound field that envelops the viewer, particularly during the North African bombing sequence and the suspenseful air raid shelter scene.

However, certain aspects of the audio mix have room for improvement. Some viewers noted a discrepancy in volume levels, especially between dialogue and action scenes, requiring occasional adjustments to achieve a balanced listening experience. Despite this minor setback, the audio track's overall design is highly praised for its ability to engage the listener with atmospheric sounds and directional effects that move seamlessly across the soundstage. The score by John Ottman further enriches the listening experience, providing weight with its deep bass drum and timpani amidst a predominantly percussion-heavy orchestration, without overshadowing lighter instrumentation.

The Blu-ray also offers a variety of audio options catering to a diverse audience, including multiple language tracks and an extensive range of subtitle choices, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. Despite its few criticisms, mainly concerning dialogue volume relative to action sequences, the overall consensus rates the Valkyrie audio experience as both compelling and immersive. It serves as an exemplar of how a well-executed audio mix can significantly enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of a film, making it a noteworthy aspect of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray edition of "Valkyrie" impressively supplements its main feature with a rich array of extras that deepen the viewer's engagement with both the historical context and the film's creation. Noteworthy are two comprehensive audio commentaries that add considerable value; one teams Tom Cruise, Bryan Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie for an engaging discussion, while the second pairs McQuarrie with Nathan Alexander for a more technically focused exploration. The standout is "The Valkyrie Legacy," a nearly two-hour documentary directed by Kevin Burns, providing an exhaustive look into Nazi Germany's history and the various plots to assassinate Hitler. Additionally, featurettes like "The Journey to Valkyrie" and "Recreating Berlin" offer behind-the-scenes insights into the film's production and historical accuracy. This collection is a meticulously curated complement to the film, making it an essential package for history enthusiasts and cinephiles alike, further enriched by subtitles in multiple languages for broader accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tom Cruise, Bryan Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie: An engaging discussion providing diverse insights into the film.
• Audio Commentary by Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander: A technical commentary on the film’s production.
• The Journey to Valkyrie: A featurette detailing the film's creation from historical events.
• The Road to Resistance: A Visual Guide: Stauffenberg's grandson gives a tour of significant Berlin locations.
• The African Front Sequence: Focuses on the technical execution of the opening scene.
• Taking to the Air: Discusses the use of actual warplanes over CGI effects.
• Recreating Berlin: Looks at the original locations used in the film.
• 92nd Street Y Reel Pieces: An interview session with Bryan Singer and Tom Cruise.
• The Valkyrie Legacy: A comprehensive documentary covering the rise and fall of Nazi Germany.
• Digital Copy Bonus Disc: For easy viewing on PCs or portable devices.

Bryan Singer's "Valkyrie," starring Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, delivers a potent recount of the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler. The 2008 film is meticulously crafted, placing emphasis on the historical accuracy of the German Resistance's operation. Despite its strong narrative rooted in true events, the film harbors shortcomings in character development and casting choices. Cruise's portrayal, while earnest, has been critiqued for lacking the depth and charisma necessary to fully embody Stauffenberg. Furthermore, the film's handling of accents—mixing British and American dialects among German characters—detracts from its authenticity, despite efforts to film on location and create a visually compelling period piece.

The Blu-ray release by 20th Century Fox-UK exemplifies technical excellence with its AVC-encoded transfer and robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, enriching the viewing experience with superb visual and audio quality. Supplemental materials, notably Kevin Burns' documentary "The Valkyrie Legacy," provide valuable context and enhance the film’s educational value. Despite its intent to offer an immersive historical thriller without the overt moral preaching found in similar genre films, "Valkyrie" is at odds with its own ambition. The film's first half suffers from pacing issues and a crowded ensemble that hinders deeper character exploration, which subsequently affects the climax's intended suspense and emotional impact.

In essence, "Valkyrie" is a visually striking, well-intended portrayal of a pivotal but underexplored chapter in WWII history. It's a narrative of courage against tyranny, presenting an important story that highlights resistance within Germany's ranks against Hitler. However, it fumbles in its execution, mired by casting controversies and inconsistent accents that undermine its claim to authenticity. The film succeeds more as an introduction to its historical subject matter than as a definitive account, poised somewhere between achieving greatness and succumbing to its inherent flaws.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Valkyrie" under the meticulous eye of Brian Singer makes a notable entry in the home cinema domain, boasting a commendable high-definition experience. The release showcases an exceptional video quality that stands out, especially when viewed on setups such as the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector paired with a Carada Precision Brilliant White 96 Screen. Noteworthy is its color accuracy and fine detail that breathes life into the World War II setting, facilitated by a range of high-end players including the Oppo 970HD and Panasonic DMP-BD55K. The audio doesn't lag behind, with its DTS-HD MA lossless mix providing a smooth, natural immersion, optimal for both dialogue-driven scenes and the more sparse action sequences. This audial fidelity is complemented by setups involving Marantz and Denon equipment, ensuring that every spoken word and background score is experienced with clarity and depth.

A critical aspect of this release is the comprehensive suite of extras equipped to enhance the viewer's engagement. These include two feature-length audio commentaries, a significantly detailed 2-hour documentary titled "The Valkyrie Legacy," and multiple HD behind-the-scenes featurettes that delve into the filmmaking process. Such additions are invaluable for enthusiasts keen on understanding both the historical context and the creative journey behind "Valkyrie." The package not only serves as an immersive cinematic experience but also offers an educational dive into the events that inspired the film, ensuring it appeals to both casual viewers and history buffs alike.

In conclusion, despite some narrative and casting choices that might detract from the film's historical authenticity, "Valkyrie" on Blu-ray stands out for its technical merits and substantial bonus content. The superior video and audio presentation, coupled with an insightful collection of extras, underscore this release as a commendable addition to any film aficionado's collection. Whether it's to appreciate the effort behind its production or to marvel at the cinematic quality that Blu-ray technology can offer, "Valkyrie" is undoubtedly recommended for those who value depth and detail in their home viewing experience.