Bone Tomahawk Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Bone Tomahawk," captured on Red by cinematographer Benji Bakshi and presented in a 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer by RLJ/Image Entertainment, delivers an immersive visual experience that complements the film's stark narrative and desolate setting. The transfer, presumably sourced from a digital intermediate, leverages the camera's capability to render scenes with remarkable clarity, even under the challenging conditions of night shoots. The depth of blacks is particularly noteworthy, contributing to the creation of striking contrasts during the many nocturnal scenes, a feat achieved without sacrificing detail. This crisp portrayal is further enhanced by a warm color palette that not only emphasizes the arid landscapes within the unidentified Southwestern setting - all within thirty miles of Los Angeles - but also accentuates the intricate production design, from the rugged terrain to the meticulous costuming, bringing every element into sharp relief.

Sporting an average bitrate of 21.00 Mbps across a BD-50 disc, the video maintains high fidelity to the digital source, presenting scenes with steady camera work that focuses on expansive landscapes, thereby accentuating the isolation of characters within vast empty spaces. This meticulousness in video quality allows the viewer to appreciate the film's scenic beauty as well as its more grisly aspects with unparalleled clarity. The film’s aspect ratio of 2.40:1 ensures that elements such as Kurt Russell’s beard and costume details are vivid and textured, with colors skewing towards golden tones without compromising skin tones or primary colors, which pop effectively when needed. While the transfer falters slightly during darker scenes, with some potentially losing definition and depth due to challenging shadow delineation, these moments do not detract significantly from the overall excellence of this Blu-ray’s video presentation. It’s a testament to the capabilities of contemporary digital cinema and a benchmark for how modern Westerns can be visually rendered on home media formats.

The audio presentation of "Bone Tomahawk" on its Blu Ray release, featuring a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, masterfully encapsulates the essence of its genre-blending narrative with a sound design that is as immersive as it is meticulous. The ambient soundscape of the film's setting is brought to life with astounding clarity - gusting winds, rustling vegetation, and the eerie nocturnal stirrings in the wilderness are rendered with such precision that they place the viewer right in the heart of its unfolding drama. Notably, the sparing use of gunshots, which explode into the soundscape with robust bass and a lingering reverberation through the surround channels, punctuates the film's tense atmosphere without overwhelming it.

The dialogue, delivered in that distinctive rich Western drawl, cuts through the mix with impeccable clarity, allowing every line to be heard without struggle - a testament to the audio track's balancing prowess. Moreover, the film's unique score, born from the creative minds of Zahler and Herriott of Realmbuilder, complements the on-screen action without ever encroaching upon or muddling the diegetic sound elements. This synergy between score and sound design enhances both the vast, desolate expanses of the Western setting and the claustrophobic tension of its horror sequences, helping to maintain a consistent tone throughout.

Imaging and channel movement are subtly executed yet effective, creating a dynamic audio environment that is constantly engaging yet never intrusive. The midrange focus ensures that every element, from the crunch of gravel underfoot to the disturbingly vivid horror effects, is lent an unsettling intimacy. This careful crafting of the audio landscape not only elevates the film's atmospheric tension but also solidifies 'Bone Tomahawk's 5.1 soundtrack as a paramount example of how sound can profoundly influence the cinematic experience, skillfully serving both its narrative exigencies and its genre-blending ambitions.

The extra features of the "Bone Tomahawk" Blu-ray offer a moderately engaging glimpse behind the scenes of this unique western horror film. The most substantial offering is the "Fantastic Fest Q&A with the Director and Cast," which, at over thirty minutes, dives deep into the production experiences and the swift 21-day shoot, revealing the dedication and enthusiasm of both cast and crew. The "Making of Bone Tomahawk" provides an informative, albeit standard, EPK-style look into the film’s creation, complemented by interviews that capture the team's spirit. Although the deleted scene presented offers insight into what might have been, its exclusion seems justified by its tone. Rounding out the extras are a poster gallery showcasing character posters and both a theatrical trailer of the film itself and additional trailers for other movies, which are only viewable upon disc startup.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Bone Tomahawk: Contains interviews with director S. Craig Zahler, principal cast members, and key crew.

• Deleted Scene: A would-be concluding scene offering a softer moment that contrasts with the film's overall tone.

• Fantastic Fest Q&A with the Director and Cast: Features a comprehensive discussion including Zahler, producers, and actors.

• Poster Gallery: Displays seven images including five character posters.

• Theatrical Trailer: The film's official promotional trailer.

• Additional Trailers: Trailers for "Dark Was the Night," "Pay the Ghost," and "Odd Thomas," accessible only upon startup.

In the evolving tapestry of the Western genre, "Bone Tomahawk" emerges as a striking testament to the genre's capacity for reinvention, proficiently blending the familiar frontiers of Americana with the visceral thrills of horror. Directed by S. Craig Zahler, this film marks a bold departure from traditional Western tropes, opting instead to infuse the narrative with elements of primal fear and survival against a breed of horror that is both unexpected and deeply unsettling. Zahler, donning multiple creative hats as a writer, director, and musician, strips the Western to its core, reviving its elemental terror—an endeavor underpinned by a lean budget and a brisk twenty-one-day shoot, culminating in a premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2015.

Set in the quiet town of Bright Hope, the film rolls out its premise when several townsfolk and horses mysteriously vanish, leaving behind signs of a malevolent clan of cave-dwelling troglodytes. The rescue mission, led by Sheriff Franklin Hunt (Kurt Russell), draws together an eclectic posse including the loyal deputy Chicory (Richard Jenkins), the sharpshooter John Brooder (Matthew Fox), and the determined Arthur O'Dwyer (Patrick Wilson), each character meticulously drawn and contributing to the group’s dynamic. Their journey into the unknown is fraught with peril, not least from their quarry, rendering their expedition a riveting study in courage, loyalty, and the sheer brutality of the frontier.

"Bone Tomahawk" juxtaposes the slow-burn tension of a traditional Western with sudden eruptions of graphic horror, creating a hybrid that deftly navigates the nuances of each genre. The film's third act veers into unapologetically gory territory, a dramatic pivot that may surprise viewers primed for a more conventional Western narrative. However, it's this bold synthesis of genre elements, alongside compelling performances from a star-studded cast, that underscores Zahler's film as a modern cult classic. By recalibrating genre expectations, "Bone Tomahawk" offers both a homage and a stark reimagining of the Western, ensuring its place in the annals of genre cinema as a uniquely terrifying venture into the heart of darkness on the frontier.

'Bone Tomahawk' sits at the intersection of western grit and horror suspense, a unique concoction that succeeds in delivering a film experience that's as unsettling as it is captivating. The Blu-ray release offers a stellar audiovisual experience, capturing both the desolate beauty of the western landscape and the chilling atmosphere of the film's more gruesome moments. With a Fantastic Fest Q&A where director S. Craig Zahler elucidates his vision, stating his focus was on character depth rather than gore for gore's sake, the additional content enriches the viewing experience. The gruesome scenes, while impactful, serve to punctuate a narrative built on suspense and the emotional journeys of its core characters. This approach may not satisfy those seeking a conventional horror, but it's a deliberate choice that elevates the film above mere shock value.

The performances breathe life into Zahler's meticulously crafted world, further enhancing the film's dual identity. The ensemble cast delivers with such authenticity that it's easy to become invested in their perilous journey. The deliberate pacing and focus on character development may divide audiences, but for those attuned to its rhythm, 'Bone Tomahawk' emerges as a memorable entry in both genres it inhabits. The Blu-ray supplements this with commendable extras that offer insights into the making of this distinctive film.

Concluding, 'Bone Tomahawk' on Blu-ray is a must-have for aficionados of horror and westerns alike. Its technical presentation is beyond reproach, providing an immersive experience that complements its narrative ambitions. While not for the faint of heart, the film, through its combination of genre elements and strong character focus, offers a riveting experience. This release, with its highly recommended Q&A session and solid performances, underscores Zahler's prowess in transcending genre conventions to deliver a layered and provocative cinematic journey.