Bronson Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of “Bronson” is a mixed bag in terms of video quality. The film, shot on both 16mm and 35mm film stocks, features a gritty, 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that varies in clarity and graininess. Despite occasional instances of chroma noise and white specks, the transfer aligns well with the film's rough style and main character's coarse persona. The color palette consists mainly of secondary hues, with primary colors like red standing out vividly, particularly in the bloody fight scenes. However, the contrast is often weak, leading to blown-out highlights and harsh blacks that obscure finer details in both highlights and shadows. Overall, while not a visual stunner, the transfer remains faithful to the director's artistic vision and the film's thematic substance.

The video quality of "Bronson" is somewhat uneven but intentional. Certain scenes exhibit heavy grain and noise, which complements the film’s lo-fi aesthetic. Throughout its 92-minute runtime, the encode offers varying levels of definition and clarity, particularly in scenes shot with 35mm which show appreciable detail. Although not uniformly sharp, the depiction remains consistent with the film's gritty atmosphere. On the downside, fluctuating brightness levels and the occasional oppressive blacks disrupt visual consistency, sometimes obscuring background information. Despite these flaws, there are no signs of digital noise reduction (DNR) or halo-inducing edge enhancements, preserving the film’s authenticity.

In summary, "Bronson" on Blu-ray delivers a visually textured experience that mirrors the film's raw narrative. The encode captures various film stock qualities adeptly, offering solid colors and rich shadows where possible. While issues like contrast imbalance and occasional chroma noise are present, they do not detract heavily from the viewing experience. Instead, they enhance the film’s gritty aesthetic, making this Blu-ray a must-have for fans who appreciate stylistic coherence between content and presentation.

"Bronson" on Blu-ray delivers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that impresses with its strong sense of presence and dynamic range. It effectively immerses the audience into the surreal world of Charles Bronson, utilizing the rear channels to create a rich acoustic ambience filled with clinking chains, distant thunder, and screaming prisoners. The soundtrack showcases solid acoustics and faithful imaging, making the soundscape engaging and spacious. Despite the film's dialog-centric nature, the track ensures clear and intelligible character interactions, even with the heavier British accents.

The audio presentation excels during musical sequences, where the bass response is sturdy, particularly noted when the 80's soundtrack dynamically kicks in, offering plenty of bass to enhance the viewing experience. Aria and pop music selections contribute to the immersive soundfield, providing enjoyable moments of excitement. Though the LFE does not dominate, it performs adequately during crucial scenes. Additionally, unique sound effects, such as laser beam noises during fight scenes, add a creative edge to the mix.

Overall, "Bronson" features a well-balanced audio track that works effectively within the confines of its deliberate lo-fi aesthetic. The front soundstage displays commendable fidelity and clarity, ensuring dialogue remains intelligible throughout. While not an action-heavy mix, this DTS-HD Master Audio track masterfully supports the film's distinctive style and dramatic elements.

The Blu-ray release of "Bronson" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that enhance the viewing experience, though some may find the absence of a commentary disappointing. The package includes a mix of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and unique insights into Tom Hardy's transformation into Charles Bronson. Particularly notable are the inclusion of real recordings of Bronson himself and detailed interviews with both cast and crew, providing depth and context to the film production. The materials are presented in standard definition but remain engaging for fans and casual viewers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Charles Bronson Monologues: Production stills with voice recordings of the real Charles Bronson.
• Making of Bronson: Interviews with cast, crew, and Bronson’s acquaintances.
• Training Tom Hardy: Insight into Tom Hardy's intense training regime.
• Interviews: In-depth discussions with Nicolas Winding Refn, Tom Hardy, and Matt King.
• Behind the Scenes Footage: Raw, unedited B-roll footage from filming.
• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer showcasing the film's tone.

"Bronson," directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, is a gripping and unorthodox biographical film that portrays the tumultuous life of Michael Peterson, alias Charles Bronson, Britain's most notorious prisoner. Refn eschews conventional storytelling, presenting Bronson’s life as a performance narrative where he engages in theatrically violent acts, both amusing and horrifying. This stylistic choice offers no clear psychological analysis or moral judgment, but rather immerses viewers in the chaotic world of a man who finds purpose within the confines of a prison, treating his incarceration as both stage and solace. The cinematography by Larry Smith accentuates the bizarre and gritty ambiance, enhancing the unsettling yet magnetic visual experience.

Tom Hardy’s intense performance is the film's centerpiece. His complete physical and emotional transformation into Bronson is a tour de force, effectively conveying the wild unpredictability and ferocious charisma of his character. Hardy's Bronson is compellingly multifaceted—simultaneously brutal, humorous, and pitiable. He transforms Bronson from a mere inmate to an enigmatic figure who relishes in his notorious status, driven by a distorted ambition for fame. The film includes surreal, black-comedic moments that meld seamlessly with its raw depictions of violence, further emphasizing Bronson’s complex personality and the disturbing allure he exerts.

Refn's film does not attempt to decipher Bronson's motives or impart a moral lesson. Instead, it offers an erratically violent ride through his life, highlighting his propensity for chaos and theatre. The soundtrack and operatic fight sequences assert an almost art-house quality to Bronson’s savagery, making the film as riveting as it is disturbing. In its eccentric portrayal of an unrepentantly violent man, "Bronson" captivates without condoning, challenging viewers to gaze into the fascinatingly dark soul of a man who defies easy categorization.

The film "Bronson," directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, provides a unique and compelling biopic of Britain's most notorious criminal, Charles Bronson. While it falls short of being heralded as the modern "A Clockwork Orange," it stands out with its vivid and original character study. Tom Hardy’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, delivering a fearless and confident portrayal that captures Bronson’s complex and often irrational personality. The film’s stylistic choices may not all hit the mark, but they ensure that "Bronson" never feels mundane or predictable.

In terms of the Blu-ray technical specs, Magnolia’s release offers a solid package. The video quality does a fair job reflecting the gritty essence of Bronson's life, though it isn’t particularly impressive. However, the audio stands out, providing a richer and more immersive experience. The supplement package is better than average, albeit presented in standard definition, offering additional insights and value to viewers. Larry Smith’s photography complements the narrative effectively, adding a visual depth that pairs well with Hardy's magnetic performance.

An interesting look into a tripped out mind, but not quite “A Clockwork Orange for the 21st Century”, 'Bronson' is an interesting ride. This movie is not for everyone, but those who crave a different experience besides the same old big budget blockbuster will find themselves captivated. Magnolia's Blu-ray has a better than average supplement package (but all in SD) and decent technical specs. Combine that with Tom Hardy's amazing performance and ‘Bronson’ comes easily recommended.