Special Forces Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Special Forces" presents a highly commendable video transfer in 1080p High Definition, maintaining the film's original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The detail is generally excellent throughout, with firm clarity and fine object detail prominently featured. Importantly, there are no signs of digital defects such as edge enhancement or excessive digital noise reduction (DNR). The color palette is dominated by the dusty oranges and browns of the desert environments, and it faithfully represents various other hues, including vibrant greens and the whites of snow-capped mountains. Black levels are reasonably strong, ensuring solid shadowing, though night sequences are scant and depicted mainly through scenes involving night-vision goggles.

Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the transfer remains robust and engaging. Close-ups exhibit significant depth, and overall clarity is consistent even across varied filming conditions. The contrast levels are also well-maintained, with no colors appearing artificially boosted. While a minor instance of light banding was observed, there were no notable aliasing patterns or transfer anomalies detected, ensuring a stable and immersive viewing experience. Notably, edge-enhancement has been carefully managed to avoid any issues. Although the presentation may not exhibit the ultimate sheen or 3D pop necessary to qualify as demo material, it stands out as an impressive effort for a film of this budget, ensuring that fans of "Special Forces" will find its transition to Blu-ray more than satisfactory.

This Blu-ray edition is Region B-locked, so viewers will require a native Region-B or compatible region-free player to access its content.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix on the "Special Forces" Blu-ray delivers a compelling auditory experience that aptly complements the film's narrative. The audio track initiates with an impressive opening montage, maintaining its dynamism throughout the runtime. Dialogue clarity is consistently maintained across the front and center channels, ensuring that conversations are comprehensible even amidst intense action sequences. While the film's musical score, predominantly made up of heavy rock beats and clichéd ethnic tunes, might lack originality, its presentation utilizes the surround and LFE channels effectively, lending depth and impact to the viewing experience.

The sound effects in "Special Forces" are notably detailed and authentic, extending beyond just bombastic explosions to include nuanced auditory elements like the distinct sounds of various firearms. The tactical sounds—ranging from suppressed handguns to different types of machine guns—are executed with remarkable precision, enhancing the film's immersive quality. Environmental effects, such as the harsh weather conditions faced by the team, also contribute to a palpable sense of realism. The use of both the fronts and surrounds during shootouts creates a compelling, you-are-there atmosphere that places viewers right in the heart of the action. Overall, while there are minor areas where further refinement could elevate it to demo quality, the audio presentation remains a robust and engaging element of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Special Forces" provide an in-depth look at the film's production while maintaining a high level of professionalism. The centrepiece is the feature-length documentary, offering comprehensive insights into the three-month shoot across multiple continents with no CGI or special effects. This making-of documentary is invaluable for both film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers. Additionally, there's a brief but impactful segment featuring Marius, a real-life French Special Forces soldier, demonstrating elite training protocols. The deleted scenes, while not crucial to the film’s narrative, offer additional context and enjoyable beats that might have enhanced the final cut. The extras effectively complement the movie and enhance the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of: An exhaustive documentary chronicling the entire shooting process.
• Interview Marius: A brief montage highlighting elite soldier training.
• Deleted Scenes: A series of brief, supplementary scenes with extra context.

Stephane Rybojad’s “Special Forces” (2011) presents a gripping narrative centered around the rescue mission of a French journalist kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The film’s premise holds potential, tracing the path of French Special Forces who must navigate through hostile territory to accomplish their mission. Key sequences showcase meticulously researched action and authentically rendered military operations, adding a layer of realism to the tumultuous journey. The rich diversity of locations, especially those shot in Tajikistan, enhances the film's visual appeal, establishing a tangible sense of the unforgiving landscape and climate.

However, despite the authentic military jargon and immersive action sequences, “Special Forces” falters in its direction and character development. The plot quickly devolves as the commandos face one peril after another en route to Pakistan, with the narrative becoming increasingly fragmented. The talented cast, including Diane Kruger, Djimon Hounsou, and Tchéky Karyo, delivers lines that often feel cliched and derivative, detracting from the film’s authenticity. This shortcoming is further compounded by chaotic editing characterized by incessant quick zooms, cuts, and overshot scenes that might appeal to Michael Bay fans but risks alienating a broader audience seeking coherence.

The film’s potential for meaningful commentary on French military operations in Central Asia remains unrealized, overshadowed by the choppy narrative flow and underwhelming dialogue. Notably, the supplementary documentary feature included in the Blu-ray release offers a more insightful look into the dedication and challenges faced by the cast and crew than the feature film itself. As a redeeming quality, Xavier Berthelot’s soundtrack stands out, delivering an unexpectedly impressive auditory experience that complements the intense visual pursuit of Rybojad’s ambitious yet flawed cinematic venture.

Special Forces" offers an enthralling viewing experience with its exceptional Blu-ray presentation. The film's visual clarity stands out, with the high-definition transfer capturing intricate details, from the rugged terrains to the meticulously designed military gear. The audio quality complements the visuals, delivering immersive surround sound that heightens the tension during action sequences. The direction of Stephane Rybojad showcases a polished yet predictable narrative, reminiscent of conventional Hollywood action films. Despite this, the compelling depiction of elite military operations provides an engaging storyline.

The supplemental features bolster the overall package significantly. A standout is the comprehensive documentary included with the Blu-ray, providing deeper insights into the world of special forces, which remains largely mysterious to the general public. This additional content enriches the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the subject matter, making the Blu-ray a more informative and valuable acquisition.

In conclusion, while "Special Forces" might follow a formulaic approach in its storytelling, it compensates with top-tier visual and audio quality on Blu-ray. The inclusion of an in-depth documentary in the supplemental features makes it worth considering for those interested in military operations and behind-the-scenes insights. For enthusiasts of high-definition action films and military dramas, this Blu-ray is a recommended purchase.