Oldboy Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray presentation of "Oldboy" offers a visually compelling experience, anchored by an intentionally stylized design. Employing both Super35 and Super16 stock among others, the video quality maintains a mostly consistent grain structure that alternates between thick and ultrafine to suit varying scenes. The image is well-defined with sharp lines, particularly visible with foliage and architecture, although sharpness does fluctuate somewhat. Blacks are stable and contribute to the overall punchiness of darker scenes, though some low-lit interiors do tend to obscure minor details. The warm and earthy color palette retains a distinct metallic sheen and skews towards yellow and teal-orange hues, with primary colors appearing bold and well-saturated throughout.

Despite the overall clean rendering, there are moments where detail is scene-dependent, exhibiting impressive clarity in some parts while appearing soft and less refined in others. Early scenes of the film have a gritty texture, evoking a firm filmic aesthetic that complements the narrative's rawness. As the narrative progresses, the transfer reveals more intricate details and vibrant colors, notably in segments set in lush environments. Certain flashback sequences are over-lit, adding occasional "pop" to the image but these moments are sporadic. The presentation remains largely free from significant blemishes apart from a minor occurrence of white speckles nearing the film's climax.

Colors remain solid overall but occasionally lack vividness, potentially blending together without any singular aspect standing out prominently. Skin tones are consistently natural with lifelike details, including subtle facial nuances. Despite some limitations concerning depth, contrast, and black levels—where deep blacks sometimes consume too much detail—the video presentation successfully supports the film’s thematic elements and cinematic intentions.

Overall, the Blu-ray of "Oldboy" delivers a visually coherent experience with meticulous attention to detail and accurate adherence to the director's vision, despite minor inconsistencies in sharpness and depth.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack for "Oldboy" is distinguished by its high-quality audio presentation that consistently impresses. The musical delivery stands out with an excellent stage presence, seamless spacing, and pinpoint sonic detail across the audible range, including a robust deep end. Ambient effects such as city noise, rainstorms, and other exterior atmospherics are rendered with realism and clarity. Heavier sound effects during action scenes, like a blaring alarm in chapter nine, are equally impressive. The dialogue reproduction is clear, flowing accurately from the center channel and supporting the film’s dynamic narrative effectively.

The surround sound design features a well-balanced mix, leveraging the rear channels effectively for ambient sounds, thus enhancing the immersive experience. It captures the intricacies of settings like bustling city streets and quiet, echoing spaces convincingly. This creates a broad and enveloping soundfield with smooth, convincing directionality and panning. Though much of the audio action is front-loaded, the spatial audio elements come into play nicely. Although the low-frequency extension doesn't demand much, the subwoofer supports both musical and action sequences with sufficient power and oomph.

Overall, "Oldboy’s" DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack delivers a routinely high-quality listening experience. The mid-range frequencies exhibit detailed clarity and separation while maintaining excellent transparency and intelligibility in dialogue. This immersive audio mix ensures a satisfying auditory experience that complements the film’s thematic and visual intensity.

The Blu-ray release of "Oldboy" features a series of compelling extras that provide an insightful look into the making of this intense film. The extended and alternate scenes add depth and context, including an extended version of the iconic Ramp Fight. 'The Making of Oldboy' is a comprehensive 17-minute featurette with interviews from the cast and crew, discussing the production process from rehearsals to key scenes. 'Talking Heads' gives a quick, yet repetitive, take on the film’s style and preparation. 'Transformation' spotlights Josh Brolin's role preparation and physical demands, while the 'Workout Video' offers a brief montage of the action scenes. An Ultraviolet Digital Copy is also included for digital access.

Extras included in this disc:

• Extended & Alternate Scenes: Additional footage and alternative takes for key scenes.
• The Making of Oldboy: Behind-the-scenes look at the production.
• Talking Heads: Rapid-fire clips discussing various aspects of the film.
• Transformation: Focus on Josh Brolin's character preparation.
• Workout Video: Montage of workout and action scenes.
• Previews: Trailers for other titles.
• UV Digital Copy: Digital access to the film.

Spike Lee's "Oldboy" is an ambitious but ultimately flawed remake of the 2003 Korean classic. The film adheres closely to the original plot: Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin), a disgraced ad man, is imprisoned in solitary confinement for 20 years. Upon his sudden release, he embarks on a brutal quest for vengeance, unaware that his freedom is part of a larger, malevolent plan. While Lee's vision captures moments of striking brutality and visual flair, it lacks the consistent emotional depth and pacing that made Park Chan-wook's version so riveting. Key narrative elements, such as Joe's transformation and his relationships with characters like Marie (Elizabeth Olsen) and Chucky (Michael Imperioli), feel rushed and underdeveloped.

One glaring issue is the film's hurried pacing, attributed to studio interference that reportedly cut Lee's intended 140-minute version down to 104 minutes. This truncated runtime sacrifices crucial character development and narrative nuance, reducing the complexities of the original story to mere plot points. Despite a commendable performance by Brolin, whose portrayal of Joe’s descent into isolated madness and subsequent fury is compelling, the film falters in delivering genuine emotional and psychological impact. Scenes designed to evoke shock and revulsion often come across as superficial, failing to delve into the darker themes of revenge and human degradation that the original handled masterfully.

Additionally, this remake struggles with its cultural translation. Some elements of Korean culture awkwardly persist, feeling out of place in an American context. This inconsistency is compounded by dialogue that often seems blunt and expository, diminishing the narrative's subtlety. Sharlto Copley’s portrayal of the antagonist lacks the menacing gravitas necessary to complement Brolin’s intensity, further unbalancing the film. Despite glimpses of Lee’s directorial prowess and strong performances from Olsen and Brolin, "Oldboy" remains a hollow shell of its predecessor—a cosmetic reinterpretation that misses the marrow-deep terror and intricate storytelling of Park Chan-wook’s original masterpiece.

Spike Lee’s "Oldboy" strives to reinterpret Park Chan-wook's South Korean cult classic with an American twist but ultimately falls short. Despite Lee's talent in crafting visually arresting scenes and drawing notable performances, the film struggles with a disjointed narrative that fails to capture the original's depth and visceral impact. The Blu-ray presentation, however, excels technically. The picture quality is gritty yet stylized, capturing the film's intended aesthetic, and the audio presentation is robust, enhancing the viewing experience.

The film does offer some merits worth noting. The cast, including Elizabeth Olsen, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, and Lance Reddick, deliver commendable performances amidst the muddled plot. The Blu-ray release comes equipped with various supplements, albeit somewhat superficial, and includes an Ultraviolet version for digital viewing. While there is room to hope for a superior, perhaps extended cut in the future, what exists now remains a flawed yet curious experiment in cross-cultural adaptation.

In conclusion, "Oldboy" on Blu-ray showcases excellent technical craftsmanship but falls short in capturing the essence of its formidable predecessor. It is a decent purchase if found at a discounted price or as a rental for those curious about Spike Lee’s vision. However, we strongly recommend experiencing Park Chan-wook's original masterpiece for an unparalleled cinematic experience.