Special Forces Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Special Forces" on Blu-ray, as provided by Entertainment One, is quite commendable. The 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in an aspect ratio of 2.38:1, matches the high standards set by StudioCanal's UK release. The high-definition transfer delivers exceptional depth and clarity, showcasing fine detail even under diverse shooting conditions. Contrast levels are stable throughout, and there are no notable technical anomalies such as heavy banding, aliasing, or stability issues. The film's widespread yellow tint is slightly more pronounced in the StudioCanal release, but the deviation is marginal.

The film benefits significantly from its rich color palette, with the Earth tones in the desert environment looking particularly impressive. Blues and greens are vibrant, enriching the overall visual experience. Close-up details are sharp, enabling viewers to appreciate finer intricacies like the stitching on uniforms. Flesh tones appear natural and smooth, complemented by deep and inky black levels. The presentation maintains a consistent quality that mirrors the feel of a high-budget action movie, with no instances of motion blur or artifacts detracting from the viewing experience. Newly interested viewers and long-time fans alike should find this Blu-ray edition highly satisfying from a visual standpoint.

The Blu-ray of "Special Forces" offers robust audio options, featuring a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and an English Dolby Digital 2.0 track that includes segments in English and Persian. Subtitles are provided in optional English, English SDH, and French SDH, visible within the image frame when activated. The French DTS-HD 5.1 audio mix stands out in particular, providing an aggressive and immersive sound experience.

This lossless audio track excels in its clarity and dynamic range. Dialogue is consistently crisp and clear, perfectly balanced against the backdrop of intense action sequences without being overpowered by gunfire or other sound effects. The directionality is excellent, rendering the soldiers' shouts and bullet trajectories vividly, making you feel as if you're right in the middle of a battlefield. Ambient sounds in the field are effectively captured through the surround channels, while more substantial action sequences deliver powerful dynamics and a satisfying level of bass.

Overall, there are no detectable audio defects; the playback is free from pops, cracks, dropouts, or distortions. This high-quality audio presentation significantly enhances the viewing experience, making it a standout feature of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Special Forces" offer a comprehensive and immersive look into the making of the film and the military expertise depicted therein. Highlights include an extensive "Making of" documentary, which provides an in-depth view of the production process in Central Asia. Also included are deleted scenes that, while not crucial to the narrative, offer additional context to certain parts of the story. The feature "Marius" stands out, providing valuable insights from a French naval commando on the rigorous training and skills required to become an elite soldier. All extras are presented in French with imposed English subtitles, ensuring accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of: Detailed documentary covering the film's shooting in Central Asia.
• Deleted Scenes: Gallery of brief scenes cut for pacing and timing reasons.
• Marius: Insightful segment with a French naval commando discussing elite training.

Stéphane Rybojad's Special Forces offers a gripping start with a well-researched narrative centered around the harrowing kidnapping of French war correspondent Elsa (Diane Kruger) by the Taliban. The rescue mission, led by an elite French Special Forces unit, quickly descends into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase in the treacherous terrains of Pakistan. These elaborate action sequences are striking, filmed in perilous locations like Tajikistan and highlighted by an effective soundtrack by Xavier Berthelot. However, despite the strong performances from a stellar cast that includes Djimon Hounsou, Benoît Magimel, Denis Menochet, and Raphael Personnaz, the movie's execution falls short as it progresses.

The promising setup deteriorates into formulaic territory characterized by quick zooms, cuts, and shaky editing tactics reminiscent of Michael Bay’s style, which may frustrate some viewers. The initially engaging action devolves into a chaotic blend of cliches and uninspired dialogue more befitting a B-movie. This is compounded by implausible plot developments and over-the-top sequences that seem to stray from the realism initially presented. The actors do their best to carry the film, but the narrative weaknesses and technical missteps undermine their performances.

Despite its flaws, Special Forces remains somewhat entertaining as a popcorn action flick. The inclusion of an extensive behind-the-scenes documentary in the Blu-ray’s supplemental features sheds more light on the film's production and the risks faced by the cast and crew, often proving more compelling than the main feature. While the movie doesn't deliver a profound commentary on French military operations in Central Asia, it offers sufficient thrills to engage genre enthusiasts, even if it ultimately tilts towards commercialized spectacle rather than a grounded thriller.

Stephane Rybojad's "Special Forces" offers an adrenaline-pumping experience characterized by its fast-paced, loud, and visually flashy action sequences. While the film itself suffers from a lack of structure and direction, its technical presentation on Blu-ray is commendable. The video's visual fidelity is crisp and immersive, enhanced by a robust audio mix that amplifies the high-octane scenes. Fans of high-speed action films are likely to appreciate the intense combat and frenetic energy that permeates "Special Forces."

Beyond the main feature, the Blu-ray release is bolstered by a notable selection of bonus materials. Among these, a particularly compelling long-form documentary stands out, documenting Rybojad and his crew's arduous journey through Central Asia, where much of the film was shot. This documentary provides an insightful look into the logistical challenges and cultural landscapes encountered during production, offering viewers a more profound connection to the film's setting and atmosphere.

In conclusion, while "Special Forces" may falter in narrative cohesion, it compensates with technical prowess and engaging supplementary content. Entertainment One's Blu-ray release ensures that action aficionados and the curious alike will find value in exploring this visually striking and sonically powerful presentation.