Righteous Kill Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Righteous Kill" boasts an impressive 1080p high definition video presentation, maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The level of detail is exemplary, with facial close-ups of the cast showing intricate minutiae and subtle lines in a near-perfect manner. Though primarily set in night or interior New York settings, the color scheme remains rich and diverse, delivering authentic skin tones and dynamic reds and blues. Blacks are consistently deep and facilitate excellent shadow detail, enhancing the predominantly dark scenes. Additionally, there are no noticeable digital defects, grain, or compression artifacts, making it one of the better Blu-rays in recent reviews.

Texture and depth are standout features in this transfer, with the weave and fabric of clothing and the intricate structures of objects being rendered with exceptional clarity. Wide shots maintain sharpness and true-to-life detail, especially in cityscape images where bricks and building reflections are vividly realistic. While there are minor instances of soft focus and brief periods where bright light can wash out skin tones, these are negligible within the overall high quality of the presentation. The film’s black-and-white scenes featuring Turk are intentionally grainy due to the artistic choice rather than a flaw in the transfer.

"Righteous Kill" demonstrates Starz's capability to deliver superb Blu-ray transfers, meeting expectations for high-quality studio releases with its detailed imagery, consistent contrast, and impressive depth of field. Despite a few minor quibbles with flesh tones that may vary under bright light, the Blu-ray presentation borders on reference quality, providing a cinematic experience highly satisfying to viewers.

The audio presentation of "Righteous Kill" on Blu-ray features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that provides a decent yet unremarkable listening experience. Dialogue reproduction generally performs well, ensuring clarity in most conversational scenes despite Al Pacino’s notably low vocal delivery. However, there are instances where low volume forces viewers to adjust their settings to catch the subtleties, only to subsequently readjust during louder segments. The score lacks any memorable impact, neither amplifying tension nor adding emotive depth to the film.

Action sequences, specifically those involving gunfire, come through with a marked dynamic range. The initial shooting range montage and climactic gunfights exhibit well-defined soundstaging, with echoes and ricochets adding to the overall atmosphere. However, the soundtrack is not without its flaws; quieter scenes can sometimes feel laden with ambient noises that don't quite fill the soundstage as effectively. Club scenes show a hint of deeper bass but these moments are fleeting and don't substantially elevate the overall audio experience.

Despite the presence of some engaging audio elements, the soundtrack does not resonate as strongly as the video presentation. The club and bar ambiances stand out as high points with an immersive quality, yet these are exceptions rather than the norm. Additionally, sound effects in the menu design—such as the repeated gun silencer noise—prove to be an unnecessary distraction that wears thin quickly. While offering moments of noteworthy sound performance, particularly in action set pieces, "Righteous Kill's" Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track ultimately delivers an adequate but not transcendent auditory experience.

The extras accompanying the Blu-Ray release of "Righteous Kill" provide a mixed experience for viewers seeking in-depth insights and valuable additions to the film. While the commentary by Producer/Director Jon Avnet delves into the processes and themes of the movie and his collaboration with Pacino and De Niro, it falls short of engaging content, coming across as largely monotonous and skippable. The featurettes, including "The Investigation" and "The Thin Blue Line," adhere to standard behind-the-scenes formats, offering a closer look at the cast's experiences and the law enforcement backdrop, respectively. However, these too lack substantial depth and may leave viewers wanting more comprehensive content. Additional extras like the theatrical trailer, various HD trailers, BD-Live functionality, and a digital copy provide adequate but not remarkable supplementary material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Jon Avnet provides an uninspired commentary on the film.
• The Investigation: A standard making-of featurette focusing on cast and crew experiences.
• The Thin Blue Line: Explores real-life law enforcement challenges.
• Theatrical Trailer: The promotional trailer for the film.
• HD BD Previews: Trailers for other films.
• BD-Live Access: Interactive features.
• Digital Copy Bonus Disc: Includes a transferable SD version of the film.

"Righteous Kill" brings together legendary actors Robert De Niro and Al Pacino for what should have been a monumental cinematic event. Unfortunately, the film's various flaws squander this potential. Directed by Jon Avnet, who previously stumbled with "88 Minutes," "Righteous Kill" falls prey to overly predictable plotting, sluggish pacing, and subpar storytelling that fails to honor the talents of its stellar cast. The premise revolves around two veteran NYPD detectives, Turk and Rooster, played by De Niro and Pacino, investigating a series of revenge killings in a narrative that spans 30 years of partnership. Despite the intriguing setup and capacity for rich character development, the film's execution never rises above the level of a mundane procedural drama.

There are, however, some redeeming qualities worth noting. Visually, the Blu-ray presentation excels, offering sharp image quality that enhances the experience. The audio is similarly robust, ensuring that dialogues and action sequences are audibly clear. Supporting performances by John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg bring additional gravitas to the narrative, while Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson surprises with a competent performance as Spider, a character involved in the intertwined plot of vigilante justice and drug trafficking.

Ultimately, "Righteous Kill" captivates until it succumbs to an overused twist ending that undercuts its promising build-up. This conclusion not only derails the film but also diminishes the well-developed characters and their arcs. The film attempts to maintain suspense through flashbacks of grainy confession videos interspersed throughout, yet the predictability leaves little room for genuine intrigue. While De Niro and Pacino deliver commendable performances given the constraints of the script, fans might find themselves longing for the brilliance of their previous collaborations such as "Heat." For those fixated on seeing these iconic actors together, the technical merits of the Blu-ray release provide some solace, even if the film itself falls short of their legendary legacies.

"Righteous Kill," featuring the dynamic duo Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, falls short of its potential due to a poorly executed final act. The movie shows promise for the majority of its runtime, characterized by strong character development and engaging thematic elements. Unfortunately, the climax fails to deliver a satisfactory resolution, making the preceding narrative effort seem almost futile. De Niro and Pacino's performances are solid, but the material does not rise to match their caliber. It transforms into a predictable police drama that seems undeserving of its legendary cast.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray presentation of "Righteous Kill" is commendable. The 1080p transfer exhibits near-reference quality, offering viewers exceptional visual clarity. The lossless soundtrack adequately supports the film's audio needs, albeit without particular distinction. Bonus features include a handful of extras, though these add little value to the overall package. The inclusion of a PC-only digital copy might feel outdated and irrelevant to modern users.

In conclusion, while "Righteous Kill" captivates within its first 80 minutes, it ultimately disappoints in its concluding moments. Despite this flaw, the Blu-ray release is technically sound, and fans of De Niro and Pacino might still find it worth watching. However, a rent would suffice over a purchase, as the movie's shortcomings and uninspired extras do not justify a higher investment.