Fracture Blu-ray Review

Fracture's Blu-Ray presentation shines with a stunning 1080p/VC-1 transfer that perfectly encapsulates the cinematic vision of director of photography Kramer Morgenthau. With a palette that oscillates between warm autumnal shades and cold, wintry blues, the video quality offers an immersive experience that is both bold and nuanced. While skintones occasionally lean towards the overheated, giving characters a vibrancy that may seem exaggerated, this choice seems deliberate, accentuating the film's shifting moods and tones. The transfer's depth is further enriched by its deep, inky blacks which add a three-dimensional quality to the visuals. Although there are minor issues such as edge enhancement and occasional source noise, these do not detract significantly from an otherwise meticulously crafted presentation.

Detail within the transfer is consistently sharp, from the fine textures of fabrics and skin to the distinct clarity of objects within each scene. Despite some challenges with shadow delineation—where darker scenes lose some background detail to crushing—this appears intentional, aligning with the film's aesthetic choices rather than being a fault of the transfer itself. The film's visual appeal is boosted by its faithful reproduction of Morgenthau's original vision; the image retains a film-like quality throughout, with natural lighting and well-saturated colors that engage without overpowering. Blacks are richly executed, providing contrast that lends depth and dimension to the overall picture.

Close-up shots, while lacking in some three-dimensional pop, still manage to convey an impressive level of detail, from the texture of skin and fabric to subtle facial features. The color grading respects the natural hues of the actors' complexions, enhancing the visual storytelling without resorting to overt digital manipulation. Noise is minimal and handled with care, ensuring that the film's lush cinematography is preserved without distraction. Overall, Fracture’s Blu-Ray video presentation offers a sophisticated visual feast that balances intensity with subtlety, making it a noteworthy addition for connoisseurs seeking both technical excellence and artistic expression in their home viewing experience.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track for "Fracture" provides an aural experience that, while not groundbreaking, stands out for its clarity and dedication to enhancing the narrative's tension and drama. Dialogue, a critical component of this legal thriller, remains the central auditory delight, coming through with exceptional lucidity. The meticulous rendering of vocal subtleties, including Anthony Hopkins' nuanced whispers and sharp verbal jabs, are front and center, ensuring that every word is intelligible. The front soundstage dominates, characterized by lush tones and a rich bass that lend a full-bodied quality to the mix. Yet, the inclusion of subtle atmospherics and the occasional use of the surround channels add layers to the sound field, enveloping the viewer in the movie's carefully crafted environments from the intense courtroom battles to the more intimate settings.

The track's dynamic range impresses, with its ability to handle both whisper-quiet discussions and the more robust moments without any loss in fidelity. While it might lack the aggressive use of the LFE channel that some might expect from a blockbuster, it compensates with earthy resonances that add depth rather than mere volume. The film's score, composed by Jeff and Mychael Danna, weaves seamlessly into this sonic tapestry. Its dissonant melodies enrich the plot's twists and turns, existing within a soundfield that exhibits remarkable directionality, particularly across the front channels. This careful mix of sound ensures that key effects, like those emanating from Crawford's mysterious devices, are integrated effectively, enhancing the ambiance without overwhelming it.

Given this setup, "Fracture's" audio track might not dazzle audiophiles looking for a reference-quality disc to showcase their surround sound systems. Nevertheless, it excels at providing a solid, immersive experience that complements the on-screen action perfectly. While some may lament the Blu Ray's default DD 5.1 setting—which necessitates manual switching to enjoy the TrueHD track—the effort is well rewarded. The audio presentation balances subtlety with impact, making it not merely an accompaniment but an integral part of the storytelling mechanism.

The Blu-ray release of "Fracture" mirrors its 2007 DVD counterpart in terms of extras, delivering a somewhat underwhelming assortment that seasoned fans might find of interest, albeit lacking in depth and substance. The collection comprises five Deleted and Extended Scenes that provide a refreshing look at additional character development and unused narrative avenues, including an alternate introduction and backstory for Willy, alongside two alternate endings resulting from preview screening feedback. These endings offer a different perspective on the film's resolution but may leave some preferring the subtlety of the theatrical version. Noteworthy is the omission of potentially enriching content such as director's commentary or interviews with stars Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling, elements that could have offered valuable insights into the film's production and thematic nuances. The included Theatrical Trailer rounds out the package, making it a basic but mildly engaging offering for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted/Alternate Scenes: A collection of five scenes including an alternate introduction to Willy's character and additional backstory.
• Alternate Endings: Two versions that explore different conceivable outcomes of the film's climax.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the movie in high definition.

"Fracture" emerges as a sophisticated, tightly-coiled thriller that delicately maneuvers through the realms of expectation and surprise. Director Gregory Hoblit orchestrates a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse between Anthony Hopkins' Ted Crawford, a manipulative mastermind with a penchant for perfect crimes, and Ryan Gosling's Willy Beachum, a confident deputy district attorney caught in Crawford's intricate web. The premise, although not groundbreaking, unfurls with a meticulous attention to detail, crafting a narrative that's both intelligently designed and immersive. Hopkins and Gosling deliver performances ripe with intensity and nuance, transforming what could have been standard genre fare into a gripping psychological duel.

At its core, "Fracture" plays with the concept of the perfect crime but does so with a freshness that lies in its execution rather than in its originality. Crawford's character, chillingly portrayed by Hopkins, is a testament to the actor's ability to infuse even the most cerebral villains with an unsettling charm. Gosling's portrayal of Beachum parallels this, showcasing a journey of realization and desperation against a formidable opponent. The film's technical merits, particularly its sleek cinematography and deliberate pacing, amplify the tension, making Hoblit's stylish direction a character in itself. However, despite its polished appearance and sharp script, the plot’s reliance on overly convenient twists sometimes strains credibility.

Despite minor flaws in its overly neat narrative construction, "Fracture" stands out as a cerebral thriller that avoids pandering to typical genre traps. The dynamic between Hopkins and Gosling provides a mesmerizing anchor for the film's thematic explorations of justice, manipulation, and ambition. While some elements of the plot tread familiar ground, the film's methodical build-up and satisfying execution render it a noteworthy entry in the thriller genre. Aided by solid supporting performances and a script that cleverly navigates its legal labyrinth, "Fracture" is both a testament to the prowess of its leads and a reflection on the fragility of truth in the face of cunning intellect.

"Fracture" shines through its Blu-ray release, echoing the sentiment that performances by Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling elevate the film far beyond its on-paper potential. The disc's presentation of these gripping battles of wit is enhanced by an excellent video quality and immersive TrueHD lossless audio track, ensuring viewers receive a premium cinematic experience right in their living rooms. Despite the noted lack of extensive extras, the quality of the main feature's transfer significantly outstrips that of its DVD counterpart, making it a noteworthy upgrade for fans and new viewers alike.

The allure of "Fracture" on Blu-ray extends beyond its stellar lead performances to the technical prowess with which it is delivered. With a clear commitment to presenting the film in the highest fidelity, the Blu-ray edition captures the elegance and tension of this howdunit with clarity and precision. Viewers are treated to a visual and auditory experience that is both refined and enveloping, thanks in large part to a transfer that prioritizes the integrity of the original cinematography and sound design. While supplements are on the lighter side, the core experience remains unblemished, underscoring the care taken in bringing this intricate chess match to home theaters.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray edition of "Fracture" stands as a testament to the power of exceptional performances paired with high-quality presentation. Despite a scarcity in bonus content, the disc excels where it matters most: delivering a compelling narrative through superb video and audio quality. It's an essential addition for aficionados of finely crafted cinema and those interested in witnessing a meticulous showcase of acting prowess, wrapped in a package that respects the artistry of film.