Centurion Blu-ray Review

Magnolia Home Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "Centurion" impresses with a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer presented in the original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, embodying a gritty, stylized aesthetic that amplifies the film’s atmospheric tension. The visual design emphasizes a limited color palette, predominantly steely blues, grays, and blacks with sporadic flashes of crimson and muted sepia tones. This intentional desaturation contributes to the film’s period authenticity. The film retains a pleasing and subtle grain structure, enhancing its filmic quality without compromising on clarity and detail. Fleshtones remain natural against the de-saturated chroma backdrop, bolstered by stable contrast levels that highlight the depth of whites and grays effectively against darker scenes. Whites are punchy and clean, while grays showcase multi-staging, adding a nuanced depth to the picture.

Despite the stylized approach, fine details are prevalent across most scenes. High-frequency details such as the fibrous texture of Gorlacon's animal-skin coat and the intricate designs on Roman armor are clearly visible. The cold visual tone is intermittently interspersed with warm accents during scenes like the arm wrestling event in the Roman soldiers' mess hall, delivering an occasional break from the overarching bleakness. The blood-red hues and sporadic vibrant colors break through with striking contrast, providing visual relief amidst the otherwise subdued palette. CGI and green screen usage introduce minor softening during wide-angle shots but do not detract significantly from the overall presentation. Shadow details are occasionally crushed, aligning with the artistic intent without preventing viewers from enjoying the overall clarity. There are no discernible compression issues or tampering with the film's grain structure, resulting in a strong and faithful presentation from Magnolia.

The 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio presentation of "Centurion" impresses with its well-balanced surround mix and extended dynamics. This audio track, provided by Magnolia, deviates from their conventional 5.1 mixes, offering a full-bodied and immersive experience. The film's numerous action-packed sequences, both fierce and subtle, are delivered with admirable clarity and detail. The dialogue is consistently crystal clear, showcasing excellent intonation and descriptive character, which enhances the overall viewing experience.

Given "Centurion's" nearly constant state of action and violence, this track utilizes the entirety of the soundfield, involving hectic battle ambiances filled with clamorous swordplay, spear-throwing, and significant LFE-heavy fireballs. Cross-channel movements are deftly handled, especially noticeable with axes and spears moving through rear speakers, creating a realistic auditory experience. While the bass isn't consistently in the ultra-low frequency range, there are notable moments where it complements the on-screen action with a powerful richness.

The music score significantly contributes to the mix, packing substantial punch and seamlessly blending with battle sequences and dialogue. Although the track might lack the sheer aggressiveness and sonic subtlety found in top-tier action films, it is commendable for a historical epic with a modest budget around $12 million. Overall, "Centurion's" audio presentation encapsulates the intense spirit of the film, making it a compelling addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The Blu-ray of "Centurion" offers an impressive array of extras that delve deeply into the film's production and behind-the-scenes processes, providing a comprehensive look at the filmmaking journey. The Audio Commentary features insightful discussions from key contributors, including writer/director Neil Marshall, DP Sam McCurdy, and other crucial members of the crew. The “Blood, Fire & Fury” documentary series delivers a segmented behind-the-scenes exploration, offering detailed insights across its four thematic features. With six deleted scenes accompanied by optional director commentary, outtakes, and extensive interviews with cast and crew members, viewers gain exclusive access to much of the film's making. Additionally, a dedicated photo gallery on production design and an HDNet promotional featurette provide visual context. The inclusion of BD-Live and a digital copy code enhances the value of this disc for film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track from key contributors.
• Deleted Scenes: Six scenes with optional commentary.
• Outtakes: Humorous and light-hearted moments from the set.
• Blood, Fire & Fury: Four-part behind-the-scenes featurette.
  • The Lost Legion
  • Getting Down and Dirty
  • Guts and Gore
  • Fireballs, Stunts, and Mayhem
• Interviews: Extensive cast and crew interviews.
• Behind the Scenes Footage: Raw production insights.
• Photo Galleries: Production design images.
• HDNet: A Look at Centurion: Promotional overview of the film.
• BD-Live enabled
• Digital Copy Code/Download

Neil Marshall’s "Centurion," set in A.D. 117, chronicles the harrowing odyssey of Quintus Dias (Michael Fassbender) as the sole survivor of a Pictish raid. He joins General Virilus (Dominic West) and the Ninth Legion on a treacherous mission to annihilate the Picts. The soldiers encounter unyielding terrain and relentless foes, driving the plot into a desperate survival narrative. Olga Kurylenko excels as the vengeful Pict warrior Etain, her character's silent rage reverberating through every scene.

The film encapsulates the archetypal sword-and-sandal adventure, laden with visceral hack-and-slash battles. Marshall deploys CGI blood with abandon, affording a stylized, albeit brutal visual spectacle complete with severed limbs and decapitations. The narrative fluctuates between all-out action and perfunctory character-building moments, the latter often bogged down by stilted dialogue like, "I made a promise to get his soldiers home." While thematic undertones of imperialist decline surface occasionally, they lack depth and fail to emotionally engage the audience.

Directorially, Marshall captures the stark ambiance of Britannia's desolate frontiers effectively. The historical aesthetic is meticulously rendered, making the harsh landscape another adversary for the beleaguered soldiers. Yet, beneath the grimy period detail lies an underdeveloped storyline that struggles to rise above genre clichés. Although Fassbender imbues Quintus with stoic determination and Kurylenko's portrayal of Etain is compelling, their talents alone can't overcome a narrative that ultimately prioritizes relentless, albeit well-executed action over substantial storytelling.

Neil Marshall's Centurion delivers a visually and sonically impressive Blu-ray experience, though it falls short on narrative depth. The film excels in presenting relentless, gory, Roman-era battle scenes, offering a feast for those seeking visceral action. However, the storyline remains somewhat skeletal, lacking substantial dramatic development, which may leave viewers yearning for more emotional engagement or complexity. Thus, Centurion navigates a narrow path—it's a straightforward action film that doesn't delve deeply into its characters or plot.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are remarkable. The high-definition transfer ensures that every detail, from the rugged Scottish highlands to the intricacies of Roman armor, is rendered with stunning clarity. The sound design is equally commendable, enveloping the viewer in the chaotic clamor of battle through robust audio performance. Both the visual and auditory elements are finely tuned to offer an immersive viewing experience, indicative of meticulous production and post-production work.

In conclusion, Centurion may not serve as a cornerstone of storytelling craftsmanship, but its exceptional A/V quality makes it a notable Blu-ray for enthusiasts of the genre. Although the narrative lacks substantial depth, the film compensates with its high-octane action and superb technical execution. It's worth considering for a rental—or even a purchase—if you appreciate solid action sequences within a historical framework.