Three Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Three" is impressive, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, captured using Arri Alexa XT Plus cameras and finished at a 2K DI. The film offers a sharp and well-detailed image, primarily set in a brightly lit hospital environment, ensuring consistent fine detail that stands out, especially during surgery scenes. The color palette remains natural with some scenes slightly biased towards blue tones. Minor and almost imperceptible banding occurs occasionally during abrupt transitions, but this does not detract from the overall excellent video quality.

This 2.35:1 1080p transfer presents bright, bold colors with life-like detail, creating a stunning visual experience from start to finish. The film's color scheme, dominated by reds and blues, renders flesh tones naturally and maintains rich black levels that enhance the three-dimensional depth of the image. The high level of detail allows viewers to fully engage with the on-screen action. Despite some slight banding, this issue remains a minor quibble in an otherwise superb presentation. Whether intended for 3-D viewing or not, the 2-D image quality remains impressive, contributing significantly to the film's visual appeal on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray of "Three" boasts an exceptional DTS:X track (DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 core) in Cantonese, offering a richly immersive auditory experience. Throughout the film, which predominantly unfolds within the confines of an E.R. recovery room, the track excels in creating a vivid sense of space. The surround channels remain active even in quieter scenes, underscoring the hustle and bustle typically associated with such an environment. This spatial precision extends to smaller details, such as the directional cues when patients call out from across the room or are wheeled in and out of various locations.

The highlight of the audio presentation undoubtedly arrives during the climactic shootout, where the mix showcases substantial use of LFE and sharp panning effects that heighten the tension and excitement. Gunshots are rendered with a powerful punch, effectively utilizing the full dynamic range. Dialogue maintains impressive clarity and prioritization throughout, ensuring that speech remains intelligible amidst the surrounding chaos. The English subtitles are well-translated, ensuring that viewers receive accurate and clear dialogue readings. Overall, this DTS:X track provides a deeply engaging and technically proficient audio experience, particularly if your system supports DTS:X decoding.

The Blu-ray release of "Three" by Well Go USA includes a modest selection of bonus features, which are concise, yet offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the film. Despite their brevity, the extras provide some valuable insights into the movie's production. The "Making Of" featurette showcases Director Johnnie To in action and includes snippets of interviews that shed light on his directorial approach. The "Three Complex Characters" segment provides a quick overview of the film's main characters, enhancing viewers' understanding of their roles. The included theatrical trailer adds a promotional touch to this collection. Though the extra features may not be extensive, they are adequately informative for fans and offer a succinct look into the film's crafting.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Brief look at the director on the job interspersed with equally brief interviews.
• Master Director Johnnie To: Insights into Johnnie To's directorial approach.
• Three Complex Characters: Overview of the three main characters.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.

Three (Blu-ray)

Johnnie To's film Three is a captivating potboiler that places its characters in the high-stakes environment of a hospital emergency room. The neurosurgeon Dr. Tong Qian (Vicki Zhao) is challenged by a hostage situation involving a criminal named Shun (Wallace Chung), who has a bullet lodged in his head. Shun's refusal to undergo surgery sets the stage for tension-filled interactions with Chief Inspector Ken (Louis Koo), who is determined to ensure the procedure goes forward. To's adept direction ensures a dynamic interplay between the resolute Tong, the enigmatic Shun, and the morally ambiguous Ken. The film builds significant tension, using its confined setting to amplify the stakes and keep the audience engaged.

The narrative threads masterfully intertwine personal and professional conflicts. Dr. Tong’s character is fleshed out through her preoccupation with a past failed surgery, making her empathy-driven motivations believable when she insists on operating on Shun, despite his resistance. To’s skillful direction is highlighted by the film's frenetic pacing and the peripatetic camera work that heightens the claustrophobic atmosphere. However, Three falters slightly during its climactic action sequence, which suffers from overly stylized single-take choreography and jarring CGI. While suspenseful and intricate, this sequence somewhat undermines the otherwise carefully constructed tension.

Despite its minor flaws, Three remains an engrossing and highly entertaining thriller. It excels in balancing character depth with plot-driven excitement. The run-up to the film’s climactic showdown is meticulously crafted, showcasing To’s ability to maintain tension through nuanced character interactions and moral ambiguities. The resulting clash in the emergency room, while imperfect in execution, still delivers an exhilarating experience. Overall, Three is a tightly wound thriller that maintains its grip on viewers from start to finish.

"Three" is an intriguing film that sets itself apart through its unusual setting and compelling character dynamics. Directed with a deft hand, the film maintains a remarkable tension throughout, despite the foreshadowed calamitous showdown. This tension is one of the film's strong points, capturing the audience's attention from the onset and not letting go. The character interplay is engaging, providing depth and complexity that drive the narrative forward effectively.

From a technical perspective, "Three" benefits immensely from its Blu-ray release by Well Go USA. The Audio/Visual presentation is top-notch, with crisp image clarity and an immersive sound design that heightens the viewing experience. Unfortunately, the bonus content accompanying the Blu-ray lacks substantial material, failing to provide deeper insights or extended engagement for enthusiasts. Nonetheless, this minor shortcoming does not detract significantly from the overall value of the Blu-ray.

In conclusion, "Three" is a film that skillfully blends tension and character development within an unusual setting. Despite some flaws, such as an overly exaggerated final showdown, it remains a highly engrossing watch. Coupled with a superb A/V presentation on Blu-ray, "Three" comes highly recommended for thriller aficionados looking for a captivating cinematic experience.