The Frozen Ground Blu-ray Review

The Frozen Ground" makes its way onto Blu-ray with a 1080p presentation that stays true to its digital roots, courtesy of the Arri Alexa camera system. Lionsgate Films brings us this AVC encoded transfer in the ultrawide aspect ratio of 2.39:1, showcasing sharpness and clarity that resonate well with the expectations for digitally-shot features. The film's somber and chilling storyline is complemented by a deliberate color grading scheme that swings between the cold, slate blues and grays emblematic of Alaska’s frigid landscapes and the warmer, unsettling amber tones of Hanson's basement - a choice that enriches the narrative's atmosphere, despite sometimes pushing the visual palette into realms that may not appeal to all.

In terms of technical specifics, while the presentation generally boasts detailed scenery and clear imagery, it isn't without its drawbacks. Especially in lower light conditions, the film's inclination towards lower contrast and murkier blacks can occasionally obfuscate details within the darker sequences, which are plentiful. This is further compromised at times by a noticeable reliance on hand-held camera techniques and close-ups, presumably intended to enhance dramatic effect or masked modern elements unsuitable for the 1983 setting, but instead occasionally detracting from the overall visual clarity and potentially even causing discomfort due to its overuse.

Notwithstanding these stylistic choices, the Blu-ray transfer of "The Frozen Ground" remains commendable. Artifacting, aliasing, or other common digital flaws are notably absent here, marking an above-average presentation for a movie shot with the Arri Alexa. The meticulous balance between color grading and detailed rendering supports the thematic depth of the movie, though it is somewhat overshadowed by certain decisions in cinematography that may not resonate with every viewer's preferences.

The audio presentation of "The Frozen Ground" on its Blu Ray edition, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, showcases an excellent blend of clarity and detail, flawlessly managing both the subtlety of dialogue and the depth of more intense, action-driven sequences. Particularly impressive is the mix's ability to replicate environments, from the claustrophobic tension within a strip club to the vast openness of Alaska's wilderness where victims are discovered. The mix excels in fidelity, providing a wide dynamic range that captures everything from the whispered conversations to the chilling sounds of hunting. However, this range isn't consistently leveraged throughout, tending to highlight its breadth in specific scenes rather than as a continuous experience.

One notable critique of this audio mix mirrors a common issue within Blu-ray releases: the balance between dialogue and non-dialogue elements. In "The Frozen Ground," there are moments when music and ambient sounds somewhat overwhelm spoken words, necessitating adjustments in volume to maintain a coherent audio experience. Despite this, the mix doesn't fall short on delivering quality, with its well-utilized rear speakers enhancing the soundtrack and subtle background noises, adding layers to the viewing experience. Directional audio is present, albeit sparingly, offering moments of immersion especially during scenes featuring Cusack’s character navigating the wilderness.

Additionally, the inclusion of a DTS-HD Master Audio Sound Check option is a commendable feature that underscores the creators' commitment to offering an optimal home viewing experience. Subtitles in English, English SDH, and Spanish further complement the audio offering, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience. While the balance issues might slightly mar the overall experience, the audio presentation remains a noteworthy aspect of "The Frozen Ground's" Blu-ray release, reflecting a thoughtful and nuanced approach to sound design.

The Blu-Ray extras of "The Frozen Ground" offer an insightful look into the creation and true-story background of the film. The audio commentary by writer/director Scott Walker alongside producers Mark Ordesky and Jane Fleming stands out for its depth, efficiently tackling the challenges faced during production, particularly with adverse weather conditions, and delving into the necessity of condensing events for the sake of narrative flow. The deleted scenes, enriched with optional commentary, present valuable content that deepens the understanding of certain character dynamics, especially a notable one featuring Robert Hansen's domestic life. "Examining The Frozen Ground" and "Writing The Frozen Ground" featurettes provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes view and an in-depth exploration of Walker’s adaptation process from a fictional tale to the haunting reality of the story. Extended interviews with key cast and crew further enrich this, offering personal insights into their experiences and contributions to the film. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer rounds out a well-curated selection of extras that fans and cinephiles will appreciate for its thoroughness and relevance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Scott Walker and Producers Mark Ordesky and Jane Fleming: Engaging insights into production challenges and storytelling decisions.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary: A selection of scenes adding depth to character relationships and story elements.
• Examining The Frozen Ground: A documentary-style featurette including cast, crew, and real-life detective interviews.
• Writing The Frozen Ground: Focuses on Scott Walker's journey from fiction to basing the screenplay on true events.
• Extended Interviews: In-depth discussions with Scott Walker, Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Vanessa Hudgens, Glenn Flothe, Kevin Dunn, and producers Mark Ordesky and Jane Fleming.
• The Frozen Ground Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for the movie.

The Frozen Ground," a chilling account of the manhunt for serial killer Robert Hansen in the eerie expanse of Alaska, emerges as a police procedural imbued with a spirit of gritty realism under the direction of newcomer Scott Walker. Straying from conventional crime shockers, the film delves into the dark activities of Hansen, played with a disturbing subtlety by John Cusack, who masked his monstrous tendencies beneath the facade of an ordinary baker. The narrative gains traction through the intricate portrayal of Nicolas Cage's Sergeant Jack Holcombe, a fictional composite inspired by real-life investigator Glenn Flothe. Cage delivers a remarkably restrained performance that adds a gravitas to the procedural aspects, focusing on the quest for evidence against Hansen, set against the backdrop of the daunting Alaskan wilderness.

The film's engagement with real events lends an air of authenticity, further amplified by shooting on location and employing practical sets that underscore the era's atmosphere, marked by period-specific details such as cars and attire. However, "The Frozen Ground" ventures beyond mere recounting of events; it explores psychological depth through the interactions between Halcombe and Cindy Paulson, a surviving victim played with raw intensity by Vanessa Hudgens. This relationship adds a human element to the tale, albeit occasionally overshadowed by the film's darker themes and Walker’s unflinching glance at the narrative’s more visceral elements.

Despite its commitment to realism and strong performances, the movie is not without its narrative missteps. It occasionally falters in maintaining suspense, given Hansen’s early identification as the perpetrator. Moreover, certain plot decisions—most notably regarding Paulson's actions—might detract from the story's coherence. Nevertheless, "The Frozen Ground" stands out for its critical portrayal of a true crime saga, capturing a sense of isolation while navigating between factual adherence and cinematic storytelling.

The Frozen Ground" Blu-ray presents a film that navigates the haunting terrains of a true crime story set against the bleak expanse of Alaska. Walker, a newcomer to the realm of filmmaking, takes on the ambitious task of intertwining procedural elements with a narrative that seeks to probe into the darker facets of human experiences. While the attempt is laudable for its parts, notably the startling transformation of Vanessa Hudgens into a verisimilitude of a drug-addicted prostitute and the underexploited Alaskan wilderness cinephotography, it falls short of melding these components into a cohesive emotional journey. The delivery is encumbered by an exploitative veneer that undermines its potential, veering away from achieving a harmonious cinematic concord.

Technically, the Blu-ray edition does not disappoint. It boasts commendable video quality that captures the chilling beauty of its Alaskan setting with precision, complemented by an audio experience that envelops the viewer into the film's atmosphere. The supplementary material offered is of exceptional quality, adding value to this home viewing experience. Nic Cage's performance emerges as a beacon of subtlety in a sea of potentially overwrought drama, granting the film a gravitational center. However, the narrative's lack of freshness and originality, coupled with missed opportunities to delve deeper into its true crime roots, renders this iteration as more suitable for rental than purchase.

In conclusion, "The Frozen Ground" Blu-ray delivers visually and acoustically, with noteworthy extras that will satisfy enthusiasts seeking more than just the main feature. However, the film itself struggles to transcend its limitations, ensnared by an exploitative approach and an absence of cohesive emotional or narrative depth. While Cage's understated performance and the unique backdrop lend it some distinction, they are insufficient to elevate the overall experience beyond mediocrity. For those fascinated by true crime or the actors' performances, it warrants a viewing, but manage expectations regarding its capacity to resonate on a deeper level.