The Town Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Town" on Blu-ray offers a compelling 1080p High Definition transfer in its original 2.4:1 aspect ratio, accurately reflecting the movie's intended aesthetic. The disc accommodates two cuts of the film without seamless branching, resulting in lower bitrate encodes. Despite this, the transfer looks generally excellent. Robert Elswit’s cinematography features a chilly, blue-tinted palette, heavy contrast, and a deliberate graininess that retains the gritty tone intended by director Ben Affleck. While some videophiles have raised concerns about black crush and minor artifacting under these technical conditions, these issues are largely negligible and will not detract from the viewing experience for the average viewer.

The disc successfully maintains crisp detail in closeups and lifelike skin tones. Although soft shots and slight ringing appear occasionally, these are inherent to the original film stock rather than flaws from the transfer itself. Banding and aliasing are notably absent, and the film's texture remains intact, keeping its streetwise, raw essence front and center. The deep, evocative black levels contribute to the film's foreboding atmosphere, albeit with occasional shadow merging in the darkest scenes—a minor issue amplified more by those cognizant of the bitrate limitations than by any serious viewing interruptions. Other minor artifacts are fleeting and only detectable upon diligent scrutiny.

Overall, while technical purists might argue the decision to house both film versions on a single BD-50 disc compromises quality, "The Town" still delivers a highly admirable video experience. Affleck’s precise color timing and dramatic lighting choices shine through without significant impairment. The transfer handles the film's stylistic nuances remarkably well, arguably surpassing expectations given the technical constraints. This Blu-ray showcases "The Town" as a visually captivating crime drama, retaining the essential aesthetic qualities and cinematic integrity envisioned by its creators.

Warner Bros. has provided "The Town" with two masterfully crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks: a robust 24-bit mix for the Theatrical Cut and an equally impressive 16-bit presentation for the Extended Edition. Both tracks are exemplary, offering lossless audio that immerses listeners fully into the film's intense and dynamic soundscape. Dialogue is pristinely rendered, whether whispered or shouted, and generally maintains clarity even amidst Bostonian accents, which occasionally lead to muffled moments, particularly from Blake Lively’s character. Directional effects are precise and immersive, enhancing the realism of every scene.

From the subtle ambient noises to the thunderous action sequences, the sound design truly shines. Gunfire echoes with piercing clarity, vehicle collisions reverberate with authentic weight, and explosions emanate deafening power. The surround channels are meticulously utilized, enveloping the listener in an immersive soundfield that transports them directly to Charlestown’s grittiest locales. The LFE output is formidable, contributing to an impactful aural experience that will leave even seasoned audiophiles impressed. The score supports the action without overshadowing other elements, allowing every sonic detail to stand out.

In both mixes, the audio tracks are exceptionally dynamic, delivering an articulate blend of action-driven and subtle sonic elements. These meticulous mixes create a believable environment where gunshots are visceral, tires screech with intensity, and every background detail is distinct yet harmoniously integrated into the overall experience. Whether it’s in bustling banks or echoing streets, every sound is crystal clear and well prioritized. These are reference-quality audio tracks on "The Town" Blu-ray and represent the pinnacle of the disc’s offerings, guaranteed to captivate anyone keen on high-fidelity sound.

The Blu-ray of "The Town" boasts an impressive array of extras that enrich the viewing experience by providing both depth and context to the film. The standout feature is undoubtedly the Audio Commentary by Director/Star Ben Affleck, available on both the Theatrical and Extended Cuts. Affleck offers a deeply engaging and insightful commentary, discussing everything from production details and aesthetic choices to real-life inspirations and background observations on characters. His candidness adds immense value, making it one of the most compelling commentaries available. Additionally, "Ben's Boston Focus Points" featurettes provide behind-the-scenes insights with cast and crew interviews, capturing the essence of the film’s production process. The Extended Cut Scene Indicator is particularly useful, marking differences between cuts seamlessly. This supplemental package is highly informative and engaging, catering exceptionally well to fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical and Extended Cut Audio Commentaries: Insightful commentary by Ben Affleck on both cuts.
• Ben's Boston Focus Points: Six behind-the-scenes featurettes.
• Extended Cut Scene Indicator: Denotes scenes unique to the extended cut.
• BD-Live Functionality: Additional interactive content.

Ben Affleck’s second directorial effort, "The Town," is a compelling crime thriller that melds elements from superior genre stalwarts like "Heat" and "The Usual Suspects." Based on Chuck Hogan's Hammett Prize-winning novel "Prince of Thieves," the movie is set in Charlestown, Massachusetts, known for its bank-robbing notoriety. Although "The Town" may not revolutionize the genre, its workmanlike charm and Affleck's adept direction make for a thoroughly engaging watch. The narrative focuses on Doug MacRay (Affleck), a career criminal grappling with his developing feelings for Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), a bank manager he once took hostage. His tight-knit gang, including a volatile Jeremy Renner, faces mounting tension and pressure from an oncoming FBI investigation led by Jon Hamm’s Agent Frawley.

Affleck’s film acutely balances exhilarating heist sequences with in-depth character studies, bringing a sense of authenticity to the troubled lives of Charlestown's residents. The ensemble cast delivers striking performances: Renner’s portrayal of Doug’s reckless friend evokes palpable intensity, while Hall adds emotional depth to her role as Claire. Hamm and supporting actors like Titus Welliver contribute to the film’s rich tapestry of conflicted souls. However, the romance between Doug and Claire occasionally feels contrived, especially in its rapid progression.

Technically, the film excels with Robert Elswit’s cinematography enhancing the high-octane action scenes and moody Boston streets, although it's the meticulous sound design and stirring score that truly elevate the tension. The Blu-ray features both the original theatrical cut and an extended edition, with insightful commentary from Affleck dissecting additional scenes. While the extended cut delves deeper into subplot nuances, many find the streamlined theatrical version more impactful. Despite some unresolved character motivations and predictable genre tropes, "The Town" remains a standout heist thriller that seamlessly fuses action with poignant drama, making it a noteworthy entry in any crime film aficionado's collection.

"The Town" offers a riveting entry into the cops-and-robbers genre, characterized by its exceptional performances, compelling heists, and tightly woven narrative. While it may not reach the heights of classics like "Heat" or even Affleck's own "Gone Baby Gone," this film is undeniably effective in its desired realm. The Blu-ray release is an exemplary presentation, delivering both the theatrical (125 minutes) and extended cuts (153 minutes). The video transfers, despite some technical controversies and low bitrates, are commendable. The DTS-HD Master Audio tracks add an immersive layer to the experience, and the disc also boasts a set of engaging supplemental features. The package includes an insightful commentary track accessible on both cuts and a series of mini-documentaries that deepen one's appreciation for the filmic craft.

However, "The Town" is not without its detractors. Some viewers found its narrative to be somewhat disjointed and unconvincing at times, with a stronger emphasis on high-octane action over character development. Despite these criticisms, Affleck’s prowess as a director cannot be denied, and the extended cut does provide some mitigation by fleshing out certain elements. This nuanced attention to cinematic detail may convert skeptics or at least garner respect for the craftsmanship involved.

In conclusion, while "The Town" might divide opinion in terms of its storyline execution, its Blu-ray edition is hard to fault. The robust audiovisual quality paired with insightful extras makes it a worthy addition to any collection. For lovers of intense heist dramas, this disc offers a comprehensive package that enhances the viewing experience and provides substantial behind-the-scenes content for deeper engagement.