The Game Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with VC-1, the 1080p Blu-ray transfer of David Fincher's "The Game" is notably dated and inconsistent. While daylight scenes offer decent detail and acceptable contrast, the bulk of the film, which consists of nighttime and indoor footage, exhibits substantial issues. These include mild to strong compression artifacts, rampant background noise, and traces of edge enhancement and noise filtering. Numerous tiny flecks are also present, which can be quite distracting to viewers. Despite being a Region-Free Blu-ray disc, accessible across various regions and languages, this release is inconsistent compared to other catalog titles from Universal Films-UK.

The transfer appears to utilize the same source as the 2007 HD DVD, garnering only a minimal upgrade over the standard non-anamorphic DVD. This results in an overriding softness, particularly detrimental during nighttime scenes with murky shadow delineation and fluctuating focus mid-shot. Such deficiencies are contrary to Fincher’s typical use of sharp imagery for depth of field. Additional issues include wavering contrast, fluttering mid-range colors, haloing, and poor fine object detail except in a few brightly lit close-ups. Print flaws such as scratches, speckles, and faint source noise are persistently present, making the print seem largely untouched. Although certain scenes show naturalistic skin tones and some degree of solid contrast, these fleeting positives cannot redeem the overall poor quality.

In summary, the Blu-ray release of "The Game" is disappointing, with significant technical flaws that undermine the visual experience. While some elements perform adequately, the overall presentation feels neglected, failing to meet modern high-definition standards and doing a disservice to Fincher’s work.

The audio presentation of "The Game" Blu-ray encompasses various options, including English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, alongside multiple DTS 5.1 tracks available in French, German, Catalan, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. This comprehensive selection includes optional subtitles in English SDH, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Catalan, Dutch, and Traditional Chinese, integrated neatly within the image frame.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track generally provides a robust auditory experience. It delivers potent and punchy bass accompanied by active rear channels that effectively enhance the ambiance. Dialogue is consistently crisp, clean, stable, and easily discernible, with no prominent issues affecting Howard Shore's music score. However, at certain junctures, the soundfield may appear somewhat muffled, diminishing the overall clarity in high-definition contexts. This minor shortcoming can occasionally cause dialogue to blend into the broader soundscape.

Despite these drawbacks, the DTS-HD Master Audio track handles gunshots and sudden sound bursts with precision and impact. There is an apparent hierarchy in sound effects' pitches and volumes, contributing to an immersive environment. Nevertheless, channel movement can sometimes feel inconsistent, oscillating between subtlety and an overwhelming presence. This unpredictability is especially noticeable during chase sequences where sound directionality could overwhelm rather than engage. While this audio track has its merit, it does not fully align with the meticulously textured sound profiles typical of superior high-definition audio releases.

The Blu-ray release of "The Game" has notably no supplemental features available, leading to significant dissatisfaction among enthusiasts and collectors. This absence of extras is conspicuous and disappointing, particularly considering the film's intricate narrative and the potential for fascinating behind-the-scenes insights. Previous releases, such as the barebones HD DVD, were similarly sparse, offering only a low-quality theatrical teaser trailer. Such lackluster offerings are highlighted by the complete void of bonus content on this UK release. Fans looking forward to in-depth documentaries, commentary tracks, or interviews will be left wanting, as this disc contains no additional materials to enhance the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: This release includes no supplemental features.

David Fincher’s 1997 psychological thriller, "The Game," starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn, is an engrossing narrative engineered to shatter expectations. The film centers on Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy investment banker whose emotionally detached life spirals out of control following a bizarre birthday gift from his brother Conrad—a mysterious game by Consumer Recreation Services (CRS). As Nicholas delves deeper into the game, it becomes a relentless descent into paranoia and chaos, pushing him to the brink. This brilliantly scripted thriller is characterized by its strong performances, particularly Douglas, whose portrayal of Nicholas's transformation from an arrogant mogul to a desperate survivor is both nuanced and gripping.

The film shines through its immersive cinematography, with scenes drenched in tonal colors that add depth and atmosphere. Fincher’s methodical direction ensures that every twist and turn keeps the audience guessing. Key supporting roles by Sean Penn and Deborah Kara Unger add layers of ambiguity to the storyline, effectively maintaining suspense. The shift in tone during the final act might be divisive for some viewers, transitioning from high-paced action to a more Hitchcockian morality tale, but this thematic reversal underscores the film’s complexity.

"The Game" not only stands the test of time but also epitomizes Fincher's capacity for blending commercial thrill with cerebral undertones. Its unpredictable plot and meticulous character development set it apart from typical Hollywood fare, making it an underappreciated gem in Fincher's oeuvre. This Blu-ray release, albeit without supplementary features, ensures a visually and narratively captivating experience, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers who appreciate films that reward close inspection and repeated viewings.

Universal Studios-UK's Blu-ray release of David Fincher's "The Game" unfortunately falls short of expectations, primarily due to its subpar 2007 HD DVD transfer which fails to uphold modern visual standards. The image quality is noticeably lacking, with a dated resolution that does little justice to this intricate thriller’s atmospheric cinematography. Additionally, the audio package underwhelms listeners; varying volume levels necessitate frequent adjustments and diminish the immersive experience. The absence of supplementary content further exacerbates the sense of an incomplete offering, making it clear that minimal effort was invested in this transatlantic edition.

Despite the film's merits as a criminally underappreciated landmark in Fincher's career slate, this UK import struggles to provide a satisfactory home viewing experience. The video transfer appears rushed, lacking the polish and clarity that genuine film aficionados expect. This, coupled with an average audio track that disappoints with its lack of consistency and dynamism, results in a frustrating and suboptimal presentation. Given the renowned attention to detail and high standards typically associated with Fincher’s works, this release is a letdown.

In conclusion, if Criterion were to bring "The Game" to Blu-ray in the United States, it is reasonable to expect a significantly superior release compared to this Pan-European edition from Universal Studios-UK. The current release is replete with issues that Criterion would likely rectify. For those interested in experiencing this early Fincher masterpiece, renting this version might be a prudent option, particularly if found at a discounted price. However, investing in one of the many other high-quality Blu-ray releases available in the UK market this fall is advisable until a better version of "The Game" arrives.