Forsaken Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Forsaken" on Blu-ray displays a digitally photographed image that, while clear, often fails to convey the visual texture one expects from a Western. Shot with the Arri Alexa HS and presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the film exhibits smoothness that somewhat detracts from the rustic and gritty aesthetic typical of the genre. Backgrounds, such as tree leaves and building façades, can appear smeared rather than stable, limiting the depth and realism. While period clothing and facial details such as hair, pores, and wrinkles are adequately captured, they do not offer the intimate, worn-in look one might desire. Furthermore, the overall color palette tends towards drabness with a predominant brown tint, with some scenes showing oversaturation, causing varied warmth and coolness across different shots.

The clarity of details remains commendable despite these issues, with facial features consistently strong throughout. However, problems such as aliasing are noticeable, especially during pans across stationary structures like buildings and fences. Black levels are generally acceptable; noise is minimal due to the scarcity of dark scenes, with the saloon interiors showing only slight noise in static backgrounds. While many of these visual shortcomings appear to stem from the film's original digital source rather than its Blu-ray transfer, they collectively result in an image that lacks the desired ruggedness and naturalistic color balance that high-definition Westerns typically aim for.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray for "Forsaken" showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that significantly enhances the viewing experience. Notably, the shootouts are pivotal points where the sound design shines. Around the 37-minute mark, an outdoor gunfight delivers substantial punch and dynamic impacts with shots ringing clearly from one speaker to another, creating a chaotic yet immersive atmosphere. Conversely, the indoor shootout scene at the 76-minute mark isn't as defined but still maintains high-quality surround sound characteristics. Ambient details, particularly around the Clayton homestead and bustling city streets, are impressively rendered, adding depth to the environment.

Throughout "Forsaken," audio clarity is maintained consistently. The music score is clear and well-defined, complementing the on-screen action without overpowering it. Dialogue remains front and center, exhibiting effortless definition and strong prioritization, ensuring that conversations are easily audible amid other sound effects. The rear speakers contribute effectively by providing subtle ambient noises such as chirping birds or horse hooves, further enriching the setting and maintaining a sense of immersion.

While the audio may not reach reference quality standards, it is undoubtedly a well-executed track free from any sound anomalies, thereby offering an enjoyable and engaging auditory experience. Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on this Blu-Ray is adeptly tailored to meet the demands of "Forsaken," balancing impactful action sequences with nuanced environmental sounds.

The Blu-ray extras for "Forsaken" consolidate into a detailed and engaging behind-the-scenes examination, spotlighting the Western genre elements, the project's inception, and particularly the dynamic between the Sutherlands working together on screen for the first time. It includes insightful commentary from Director Jon Cassar, producers, and the star-studded cast including Kiefer and Donald Sutherland, providing both a technical and personal perspective on the film's classic style, characters, and performances. Although limited to a single featurette, this concise yet comprehensive exploration enriches the viewing experience with its depth and quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making Of Featurette: Behind-the-scenes insights with commentary from key creatives and actors.

"Forsaken" is a modern-day homage to the classic Western genre, directed by Jon Cassar and featuring an emotionally charged father-son dynamic with Donald and Kiefer Sutherland. The film's strength lies in its faithful adherence to Western motifs, delivering a timeless tale of redemption and moral struggle set against the post-Civil War backdrop. The narrative is straightforward: John Henry Clayton (Kiefer Sutherland) returns home after ten years to find his father, Reverend William Clayton (Donald Sutherland), mourning his wife’s death. John's quest for peace is thwarted by local malefactors led by James McCurdy (Brian Cox), compelling him to reckon with his turbulent past and the lawless threats besieging his hometown.

In thematic resonance with classics like "Shane," "Forsaken" employs tried-and-true Western frameworks while embracing the genre's essence of stark moral clarity. The movie succeeds not through novelty but by accentuating character relationships and high-stakes tension. Each Sutherland brings depth to their roles, investing heavily in their on-screen father-son relationship. Supporting performances by Demi Moore as John’s former love interest and Michael Wincott as the nuanced antagonist, 'Gentleman' Dave Turner, further enrich the narrative, making the film a bastion of skilled characterization wrapped in elemental Western archetypes.

Despite its predictability, "Forsaken" stands out through its execution and production values. While the digital cinematography may leave a bit to be desired in evoking a classic Western atmosphere, the film compensates with meticulous attention to setting and storytelling. Jon Cassar’s direction ensures that every scene serves the genre's legacy without relying on flashy techniques or superfluous plot twists. The Blu-ray presentation includes trailers and region-specific details but remains straightforward, thus allowing the film's content to take center stage unadorned by excessive embellishments. This film is a must-watch for aficionados of the Western genre and fans of the Sutherlands alike.

"Forsaken" stands as a strong entry in modern Western cinema, offering a reliable take on the classic genre. The film's standout is its casting, notably the on-screen pairing of Donald and Kiefer Sutherland, whose natural chemistry brings depth to their father-son dynamic. The performances are uniformly solid, bolstering a narrative that, while not groundbreaking, effectively captures the raw essence of genre conventions. The direction and cinematography are competent, providing a visually consistent backdrop that complements the film’s themes and setting.

Entertainment One's Blu-ray release of "Forsaken" is technically sound, featuring fair video and good audio quality. The video transfer handles the film's earthy tones with respect, offering clear, detailed visuals that maintain the integrity of the original cinematography. The audio track, while not exceptionally immersive, delivers dialogue and sound effects with clarity and precision, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Forsaken" is one of the best Westerns to hail from the 21st century. While it's not creative, its foundation is firm, and its understanding of its genre is evident in every shot. It's very well-acted so well that the novelty of the Sutherlands working together quickly disappears into the movie's tangible, well-developed world. Entertainment One's Blu-ray release of "Forsaken" features fair video and good audio. The disc is unfortunately lacking any meaningful extras, but the release comes highly recommended and is a must-own for any Western fan.