Breaking In Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Breaking In" is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, utilizing a 1080p transfer and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Kino Lorber offers this edition sourced from an exclusive 2K master, delivering the film's best technical presentation to date. The master possesses strong organic qualities, yet it encounters some inconsistencies that could benefit from enhancement, particularly concerning darker areas. These zones exhibit mild crushing, slightly affecting depth perception without heavily detracting from overall visual appeal. Despite this, the clarity and stability of the film are commendable, providing a consistently pleasing visual experience free from distracting age-related imperfections.

Cinematographer Michael Coulter captured "Breaking In" on 35 mm film with spherical lenses, adhering to its theatrical framing. Kino's use of a new 2K master introduces a few weaknesses alongside its strengths. The most significant issue is inconsistency in fine detail, alternating between periods of sharpness and softness. The subdued grain indicates the application of DNR, applied unevenly across scenes. While contrast and black levels remain solid, with some noticeable crush in night sequences, color timing presents challenges. Saturation inconsistencies affect flesh tones and greenery, causing fluctuations between natural and excessive hues. Although these shifts are not drastic, they are evident enough to impact the transfer's overall potential.

Overall, while the Blu-ray offers an improved viewing experience with good clarity and stability, it exhibits some areas for further refinement. The variability in detail, grain, and color saturation highlights areas where finer tuning could elevate the visual presentation. Nonetheless, "Breaking In" delivers a solid viewing experience for fans and collectors who appreciate refined film presentation on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Breaking In" features an audio presentation delivered through English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. This two-channel lossless track, rooted in its original Dolby Stereo theatrical release, effectively manages to convey the film's audio nuances, despite the lack of a more expansive 5.1 surround track. While this might initially seem like a limitation, the mix excels in clarity and precision, maintaining smooth dialogue and sharpness throughout.

Given the film's modest character-driven narrative, the audio presentation remains suitably restrained. The four-channel matrixed mix subtly incorporates ambient sounds into the surrounds, such as the occasional directional effect like an airplane overhead, enhancing the viewing experience without overwhelming it. However, the primary audio focus resides firmly at the front channels, where dialogue and music are predominantly centralized.

Michael Gibbs' wry and engaging score stands out as a driving force within the soundtrack, complementing and enhancing character interactions without overshadowing spoken exchanges. The dialogue shines with clarity, ensuring that every word aids in advancing the story cohesively. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track effectively accomplishes its intended purpose, bringing ample depth and aural integrity to "Breaking In," confirming its suitability for a film primarily centered around dialogue and character dynamics.

The Blu-ray extras for "Breaking In" provide a comprehensive dive into the film's production and creative process, though some elements are notably uneven. The inclusion of an audio commentary by director Bill Forsyth, screenwriter John Sayles, and critic Daniel Kremer stands out for its candid inside look at the film's development. While the participants occasionally struggle with recollections, Kremer's adept moderation keeps the discussion engaging and informative, offering insights into the movie's screenplay history, production anecdotes, and unique influences, such as Evel Knievel. Kremer acts not only as a moderator but also bridges gaps in memory, enriching the commentary experience for fans of Forsyth and Sayles. Despite varied pacing, these extras are invaluable for those interested in deeper contextual understanding.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: An original U.S. trailer for "Breaking In" presented in English.
• Commentary: Audio commentary featuring Bill Forsyth, John Sayles, and Daniel Kremer discussing the film's background and creative nuances.

"Breaking In," a 1989 comedy directed by Bill Forsyth, represents a unique collaboration with American screenwriter John Sayles, marking Forsyth’s first endeavor with a screenplay not of his own creation. The film stars Burt Reynolds as an aging professional thief who takes a young amateur, played by Casey Siemaszko, under his wing. This film somewhat subverts the traditional buddy-action narrative prevalent in American cinema during the 1970s and 1980s, focusing more on character dynamics rather than high-octane action.

Forsyth, known for his visually intimate storytelling as seen in earlier works like "That Sinking Feeling" and "Gregory's Girl," attempts to weave his signature style into this new narrative framework. However, the film struggles with the central character relationship; the chemistry between Reynolds and Siemaszko lacks the organic development that could have elevated the film's charm. While the screenplay crafted by Sayles is inherently promising, the execution sometimes falters due to an introverted narrative tone. This artistic approach often makes the intended awkwardness appear contrived rather than charismatic, leaving the viewer longing for a more natural connection between the protagonists.

Visually, "Breaking In" is competently shot but lacks the distinct sense of place found in Forsyth’s previous works. The locations utilized in the film do not resonate with the same charm or authenticity, making the setting feel rather bland compared to Forsyth’s earlier Scottish settings. Consequently, what could have been an intriguing interplay of trans-Atlantic sensibilities remains slightly underwhelming. Despite these shortcomings, Burt Reynolds delivers a commendable performance, attempting to bring charm and depth to his role within the constraints of a mismatched partnership both on and off screen.

"Breaking In" stands out for its thoughtful direction by Bill Forsyth, whose nuanced handling of the movie leaves an indelible mark. Burt Reynolds delivers a performance that elevates the film substantially, though Casey Siemaszko's role as the young thief remains less compelling, seemingly misplaced in terms of casting. Forsyth's direction, however, manages to maintain cohesion, even when crafted around these discrepancies. The element of charm intertwined with the heist narrative serves well but doesn’t fully utilize the potential of the ensemble cast, suggesting opportunities for more engaging character dynamics.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-Ray release of "Breaking In" benefits from a richly detailed 2K master, which significantly enhances the visual integrity. The inclusion of a meticulously informative audio commentary enriches the viewing experience, offering insights from Forsyth himself, alongside screenwriter John Sayles and critic Daniel Kremer. This feature adds a valuable dimension to understanding the stylistic and narrative choices within the film. While the original release in 1989 suffered from poor promotion and consequently didn’t reach its deserved audience, this modern refinement presents it in a fresh and appealing light for both new viewers and existing fans.

In conclusion, "Breaking In" is an underappreciated piece in Bill Forsyth's body of work, holding more merit than its initial reception suggests. While criticisms exist regarding casting and narrative development, the Blu-Ray’s technical mastery rejuvenates its cinematic qualities. For enthusiasts of Forsyth's directorial style or classic heist films, this release is a crucial addition to one's collection. For those unfamiliar, a rental provides a worthwhile introduction to Forsyth’s distinctive narrative flair.