The Thieves Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Thieves" by Well Go USA offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, exhibiting the sleek clarity characteristic of Red Epic shot films. Close-ups deliver abundant and lifelike fine detail, especially in facial features and hair textures. However, midrange and wide shots are marginally softer than similar features, though they still provide ample definition. Building facades and natural details like leaves and trees maintain vibrant, concise edges. The location footage enhances the film's glamour, complemented by several well-rendered establishing shots.

Color grading leans towards the yellow spectrum, which, while noticeable, does not detract significantly from the overall visual appeal. Shadows are well delineated, with deep blacks that avoid any crushing issues. Skin tones appear natural, and the contrast is well managed throughout the film. A minor, almost negligible amount of aliasing is present in some heavily patterned cityscape scenes. Despite being a digital production, "The Thieves" achieves a lush, filmic quality that demonstrates style, color, and clarity under the high-definition microscope. Overall, this transfer delivers a visually compelling experience that aligns well with the film's sleek, glamorous narrative.

"The Thieves" Blu Ray offers an exceptionally immersive audio experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, predominantly in Korean, but also featuring Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese for added authenticity. The sound quality here is outstanding, with crystal-clear dialogue and superb ambient environmental effects. The urban backdrop of the film facilitates rich surround activity, including precise channel separation and effective panning effects. The mix remains balanced and well-prioritized, even during busier sequences, ensuring that no element is overshadowed.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track enhances the movie's extensive dialogue segments and intense action scenes alike. Dialogue clarity is maintained across various languages, consistently delivered through the front and center channels without compromise. The film's action-packed second half brings the rear channels to life with the realistic sounds of fully automatic gunfire. The mix excels at creating an enveloping soundscape where bullets zip and ricochet vividly in every direction. This combination of dynamic dialogue delivery and thrilling action makes the audio presentation of "The Thieves" both engaging and technically impressive. No complaints regarding the sound performance; it contributes significantly to the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Thieves" deliver valuable and compelling insights into the film's production. The "Making Of" segments showcase the intricate green screen and wire stunt work, providing a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse. The "Meet the Thieves" featurettes are particularly beneficial, offering concise overviews of the characters and assisting viewers in better understanding the ensemble cast. The inclusion of the official trailer is a welcome addition, allowing fans to revisit the film's promotional material.

Extras included in this disc:

Making Of: Enjoyable featurette showing green screen and wire work with brief interviews.

Meet the Thieves: Useful featurette giving a concise look at the film's characters.

Trailer: The official trailer of the movie.

"The Thieves," directed by Dong-hoon Choi, is a whirlwind caper film that combines elements of humor, high-octane action, and intricate plotting to great effect. The film opens with an engaging, highly choreographed heist sequence featuring Yenicall (Gianna Jun) and her conspirator Chewing Gum (Hae-suk Kim). Clad in Audrey Hepburn-inspired attire, Yenicall's acrobatic prowess and Chewing Gum's cunning deception set the stage for the elaborate schemes to follow. Their operation kicks off with a delightful twist of familial pretense, swiftly transitioning into a thrilling escape reminiscent of "Mission: Impossible." Following this enthralling introduction, the narrative transitions into the assembly of a larger gang composed of both Korean and Chinese members, each with distinct skills and backstories.

As the gang gears up to steal a priceless diamond from a seemingly impenetrable safe, the film's complexity intensifies. With career criminal Macau Park (Kim Yeon-seok) orchestrating the heist, tensions mount among the eclectic ensemble. The inclusion of new members like safecracker Julie (Angelica Lee) and skilled operative Pepsee (Kim Hye-soo) further complicates matters, leading to several interwoven subplots. These backstories are revealed through swift flashbacks, presenting a layered tapestry of relationships and betrayals. A standout scene reveals Park in a breathtaking rooftop chase and battle, showcasing his resourcefulness and nerve amidst escalating jeopardy.

Despite its affable charm and exhilarating action sequences, "The Thieves" occasionally struggles under the weight of its convoluted plot and plethora of characters. The continual flashbacks aiming to elucidate character dynamics may leave viewers feeling overwhelmed and confused. Nevertheless, the film’s audacious spirit and dexterous stunts more than compensate for its narrative density. A box-office smash in South Korea, "The Thieves" manages to blend humor, spectacle, and dramatic tension effectively, making it one of the most entertaining Asian films in recent memory. It maintains a cheeky ambiance likened to "Ocean's 11" mixed with the kinetic energy of "Leverage," promising a captivating watch for action-caper aficionados.

The Thieves is an ambitious heist film directed by Dong-Hoon Choi that combines intricate storytelling with dynamic action sequences. The plot can be somewhat hard to follow due to its numerous character backstories and shifting interrelationships, but this complexity also enriches the narrative, adding depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward genre film. The action set pieces are not only plentiful, but they are executed with precision and flair, showcasing stunning cinematography that enhances the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray edition particularly impresses with its video and audio quality. The visual presentation boasts crisp, vibrant detail that enriches the film's diverse settings—whether it’s a tight, bustling Hong Kong street or the luxurious interiors of a casino. The audio mix is equally compelling, providing an immersive soundscape that captures both the quieter character moments and the explosive heist sequences with equal clarity.

In conclusion, although The Thieves can be overwhelming at times due to its labyrinthine plot and extensive character roster, it remains a hugely enjoyable caper film if you allow yourself to be carried along by its narrative flow. The limited supplementary material on the Blu-ray is balanced out by the high-quality video and audio presentation, making it a solid addition to any collection. The Thieves is a recommended watch for fans of complex heist movies and action-packed thrillers alike.