Reclaim Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Reclaim" by Lionsgate Films features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Visually, the film presents a mixed bag, starting with the pleasing use of several attractive locations such as Puerto Rico. Despite these strengths, certain establishing shots appear ragged and may have been sourced from stock footage. The opening, which combines newsreel footage of Haitian devastation with faux shots of Nina, and occasional interior scenes, exhibit slight softness. Nonetheless, the majority of this presentation offers a clean, sleek, and sharp image with saturated and accurate colors. Additionally, the image remains stable throughout with no compression artifacts.

While the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode provides digital footage, it falls short in delivering the expected crispness and smoothness. Visual flaws such as sporadic noise and noticeable banding in graded areas detract from the overall experience. Nighttime scenes and dark settings suffer from significant black crush, impacting the detail perception. Although the video is clear and generally crisp, it's not consistently detailed; fine textures in clothing and facial details fluctuate in their visibility. The color palette is notably mild, but natural elements like the aqua blue ocean and lush green jungle appear richly colored, offering some visual appeal amid an otherwise brighter-than-usual feel.

"Reclaim" boasts a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that significantly enhances the viewing experience. The track starts robustly with the enveloping sounds of the ocean, immediately providing an immersive environment. This level of auditory engagement continues throughout the movie, with numerous set pieces, including foot chases and frantic searches, utilizing discrete placement of ambient effects. Dialogue is consistently clear, ensuring no critical moments are lost due to audio quality issues. The seamless imaging of sound effects, from rolling waves to the chaos of collapsing ground during an earthquake scene, further solidifies the track’s dynamic range.

While the music does not quite match the dynamism of the effects and dialogue, it still complements the overall mix adequately. The opening Lionsgate vanity reel demonstrates a high level of clarity and loudness, setting a high benchmark that the movie's score doesn't fully reach but nonetheless supports well without any glaring issues. Tranquil outdoor scenes are punctuated by delicate yet dynamic sounds such as birds and breezes that effectively utilize all channels. Particularly noteworthy is the final scene, where the natural blending of police and rescue vehicle sirens approaching from the rear speakers creates a compellingly real auditory experience. Overall, all three elements—music, vocals, and effects—coalesce impressively, presenting a high-quality audio mix that stands out despite the movie’s other shortcomings.

The Blu-ray extras for "Reclaim" offer an insightful and comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film. Director Alan White provides a commendable commentary detailing the true story that inspired the screenplay, the script evolution, and technical specifications. The "Behind the Scenes" featurette showcases cast and crew perspectives, while deleted scenes provide additional context, though some omissions were necessary for maintaining tension. Interviews with key actors and the director, free from interviewers, deliver unfiltered insights, albeit with some repetition from the commentary. A "Fighting the World" music video and the film's trailer round out the collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Alan White: Details on script inspiration, casting, and technical specs.
• Behind the Scenes of Reclaim: Cast and crew discuss roles and film production.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Eight scenes with a view-all option.
• Interviews with Cast and Crew: Insightful interviews with featured actors and the director.
• Fighting the World Music Video: Song by Maddie White and Mike Harris.
• Reclaim Trailer: Official trailer for the film.

"Reclaim" features an intriguing premise with potential for a gripping, heart-wrenching thriller, yet it stumbles considerably in its execution. The film attempts to tackle heavy themes such as adoption, child trafficking, and the emotional struggles of childless couples. The plot revolves around Steven (Ryan Phillippe) and Shannon (Rachelle Lefevre), a wealthy American couple who travel to Puerto Rico to adopt Nina, a Haitian orphan. They find themselves ensnared in a complex web spun by dubious figures, including Reigert (Jacki Weaver) from the adoption agency and Benjamin (John Cusack), whose unsettling presence immediately raises suspicions.

While the initial setup holds promise, blending emotional nuance with suspenseful intrigue, the narrative quickly delves into implausibility. There are egregious logical flaws, particularly in how the scam operates. It stretches credulity that seasoned scammers would allow victims such direct interaction with the purported adoptee and themselves, given the high risk of exposure. The script unfortunately compounds these issues with a string of increasingly absurd developments, culminating in a climax that feels more ridiculous than satisfying.

The character dynamics offer fleeting glimpses of depth, especially Steven and Shannon's relationship, but these moments are overshadowed by a sluggish pacing and sub-par special effects that undermine the intended tension. The film's shift from potentially thought-provoking content to made-for-TV mediocrity is perhaps its most significant failing. Ultimately, "Reclaim" makes a commendable attempt to highlight serious social issues, but its execution leaves much to be desired, reducing what could have been a haunting thriller to a rote and undemanding watch.

"Reclaim" on Blu Ray is a mixed bag, straddling potential and execution. The film centers on the harrowing subject of child trafficking, an issue ripe for a compelling drama. However, it fails to deliver an impactful narrative, devolving instead into a formulaic thriller akin to a scaled-down version of "Taken." Despite the genuinely believable performances of Ryan Phillippe and Rachelle Lefevre, the plot teeters into the realm of absurdity, undermining its supposed gravitas. Consequently, what could have been a thought-provoking film comes across as an exploitative piece, masquerading as a significant discourse on a critical issue.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu Ray release is commendable. While the video quality does not stand out, the audio is robust, providing an immersive experience that belies the underwhelming visual presentation. Special features add value but are unlikely to redeem this lackluster film for most viewers. Known actors like John Cusack and Jacki Weaver also fail to elevate the movie beyond mediocrity, which is unfortunate given their proven track records.

In conclusion, "Reclaim" falters in its attempt to tackle a serious subject matter, opting instead for a simplistic and sensational approach that undercuts its own message. Although fans of the movie might appreciate the high technical standards of the Blu Ray release, the film itself is largely forgettable and lacking in substantive impact. Given these factors, "Reclaim" is best left on the shelf.