Loophole Blu-ray Review
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Score: 54
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
'Loophole' boasts strong performances by Sheen and Finney, but its heist plot lacks escalation; however, the Blu-ray offers a solid A/V presentation and engaging commentary.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 58
Loophole's Blu-ray transfer, whether in a 1.78:1 AVC or 1.85:1 1080p format, offers satisfactory to terrific visuals with robust colors, strong grain presence, and detailed textures. Minor color inconsistencies and occasional low-light struggles are noted, but the source is largely free of significant damage.
Audio: 63
The English DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio mix of 'Loophole' offers clear dialogue and detailed sound effects, although occasional hiss, especially during an airplane scene, may overwhelm. Overall, scoring and atmospherics support the action well, maintaining a balanced and engaging audio experience.
Extra: 31
Director John Quested's commentary, moderated by Adam Schartoff, delivers engaging insights and consistent pacing, while the Blu-ray extras feature a mix of SD and HD trailers from various films, adding a nostalgic touch.
Movie: 51
Loophole's slow pacing and focus on the moral struggles of joblessness offer muted suspense, with solid performances from Martin Sheen and Albert Finney. However, the film often feels tedious during its detailed heist execution, lacking the energetic tension of more thrilling counterparts. The Blu-ray from Kino Lorber features standard navigation options.
Video: 58
The Blu-ray release of "Loophole" delivers a satisfactory video presentation with its AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio). While it’s not groundbreaking, it's competent enough to appreciate the film. The age of the source material is occasionally evident, especially during low-lit scenes where frame delineation can struggle, and some filtering effects are present. However, bright images reveal notable details such as the textures on costumes and the specifics of actors' skin. Locations maintain vivid textures and adequate distance representation. Colors remain passable, primarily evident in the dresses and greenery, although whites sometimes appear bloomy, and skintones can seem slightly drained.
The 1.85:1 1080p transfer of "Loophole" is in notably strong condition. A consistent grain presence throughout maintains strong and clear details, contributing to an engaging viewing experience. Robust and vivid colors dominate, offering vibrant primary colors and healthy flesh tones, although some minor patches exhibit a slight washout effect. Rich black levels enhance shadow separation and create a notable three-dimensional depth, even in the darkest scenes set within the sewers. The source print's condition is commendable, showcasing only minimal speckling in a few places. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer offers a commendable visual presentation that should satisfy fans of the film.
Audio: 63
The audio presentation of "Loophole" on Blu-Ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that emphasizes dialogue clarity and performance nuances. The mix adeptly handles varied accents and thespian methods, ensuring that conversations are easy to follow. While the scoring is not meticulously detailed, it supports the action sequences without introducing any distortion. Notable sound effects like explosions, drilling, and robbery mishaps are well-defined, providing a robust auditory experience. The atmospherics, including subterranean echoes, are adequately preserved, although there is occasional hiss during specific scenes.
The English DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix is generally impressive but has a noteworthy issue within the first five minutes during an airplane scene. Here, the presence of excessive hiss appears to be an attempt to simulate the interior cabin noise. However, this does not sound entirely natural and can distract from the dialogue. Fortunately, the actors' voices are loud enough to remain comprehensible. Post this scene, the audio mix stabilizes, offering a consistently clear rendering of dialogue. Sound effects and musical scoring create a spatial and dimensional listening experience, despite somewhat restrained imaging. Overall, levels are well-balanced, obviating the need for frequent volume adjustments.
Extras: 31
The Blu-ray extras for "Loophole" are a compelling addition to an already intriguing film. The highlight is undoubtedly the audio commentary featuring director John Quested, moderated by Adam Schartoff of FilmWax Radio. Their insightful dialogue enriches the viewer's understanding of the film, blending interesting behind-the-scenes anecdotes with a steady conversational flow devoid of any significant gaps. This expert tandem ensures a dynamic and engaging track that holds your attention throughout. Additionally, a selection of trailers is included, which showcases both related works and some fascinating historical context.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Director John Quested and FilmWax Radio’s Adam Schartoff.
- Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer.
- 'The Internecine Project' Trailer: Standard definition.
- 'The File of the Golden Goose' Trailer: High-definition.
- 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' Trailer: Standard definition.
- 'Juggernaut' Trailer: High-definition.
- 'When 8 Bells Toll' Trailer: High-definition.
Movie: 51
"Loophole" (1981), directed by John Quested, adopts a measured, introspective tone rather than the high-intensity approach typical of American heist films. Adapted from Robert Pollack's novel, the narrative revolves around American architect Stephen Booker (Martin Sheen), who faces financial desperation after losing his job. Lured by Mike Daniels (Albert Finney), Booker's struggle between moral integrity and fiscal survival forms the film's core. While the premise promises an engaging heist film, the execution leans towards a slow-burn drama, centering more on character development and ethical dilemmas than on the thrilling escapades usually expected from the genre.
The film meticulously portrays Stephen's descent into criminal activity fueled by mounting debts and familial pressures. Sheen's portrayal of Stephen's quiet panic and frustration provides a poignant anchor to the story, making his internal conflict and eventual capitulation to crime profoundly relatable. However, Quested's deliberate pacing detracts from the inherent suspense, with significant screen time devoted to mundane group interactions and procedural aspects of the heist. This methodical approach to storytelling hampers the film’s potential intensity during pivotal moments, contributing to an overall sense of tedium.
"Loophole" delivers suspense through environmental hazards rather than traditional antagonists or unpredictable plot twists. The group's navigation through London's sewer system introduces claustrophobia, CO2 threats, and unexpected rainstorms as sources of tension. Despite solid performances from Martin Sheen and Albert Finney, and Jonathan Pryce’s standout role, the lack of a compelling human antagonist reduces the stakes and drama. Ultimately, "Loophole" is an uncomplicated yet watchable film, somberly reflective with moments of suspense, offering more as a character study than as a pulse-pounding heist adventure.
Total: 54
"Loophole" is an intriguing heist film with notable strengths and weaknesses. The movie benefits from a talented ensemble cast, including Michael Caine and Albert Finney, who navigate their roles with subtlety and depth, avoiding overt dramatization. Susannah York's portrayal of the confused wife adds an engaging dynamic to the narrative. However, the film struggles with an inconsistent tone and fails to leverage the inherent tension of a heist plot effectively. It shines more in its depiction of unemployment and the fears it induces, rather than delving deeply into the meticulous planning and psychological intricacies of criminal actions.
Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Loophole" enhances the viewing experience with a solid audio and visual presentation. The picture quality exhibits clarity and adequate detail, while the audio mix maintains balance, drawing viewers into the subtleties of the dialogues and score. The included commentary track offers valuable insights into the film’s production, enriching its contextual understanding for enthusiasts and new viewers alike.
In conclusion, "Loophole" does benefit from a talented cast, with Sheen and Finney managing motivations without resorting to obvious displays of dramatic strength, and York provides chipper support in the confused wife role. However, this is a lopsided picture without a sure handle on the cinematic power of escalation. It's a heist movie that's more alert away from wrongdoing, showing a better understanding of unemployment and all the terror it inspires than it does with the twisted obsessiveness of criminal intent.
Blu-ray.com review by Brian OrndorfRead review here
Video: 60
Age is apparent during the viewing experience, with delineation occasionally struggling with frame information during especially low-lit encounters, and some filtering is encountered....
Audio: 70
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix leads with concentration on dialogue exchanges, juggling accents and thespian methods to satisfaction, keeping performances easy to follow....
Extras: 30
...
Movie: 50
While Mike's vault-blasting skills are spotlighted in the opening of "Loophole," the feature is strongest away from the criminals, with Sheen's quiet panic and mounting frustration becoming the highlights...
Total: 60
It's a heist movie that's more alert away from wrongdoing, showing a better understanding of unemployment and all the terror it inspires than it does with the twisted obsessiveness of criminal intent....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
The source print for this transfer is in relatively terrific shape as the only damage is some small patches of very slight speckling....
Audio: 80
The only real issue that most folks will find particularly puzzling is during a scene on an airplane within the first five minutes or so of the film....
Extras: 40
The File of the Golden Goose' Trailer: (HD 2:37) 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' Trailer: (SD 2:00) 'Juggernaut' Trailer: (HD 2:54) 'When 8 Bells Toll' Trailer: (HD 2:49)...
Movie: 60
When the plan is simple and the chance of being caught slim, the film wisely uses nature to take care of the suspense....
Total: 60
While 'Loophole' certainly isn't the greatest heist film ever conceived, it's fun and effective and manages to be an entertaining way to spend an evening....
Director: John Quested
Actors: Albert Finney, Martin Sheen, Susannah York
PlotStephen Booker, an out-of-work architect in London, finds himself in dire financial straits. When he’s approached by a charismatic American named Mike Daniels with an unusual offer, Stephen initially hesitates but ultimately agrees out of desperation. Mike is planning an ambitious bank heist and needs Stephen's expertise to navigate through a network of underground tunnels that lead to the bank vault. Despite his reservations, Stephen is lured in by the promise of a large payout that can solve his financial woes.
As the planning intensifies, Stephen and Mike recruit a small team to assist with the technical aspects of the heist. Tensions rise as they meticulously plot each step of the operation, knowing that any misstep could result in capture or worse. Personal conflicts and moral dilemmas surface, adding layers of complexity to their already high-stakes endeavor. As they draw closer to executing their plan, the challenges they face grow increasingly perilous, testing their resolve and loyalty to each other.
Writers: Jonathan Hales, Robert Pollock
Release Date: 24 Aug 1986
Runtime: 105 min
Rating: PG
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English