What Richard Did Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "What Richard Did" is delivered in a 1080p AVC encode, showcasing a highly impressive level of detail and clarity. Captured using Red Cameras, the film exhibits exceptional sharpness, particularly noticeable in the numerous close-up shots where the textures of skin and clothing fibers are strikingly discernable. The natural color palette, though initially appearing slightly muted, shines during sunlit scenes, contrasting with an otherwise desaturated look imbued with a blueish-green tint. This visual choice underscores the film's dramatic tone and Dublin’s perpetually overcast skies.

The aspect ratio of 2.35:1 supports the depth and composition of the scenes well. Strong contrast and decent black levels contribute to the perceived depth without sacrificing shadow detail, which remains acceptably clear even in night-time scenes. Importantly, there is no evidence of digital noise reduction (DNR) artifacts, maintaining a subtle grain structure that lends the image a classic look. Compression anomalies are non-existent, ensuring the integrity of the visuals is preserved through various playback configurations.

Overall, "What Richard Did" has transitioned to Blu-ray with spectacular results. The video presentation is near-perfect, a hallmark of quality Blu-ray releases today. Fans of the film will find this edition exceptionally pleasing, appreciating its meticulous attention to detail and accurate color reproduction.

The audio presentation of "What Richard Did" on Blu-ray is a refined yet unpretentious DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Though it will not push the boundaries of advanced home audio systems, its quality lies in its clarity and naturalistic delivery. Dialogue is consistently pronounced and exceptionally easy to follow, striking a perfect balance with the background ambiences and foley effects. The sound design creates an enveloping atmosphere, especially noticeable in scenes set at the beach or during parties. The soundtrack by Stephen Rennicks is particularly spellbinding, with its soft and beautifully recorded composition adding a sense of hapless foreboding that subtly enhances the visual storytelling.

In addition to the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, there is also an English LPCM 2.0 track provided on the disc. Both tracks offer an exquisite audio experience, with the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track delivering remarkable depth and clarity. Even subtle elements like a light breeze or disparate nature sounds are rendered with impressive precision, creating an immersive auditory environment. The optional English SDH subtitles split the image frame and provide a helpful aid without detracting from the viewing experience. Overall, the audio presentation is solid and effective, fostering an engaging and coherent soundstage that supports the film’s minimalist aesthetics and richly detailed narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "What Richard Did" offer a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film. The commentary with Director Lenny Abrahamson and Screenwriter Malcolm Campbell is insightful, providing personal reflections and discussing intricate aspects such as the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. Meanwhile, the extended 40-minute interview with Abrahamson delves deeply into the film's origins, atmospheric nuances, and the intended impact of its title on viewers. The cast interviews, though brief at 10 minutes, offer a glimpse into the actors' perspectives. Conclusively, these features collectively enhance the understanding and appreciation of this thought-provoking film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director and Screenwriter: Abrahamson and Campbell candidly discuss the film's events and their personal insights.
• Interview with Director: Abrahamson talks about the origins of the movie and its title's impact.
• Cast Interviews: Short interviews with cast members.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

Review of "What Richard Did" - Blu Ray

Lenny Abrahamson's "What Richard Did" methodically unveils a poignant drama set against the backdrop of Dublin's elite youth. The film meticulously documents the slow unraveling of Richard (Jack Reynor), an intelligent, seemingly infallible young rugby player, destined for further greatness at a prestigious university. With exceptional attention to detail, the film explores his idyllic summer, embedded in his social circle, and a budding relationship with Lara (Roisin Murphy), who adds an undercurrent of tension, given her ties with the hard-drinking Conor (Sam Keeley). The impending sense of doom weaves through the narrative as Richard's jealousy escalates, leading to a life-altering altercation with Conor. Abrahamson’s focus on the rapid and tragic transition from adolescence to adulthood captures the audience’s attention through its raw intimacy.

The strength of "What Richard Did" lies in its deliberate ambiguity and reserved cinematic style, which distances it from comparable films like Gus Van Sant's "Paranoid Park" and Lynne Ramsay’s "We Need to Talk About Kevin." Abrahamson refrains from moral judgment, instead providing a stark observational lens on Richard's internal struggle post-incident. This authentic portrayal is brought to life by powerful performances from Reynor and Murphy, with Lars Mikkelsen delivering an equally compelling performance as Richard’s father. Notably, Reynor’s solo scenes adeptly visualize the psychological turmoil Richard faces.

Technically, "What Richard Did" is a visual masterpiece, realized through the precision of the Red Camera. The Blu Ray boasts superb clarity and richly natural colors that enhance the film's authentic feel. Stephen Rennicks' minimalist score further amplifies the aesthetic, blending seamlessly with Abrahamson's directional vision to maintain a consistent and subdued tonal environment. The film’s conclusion is fittingly executed, sustaining the subtle intensity that permeates throughout its duration.

Lenny Abrahamson's "What Richard Did" is a captivating cinematic experience that masterfully portrays the intricacies of youthful indiscretion and its dire consequences. The film stands out with its sincere narrative and compelling performances, especially by its lead. Through meticulous direction, Abrahamson captures the stark realism of life's unforeseen tragedies, making it one of the most poignant dramas of recent times. Its heartfelt storytelling and profound emotional impact firmly anchor its place as an exemplary work in contemporary cinema.

The Blu-ray release by Artificial Eye does justice to the film's artistic vision with stellar technical execution. Visual clarity is impeccable, ensuring that every scene resonates with the intended emotional depth. The melancholic score punctuates the narrative seamlessly, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Additional materials such as commentaries and interviews provide invaluable insights into the film’s production, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors alike. The audio-visual fidelity on the disc makes it a worthy addition to any film aficionado's library.

As for the Blu-ray package, it's a pretty decent showing from Artificial Eye, offering a few additional tidbits by way of commentary and interviews, if that's your thing. As for the picture and sound, stalwart efforts on both, with solid scores for the image's clarity and the soundtrack's melancholic punctuation throughout. Decent enough, though I would hasten to add that "What Richard Did" doesn’t have a whole lot of re-watchability.