Interview with a Hitman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Interview With a Hitman" by Well Go USA features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, delivering a sharp and well-defined image throughout. The film, shot digitally by cinematographer Richard Swingle, benefits significantly from his expert handling of the camera, particularly in the numerous extreme close-ups that reveal intricate textures, such as individual stubbles on Luke Goss’s chin. Though colors are generally muted, the film pushes contrast effectively, showcasing solid blacks and deep shadows that contribute to its noir-style narrative. In the brighter scenes, occasional contrasts may rob the image of some fine detail, but overall, the depth and clarity are impressive.

The transfer exhibits moments of remarkable detail and depth, though certain scenes intentionally reduce these aspects for stylistic purposes. Filtered elements, while not adding significant depth, integrate smoothly into the film’s overall presentation without detracting from it. The film's consistent cool color palette complements its reserved tone, enhancing the dramatic impact when bright and vivid colors are utilized. This specific use of color stands out sharply, creating a striking visual contrast against the generally muted background.

Despite the film's occasional blooming whites and shiny skin tones during harsh lighting conditions, which could be seen as intentional stylistic choices, the transfer maintains a high-quality presentation overall. The combination of detailed textural rendering and strong contrast makes for a visually engaging experience. Even with its modest budget, "Interview With a Hitman" provides an excellent visual presentation that leverages advanced digital cinematography techniques effectively.

"Interview with a Hitman" presents an intricately designed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which leverages a blend of subtlety and deliberate intensity to effectively engage the audience. The audio track avoids the typical heavy-handed approach of nonstop LFE and aggressive surround activity. Instead, it features restrained ambient sounds and sudden bursts of aggressive activity, enhancing key moments. Notable ambient environmental effects, such as the opening of a screen door in Viktor’s childhood home, are seamlessly integrated. The mix provides exceptional aural depth of field, maintaining excellent fidelity throughout and offering a wide dynamic range, though punctuated by occasional pauses.

Beyond mere action sequences, the audio mix makes full use of gunshots and hand-to-hand combat scenes, dispersing sound effects dynamically across various channels. The rear channels excel in immersing listeners with neighborhood ambient sounds or the echoes of a dilapidated warehouse. The audio track manages to balance the score and sound effects adeptly, creating a rich and immersive soundscape. However, there are minor lapses in dialogue delivery, with softer voices, particularly those of Caroline Tillette, sometimes becoming almost inaudible compared to other actors and atmospheric elements. Despite this occasional imbalance, the overall surround sound experience is captivating and underscores the film’s intense atmosphere effectively.

In summary, "Interview with a Hitman" delivers a fine audio presentation that utilizes surround sound technology to its fullest, highlighting the film's environment with deep, immersive sound. The small issue with dialogue clarity does not detract from the overall high-quality audio mix that enriches the cinematic experience. This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out as an exemplary feature given the production’s budget constraints, providing an engaging auditory experience that complements the film's narrative.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Interview with a Hitman" offer a moderately satisfying experience for fans needing more insight into the film. The "Making Of" featurette provides a straightforward yet informative look behind the scenes, integrating actual footage from the film and offering interviews with key figures such as the director, producer, and star Luke Goss. Although not particularly groundbreaking, it manages to be engaging enough for those intrigued by the film's production process. The included trailer is brief but serves its purpose well.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Behind-the-scenes footage interspersed with film footage, featuring interviews with the director, producer, and star.
• Trailer: A concise promo summarizing the film.

Interview with a Hitman, Perry Bhandal's directorial debut, is an action thriller that delves deeply into the life and psyche of its protagonist, Viktor, played compellingly by Luke Goss. What sets this film apart initially is its engagement with "pure cinema" — leveraging visual storytelling with minimal dialogue in its opening scenes. The film opens with sequences devoid of speech, masterfully using imagery to build tension and convey narrative. These moments are visceral, capturing viewers’ attention as Viktor meticulously prepares for a contract kill, emphasizing the calculated and emotionless nature of his profession.

The film is ambitious in its structure. After establishing Viktor's lethal precision, it delves into his backstory through an interview format, providing a detailed look at his troubled childhood in Romania that set him on a path of violence and murder. Bhandal’s screenplay spends considerable time painting a portrait of Viktor's harsh upbringing, aiming to offer context for his adult life as a hitman. However, this approach brings with it a disconnection; the narrative teeters between providing depth and meandering into filler, which doesn't always effectively link Viktor's past to his present motivations. Despite this, Goss anchors the character with a stoic yet intense performance that adds gravitas to the storyline.

Visually intriguing and competently crafted, Interview with a Hitman performs well within the constraints of its modest budget. Bhandal navigates the film’s darker themes with technical proficiency, though the pacing occasionally stumbles. The plot’s complexity sometimes feels artificially induced, an attempt to add unwarranted depth to a familiar trope, thus straining audience engagement. Nonetheless, moments of action are gripping and the film’s artistic flourishes suggest Bhandal’s potential for future projects. Despite its narrative missteps, Interview with a Hitman remains an interesting examination of a hitman's psyche, offering periodic bursts of intensity amidst its contemplative segments.

"Interview with a Hitman" is an intriguing debut for director Perry Bhandal, showcasing both his potential and his limitations. Luke Goss's performance as Viktor is solid, despite the role's deliberate restriction on emotional expression. While some supporting actors do not quite match Goss's finesse, Bhandal ensures that the story moves at a lively pace, keeping the audience engaged. The film’s unapologetic violence and graphic nature may be off-putting to some, but it operates with a tragic inevitability that aligns it with more profound dramatic works.

The film’s modest budget is evident in its production quality, with certain areas of the script and editing appearing less polished. Nevertheless, it's clear that Bhandal is deeply committed to the filmmaking process, producing a raw and unrefined piece that retains a unique appeal. The tight schedule under which the film was produced might compromise its overall look, but it also contributes to its brusque charm. This combination of rough edges and passion makes "Interview with a Hitman" compelling in its own right, holding promise for Bhandal's future projects.

The Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience with excellent video quality and robust audio, even though it lacks substantial supplementary materials. While the film may not appeal universally due to its inherent roughness and violent content, it stands as a noteworthy achievement for Bhandal. The high-definition presentation amplifies its strengths, making this Blu-ray a recommended addition for aficionados of intense and gritty cinema.