In the Electric Mist Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of In the Electric Mist showcases a remarkable 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation that astounds with its clear and detailed visuals. Shot with anamorphic widescreen lenses by Bruno de Keyzer and completed on a digital intermediate, the image quality excels in capturing the atmospheric beauty of the bayou swamps and the somber, devastated locales of New Orleans. The meticulous attention to detail is evident, with superb black levels ensuring clarity even in dark, rain-soaked night scenes. The natural reproduction of film grain adds to the authentic cinema experience without becoming intrusive, adhering to the director's classic filmmaking ethos.

Earth tones dominate the palette, presenting a multitude of browns and greens that are both lush and nuanced, except for a few intentional stylistic choices that deviate from this scheme. The contrast is clean and punchy throughout the grayscale, providing deep, moody colors that enrich the film’s aesthetic. The only minor drawback is a slightly red hue in fleshtones and a somewhat noticeable fall-off to black that affects shadow delineation in darker scenes. Nevertheless, the encode maintains its integrity with minimal edge enhancement and noise, free from high-frequency filtering or other digital tampering artifacts. Overall, In the Electric Mist delivers a visually compelling experience that thoroughly satisfies.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "In the Electric Mist" demonstrates a keen adeptness at leveraging the film's natural environment to create an immersive auditory experience. The swamps and wetlands are rendered vividly through a variety of rustling leaves, dripping water, and the subtle sounds of birds and insects, all encapsulated beautifully into the surround channels. Storms and downpours build out from the screen creating an expansive listening atmosphere, with thunderclaps resonating through the soundscape. The standout component, however, is undoubtedly the music. Blues guitarist Buddy Guy's contributions, along with local Cajun musicians, enrich Marco Beltrami's underscore and significantly deepen the film’s Southern ambiance. Despite regional accents that at times broaden, dialogue is maintained with pristine clarity throughout.

Additionally, the DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround track operates at 48kHz/24-bit and includes a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround option. While the sound design of the film does not provide an extensive auditory workout, moments of sustained ambiance and score bleed do bring a degree of liveliness to the mix. Dialogue remains consistently front and center, impeccably integrated without necessitating manual volume adjustments. Low bass registers as adequate and becomes forceful when needed, complemented by a clean upper range. Not crafted as a demonstration track, this soundtrack nonetheless fits aptly with the film’s undemanding material, maintaining an overall engaging and authentic tonal presence.

The Blu-ray release of "In the Electric Mist" offers a sparse, yet essential selection of extras, reflective of its limited supplementary content yet valuable for enthusiasts. The primary highlight is the Theatrical Trailer, presented in standard definition with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, running for 1 minute and 45 seconds. However, it appears that aside from this singular inclusion, additional bonus features are conspicuously absent. This laconic approach to extras may disappoint those looking for in-depth behind-the-scenes insights or extended features but provides a concise look at the marketing material available during the film’s original release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Presented in SD; 2.35:1 enhanced; 1:45 duration.

"In the Electric Mist" presents a unique police procedural set against the haunting backdrop of post-Katrina Louisiana. Directed by Bertrand Tavernier and based on James Lee Burke's novel, the film follows Detective Dave Robicheaux, played with rugged subtlety by Tommy Lee Jones. The character's tormented past and recovering alcoholism enrich the narrative, enhancing the film's thematic depth. However, the U.S. release has been edited down by 15 minutes compared to the director’s cut available in Europe, leading to a somewhat compromised viewing experience.

Visually, "In the Electric Mist" is a testament to Bruno de Keyzer's cinematography, vividly capturing the eerie and atmospheric landscape of Southern Louisiana. Tavernier’s direction leans more toward a mood piece than a conventional thriller, exploring themes of lingering historical injustices rather than relying on traditional plot twists. The film's authenticity is further bolstered by a strong supporting cast, including John Goodman and Peter Sarsgaard, who bring depth to their characters and elevate the film's overall quality.

Despite its technical merits and engaging performances, the truncated domestic version suffers from noticeable narrative gaps and a reworked conclusion that feels contrived. This version lacks the coherence and character development seen in the original cut, marring what could have been a more compelling and satisfying story. Overall, "In the Electric Mist" is an intriguing yet flawed modern noir that hints at greater potential in its unaltered form.

"In the Electric Mist" takes audiences on a compelling journey marked by intriguing characters and an engaging narrative. This Blu-ray release effectively showcases the film's atmospheric cinematography and haunting score, with a transfer that maintains solid picture quality, capturing the vivid Southern landscapes. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers clear dialogue and well-balanced sound effects, though it leaves some room for a more immersive experience. The technical aspects largely meet expectations for a modern Blu-ray release, ensuring that viewers can appreciate the film's artistic merits.

However, the disc suffers from the inclusion of the truncated 102-minute US cut instead of the longer international director's version. This shortened edition results in some choppy editing and a less satisfying conclusion, which might leave audiences wanting more. Additionally, the Blu-ray lacks any special features or supplementary material, an omission that detracts from its overall value. These shortcomings might make it hard for some viewers to fully immerse themselves in the film’s intricate storyline.

In summary, "In the Electric Mist" showcases a thought-provoking narrative anchored by strong performances and a visually rich presentation. While the lack of extras and the truncated cut are noticeable drawbacks, the technical proficiency of the Blu-ray transfer makes it a worthwhile watch for enthusiasts of character-driven dramas. It's highly recommended for a rental first, especially for those willing to wait until the disc price drops for a purchase. This film is a rare find amidst contemporary releases and certainly deserves viewing despite its flaws.