4.3.2.1. Blu-ray Review

Universal's Blu-ray release of "4.3.2.1" presents a polished video experience with an undeniable flair for stylization, catering to the film's dynamic narrative and vivid visuals. Franco Pezzino's cinematography is captured with a fine-grained and detailed 1080p, VC-1 encoding, lending the film a clean and crisp appearance that occasionally pushes into higher levels of definition, especially during close-ups. The film’s various environments, from upscale cafés to threadbare English settings, are captured with notable object detail and dimensional depth, ensuring a visually immersive experience.

The color palette is purposefully varied, with either reserved tones or bold chromatic emphases setting the appropriate mood. Richly saturated hues and a stylized presentation characterize the visuals, intensifying the film’s vivid depiction without succumbing to an overly exaggerated music video aesthetic. Fleshtones appear natural with a warm texture, harmonizing with the overall look of the film. In darker scenes, black levels are sufficiently well delineated to provide good shadow detail, maintaining clarity even in low-light conditions.

Technically, Universal's Blu-ray benefits from being sourced from digital files, avoiding issues of high-frequency filtering and artificial sharpening. The encoding is pristine, free of video-related artifacts or anomalies, with a spot-on contrast that yields crisp whites and fairly deep, noise-free blacks. Despite limited extras and audio options, the ample space on the BD-50 disc ensures no compression artifacts, preserving the visual integrity of this engaging film.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "4.3.2.1." delivers a robust audio experience that excels in both clarity and immersion. While the film is predominantly dialogue driven, it features dynamic elements that can illuminate your room with vibrant energy. The soundtrack makes high-level use of the soundstage, particularly with its driving percussive techno rhythms, which provide a punchy and engaging soundtrack. This mix is not aggressive but effectively utilizes the entire surround array to produce subtle and direct atmospheric enhancements that contribute to the storytelling.

An inventive sound mix characterizes this Blu-ray offering, blending score and effects seamlessly, making it sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two. Particularly notable are sequences like the rewind moments, where electronic instruments create an intriguing sensation of time reversal. In club scenes, the music seamlessly integrates with the overall mix, maintaining clarity and freedom from distortion even during active moments. Dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout, although viewers may need to rely on subtitles if they struggle with English accents. Overall, this is a well-balanced, fun, and occasionally mesmerizing surround sound presentation that enhances the film's narrative and emotional impact.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "4.3.2.1." provide a substantive behind-the-scenes look into the making of the film. The 22-minute "Making of 4.3.2.1" featurette offers insightful interviews with lead and supporting actors, where Ophelia Lovibond highlights the unique script with four lead characters, diverging from typical genre expectations. Directors Clark and Davis delve into their collaborative process and casting decisions, making this an essential watch for fans and film enthusiasts alike. The disc also includes a "MyScenes" bookmark feature for easy navigation.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of 4.3.2.1: An informative making-of that includes interviews with all the lead players and a number of the supporting actors.
• MyScenes Bookmark Feature: Efficient scene bookmarking for easy navigation.

"4.3.2.1." is an ambitious crime thriller following the intertwined adventures of four young women—Jo (Emma Roberts), Shannon (Ophelia Lovibond), Kerrys (Shanika Warren-Markland), and Cassandra (Tamsin Egerton)—over an eventful three-day span. The narrative structure, comprising four overlapping chapters, is reminiscent of Guy Ritchie’s stylistic approach but diverges with its female-driven core and dramatic flair. Starting from a climactic bridge scene, the film rewinds to elucidate the sequence of events from different perspectives, each time peeling away more layers of the complex plot centered on an international diamond heist.

The ensemble cast, featuring notable names like Emma Roberts and Noel Clarke, contributes to the film's spirited dynamic. Kevin Smith’s cameo as a talkative courier adds a touch of comic relief, while Michelle Ryan and Mandy Patinkin deliver memorable supporting performances. The strong performances help anchor the otherwise preposterous plot, which sees the protagonists inadvertently entangled in high-stakes crime, dealing with themes of friendship and betrayal amidst chaotic circumstances. The eclectic scenes span from London to New York, maintaining a fast-paced tempo that aligns with the film’s visually engaging style.

Despite the film's often implausible scenarios and convoluted narrative arcs, it succeeds in providing entertainment through coherent scripting and committed performances. Directed adeptly by Noel Clarke and Mark Davis, "4.3.2.1." boasts an interesting visual sense that sustains audience engagement. It's a film where character-driven drama meets stylized action, making it a notable entry in the genre despite its initial lukewarm reception in the U.K. and subsequent quiet release on Blu-ray in the U.S.

"4.3.2.1." is a dynamic, contemporary caper film that leverages multi-stranded narratives to keep viewers thoroughly engaged. While some might find such a complex storytelling technique overwhelming, fans of intricate plots will appreciate weaving together each narrative thread. The film does not aim to be a heavyweight; instead, it delivers brisk, entertaining escapism with four unwitting heroines caught up in an adventure. Despite its lighter tone, the storyline's execution is impeccable, making the viewing experience both enjoyable and intriguing.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "4.3.2.1." is exceptional. The high-definition video quality is stellar, with sharp detail, vibrant colors, and impressive contrast that truly brings the film to life. The audio quality, likewise, does not disappoint, offering crisp and clear sound that enhances the overall ambiance and immersive experience of the film. However, one notable drawback is the relative paucity of extras included in the release. For those who enjoy delving deeper into behind-the-scenes footage or director commentary, this may be a slight letdown.

In conclusion, "4.3.2.1." on Blu-ray is highly recommended for its superb technical performance and engaging storytelling. While it may not be loaded with bonus content, the captivating plot and superior audiovisual quality more than make up for it, offering viewers a compelling and visually satisfying cinematic experience.