Shade Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Shade" on Blu-ray, distributed by MVD Marquee Collection, offers a mixed visual experience. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.36:1 demonstrates a frequently roughhewn and splotchy appearance, exacerbated by a higher than average number of optical dissolves. This inconsistency results in variable detail levels, particularly due to widely varied lighting conditions. The opening flashback features a peculiar blue tone that appears partially due to fading, further adding to the mottled quality that renders some close-ups soft. This Blu-ray does not appear to have undergone significant restoration, as evidenced by numerous blemishes dotting the image with fair regularity.

Despite these issues, the Blu-ray exhibits strengths that contribute to an overall pleasing image. While the film's print from 2003 displays unfortunate dirt and dust, the resolution effectively draws out texture in close-ups, and the encoding proficiently handles smoky table scenes. Grain remains consistent throughout the presentation. Generous contrast provides ample dimension, with highlights producing brightness without clipping and black levels maintaining density and richness as needed. The early 2000s color grading slightly skews flesh tones towards peach but leaves the palette otherwise unfazed. Notably, elements such as Thandie Newton’s bright purple dress pop with vividness, while felt tables exhibit saturated greens, and primary colors remain solid in each scene, with hearty blue tones dominating flashbacks.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Shade" is available in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 tracks, both delivering impressive fidelity. The DTS-HD 5.1 track notably enhances the soundstage in significant set pieces, providing a surprisingly immersive experience even in seemingly mundane scenes such as poker players conversing around a table. Furthermore, elaborate sequences like Gabriel Byrne's navigation through a nightclub feel notably spacious, making effective use of surround channels. Dialogue comes through with clarity and precision, ensuring that it remains intelligible throughout the film.

The PCM stereo and DTS-HD 5.1 options suggest that "Shade"'s original mix was likely two-channel, yet the transition to a 5.1 mix has been executed skillfully. Ambient sounds in bars and clubs continuously enrich the atmosphere, while action scenes ramp up the audio activity. Bullets whizzing by and shots being fired make adept use of rear channels, delivering accurate but not overly discrete sound effects. The score benefits from a pronounced bass line that stands out distinctly, and the dynamic range is well-stretched during explosive moments like shotgun blasts.

The Blu-ray extras for "Shade" provide a well-rounded look behind the scenes, albeit with varying degrees of depth and engagement. The standout feature is the "Tricks of the Trade" segment, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of card tricks and the Magic Castle, showcasing director Damian Nieman’s card skills. The making-of featurette delivers solid insights through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Interviews with key cast members like Gabriel Byrne, Jamie Foxx, Melanie Griffith, and Sylvester Stallone are relatively brief and somewhat skippable but do offer additional perspectives. The commentary track featuring Damian Nieman and Stuart Townsend is a valuable addition, offering in-depth reflections on the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Shade: Decent overview with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Tricks of the Trade: Fun piece on the Magic Castle and card tricks.
• Damian Nieman Interview: Brief interview with the director.
• Gabriel Byrne Interview: Short interview with the actor.
• Jamie Foxx Interview: Brief interview segment.
• Melanie Griffith Interview: Concise interview piece.
• Paul Wilson Interview: Very brief snippet with the technical adviser.
• Stuart Townsend Interview: Short interview segment.
• Sylvester Stallone Interview: Quick interview clip.
• Thandie Newton Interview: Short interview segment.
• Trailers: Includes "Shade" and other MVD releases.
• Actor and Director Commentary: Feature with Damian Nieman and Stuart Townsend in the Setup Menu.

"Shade" is a 2003 film that capitalizes on the early 2000s poker boom to deliver an engaging narrative centered on high-stakes card games and intricate grifts. Directed by Damian Nieman, a card shark himself, the film attempts to infuse authentic sleight-of-hand artistry into its plot. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' legendary Magic Castle, "Shade" boasts an eclectic cast including Sylvester Stallone, Gabriel Byrne, Thandie Newton, Stuart Townsend, and Jamie Foxx. The labyrinthine plot invokes classics like "The Grifters" and "The Sting," but occasionally trips over its own complex machinations, leaving audiences with a sense that it could have been more polished. Nieman's decision to coach the cast in real card tricks adds a layer of authenticity, integrating the actors' genuine skills into the narrative.

The film presages Nolan's "The Prestige" in its structural breakdown of a grift, drawing viewers into the art of long cons and hidden alliances. Townsend shines as the central card trickster, ably supported by Newton and Byrne in a narrative that evokes empathy by referencing the post-9/11 recession. However, the film falls into early 2000s clichés with choppy flashbacks, slow-motion sequences, and stylistic black-and-white stills. These elements sometimes detract from the otherwise engaging storyline. Stallone's marquee presence is more of a late-arriving cameo, allowing Townsend to take center stage and hold his own against established stars like Foxx.

Despite its occasional narrative frays and predictable reveals, "Shade" remains a stylish endeavor, largely due to Nieman's intimate knowledge of card tricks and con games. The film's dynamic performances and genuine sleight-of-hand sequences offer enough intrigue to keep viewers invested, even if it never quite achieves iconic status. Thus, "Shade" stands as a testament to its era, blending the poker craze with heist movie sensibilities for a serviceable yet captivating outing.

"Shade" offers an intriguing dive into the world of high stakes gambling and con men, elevated by its somewhat unusual setting and a cast delivering nicely nuanced performances. The film engages with its attempts at intricate narratives, although it occasionally feels weighed down by trying to incorporate one too many plot twists. Damian Nieman's direction, surprisingly his sole feature film credit, brings a refreshing energy at times, revealing potential that he unfortunately never had the chance to further explore.

The Blu-ray presentation features variable visual quality, with some scenes appearing problematic in terms of video transfer. Nonetheless, the audio quality remains consistently good, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The supplements included with the Blu-ray release provide added value, especially for aficionados of the genre and fans of the ensemble cast, making it worth considering for purchase.

In conclusion, "Shade" benefits from an at least somewhat unusual setting and some really nicely nuanced performances, but it may try to stuff one too many grifts into its wending story. While probably not as completely mind blowing as it's obviously aiming to be, this is still a rather invigorating effort at times from Damian Nieman, and I was kind of surprised (shocked, actually) to see this is his only feature film credit as writer and/or director. This cast certainly offers a wide variety of notable names, and fans of any or all of the actors in this production may well enjoy at least parts of this tale. Video is occasionally problematic, but audio is fine, and the supplements enjoyable for those considering a purchase.