Greed Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Greed" captures the bright, sunlit atmosphere of Greece with exceptional clarity and detail, rendered in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio through an AVC encode. This digitally shot film particularly shines during scenes set on sunny beaches, where skin tones are precise and naturally balanced, reflecting both the opulence of the rich and the struggle of the working class. Textures, such as the intricate detailing of clothing, are well-defined, and landscape shots exhibit significant depth and dimension.

Colors are vibrant and varied, with the bright blues of the sky and sea, along with lush greens, standing out vividly against the backdrop. Sequences set during fashion shows or within retail environments present a full range of deep primaries and an appealing overall palette. Additionally, low-light scenes are competently handled, although there is minor noise in darker shots and some dimming of color vibrancy. The black levels maintain their integrity with minimal crush, although shadow detail isn't exceptionally revealing.

Overall, this transfer is not free from flaws. A particular fire sequence displays posterization issues briefly, indicating that while artifacting isn't a pervasive problem, it can occasionally disrupt the visual experience. Nevertheless, "Greed" offers a visually pleasing presentation that balances clarity, color richness, and textural detail effectively, making it a worthy addition for any viewer appreciating technical quality in high-definition video.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "Greed" is a standout feature, displaying an impressive range and immersive quality. The soundtrack is robust and engaging, delivering heavy and precise musical beats that enhance the film's energy. The surround swells during key scenes, such as the Sri Lanka hubbub and the ending party, are executed with precision, contributing to the scene's intensity. Dialog-heavy sequences are front-centric but maintain excellent clarity and cleanliness, ensuring that even complex conversations are easy to follow.

The mix handles the sonic experience with authority and detail, contributing significantly to the film's overall atmosphere. The DJ performances in the closing sequences convey celebratory excitement vividly, while scoring cues add a compelling layer to the narrative. Surround sound effectively captures the ambiance of Greek beach life, room tone, and group activities, immersing viewers into the setting. Naturalistic sound elements, like rolling waves, are particularly well-rendered. The low-end performance is solid, with a reserved heft for impactful moments like lion roars. This dynamic and finely balanced audio presentation is likely the best aspect of the entire package.

The Blu Ray extras for "Greed" provide intriguing insights that enrich the overall viewing experience, focusing particularly on the dynamic collaboration between Steve Coogan and director Michael Winterbottom. Coogan's detailed examination of his character Richard McCreadie unveils the film’s thematic depth, inviting the audience to engage critically with its message. The limited behind-the-scenes content, while primarily promotional, offers glimpses into the production process. The deleted scene adds additional dimension to McCreadie’s ruthless business approach, juxtaposing it with a crude portrayal of his brief role as a health czar. An added theatrical trailer rounds out this compact yet substantive set of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

Behind the Scenes: Interview with Steve Coogan examining characters, story, and thematic messages; includes promotional footage. Deleted Scene: Richard as a health czar giving a crude tour of a hospital and returning to the board room. Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.

Michael Winterbottom’s "Greed" aims for a biting satire, reflecting societal disparity and corporate malfeasance through the opulent lifestyle of billionaire Richard McCreadie, portrayed by Steve Coogan. The narrative chronicles McCreadie’s preparation for a lavish 60th birthday bash on the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos, inspired by the film "Gladiator." The celebration is marred by unfinished grandiose preparations and consequent spiralling chaos, highlighting the absurdity and superficiality of wealth. McCreadie’s family—ex-wife Samantha (Isla Fisher), son Finn (Asa Butterfield), and daughter Lily (Sophie Cookson)—along with his biographer, Nick (David Mitchell), inject personal subplot complexities. As Nick delves into McCreadie’s ruthless business practices and morally questionable shortcuts, adjudicated under legal boundaries, the viewer is presented with a stark contrast between the elite's indecency and the working class's plight.

Winterbottom's approach sidesteps subtleties, opting for overt commentary on economic inequality. Nonetheless, the screenplay suffers from slothful pacing in its second act, failing to sustain interest despite Coogan's adept portrayal of an unapologetic narcissist. The satire loses momentum amid extravagant but ostensibly aimless displays of opulence while underdeveloped characters hinder emotional investment. The climactic interjection of real-world statistics regarding global workforce exploitation starkly juxtaposes with preceding scenes, yet feels tacked on rather than seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Despite its lofty ambitions, "Greed" struggles to coalesce its critiques of capitalism, resulting in a disjointedly executed melodrama tempered by moments of comedic brilliance.

Ultimately, "Greed" presents an appealing yet fragmented vision: an indictment of excess and ignorance among the vastly rich, set against a background of systemic injustices affecting the impoverished. While its rhetoric may resonate given current socio-economic climates, the film itself appears ensnared in its thematic overreach, oscillating between dark humor and preachy didacticism without a clear, unified purpose.

"Greed," directed by Michael Winterbottom and featuring a talented cast including Steve Coogan, Isla Fisher, and Asa Butterfield, is a satirical examination of wealth disparity and corporate greed. The film primarily follows Richard McCreadie, a fashion mogul whose self-indulgent excesses and exploitative business practices come under scrutiny. With vivid portrayals of both opulence and the harsh realities of sweatshops, "Greed" aims to juxtapose the mirthless existence of the impoverished against the decadence of the affluent.

Technically, Sony’s Blu-ray release adheres to their high standards, offering a crisp 2.39:1 AVC transfer and robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, which ensures that both the visual and auditory experiences are superior. However, the extras are limited, a common shortfall of Sony’s MOD line. The attention to detail in the transfer respects Winterbottom’s aesthetic choices, and the subtitled options expand accessibility. Despite these technical merits, the narrative itself falters, particularly in its latter act where over-explanation dilutes its initial punch.

While the film makes valid commentary on tax evasion and labor exploitation—underscored by strong performances, especially by Coogan’s nuanced portrayal of a morally bankrupt mogul—the execution is somewhat inconsistent. The mixture of sweeping social critiques with subplots touching upon Syrian refugees and parliamentary hearings contributes to a lack of cohesive tone. This scattershot approach undercuts the intended satire and leaves viewers with an unevenly paced film.

In conclusion, "Greed" is an ambitious but flawed endeavor. It succeeds in highlighting critical societal issues but struggles to maintain narrative integrity throughout its runtime. While the Blu-ray disc offers excellent technical quality, the film's overextension in themes and ambitious yet incomplete delivery ultimately make it a miss. The intent is noble; however, "Greed" ends up being more superficial than insightful. Skip it if your interest lies solely in coherent storytelling.