New World Blu-ray Review

Eureka's Montage Pictures presents the 2013 Korean thriller New World in a UK Region B-locked Blu-ray, boasting a remarkable 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video presentation framed in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1 widescreen. Shot digitally using a Red One camera at resolutions surpassing 4K, and rendered through a 2K Digital Intermediate, the visual fidelity is exceptional. The transfer captures tremendous detail, rich textures, and luxuriant color tones without any detectable defects, making it an outstanding example of Blu-ray quality. The black levels are robust and deep, enhancing shadow details to round out what essentially amounts to a reference release in high-definition viewing.

Close-up shots are particularly impressive, revealing intricate textures such as facial pores, lines, and individual strands of hair with remarkable clarity. Broader scene compositions bring the various settings to life; the interiors of restaurants and parking garages exhibit fine detailing while exteriors benefit from excellent lighting and direction. Each locale is distinctly enhanced by its respective color palette—greenish yellow hues for the airport, wood-dominated tones for restaurants, and deep blues for dockyards. Colors remain lush, natural, and expertly balanced, maintaining stability even on larger screens. With no evident transfer-specific anomalies, New World offers an excellent and visually engrossing high-definition experience indicative of meticulous digital mastering.

The audio presentation of the "New World" Blu-ray is remarkable, particularly with its main offering: the original language Korean DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This track excels in balancing the slow-burning thrills and tension intrinsic to the film, with standout moments of violence and action rendered crisply and dynamically. There are also appreciable undertones in the score that contribute to maintaining the film's intense atmosphere. Additionally, the optional Korean LPCM 2.0 track and English subtitles provide versatility and accessibility for a diverse audience.

Dialogue prioritization across the frontal array is impeccable, ensuring clarity and making it easy to follow the intricate plot. The sound design subtly brings out the smallest details, from the clink of a lighter to the click of posh shoes, enhancing immersion. The effects are used sparingly but effectively, with guttural engine sounds and moments of violent crescendo springing to life, particularly during ambush scenes. This precision in soundscaping creates a profound atmosphere without overwhelming bombast, making the audio experience both realistic and captivating.

Overall, the audio mix on this Blu-ray is a brilliant replication of what appears to be a fully digital soundtrack, boasting exceptional clarity, depth, stability, and balance. The track’s ability to shift tempo dynamically complements the visual narrative impeccably, ensuring viewers are consistently engaged throughout the feature. This carefully crafted audio presentation is both precise and punchy, heightening the impact of every scene while keeping the viewer thoroughly immersed.

The Extras section of the Blu-Ray for "New World" offers a brief but immersive look into the film with a focus on maintaining high production quality. While the content is somewhat limited, the included materials provide a valuable supplement to the viewing experience. Note that there are no extensive behind-the-scenes features or director commentaries, which could have enriched the package further. However, the original trailer does give an authentic feel of the film's atmosphere. Overall, these extras will be appreciated by fans seeking a bit of additional context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "New World." In Korean, with English subtitles.

Park Hoon-jung's sophomore film, New World, stands as an expertly crafted crime thriller that deftly weaves Godfather-esque gangster intricacies with the emotional tension reminiscent of Infernal Affairs. The narrative centers on Lee Jung-jae's portrayal of an undercover cop battling the psychological burden of living a double life for over a decade within the largest Korean crime syndicate. The plot thickens with the syndicate leaderless and cop Choi Min-sik using resonant pressure tactics to sway the vote for a new boss. Park Hoon-jung’s direction skillfully avoids reliance on gratuitous violence to sustain interest, instead putting trust in the formidable acting prowess of Choi Min-sik to anchor the film’s profound emotional and psychological landscape.

Park Hoon-jung’s previous experience as a screenwriter, with credits including the dark thriller I Saw the Devil, informs New World’s intricate, twist-laden storyline. This translates into a narrative complexity that avoids descent into formulaic mayhem, focusing instead on intense character development and dynamic relational drama. Despite some thematic overlap with genre predecessors like Infernal Affairs and The Godfather—perhaps an unavoidable consequence given the crowded field—the film retains a distinct identity that secures its stature within the crime thriller genre. The combination of superior performances and nuanced storytelling ensures that New World stands out amongst its contemporaries, justifying its acclaim and subsequent Hollywood remake interest.

Released by Montage Pictures/Eureka Entertainment on Blu-ray, the film comes in Region-B locked format with optional English subtitles, though the disc is sparse on special features, offering only the original theatrical trailer. The restrained inclusion of extra content may be disappointing, but it allows viewers to focus purely on Park Hoon-jung’s meticulously composed cinematic journey, providing a crisp viewing experience that elevates the already distinguished film within the home entertainment market.

"New World" is a meticulously crafted 2013 Korean crime thriller that resonates with the narrative depth of Infernal Affairs and the operatic grandeur of The Godfather. Eureka's Montage Pictures has now brought this exceptional film to the UK (Region B) audience in a Blu-ray format that impresses with its technical precision. The video quality is nothing short of reference standard, presenting a crystal-clear picture that highlights the film's sleek and stylish visuals. Complementing this is an immersive audio track that deepens the viewing experience.

Despite the rich technical presentation, the Blu-ray release is notably sparse in terms of bonus content, featuring only the original trailer as an extra. While this may disappoint some aficionados eager for behind-the-scenes access or additional insights, the film itself remains a compelling standalone experience. Montage Pictures has been building a reputation for curating high-quality Asian cinema, and "New World" fits perfectly within this growing collection, promising to satisfy both genre enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

In conclusion, New World on Blu-ray is a must-have for fans of crime thrillers and Asian cinema, offering outstanding video and audio quality despite limited special features. Eureka's Montage Pictures continues to enhance its catalog with top-tier films, and "New World" stands out as a particularly stellar addition. Highly recommended.