Only God Forgives Blu-ray Review

"Only God Forgives" presented in 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition across a UK Region B-locked Blu-ray conveys a breathtaking visual spectacle akin to its US counterpart, maintaining a steadfast fidelity to Nicolaus Winding Refn’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The film’s digital cinematography is showcased with precision, gracefully navigating the vibrant neon hues and deep, symbolic reds that define its visual narrative. While the transfer exhibits commendable detail, from skin textures to intricate clothing weaves, and presents each frame with potential poster-worthy clarity, there are moments of slightly fluctuating black levels and minor noise -- hardly detracting from an otherwise demo-quality presentation but noticeable to the discerning eye.

Artistic intention shines with an unrivaled luminosity in this transfer, where every artistic decision, from the depth of shadows that play into the narrative's tension to the meticulously chosen color palette, is rendered with striking clarity. The dynamic contrast of deeply saturated colors against dark backdrops and the nuanced handling of both shadow detail and noise levels in darker scenes reflect a level of craftsmanship that elevates the visual experience. This attention to visual intricacies affords the film a textural richness, where even the more challenging lighting conditions fail to obscure the delicacy of environmental and character details. The blacks are profound and purposeful, contributing to a film noir ambiance that complements the storytelling, and the transfer remains pristine, free from any digital encoding issues.

The marriage of visual style and technical execution in "Only God Forgives'" Blu-ray presentation underscores the film’s aesthetic achievements. From the glowing intensity of its color scheme to the compelling interplay of light and shadow, this high-definition offering does more than just showcase the film; it elevates it into a visceral experience. With each scene, whether lit by the harsh fluorescents of Bangkok’s underbelly or the soft luminescence of its quieter moments, the viewer is treated to a visual feast that cements this release as not only a testament to Refn’s vision but also a benchmark for Blu-ray video quality.

"Only God Forgives" manifests an auditory experience that matches, if not surpasses, its visual spectacle, primarily through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This film, underpinned by Nicholas Winding Refn's meticulous attention to aural detail and Cliff Martinez's masterful score, delivers an immersive and deeply engaging soundstage. From the outset, the audio mix grabs the listener's attention with robust bass lines and precise dynamics. The ambient sounds of Bangkok's bustling streets, the palpable silence juxtaposed with sudden louder blows or the chilling sound of rain, are examples where this track excels, enveloping the viewer in its meticulously crafted world. Martinez's score, in particular, is a standout - it's both unsettling and captivating, demonstrating a powerful use of bass that enhances the film's tense atmosphere.

Dialogue, whilst sparse, is crisply presented across the frontal array, allowing for a clear and coherent narrative flow amidst the rich tapestry of background sounds and musical cues. The soundtrack's ability to convey the film's mood is further exemplified in scenes of intense action or quiet reflection, where every auditory element from cheer crowds in a fight club to the menacing draw of a blade resonates with crystal clarity. Environmental sounds like rain showers or the hustle of city live vividly recreate the setting, thanks to the surround sound capability, providing a sense of place that’s as tangible as the visual elements on screen.

The technical prowess of the audio presentation on this Blu-ray is undeniable. It showcases how well a lossless DTS-HD MA track can elevate a film’s immersive experience. With spectacular use of the sound field, from capturing the intricacies of Martinez’s score to delivering impactful sound effects with precision, "Only God Forgives" is a testament to audio mixing done right. The soundtrack not only complements but elevates the visual feast, making it a perfect package for audiophiles and cinephiles alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Only God Forgives" provide an in-depth exploration into the making of this polarizing film. The UK edition mirrors its US counterpart in offering Director's Commentary by Nicolas Winding Refn, presenting insightful dialogue and profound observations that enrich the viewing experience. This release sets itself apart with a curated selection of behind-the-scenes clips (totaling 23:27 minutes) and two informative Director Interviews featuring discussions on the film's Thai setting and genre elements, albeit with some departures into broader topics. Additionally, "The Music of Only God Forgives" with Cliff Martinez is a standout, delving into the composer's innovative approach to the score. While it lacks some featurettes and interviews found in the US release, it compensates with its unique extras, notably the Concept Art Gallery and Trailers. Overall, this collection offers a compelling look at the film's creation, from conceptualization to execution, and includes beneficial insights for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary With Writer/Director Nicolas Winding Refn: A detailed commentary offering deep dives into the film's production and creative decisions.
• Director Interviews: Includes "Talking About Thailand with Mark Dinning" and "Discussing Genre Films with Bruno Icher," providing perspectives on the film's location and genre influences.
• Behind The Scenes: A compilation of twelve short segments that take you behind the curtain of the movie's production.
• The Music of Only God Forgives with Cliff Martinez: An exploration of the film's auditory landscape by its composer.

"Only God Forgives" emerges as a visually arresting yet polarizing film that embodies the extremes of art house cinema, delivered through the distinct lens of Nicolas Winding Refn. Set against the neon-drenched underbelly of Bangkok, the narrative unfolds around Julian (Ryan Gosling), a drug dealer masking his operations behind a Thai boxing club. The film dives deep into themes of revenge and redemption, initiated by the brutal murder of Julian’s brother, an event that propels their mother, Crystal (Kristin Scott Thomas), to demand justice. Her arrival intensifies the plot, drawing Julian into a violent quest against Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm), a policeman with a unique moral compass. The presence of such richly flawed characters, particularly displayed through Scott Thomas’s formidable performance, adds layers to the storyline, though the film's deliberate pacing and minimalist dialogue may alienate some audiences.

Refn’s signature stylized direction forms the backbone of the movie, employing a palette dominated by stark contrasts and saturated hues, alongside meticulous framing and lighting that elevate its tone poem aspirations. This visual sophistication, reminiscent of a slower-paced Tarantino film, is indeed mesmerizing, establishing mood and character in the absence of conventional narrative tools. However, this same stylistic indulgence arguably detracts from character development and plot clarity, leaving viewers to navigate a labyrinth of symbolic sequences without a clear thread, suggesting that multiple viewings might be required to fully grasp its depth.

The film straddles the line between artistic genius and pretentious excess, leaning into its aesthetic at the possible expense of accessible substance. While its contemplative nature and abstract storytelling resonate as a bold cinematic experiment, they simultaneously risk overshadowing the emotional weight and coherence of the narrative. Ultimately, "Only God Forgives" presents a divisive experience: a masterpiece in visual storytelling to its proponents but a frustrating enigma to others. Its allure lies within its ability to provoke debate, retain ambiguity, and challenge viewers’ patience and perceptions, marking it as a distinctive yet contentious piece in Refn's filmography.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Only God Forgives" is something of a paradox, masterfully showcasing Nicolas Winding Refn's unique stylistic decisions, yet falling short in delivering a narrative with as much depth and connection as past works such as "Drive." Despite the intricately woven tapestry of violence, beauty, and symbolism that Refn presents, the film teeters on the edge of pretentiousness, challenging viewers to look beyond its stunning surface to find the substance beneath. This search for deeper meaning might prove rewarding on second viewing, but initially leaves much to be desired in terms of cohesive storytelling and character development.

On a technical level, the 4K UHD Blu-ray shines, delivering an immaculate audio and visual experience that cannot be overlooked. The high-definition presentation brings Refn's vision to life with remarkable clarity and detail on setups ranging from JVC DLA-RS56 3D 1080p 3D High Definition Front Projectors to Panasonic TC-P65ZT30 3D 1080p Plasma screens, paired with top-of-the-line audio equipment such as Onkyo PR-SC5509 Pre/Pros and Triad Silver OmniSubs. Even if the narrative leaves viewers wanting, the technical merits of this release — complemented by a substantial selection of extras — make it a valuable addition for enthusiasts and collectors alike, especially those already enamored with Refn's filmography.

In conclusion, while "Only God Forgives" may not live up to the expectations set by Refn's previous works in terms of storytelling and character development, its 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands as a testament to the power of high-quality home cinema. The sheer technical prowess displayed in its audio and visual presentation makes it a compelling purchase for fans and cinephiles, despite narrative shortcomings. Ultimately, this release serves as a nuanced examination into Refn's filmic language, offering a rasterized glimpse into violence's allure against the backdrop of stylistic brilliance.