Exposed Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Exposed" by Lionsgate Films is delivered with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, employing Arri Alexa cameras. The transfer exhibits a sleek and smooth digital aesthetic characteristic of this format. Visual detail is predominantly excellent, with some scenes, especially those featuring spectral entities, displaying a strikingly distinct appearance. Although much of the film occurs in dimly lit or nighttime settings which can reveal some digital murkiness and minor shadow detail issues, such instances do not significantly detract from the overall image quality. Furthermore, specific scenes involving the character Isabel are graded towards a sickly yellow, slightly lessening the detail precision during those moments. However, the imagery remains generally sharp and stable without significant compression anomalies.

Taking place in Brooklyn, the film's Blu-ray transfer maintains strong contrast and sharpness levels throughout. Black levels are natural and free from crushing or compression artifacts, while color reproduction varies between bright, bold segments and more subdued tones. Notably, scenes involving elevated brightness, particularly with pops of red, stand out vividly on screen. Despite some flat cinematography and a somewhat flat color palette, the depth of the picture avoids looking overly soft or underdetailed. Flesh tones appear natural without undue pallor or splotchiness. The encoding is proficiently managed with no visible aliasing, banding limited to some darker scenes, and no evident noise or artifacts, confirming a high-quality visual presentation for a film that initially received modest acclaim.

Technical Details:

• Encoding: AVC/MPEG-4
• Resolution: 1080p
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Clarity/Detail: Strong overall with specific striking visual elements, though some scenes might exhibit minor detail issues
• Black Levels: Natural without significant crush
• Color Reproduction: Varies from bright/bold to subdued
• Flesh Tones: Natural and accurate
• Noise/Artifacts: Minimal to none detected

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Exposed" delivers a generally solid performance, albeit with a few notable issues. The audio experience is highlighted by several impactful moments, such as the intense LFE during the club scenes and the immersive soundscapes of Isabel's eerie visions, which provide a robust low-end presence. There are also well-executed atmospheric details in urban settings, enhancing the realism through precise ambient environmental effects. Dialogue remains a strong point, consistently clear and well-prioritized throughout the film. However, it is worth mentioning that some ADR discrepancies are quite noticeable, detracting slightly from the overall immersive experience.

The mix manages to be dynamic and engaging, particularly impressive given the film’s dialogue-driven nature. Surround channels offer a reasonably active contribution by delivering music and ambient New York soundscapes effectively, contributing to the atmosphere without overwhelming it. The audio dynamics are well-calibrated, ensuring that action scenes deliver the necessary impact while quieter scenes are not overshadowed. Despite some ADR synchronization issues that are difficult to overlook, the audio reproduction largely remains problem-free and coherent.

In summary, "Exposed" presents a competent DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that handles both dialogue and more intense sequences proficiently. It may not be an audiophile's dream due to certain flaws, yet it provides a satisfying auditory experience with clear dialogue and a capable use of surround sound and LFE channels to add depth and immersion where it counts.

The extras offered on the Blu-ray of "Exposed" provide insightful, albeit limited, content primarily comprising interviews and a brief featurette. The "Making Exposed" segment is standard EPK material with promotional interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, shedding light on the actors' perspectives rather than the crew or director's insights. The extended cast interviews are merely lengthened versions of those in the making-of featurette, offering a deeper dive but no new information aside from candid on-set experiences and discussions about the film’s transition from "Daughter of God" to "Exposed." High-definition presentation ensures a visually engaging experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Exposed: Standard issue EPK with interviews and film snippets.
• Keanu Reeves Interview: Individual actor perspective.
• Mira Sorvino Interview: Individual actor perspective.
• Ana De Armas Interview: Individual actor perspective.
• Chris McDonald Interview: Individual actor perspective.
• Michael Rispoli Interview: Individual actor perspective.
• BigDaddy Kane Interview: Individual actor perspective.
• Exposed Trailer: Official trailer for the film.

"Exposed," also known as "Daughter of God," is an enigmatic blend of a police procedural and psychological thriller starring Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas. Reeves plays Detective Galban, who is on a quest to uncover the truth behind his partner's death, while de Armas portrays Isabel, a woman experiencing bizarre, vivid visions. The narrative is convoluted, featuring disparate storylines, such as Isabel's mystical experiences involving albino specters and Galban's investigation into police corruption. The film's editing frequently shifts between these seemingly unrelated plot facets, resulting in a disjointed storyline that struggles to maintain cohesiveness.

The film's troubled production history has had a significant impact on its final form. Originally penned and directed by Gee Malik Linton (credited as Declan Dale due to creative disputes), "Exposed" feels like several concepts colliding rather than a unified vision. While Isabel’s eerie visions initially add some intrigue, the narrative fails to interweave these moments effectively with the police procedural elements. Reeves’ performance is notably subdued, and he seems to be operating on autopilot due to the underdeveloped script. In contrast, de Armas brings a palpable sense of confusion and vulnerability to her role, although the screenplay does not capitalize on her potential.

Critics have pointed out that if handled by an auteur with a specific vision, like David Lynch, the film's oddities could have been its strengths. However, the final product is a muddled mix where metaphorical connections between subplots are either too obscure or nonexistent. The reveal towards the end aims for a profound twist but falls flat due to the fragmented build-up. Despite its significant flaws, some viewers may find worthwhile elements within its multi-layered but ultimately unfocused execution.

"Exposed" is a film with intriguing elements but marred by a lack of cohesive tone and narrative disjunction. While it begins with promise, the various storylines fail to mesh into a unified whole. This results in a somewhat shambolic cinematic experience that, despite its flaws, still manages to pique interest in certain moments. The technical merits of the Blu-ray release stand out, with the video presentation delivering a strong performance. Details are clear, colors are well-rendered, and the overall picture quality enhances the viewing experience.

Audio, on the other hand, presents some issues. While it is generally acceptable, inconsistencies in quality may detract from the immersion at times. However, the supplemental features, including interviews and a making-of featurette, provide valuable insights into the original vision—titled "Daughter of God"—and demonstrate the cast's dedication to the project. These extras contribute positively to understanding the film's background and intent, offering a deeper appreciation for those interested.

In conclusion, "Exposed" could have benefited from better vision and execution. Its technical attributes, especially the video quality, make it a potential consideration for purchase. However, due to its narrative shortcomings and audio inconsistencies, it remains a recommendation only for those particularly interested in the film’s thematic elements or its supplementary content.