The Town Blu-ray Review

The video quality of "The Town" on Blu-ray offers a strong visual presentation across all three included cuts: Theatrical, Extended, and Extended with Alternate Ending. Each encode is housed on separate BD-50 discs, a significant upgrade for the latter cut which benefits from a higher video bitrate (25+ Mbps), ensuring a more refined grain field and less artifacting. While the differences between the encodes are subtle and might escape a casual viewer’s eye, videophiles will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail afforded to the newer encode.

Elswit's distinct shooting style shines through across all versions. The Boston-centric palette is awash with cold, calculated hues and deep, evocative black levels. Closeup shots reveal finely resolved textures and intricate details with natural edge definition, though occasional softness and minor edge halos trace back to the original cinematography rather than encode flaws. The grittiness and the film's inherent stylistic choices remain well-preserved without significant issues such as banding, aliasing, or detectable usage of DNR.

While the visual differences among the cuts may be marginal, they underscore the film’s commitment to maintaining high standards. The film's atmospheric presentation is intact across all versions, with each transfer capturing the slickness and dynamic shading of the action sequences effectively. "The Town" on Blu-ray manages to deliver an engaging and high-fidelity viewing experience in any form, ensuring satisfaction for both casual viewers and dedicated videophiles alike.

The audio presentation of "The Town" on Blu-ray is a standout feature, especially for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks are skillfully crafted, offering a highly immersive experience. The LFE output, in particular, provides realistic reverberation to gunshots, substantial impact to collisions, and a deafening presence to explosions. The rear speaker activity significantly enhances the immersive quality, drawing listeners into the film's various environments—from crowded streets and noisy stadiums to quieter settings like cafes and community gardens. This meticulous sound design ensures that each scene’s atmosphere is convincingly replicated.

Dialogue clarity is another hallmark of this release. Regardless of whether conversations are whispered in a café or screamed during high-stress moments, the voices are consistently clear and distinctly audible. They are well integrated into the bustling soundscape of Affleck's depiction of Boston, maintaining perfect grounding and precise directional effects. This ensures that dialogue remains intelligible without being overshadowed by the film's chaotic sequences or dynamic score. Each version of the film benefits from this adept mixing, making the Blu-ray a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience "The Town" with superior audio fidelity.

Warner's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks undeniably set a high standard for Blu-ray audio presentations. Their enveloping soundfield, coupled with grounded and precise directional effects, deliver an unparalleled auditory experience. The judicious blending of gunfire, car chases, dialogue, and score elements reflects top-tier sound design. For fans of "The Town" and audiophiles alike, this release promises an engaging and thoroughly satisfying audio experience across all versions of the film available.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Town" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that provide an immersive viewing experience, particularly for fans and film enthusiasts. Key highlights include extended cuts with an alternate ending that provides new insight into the narrative. Ben Affleck's multiple audio commentaries are a standout, with Affleck delivering a candid, detailed examination of the film's production, aesthetic choices, and directorial decisions. The 30-minute documentary "The Town: A Director's Journey" adds another layer of depth, offering an honest and reflective look at the filmmaking process. The "Ben's Boston" series of featurettes enhance the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes glimpses into various aspects of the film's production. Coupled with additional collectibles like a 48-page photo book and a faux-confidential folder, this edition is a substantial package for any serious collector.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Town: A Director's Journey: 30-minute documentary with Ben Affleck.
• Audio Commentary: Affleck’s insights for theatrical, extended, and alternate endings.
• Ben's Boston - Focus Points: Six behind-the-scenes segments.
• Extended Cut Scene Indicator: Marks scenes not in the theatrical version.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer in HD.

Ben Affleck's sophomore directorial effort "The Town" solidifies his burgeoning reputation behind the camera while doubling as a compelling lead role. Adapted from Chuck Hogan's novel "Prince of Thieves," the film shares thematic and stylistic echoes with Michael Mann's "Heat," deftly navigating the intricacies of crime, friendship, and moral dilemmas against the gritty backdrop of Boston's Charlestown. Affleck portrays Doug MacRay, a calculating career criminal torn between his loyalty to his gang and his emerging feelings for bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), a hostage from their last heist. Affleck’s effective direction interlaces character depth with tension-filled heist sequences, delivering palpable tension that sustains momentum throughout the film.

Acting across the board is remarkable, with Jeremy Renner delivering a scene-stealing performance as Jem, Doug's volatile best friend, fresh off his Oscar-nominated role in "The Hurt Locker." Rebecca Hall shines as Claire, imbuing the character with layers of vulnerability and strength. Jon Hamm and Titus Welliver convincingly portray determined FBI agents, while Blake Lively and Pete Postlethwaite provide compelling support as Doug's ex-girlfriend and a menacing local crime boss, respectively. The film excels not only through its compelling narrative but also its intense set-pieces – notably the meticulously staged bank heists and car chases, orchestrated with precision and shot seamlessly by cinematographer Robert Elswit.

"The Town" thrives on its character-driven plot while adhering to genre conventions, presenting a gritty realism that forgoes unnecessary slickness. The balance struck by Affleck, along with co-writers Peter Craig and Aaron Stockard, marries thrilling heist action with heartfelt interpersonal drama. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the somber yet riveting portrayal of lives entrenched in a cyclical struggle within Charlestown. While comparisons to "Heat" may leave some aspects feeling unfavorably derivative, "The Town" stands tall as an energetic thriller marked by stellar performances and masterful direction. The extended cut, featuring alternate endings and deeper character explorations, offers additional layers making it a worthwhile watch for both first-time viewers and returning fans.

"The Town," directed and starring Ben Affleck, remains a standout heist film from 2010. Known for its engaging narrative and strong performances, the "Ultimate Collector's Edition" Blu-ray provides an enhanced experience for avid fans and collectors alike. This edition includes three cuts of the film, an alternate ending, and a wealth of additional content such as a 30-minute production documentary and ten extra minutes of commentary by Affleck. The extended cut with a solid 25+ Mbps video presentation and collectible bonus items, while not indispensable, offers sufficient value to those devoted to the film.

The technical aspects of this release are noteworthy. The audio-visual experience is compelling, with the video and audio presentations demonstrating significant improvement. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix delivers crisp dialogue and robust soundscapes, enhancing the viewing experience. The 1080p high-definition front projector visuals maintain a striking level of clarity and detail, further immersing the audience into Affleck’s meticulously crafted urban drama.

In conclusion, while the "Ultimate Collector's Edition" might primarily appeal to die-hard fans and completionists due to its new features and alternate cuts, it also stands as a comprehensive package for any viewer who appreciates high-quality filmmaking and superior Blu-ray presentations. Whether you're revisiting "The Town" or experiencing it for the first time, this release ensures a captivating and technically polished viewing experience.