The Business Blu-ray Review

"The Business" makes a triumphant entry into home cinemas on Blu-ray, boasting a theatrically accurate 2.35:1 aspect ratio captured using the MPEG-4/AVC codec and resplendent in 1080p. Director Nick Love, alongside director of photography Damian Bromley, harnesses the capabilities of the Sony HDFW900 HDCAM to craft visually compelling scenes with a meticulous color palette. The transfer is distinguished by its range from the drab greys of London's estates to the vivid primaries of Spain's sunny vistas. Notably, the video maintains this richness without any bleed, presenting an image that is as clear and vibrant as it is deep in tone. Moreover, the depiction of settings and costumes reveals a staggering level of detail, from the lively bar scenes to the stark backdrop of the quarries, showcasing the Blu-ray's remarkable clarity.

In terms of technical quality, the Blu-ray shines with its lack of visible grain and encoding issues, even in lower light scenes. This clarity is further enhanced by the transfer's handling of contrasts and blacks, though it's noted that while contrast levels are commendable, the deepest blacks don't achieve the inkiness seen in some recent releases. Nonetheless, there is a satisfying detail in darker scenes that does not detract from the overall viewing experience. The absence of digital noise, macroblocking, and other common transfer issues contributes to a stable and pleasing presentation that keeps visual distractions at bay.

Despite a few minor critiques such as mild edge-enhancement and a somewhat flat feeling in frame depth that slightly limits the 'pop' factor compared to the very best contemporary discs, this Blu-ray release stands out for its visual fidelity and execution. The color-scheme is executed with excellence, ensuring that scenes are both visually striking and true to the director’s vision. The wealth of details across diverse environments serves to immerse viewers fully into the world of "The Business", making this Blu-ray a commendable release that showcases what can be achieved with HD video technology in preserving cinematic quality.

The audio aspect of "The Business" on Blu-ray offers an engaging experience, predominantly through its two primary English tracks: the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and the standard Dolby Digital 5.1. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track stands out for its full-bodied sound, offering a richness that the Dolby Digital 5.1 track, while satisfactory, does not quite match in terms of depth and definition. The soundtrack, a crucial element of this film, benefits remarkably from the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track's capability to deliver an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience. Hits from the '80s by artists like Duran Duran, David Bowie, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood receive a fresh vitality, providing an auditory pleasure that arguably rivals even specialized SACD versions of these tracks.

Dialogue clarity is another high point, with conversations sounding crisp and centred, ensuring that even amidst the ambient sounds of bustling settings or the subtle activities in the more quiet scenes, every word is easily discernable. The film’s dynamic range is effectively showcased through varying tones, from the deep bass of its iconic musical tracks to the higher-pitched nuances of glass shattering, all without losing steerage or ambiance, whether in crowded clubs or serene outdoor settings. However, it's worth noting that while LFE (low-frequency effects) enrich these moments, they occasionally lack the punchiness seen in more contemporary releases, leaving room for slight improvement in bass impact.

Despite minor anomalies such as the occasional overextension of bass in scenes where it may not be necessary, or a less chest-thumping LFE experience than one might expect, the auditory delivery on this Blu-ray enhances both the high-octane and the subtle moments of "The Business." Background noises are well placed, creating an atmospheric feel that complements the visual storytelling with a comprehensive sound stage that extends from the forefront to the rear channels, encapsulating viewers in a well-rounded auditory experience. With no significant distortions such as pops or hisses to detract from the enjoyment, this Blu-ray’s audio presentation is commendable, making for a thoroughly enjoyable companion to the film’s visual elements.

The "The Business" Blu-ray extras offer a mixed bag for fans and newcomers alike. The commentary by Nick Love and Danny Dyer quickly reveals itself as a less-than-professional, albeit humorous, walkthrough of the film's creation, lacking in the technical insights some might hope for. "The Making Of" featurette provides an enjoyable if not particularly deep dive into the nostalgia of the 1980s, with cast and crew sharing personal anecdotes rather than delving into the filmmaking process. Deleted scenes and an alternate ending add little in terms of narrative depth but might interest those curious about what didn't make the cut. Production designs and a photography gallery offer a glimpse into the visual planning of the movie but are standard fare. Lastly, the trailer rounds off the package. While the extras have their moments—aided in part by a compelling soundtrack—they fall short of providing a truly enriching experience for cinephiles seeking profound insight into the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Nick Love and Danny Dyer: A casual and irreverent audio commentary
• The Business - Making Of: Anecdotal experiences from the cast and crew about the 1980s setting
• Deleted Scenes: A series of unused scenes played sequentially without individual access
• Alternative Ending: A brief alternate conclusion to the film
• Production Designs: Still images showcasing the movie's visual style
• Photography Gallery: A collection of images from the final film
• Trailer: The movie's official trailer

Nick Love's "The Business" (2005), currently unreleased in North America, has made its way to Blu-ray through Pathe-Fox, presenting only a handful of supplemental features alongside its primary attraction. Among these features are an audio commentary with Love himself and actor Danny Dyer, offering insights into the movie that many British critics have seemingly overlooked. Despite facing criticism, Nick Love's creations, especially when compared to the works of contemporaries like Guy Ritchie, showcase a raw and genuine portrayal of British underground life, favoring authentic local talents over the glitz of American stars masquerading in British roles. This approach is vividly apparent in "The Business," marking Love's third venture into the gritty realms of crime and ambition.

Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Malaga, Spain, "The Business" tells the tale of Frankie (played by Danny Dyer), a South Londoner who plunges into the world of organized crime under the wing of Charlie (Tamer Hassan), aiming to make a mark in the lucrative drug trade. Their journey from marijuana to cocaine encapsulates a turbulent saga of friendship, betrayal, and the thirst for power, with performances that breathe life into this shadowy narrative. Hassan, embodying the archetype of a captivating gangster, alongside Dyer's transformative portrayal from an aimless youth to a formidable name in the criminal underworld, anchors the film's core dynamics. Their interactions, underscored by Love's keen directorial gaze, map out a descent into chaos that's both thrilling and foreboding.

Technically, "The Business" stands out for its engaging visual storytelling and superb soundtrack, transporting viewers to an era pulsating with the beats of Duran Duran, David Bowie, and other iconic artists. Cinematographer Damian Bromley’s work beautifully captures the essence of the Grenadian coast, while Stuart Gazzard's editing ensures a narrative flow that's both slick and engaging. Beyond its storyline, the film boasts an aesthetic that complements its thematic richness, supported by a cast whose performances add a layer of authenticity to Nick Love’s unapologetic exploration of ambition and downfall within the underworld.

"The Business" Blu-ray presents a strong case for enthusiasts of British gangster cinema, delivering a style and execution that fans of the genre will appreciate. It's important to note that this Blu-ray release is currently exclusive to the United Kingdom and comes with a Region-B lock. This exclusivity poses a significant limitation for international viewers, especially those in North America, as it requires a Region-B or Region-Free player to enjoy the movie. Despite this geographical restriction, the film comes highly recommended for its content and presentation quality.

The technical specifications of the Blu-ray are crucial for potential viewers to understand before purchasing. The region lock significantly narrows its accessibility, making it a critical detail for international consumers to consider. Nonetheless, for those within its playable region or with the means to bypass the region lock, the Blu-ray offers a seamless viewing experience of a well-regarded British gangster film. The specifics of the audio-visual quality aren’t detailed here, but based on the overall recommendation, one can infer that the transfer does justice to the stylish cinematography and dynamic soundtrack that define the film.

In conclusion, "The Business" on Blu-ray is an appealing acquisition for fans of British cinema and gangster films, provided they have the appropriate equipment to overcome the region restriction. Its stylish execution and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile addition to any collection, albeit with considerations regarding its limited availability and compatibility. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors carefully against their ability to play Region-B locked discs but can look forward to an exemplary genre piece if they proceed.