Blood and Money Blu-ray Review

"Blood and Money" exudes an outstanding visual experience on Blu-ray, effectively capturing the icy Maine landscape with impressive precision. The 1080p presentation showcases superb sharpness and natural detail, from the intricate textures of tree trunks breaking through the snowy expanse to the detailed elements inside Jim's camper. Director John Barr's dual role as cinematographer results in stunning compositions that balance extreme white snow with vibrant bursts of color. Jim's bright orange hunting gear provides a crucial visual anchor with accurate and positive saturation, supported by natural contrast in other elements like blood and fire scenes. Skin tones generally appear accurate, though black levels occasionally fluctuate, causing minor noise.

The transfer, handled by Screen Media, is nothing short of faultless. Deriving from a pristine digital intermediate, the digital cinematography is flawlessly replicated, maintaining a neutral color palette without artificial enhancement. The wilderness scenes stand out with remarkable texture and definition, skillfully rendered in the 2.00:1 aspect ratio. Encoded in high-bitrate AVC on a BD-25, "Blood and Money" remains free from any notable source or encode flaws. While minor fluctuations in black levels exist, they are few and far between, ensuring an overall immersive and visually stunning experience.

The audio presentation of "Blood and Money" is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, delivering impressive depth and spacial effects. Right from the outset, powerful gunshots echo through the snowy Maine expanse, creating a natural reverb that skillfully utilizes the entire soundstage. This complements later scenes set in wide open country where additional shots impressively thump with convincing realism. Ambient sound elements are well-crafted, with urban traffic moving naturally and detailed environmental effects prominently showcased in the woodlands throughout the film's runtime. The instrumental score is dynamically spread across all channels, particularly standing out during a key moment in chapter four with balanced surround output and engaging low-end support. Dialogue remains clear, well-prioritized, and center-positioned, despite a minor sonic flub inside Jim’s camper at the 10-minute mark.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio track also features satisfactory LFE performance, especially during the gunshot sequences which are both clean and separated across the channels. The film’s dialogue-driven scenes are devoid of sonic excesses, maintaining clean fidelity and ensuring that dialogue isn't overshadowed by more dynamic elements. The instrumental score enhances the immersive experience, filling the soundstage with presence and depth. Select scenes are heightened by interesting surround elements that lend to the film’s overall convincing realism. For audiences preferring other formats, there is a secondary stereo mix in 2.0 PCM that remains true to the best moments of the surround mix. Optional English SDH subtitles are available in a white font within the widescreen presentation for additional accessibility. Overall, the audio track by Screen Media proves to be a well-rounded and effective component of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray release of "Blood and Money" features a focused yet informative supplement that provides insight into the film's production and behind-the-scenes efforts. In “Surviving 'Blood and Money'” (1080p, 5:59), the cast and crew discuss the plot intricacies, character development, the challenges of filming in rural Maine, and how star Tom Berenger prepared for the intense cold weather. Notably, the featurette includes a commendable amount of time with the stunt coordinator, providing a unique perspective often underrepresented in such extras. Additionally, several trailers are included to enhance context and offer previews of other works.

Extras included in this disc:

• Surviving 'Blood and Money': Behind the scenes interviews with cast and crew.
• Cold Blood Trailer: Brief preview of another film.
• Crown Vic Trailer: Another concise trailer for an associated movie.

Blood and Money, directed by John Barr, executes a familiar narrative reminiscent of Cliffhanger and No Country for Old Men, but on a smaller scale with a more modest budget. Despite the lack of innovative content, it delivers a solid story, notably grounded in realism. The film centers on retired Marine Jim Reed, compellingly portrayed by Tom Berenger. Alone in Maine's desolate Allagash region, Reed finds himself in an accidental killing that spirals into a survivalist cat-and-mouse chase against hardened criminals. Barr’s direction maximizes the natural tension of the secluded, snowy setting, complementing the film’s minimalist yet robust storyline.

Tom Berenger’s portrayal of Jim Reed is a standout. Reed is a character caught in a web of physical decline and moral dilemmas, making for a rich character study. The script avoids overcomplication, taking time to flesh out Reed's backstory and current struggles while setting up the high-stakes scenario. The practical, less-is-more approach heightens the tension, as Reed faces not only his pursuers but also his failing health and the unforgiving elements. This emphasis on character development before unleashing the central conflict proves to be a strong narrative choice.

Technically, the film excels in leveraging its Maine setting to create an atmosphere teeming with danger and isolation. Barr’s dual role as director and cinematographer brings a stark realism to the wild landscape, making it an additional antagonist in Reed’s plight. The supporting cast, including Kristen Hager and Paul Ben-Victor, deliver commendable performances that add depth without overshadowing Berenger. Blood and Money is ultimately a taut thriller that thrives on its lead's performance and its profound environmental immersion. Though it may not reinvent the genre, it offers a tense and engaging experience underscored by themes of redemption and survival.

"Blood and Money" delivers a poignant tale of survival and redemption, set against the stark, cold landscape of Maine. Featuring Tom Berenger as a weary and gritty veteran, the film excels in creating a tense, slow-burn thriller atmosphere. Berenger’s portrayal of a man pushed to his physical and emotional limits is both compelling and nuanced. His character’s struggle with both internal demons and external threats is the heart of the narrative and is executed with exceptional skill. John Barr, in his debut as a feature director, showcases a strong command of storytelling and visual composition, promising a bright future in filmmaking.

The Blu-ray release from Screen Media offers solid video and audio quality, capturing the bleak beauty of its setting with clarity and depth. The transfer holds up well even in the darkest scenes, maintaining detail without losing the contrast crucial to the film’s aesthetic. The audio mix ensures that every whisper of the wind and crack of a gunshot is presented with immersive precision. Though the disc includes only one extra feature, the value it brings to the overall package is undeniable, particularly given its reasonable price point.

In conclusion, "Blood and Money" brings little new to the table, but the movie's success stems from its optimization of its limited resources and maximizing return on its minimalist approach. Berenger is very good in the lead role, playing a man broken inside and breaking down on the outside, forced into a physical challenge that tests his soul as hard as it does his body. First-time feature director John Barr shows promise, too, and will hopefully land more work in the near future. Screen Media's Blu-ray delivers perfectly good video and audio presentations. Only one extra is included, but the entire package is well worth picking up, particularly at its aggressive price point. Recommended.