Se7en Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers' Blu-ray presentation of "Se7en" features an outstanding 1080p transfer that truly honors David Fincher's directorial intent, with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. This release showcases an exceptional execution of the film's dark and brooding aesthetic, with meticulously managed black levels and shadow details that contribute significantly to the movie's ominous atmosphere. The transfer maintains a delicate balance, ensuring that blacks are deep and true without compromising the clarity and detail in the darker scenes. Detail reproduction is notably impressive, with textures on skin and clothing appearing remarkably distinct, enhancing the visual depth and authenticity of each frame. The film's intentionally muted color palette is represented faithfully, adding to the chilling ambiance without undermining the overall fidelity of the presentation.

Despite the movie's pervasive darkness, the transfer avoids common pitfalls such as banding and noise, presenting a clean and stable image throughout. The grain structure remains intact and film-like, avoiding artificial enhancement or noise reduction that could detract from the intended cinematic experience. However, minor imperfections such as occasional soft shots and rare specks of dirt do not mar the overall quality of the transfer. These are minor distractions in what is otherwise a near-flawless rendition of this classic film. The commitment to preserving the film's original look is evident, making this Blu-ray edition a significant upgrade over previous formats.

Under David Fincher's careful supervision, "Se7en" has been remastered to leverage the best of modern home entertainment technology while staying true to its gritty, atmospheric roots. The result is a Blu-ray that not only excels in showcasing the movie's visual nuances—from its inky blacks to its subtle textures—but also enhances the viewing experience by bringing out details that may have been lost in earlier versions. This Blu-ray release sets a high benchmark for catalog titles, delivering a video quality that complements the film's chilling narrative and dark aesthetics, making it a must-have for fans and collectors alike.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's Blu-ray release of 'SE7EN' is equipped with an enveloping DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless audio soundtrack that stands as a testament to the film's atmospheric and menacing sonic landscape. The track aggressively engages all channels, delivering a consistently active surround experience that is a rarity for movies from the mid-’90s. The immersive soundscape, complemented by Howard Shore's eerie score, crafts a pervasive sense of dread, climaxing into an almost unbearable tension in the final act. The mix skillfully pans and directs audio across channels, creating a dynamic and captivating auditory environment. Dialogues are clear and well-balanced, although at times, the vivid background sounds may captivate the listener's attention more. The low-frequency effects add an impactful dimension, particularly noted in scenes like the train shaking Mills' apartment, enriching the experience with tangible vibrations.

However, while the soundtrack excels in immersion and aggressiveness, it occasionally falters in clarity due to its sheer force and ambitious atmospheric effects. Rainy scenes and bustling city sounds create a continuous ambiance, sometimes overpowering dialogues in their intensity. Despite this, the powerful low end and robust musical scores maintain the film’s gritty atmosphere, even if lacking the tightness found in more refined soundtracks. Gunshots and action sequences are presented with compelling force and precision, ensuring an enthralling auditory journey.

The Blu-ray offers additional audio tracks in multiple languages, though none match the lossless quality of the main track. Subtitle options are comprehensive, catering to a broad audience. While the audio may sometimes lean heavily on its front channels, strategic bleed into the rear channels envelops the viewer, placing them at the heart of this dark and stormy narrative world. On occasion, dialogues might require heightened attention, yet this does not detract significantly from an otherwise outstanding auditory experience. 'SE7EN' on Blu-ray not only captivates with its grim visuals but also leaves a lasting impression through its profound and meticulously crafted sound design.

The Blu-ray extras for "Se7en" offer an exhaustive and intricate look into the making of this cinematic masterpiece, catering to both new fans and long-time collectors. The presentation includes a wealth of behind-the-scenes content, notably the four comprehensive audio commentaries that dissect the film's acting, story, visual, and sound design in remarkable depth. Though primarily in SD, the content has been enhanced for Blu-ray quality, despite the understandable limitation due to the film's age. Highlights extend to deleted scenes, an exploration of the iconic opening title sequence, and a detailed look into the film's transition to home video through mastering features. However, it's important to note that these special features are carried over from the 2000 Platinum Series DVD edition, with the exception of DVD-ROM content, emphasizing a blend of historical significance and modern presentation that makes this collection indispensable yet slightly nostalgic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Four in-depth tracks covering different aspects of the film.
• Still Photographs and Production Designs: Includes galleries and featurettes on pre-production and production visuals.
• Additional Footage: Eight deleted scenes and alternate endings with optional commentary.
• Exploration of the Opening Title Sequence: Offers three versions with six audio choices, including commentaries.
• Mastering for the Home Theater: Showcases the audio, video, and color correction process for home video release.
• Telecine Gallery: Comparison between original and DVD video masters and 5.1 sound mixes.
• Theatrical EPK: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Se7en.
• Trailer: The film's original theatrical trailer.

David Fincher's 'Se7en' emerges as a cinematic phenomenon that dwarfs its competition, proving to be a masterpiece that intertwines the profound narratives of man, sin, society, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The 1995 horror/thriller encapsulates an absorbing, terrifying, and altogether unforgiving tale that is presented with an enthralling noir style. First-rate acting and a masterful direction elevate this film from outstanding to legendary status. With Fincher at the helm, 'Se7en' is not just another entry in Hollywood's quality filmmaker roster; it stands as a testament to Fincher's ability to craft movies that delve beyond their superficial layers to explore thematic depth and character complexity. The presence of Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Spacey, delivering Oscar-worthy performances, further solidifies 'Se7en' as an all-time cinematic classic.

Set against the backdrop of a decaying city incessantly washed by rain, Detectives William Somerset and David Mills, portrayed by Freeman and Pitt respectively, embark on a chilling journey to apprehend a killer whose murders are inspired by the seven deadly sins. This grim premise serves as the foundation for a film that masterfully blends traditional genre elements like shadowy locales and constant rainfall with innovative storytelling and visual prowess. The resulting atmosphere is not just a setting but a character in itself, enhancing the emotional and psychological depth of the narrative. The cinematography, combined with Howard Shore's unsettling score, complements Fincher's vision, creating an indelible mark on the genre and influencing subsequent films and television procedurals.

At its core, 'Se7en' painstakingly examines the concepts of morality, justice, and retribution, presenting a world where evil begets evil despite intentions. It challenges viewers to question the nature of sin and the human inclination towards judgment and punishment. The interplay among the three main characters - the jaded veteran, the fervent young detective, and the purportedly enlightened murderer - culminates in a tragic yet thought-provoking climax that erases the line between right and wrong, leaving audiences to ponder the true nature of justice and humanity’s role in combating darkness. Through 'Se7en', Fincher not only sets a new standard for the thriller genre but also invites viewers to reflect on the morally ambiguous world we inhabit.

David Fincher's "Se7en," remains a quintessential thriller, skirting the edges of genre norms before transcending them entirely. It shares the unfortunate fate of being overlooked during awards season despite deserving nods for Best Director, Best Actor among its leads, and Best Cinematography, to name a few. Nonetheless, it has secured its place as both a fan favorite and a critical darling, ranking high on IMDB’s list of the top 250 films of all time. This film is a rare masterpiece that balances visual smoothness with an underlying sense of unease, proving to be as dazzling to the senses as it is emotionally draining. Warner Brothers’ Digibook Blu-ray release of "Se7en" is laudable, offering not only one of the year's best visual and auditory home theater experiences with its 1080p transfer and 7.1 lossless soundtrack but also an array of supplemental content that enriches the viewing experience.

For fans of the film and Blu-ray collectors alike, this edition is a must-have. Its technical presentation nearly touches perfection; the video quality is exemplary, and the audio is reference-quality, immersing viewers in the gloomy and tense atmosphere that defines "Se7en." The comprehensive suite of special features from its 2000 release, minus some DVD-ROM content, is generous and provides fascinating insights into the film's creation. This release demonstrates a commitment to both preserving and celebrating the legacy of "Se7en," ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers have everything they need to fully appreciate this modern masterpiece.

In conclusion, the Warner Brothers’ Digibook Blu-ray release of "Se7en" is an exemplary addition to any collection, blending impeccable technical quality with rich additional content. This Blu-ray not only serves as a tribute to the film’s enduring legacy but also as an invitation for viewers to delve deeper into its dark, intricate world. It's a pivotal release that heightens the home theater experience, making it a vivid recommendation for enthusiasts and a compelling buy for those yet to explore its depths.