Rampart Blu-ray Review

Millennium Entertainment's 1080p high-definition transfer of "Rampart" is remarkably impressive, showcasing vivid and accurate colors throughout the film. Outdoor scenes shine with brilliant reds and blues, while the darker interiors present a rich reddish glow, maintaining true shading relevant to the ambient light sources. Black levels are superb, offering rich and precise depth, with flesh tones appearing natural and consistent. The visual detail is exemplary; every fine line in faces, dirt specks on cars, clothing textures, and signs of wear in run-down locales are rendered sharply and cleanly.

Despite being filmed with HD cameras and featuring a gritty cinematographic style reminiscent of FX’s ‘The Shield,’ the transfer maintains impeccable technical quality. Whites are deliberately overblown to convey the intense California sunlight, giving characters and objects a slightly bleached appearance. The blacks are coarse, contributing to well-defined shadows that highlight features and textures superbly. Close-ups reveal impressive detail, from pores and facial hair to intricate textures on surfaces.

Minor technical issues such as moderately heavy noise in darker scenes and occasional aliasing—noticeable across a fence in chapter six—are present but do not detract significantly from the overall presentation. Moreover, despite being compressed onto a 25GB disc, no inherent encoding errors were observed. Overall, this transfer is an excellent example of high-quality digital cinematography faithfully rendered on Blu-ray.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack of "Rampart" delivers an exceptional audio experience mirroring the film's sharp video transfer. Millennium's audio presentation generates an accurate and consistent soundstage that immerses the listener into the heart of Los Angeles, whether it be the streets, nightclubs, or homes. The surround sound experience is astutely engineered, presenting every imaginable sound effect with unmatched clarity and precision. Ambient sounds such as radio chatter, sirens, and car screeches are seamlessly placed across every corner of the soundstage. The soundtrack's low-end frequencies are tight and well-spaced, especially noticeable during scenes with heavy music influences.

Dialogue clarity is a standout feature; it remains clear, accurate, and consistently centered without being overwhelmed by other sonic elements. The sound effects are dynamically immersive with notable LFE presence during intense scenes like car wrecks or late-night club sequences. Even in quieter, dialogue-driven moments, the environmental sounds of busy L.A. neighborhoods are captured and presented with crystal-clear precision. For a film so driven by dialogue, the dynamic high-definition audio surprise with its immersive qualities, ensuring a first-rate auditory experience.

The Blu-ray of "Rampart" offers a concise yet substantial set of extras that complement the film's gritty style and profound narrative. The highlight is a comprehensive audio commentary by Director Oren Moverman and Cinematographer Bobby Bukowski. This commentary delves into technical details like shooting with Alexa cameras, specific scene crafting, Woody Harrelson's persistent on-screen presence, and the multifaceted structure of the film. It's an insightful deep dive for fans and those interested in the filmmaking process. Additionally, a featurette provides an in-depth discussion by the cast and crew about the film's plot, character development, scripting procedures, and performance quality, offering valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives despite its somewhat promotional tone.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Oren Moverman and Cinematographer Bobby Bukowski discuss technical details, scenes, and the film's structure.
• Featurette: Cast and crew discuss plot, characters, script quality, casting decisions, and filming techniques.
• Previews: Additional Millenium titles.

"Rampart," directed by Oren Moverman, reinvigorates the edgy cop drama with its gripping portrayal of Officer David Brown, played masterfully by Woody Harrelson. Set in 1999 Los Angeles, the film chronicles the collapse of a man whose life is shaped by violence, hatred, and corrupted morals. Harrelson's character, a Vietnam vet and twice-divorced father, is infamous within the force for his brutal methods and unrestrained behavior, embodying a cop so far gone he defies redemption. The screenplay by James Elroy adds layers of gritty toughness, portraying a man justified in his opinions but damned by his actions. Brown’s tale is deeply tragic, revealing how good intentions can degrade into a slow moral and ethical decay.

The film delves into Brown's psyche, detailing his self-justifying beliefs and unwavering commitment to his own flawed code of honor. When caught on camera mercilessly beating a motorist, Brown becomes the focal point of departmental scrutiny and public outrage. Brown's responses highlight his detached rationalizations and deep-seated prejudices, making him one of the most complex and unsympathetic characters in recent cinema. His interactions with his family—a tangled web involving two sisters and their daughters—expose his inability to connect meaningfully with those around him, further emphasizing his solitary existence.

Complementing Harrelson’s powerful performance, the film features strong yet brief appearances from actors like Ice Cube and Steve Buscemi. Cinematographer Bobby Bukowski’s innovative camera work keeps "Rampart" visually stimulating, capturing unique perspectives that enhance its narrative intensity. However, some scenes toward the end become overly complex. Despite minor pacing issues, the film’s cohesion between style and substance offers an engaging visual experience reflective of its somber themes. "Rampart" is not just another cop-gone-bad movie; it’s an arresting exploration of one man's tragic downfall within a system he no longer fits.

"Rampart" delivers a gritty and absorbing portrayal of a deeply flawed cop, expertly brought to life by Woody Harrelson's gripping performance. Oren Moverman, the director, paints a visceral picture of Officer Dave Brown, a man entrenched in corruption and moral decay. Harrelson’s commitment shines through every frame, making his character's descent into darkness both compelling and tragic. The narrative steers clear of typical cop drama clichés, offering a more personal and raw take on the genre, distinguishing it from its more Hollywood counterparts like "Training Day."

The Blu-ray release of "Rampart" is commendable for its high-quality video and audio, enhancing the immersive experience significantly. The visual presentation captures the raw aesthetic of the film, with sharp details and deep, authoritative contrasts, while the audio track effectively envelops the viewer in the film's tense atmosphere. However, the Blu-ray’s supplemental materials are somewhat limited in quantity, but what they lack in volume, they more than make up for in quality. Fans of the genre and Harrelson's work will find these insights particularly enriching.

In conclusion, "Rampart" won't redefine the cop movie genre but stands out due to its intense character study and Harrelson's exceptional performance. It's a haunting depiction of a man on the brink, struggling to hold onto a disintegrating life. Genre enthusiasts should consider adding this Blu-ray to their collection for both its cinematic and technical merits. "Rampart" comes highly recommended.