Blood Ties Blu-ray Review

Blood Ties is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. Shot digitally with the sophisticated Arri Alexa, the high definition presentation reveals some technical and stylistic decisions that aim to evoke a 1970s aesthetic. The transfer comprises a somewhat drab and soft visual demeanor, characterized by a lack of pronounced contrast. The color grading notably diverts from contemporary thriller norms, adopting a sickly yellow tint that imbues the flesh tones with a jaundiced quality and renders certain Manhattan locations with a slightly syrupy appearance.

This intentional aging effect incorporates a hint of grain and light filtering, succeeding in emulating the period-specific look. Although this may affect viewer preferences, it does not hinder the fundamental image quality. Detail levels are commendable with fine textures and background elements standing out clearly, despite the muted color palette. The depth of field enhances the overall sense of place and time, while hotter colors are displayed vibrantly yet without oversaturation. Contrast remains a mixed bag; while blacks are robust and devoid of crush, whites can appear blown out due to the employed filtering techniques.

In sum, while certain artistic choices may inhibit the crispness and clarity that some viewers might expect from contemporary high-definition presentations, the deliberate effort to recreate a 70s feel is authentically achieved. The image is stable, free from compression artifacts, and provides a detailed albeit stylistically vintage viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Blood Ties" on Blu-ray showcases a meticulously engineered DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that impresses from start to finish. The track is particularly notable for its clean and distinct dialogue which remains clear even during complex sequences. Directionality and imaging are expertly handled, with immersive atmosphere emanating from the front channels and being effectively dispersed into the rear channels. This ensures a palpable sense of place in scenes that demand spatial depth and immersion.

Set pieces such as the opening gun melee, an arson fire, and a high-octane car chase are delivered with appropriate punch and bombast, utilizing the full spectrum of the sound stage to heighten tension and excitement. The dynamic range is notably wide, providing both subtlety and power where required, while the LFE elements contribute added depth, enhancing both sound effects and musical elements. The soundtrack, filled with numerous source cues, while occasionally leaning towards being overused, demonstrates excellent fidelity and fills the surrounds beautifully.

A key strength of this audio track is its balance; it dynamically adjusts to prioritize dialogue and sound effects appropriately without compromising the integrity of the musical selections. The music, often familiar yet refreshing, leverages the lossless track's capabilities to their fullest extent, sounding lively and robust. In conclusion, "Blood Ties" delivers a rich, encompassing auditory experience that is both clear and immersive, displaying high caliber sound engineering throughout.

The Blu-ray extras of "Blood Ties" offer a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes, albeit through standard EPK fare. The main featurette delves into the film's production with in-depth interviews and captivating footage of sequences being filmed, providing viewers with an insightful glimpse into the filmmaking process. Every segment is filled with impressive technical detail that showcases how the movie came together, making the bonus content a valuable companion to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: A standard EPK with intriguing looks at sequences being filmed.
• Blood Ties: Behind The Scenes Featurette: A longer than usual, detailed behind-the-scenes look at making the film, including interviews with cast and filmmakers and shots of filming in progress.

"Blood Ties," directed by Guillaume Canet, is a period crime drama set in 1970s New York that endeavors to capture the complexity of familial bonds amid a backdrop of criminal intrigue. Despite an initial adrenaline-pumping sequence involving a gritty gunfight, the film's momentum flounders as it transitions into a melodramatic narrative centered on two brothers, Chris and Frank Pierzynski, portrayed by Clive Owen and Billy Crudup, respectively. Chris, a recently paroled convict with strained noble intentions, finds his life deteriorating further as he attempts to reintegrate into society. His struggles are compounded by his drug-addicted ex-wife Monica and romantic entanglements, particularly with Natalie (Mila Kunis) and Vanessa (Zoe Saldana), the latter of whom shares a complicated history with Frank.

The film showcases a remarkable capacity for period re-creation, successfully evoking the smarmy underbelly of 1970s New York. However, it suffers from a disjointed narrative and uneven character development. Notably, the performances are a mixed bag: while Owen delivers an engaging portrayal of the troubled Chris, Crudup's Frank feels less convincing. This disparity extends to the supporting cast, with notable actors like Marion Cotillard and James Caan somewhat underutilized despite their potential. Moreover, the film's editing and screenwriting choices often force viewers to infer key plot points rather than presenting them clearly, diminishing the overall coherence.

Ultimately, "Blood Ties" is more effective as a family drama than a thriller. While it explores intriguing themes of loyalty and moral ambiguity, the film’s multitude of characters and subplots results in a diluted central story. The script's inability to maintain consistent tension or deliver a definitive narrative arc leaves viewers wondering about the necessity of this remake, despite its stylistic homage to 1970s crime dramas. This lack of purpose ultimately renders "Blood Ties" a well-acted yet lukewarm experience that fails to capitalize on its promising foundational elements.

The Blu-ray release of "Blood Ties" offers an intriguing mix of family dynamics and crime thriller elements. Clive Owen stands out with a powerful performance, supported ably by Mila Kunis. Unfortunately, Billy Crudup and Marion Cotillard fall short in portraying a convincing connection to their characters, marring the overall impact. The film, despite having a strong plot setup and worthy technical merits, feels inconsistent in storytelling, often leaving temporary gaps that interrupt the narrative flow.

Visually, "Blood Ties" presents a stylized image, albeit more on the softer side than some might prefer. The sound design is another strong suit of this Blu-ray release, delivering a fantastic auditory experience that complements the movie’s thematic undertones. These technical aspects are likely to garner interest in Guillaume Canet's directional capabilities, suggesting potential for his future projects.

One of the stranger things about "Blood Ties" is how bloated it often feels despite editing choices which leave at least temporary gaps in the storytelling process. Had the film been shaped more convincingly, its somewhat askew combination of family dynamics and crime thriller might have been more palatable. As it stands, the film features an impressive Clive Owen and some good supporting work from Kunis, though Crudup and Cotillard don't really seem to have much connection to their characters. Technical merits are generally quite strong here, though the look of this film is on the soft side.