The Guillotines Blu-ray Review

"The Guillotines" is presented in 1080p on Blu-ray through an AVC encoded transfer, featuring a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Directed by Andrew Lau with cinematography by Edmund Fung, this digitally shot film excels in delivering visually sumptuous imagery. The cinematographic style is characterized by its kinetic energy, employing numerous tracking, dollying, Steadicam, and crane shots. Both opulent sets and lavish costumes are captured in fantastic texture and detail, ensuring the film's vibrant look is maintained throughout. The seamless incorporation of CGI, particularly the dynamic mini-guillotine discs, enhances the visual experience. However, there is a notable inclination towards severe color grading, primarily to yellow and blue hues, which fortunately doesn’t compromise fine details.

On a technical side, the film was captured using Arri Alexa and Red Epic cameras, resulting in a digital source that occasionally displays inconsistencies. The initial half of the film encounters spikes in noise and minor banding, especially noticeable during transitional fades, alongside periods where scenes appear slightly blurry or have a low grade, compressed appearance. Despite these issues, the film's final act considerably redeems itself with pronounced improvement in detail and depth, showcasing striking natural landscapes and intricate costume designs. While the color palette tends to be drab, sticking primarily to golden or blue/grey shades, certain hues manage to stand out sporadically. Contrast remains stable; however, black levels can be murky in darker scenes. Overall, while the image quality boasts impressive moments, it suffers from occasional inconsistencies and a faintly electronic look that detracts from its full potential.

The audio presentation of "The Guillotines" Blu-ray, characterized by its DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, delivers an exceptionally lively and immersive experience. This aggressive mix brings the film’s numerous action sequences to life with resounding clarity and precision. The surround activity is relentless, effectively utilizing the front, surround, and rear channels to deliver a cascade of effects, from swooshing blades and firing arrows to galloping horses and explosive sequences. A standout moment includes a series of explosions that create an impressive shift in low-frequency rumble, dynamically transitioning from the front speakers to the rear. Despite the sonic bombardment, dialogue remains crisp and well-prioritized within the mix, ensuring clarity even amidst the most chaotic scenes.

The track boasts excellent fidelity and wide dynamic range, providing a spacious soundstage that envelops the listener. Environmental ambiances, such as the delicate crackling of burning embers, are rendered with remarkable depth. The film’s score, enriched with ethnic flutes and other instruments, is presented with strong presence and separation, enhancing the atmospheric immersion. While some dialogue appears to have been added in post-production, resulting in a slight disconnect, it does not significantly detract from the overall audio experience. Notably, the English dub also maintains high quality, avoiding common pitfalls such as misaligned lip movements.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 7.1 track on this Blu-ray delivers a rousing and bombastic auditory adventure that substantially boosts the action-heavy narrative of "The Guillotines." The audio design is impeccably implemented, providing both an engaging cinematic experience and a rigorous workout for any surround sound system.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Guillotines" are well-curated, providing a comprehensive insight into the film's production. The offerings include extensive interviews with key cast and crew members, an engaging "Making Of" featurette, and a theatrical trailer. Each special feature is presented in high-definition 1080p with Mandarin LPCM 2.0 audio and English subtitles. Notably, the disc's navigation allows all selected features to play in sequence, enhancing the viewing experience. The interviews provide invaluable perspectives on the film's historical context, costume design, and character development. Meanwhile, the "Making Of" segment captures various behind-the-scenes activities, showcasing the dedication and skill involved in crafting the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews with Cast and Crew: In-depth discussions with director Andrew Lau, costume designer Dora Ng, and actors Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan, Shawn Yue, Boran Jing, and Li Yuchun.
• Making Of: Behind-the-scenes footage featuring cast and crew insights into the story, characters, and stunts.
• Trailer: The film's official trailer in 1080p with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.

"The Guillotines," directed by Andrew Lau, is a visually striking film set in the Qing Dynasty of China, albeit with some significant historical liberties. The titular Guillotines are an elite squad tasked by the Emperor to eliminate enemies using intricate, UFO-shaped propelling blades that decapitate targets. The movie kicks off with an explosive action scene that quickly establishes the Guillotines' devastating capabilities. However, the initial confusion about whom the audience should root for, due to the ominous black-clad Guillotines attacking seemingly pacifistic white-robed individuals, sets the tone for a journey through moral ambiguities.

As the plot unfolds, the focus shifts from relentless action to more intricate character dynamics and palace intrigue. Central to the story is Wolf (Xiaoming Huang), a messianic figure draped in white who believes his visions and mission to heal his people will eventually lead him to be betrayed by someone close. His interactions with Leng (Ethan Juan), tongue-in-cheek allegoric references to Christ and John the Baptist, and escalating tension with the new Emperor mark noteworthy narrative shifts. Flashbacks reveal a convoluted history of friendship and betrayal, but the film’s chaotic narrative structure often detracts from these otherwise compelling storylines.

Despite the high-octane opening, "The Guillotines" later tempers its pace, offering more dramatic moments and character development, although this shift may seem jarring. The movie suffers from choppy editing and uneven storytelling, which can make it difficult to follow. Although the flying guillotine weapons captivate initially, their practical disappearance halfway through the film is puzzling and detracts from the movie's thematic coherence. In the end, while moments of emotional resonance emerge, especially around Leng's character arc, they are overshadowed by an overarching sense of mediocrity caused by a disjointed narrative and underdeveloped characters.

"The Guillotines," a historical action film directed by Lau, presents a visual and auditory spectacle that is somewhat marred by its non-linear narrative structure. The film's tendency to ping-pong between the present and past disrupts the narrative flow, making it challenging for viewers to fully grasp the plot and connect emotionally with the characters. Despite this, the fight sequences are a standout feature—meticulously choreographed and visually impressive, providing ample eye and ear candy for aficionados of the wuxia genre.

Technically, the Blu-ray release is a mixed bag. The video transfer shows inconsistencies, with some scenes appearing uneven, though the overall presentation tends to improve as the film progresses. The audio, however, remains robust and bombastic throughout, enhancing the intensity of the action sequences. The supplemental materials, while not extensive, include solid interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes that offer additional insights into the film's production.

In conclusion, "The Guillotines" struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative and emotional depth due to its fragmented storytelling. However, it compensates with stunning visuals and expertly staged fight scenes. The Blu-ray's technical presentation—uneven video but excellent audio—and supplemental content make it a worthwhile experience for those who prioritize cinematic spectacle over narrative coherence. This disc may be best suited for a rental rather than a permanent addition to your collection.