Buried Blu-ray Review

Buried" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p High Definition presentation in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, utilizing the AVC codec. Given the film's minimalist setting—a solitary claustrophobic environment with one actor—the visual experience is distinctly intentional, emphasizing detail and atmosphere over gloss. Close-up shots of Ryan Reynolds are richly detailed, showcasing every bead of sweat, blood trickle, and stubble with impressive clarity. The limited color palette includes yellow from the Zippo lighter, ghostly blue from the cell phone, and vibrant green from glow sticks. Despite the overall dark and shrouded visuals, black levels remain solid and expressive, anchoring the film's oppressive tone.

The video maintains a consistent filmic quality with a thin layer of grain throughout, avoiding significant edge enhancement or posterization issues. Blacks are often deep and inky, although some shadow delineation problems and slight crushing do occur. Colors, when they appear, such as the red, blue, and yellow tints, exhibit no bleeding and maintain stability. The minimal lighting effects amplify the sense of confinement, with fine detail extending to textures within the wooden planks and dirt particles. Any artifacts are rare and usually appear in the darkest portions of the screen.

Overall, though not of demo quality and clearly constrained by its creative choices, this Blu-ray offers an accurate and atmospheric portrayal of its source material. The presentation succeeds in enhancing the claustrophobia and emotional intensity that define "Buried.

Lionsgate's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 presentation of "Buried" is an impressive, immersive experience that elevates the film’s claustrophobic narrative. The sound design, executed with meticulous attention to detail, enhances the tension and unease central to the film. Key dialogue, notably Reynolds' escalating desperation, is delivered with clarity and coherence, resonating dominantly through the frontal array. The small but significant sounds—creaking wood, seeping sand, the ring of a mobile phone—are replicated with precision, making the viewer feel as if they’re enclosed within the coffin themselves. The restrained yet perfectly pitched score by Victor Reyes underpins and intensifies the proceedings, adding a haunting layer to this tense thriller.

Despite the intentionally narrow soundfield, the audio mix remains remarkably immersive. Early in the film, devoid of visuals, various noises—thunks, thumps, and heavy breathings—are effectively dispersed throughout the surround channels, contributing to a deeply oppressive atmosphere. The fidelity of the audio is excellent, with a clear distinction between live dialogue and cell phone communications. The use of LFE is inventive and impactful; despite the absence of bombastic elements, deep low-ends deliver punchy moments that add substantial heft to the auditory experience. Additionally, optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available to accommodate diverse viewers.

Overall, "Buried" offers an exceptional auditory experience that defies its constrained visual setting, making it a standout example of effective sound design in film.

The Blu-ray release of "Buried" offers a minimal yet fairly insightful array of extras, primarily headlined by the featurette "Unearthing Buried". This 18-minute making-of piece provides a tightly-packed examination of the film's production, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage and poignant interviews with director Rodrigo Cortés and lead actor Ryan Reynolds. Viewers are given a fascinating glimpse into the technical challenges and cinematic techniques used to convey the film’s intense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Given its EPK nature, it remains engaging due to the genuine rapport and humility from the main contributors. Additional content includes teaser and theatrical trailers, alongside a selection of promotional materials for other Lionsgate releases. While the quantity of extras is sparse, the quality provides substantial value for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Unearthing Buried: An 18-minute featurette on the making of 'Buried', including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Official Trailers: Teaser and theatrical trailers for 'Buried'.
• Also from Lionsgate: Startup trailers for various Lionsgate films.

"Buried," helmed by Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Cortés, is a masterclass in minimalist cinema, pushing the boundaries of suspense and thrilling storytelling. The film is built on a seemingly restrictive and intense premise — a man, Paul Conroy, played by Ryan Reynolds, is trapped in a coffin underground. Yet, Cortés expertly utilizes this claustrophobic setting to deliver an exhaustingly tense experience that capitalizes on universal fears of confinement and helplessness. Reynolds' impressive, compelling performance anchors the film, ensuring that the narrative remains gripping throughout. Despite inherently low-budget constraints, the Blu-ray edition delivers surprisingly good video quality and exceptional audio fidelity.

The powerful narrative of "Buried" is enriched by Cortés’ ability to craft visual and emotional tension within the close confines of the coffin. From the moment we, along with Conroy, are plunged into total darkness, the film expertly manipulates our senses. Using sources of light like a cigarette lighter and a cell phone, Cortés constructs a palpably nightmarish scenario, revealing information incrementally to build an intense atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. Reynolds' portrayal of Conroy as an everyman caught in an extraordinary ordeal is convincingly empathetic, making his plight relatable and his emotional spectrum—panic, desperation, and fleeting hope—keenly felt by the audience.

However, "Buried" is not without its flaws. Some may find the logic gaps and hyperbolic elements slightly jarring. The initial phone call sequences veer towards black comedy, potentially undermining the tension with an overly caricatured bureaucratic inefficiency. Despite these minor missteps, "Buried" remains a singularly intense thriller that delivers an innovative cinematic experience by leveraging every bit of its constrained setting and premise. The Blu-ray might lack substantial extras but stands out due to the robustness of its technical delivery, making it a worthy addition to any cinephile's collection or at least a definitive must-rent for fans of unique suspense films.

"Buried" presents a unique cinematic experience that is as intense as it is claustrophobic. Ryan Reynolds delivers a compelling, visceral performance as Paul Conroy, capturing the desperation and psychological torment of being buried alive. Director Rodrigo Cortés masterfully utilizes limited space, creating an atmosphere that leaves viewers gasping for breath right alongside the protagonist. The film brilliantly references contemporary global issues while telling a profoundly personal and distressing story.

The Blu-ray release of "Buried" complements the film with impeccable technical quality. The video presentation is superb, offering crisp and detailed visuals that enhance the film's oppressive atmosphere. The audio track is equally impressive, delivering a dynamic soundscape that immerses the viewer in every creak, rustle, and breath — amplifying the tension to excruciating levels. Although the Blu-ray suffers from a dearth of additional content or supplements, the overall quality of the main feature compensates for this shortage.

The unique directorial approach, combined with an outstanding performance by Reynolds, makes “Buried” a standout thriller. Its capacity to evoke such a strong, visceral reaction from its audience is a testament to its craft. Despite minor dramatic issues, "Buried" remains deeply disturbing and thought-provoking, offering no easy solutions or answers. In summary, "Buried" is highly recommended for its innovative storytelling, remarkable execution, and exceptional portrayal of an unimaginable situation.