The Barber Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Barber" offers a visually compelling experience that reflects the micro-budget approach of Chapman Filmed Entertainment. Shot digitally under the direction of cinematographer Allen Liu, the film's 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer on ARC Entertainment's disc captures the intended naturalism of the settings. The image maintains a clean, sharp, and detailed appearance, showcasing a naturalistic palette that contrasts warm earth tones in rural scenes with cool blues and blacks in urban segments. The film's HDTV-like grainless appearance underscores its stylistic choices, achieving a well-balanced contrast and solid blacks.

Pressed on a BD25 disc, the 2.35:1 1080p transfer impresses with its detail and color accuracy. The filmmakers have avoided overly dark grading, favoring a look that enhances the small-town Americana ambiance through warm yellows and deep greens. Flesh tones are consistent, though there is a minor drift towards yellow in a few cases—nothing significant enough to detract from overall viewing quality. With an average bitrate of 24.96 Mbps, the transfer sustains its integrity throughout the feature, marred only by occasional slight banding and minimal haloing in select shots. Ultimately, this Blu-ray presentation succeeds in delivering an engaging visual treat that aligns impeccably with the film's atmospheric intentions.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio presentation of "The Barber" demonstrates notable effectiveness, although it remains primarily restrained. Notably strong sequences include the intense Chicago flashback, where a serial killer's victim pounds against her coffin, and impactful scenes such as Chief Hardaway's arrest and interrogation of John. These moments deliver forceful sound effects. However, the overall mix is focused on dialogue, predominantly centered in the front channels, and environmental sounds that capture the small-town ambiance, supplemented occasionally by downpours. Dialogue clarity remains consistent throughout, with Freddy Sheinfeld's musical score adding a subtle thriller element without overshadowing the scene.

"The Barber" benefits significantly from its English DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, which adds substantial depth to the sound experience. The track is rich with imaging and life, capturing the film's ambient noises with crystal clarity. Frequent rainy sequences and background noise punctuate the movie and are rendered with even levels, sticking primarily to the midranges. Dialogues are maintained in the center channels, thus freeing up space in the side channels for music and sound effects. This layering approach complements the film's deliberate pace superbly, making it easy to follow conversations and minimizing the need for volume adjustments.

The Blu-ray release of "The Barber" offers a well-curated and insightful selection of bonus features that provide deeper context to the film’s narrative and production choices. The Alternate Ending proposes a different emotional spin that leaves an open question, enhancing viewer engagement post-film. The Deleted Scenes shed light on sequences that may have been excluded for pacing or narrative clarity, without necessarily adding significant value. The Extended Scenes provide slightly elongated versions of existing sequences, maintaining continuity without substantial change. The Trailer effectively encapsulates the film’s essence, making it an enticing preview for potential viewers. Additional startup trailers for other titles are promptly skippable.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: Offers a different emotional perspective.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of cut scenes, potentially for pacing or clarity.
  • Carving
  • Gun in the Mouth
  • Not My First Rodeo
  • The Watch
• Extended Scenes: Longer versions of existing scenes.
  • Audrey on the Job
  • Made Me Run
• Trailer: A concise preview of the film.
• Additional Trailers: Skippable startup trailers for other films.

"The Barber" marks the directorial debut of Basel Owies and offers a gripping, albeit mixed, experience. The narrative centers around Eugene Van Wingerdt, a reclusive barber with a murky past portrayed by Scott Glenn. Glenn, typically seen in supporting roles, delivers an engrossing performance that captures the ambiguity of his character, leading us through a labyrinth of moral uncertainty. The film’s nuanced battle between Eugene and John McCormack (Chris Coy), whose father had investigated Eugene years prior, provides a tense atmosphere filled with feints and parries.

The film benefits from the efficient script work of Max Enscoe and is produced by Dodge College of Film & Media Arts alumni. While the budget constraints are evident, the film’s sharp writing and performances shine. Glenn's ability to switch effortlessly between hero and villain adds layers to Eugene's character, compelling viewers to constantly question his guilt or innocence. Coy, adding depth to John’s vengeful motives, drives the story forward with a hidden agenda that keeps both Eugene and the audience guessing.

Despite its compelling premise and strong performances, "The Barber" does have its drawbacks. The pacing feels uneven, with moments that drag due to excessive dialogue rather than action. The film often struggles to maintain its tension, occasionally falling into predictable patterns reminiscent of TV series ploys rather than cinematic intrigue. Supporting performances from Stephen Tobolowsky and Kristen Hager, while reliable, are underutilized, leaving their potential untapped.

Overall, Owies’ debut suggests promise and showcases great individual performances, particularly by Scott Glenn. While it may not fully deliver a memorable thriller experience, "The Barber" is worth watching for its strong character interplay and intriguing plot underpinned by unresolved ambiguity.

"The Barber" Blu-ray showcases Scott Glenn in a role brimming with ambiguity, effortlessly oscillating between a misjudged man and a concealed menace. Though the film may not revolutionize its genre, Glenn's portrayal is profoundly engaging, compelling viewers to scrutinize his every move alongside the characters who doubt him. The movie benefits from meticulous plotting and proficient storytelling, capturing attention even if it doesn't entirely captivate.

The Blu-ray presentation enhances the experience, delivering superior picture and audio quality that brings out the film’s nuanced atmosphere. Enthusiasts will appreciate the additional features, offering a deeper dive into the film’s production and alternative scene interpretations. While the film's narrative might not entirely justify the runtime for some, these technical aspects elevate the overall enjoyment and merit consideration for both viewing and ownership.

Scott Glenn's performance in "The Barber" is a masterpiece of ambiguity, constantly hovering between a man wrongly accused and a monster hiding in plain sight. The film doesn't break new ground or re-invent a genre, but Glenn holds the screen, and you end up studying his expressions for clues just as intensely as the people who suspect him. The film is carefully plotted and capably told, and it's been given a superior presentation on Blu-ray. Recommended.