Exiled Blu-ray Review

Exiled makes a remarkable entrance into the Blu-ray world with its presentation delivered by Mega Star, captured in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, ensuring a pristine 1080p transfer. This high-definition rendition significantly elevates the viewing experience beyond the previous standard set by Magnolia Pictures’ R1 DVD release. Viewers are treated to an enhanced spectacle wherein the film’s color schemes, critical in conveying its thematic elements and aesthetic, shine with greater vibrancy. The fast-paced action sequences, reminiscing of "Matrix-style" shootouts, benefit immensely from improved clarity. Here, the intricate details such as smoke trails, dynamic lighting effects, and the swift fall of bullet shells are showcased with exceptional detail and texture, providing a natural look that would satiate the appetite of even the most discerning film aficionados.

The transition to 1080p also brings out the subtle nuances in the film's complex visual composition, notably during the intense journey in search of the elusive gold cargo in its second half. This segment of Exiled draws parallel inspirations from the iconic westerns of Sergio Leone, where the manipulation of light and shadow alongside a palette of carefully chosen colors creates a canvas of visual contrasts that are significantly more striking in high-definition. The meticulously captured landscapes, character expressions, and atmospheric elements contribute to a richly immersive experience.

In essence, Mega Star’s Blu-ray presentation of Exiled transcends its predecessor's capabilities, offering viewers a vivid reimagining of Johnnie To’s cinematic vision. The attention to detail, from the textured presentation of action sequences to the nuanced interplay of light and color in quieter moments, ensures that this high-definition transfer not only preserves but enhances the original's artistic merits. This Blu-ray is therefore an essential acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to experience Exiled with all its intended visual splendor and depth.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "Exiled" is an area where this disc not only meets but surpasses expectations, presenting a triumvirate of audio track options that cater to varying preferences and setups. Foremost among these is the Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, a showcase of auditory excellence that brings the film's dynamic action sequences and quieter moments to life with remarkable clarity and depth. This track's ability to create an enveloping soundstage, coupled with its vigorous use of surround channels, places the viewer right in the midst of the cinematic experience. It's a robust mix that manages to maintain balance between dialogue, effects, and music, proving itself as a standout feature of this release.

Further extending the auditory choices are the Cantonese and Mandarin Dolby Digital EX 5.1 tracks. While perhaps not as expansive as the 7.1 option, these mixes are far from mere consolation offerings. They provide a comprehensive soundstage with their own merits, adeptly handling dialogue and ensuring it remains intelligible amidst the film's varied soundtrack and sound effects. The Mandarin track, in particular, offers an alternative linguistic perspective without sacrificing any of the audio quality that makes this release remarkable.

In terms of enhancements, the disc excels with its well-mastered silent sequences that follow the vigorous action scenes, ensuring no details are lost in transition. The dialogue across all tracks is pristine, ensuring that every word is heard with crystal clarity. Coupled with the exotic Latin soundtrack that complements the film's narrative beats, the audio presentation of "Exiled" on Blu-Ray leaves little to be desired. The provision of optional Chinese and English subtitles adds a finishing touch, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience and enhancing the overall viewing experience. This meticulous attention to sound quality reaffirms the distributor's commitment to delivering an exceptional auditory experience that mirrors the film's visual finesse.

The Blu Ray edition of "Exiled" offers a modest selection of extras, primarily appealing to fans looking for behind-the-scenes insights. While the making-of documentary stands out as the main feature, it may disappoint some due to its generic approach and sparse revelatory comments from director Johnnie To and the cast. Nevertheless, it is subtitled in both Chinese and English, catering to a broader audience. The addition of trailers for "Exiled" itself, along with others from Media Star releases, somewhat enriches the package, providing glimpses into the wider offerings from the distributor. Despite the limited scope and depth of the extras, they still serve as a worthwhile complement for aficionados of Johnnie To's filmmaking style and the movie "Exiled."

Extras included in this disc:

• Making-of Documentary: A behind-the-scenes look with subtitles in Chinese and English. It offers insights from the director and cast, though it has been described as somewhat generic.
• Trailers for Exiled: Two trailers for the feature film.
• Gallery of Trailers for Other Media Star Releases: A collection of trailers showcasing other films distributed by Media Star.

Johnny To's "Exiled" (Fong juk), celebrated for its prestigious recognition at the Venice Film Festival in 2006 and honored with the Best Director Award by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society in 2007, shines prominently on Blu-ray, courtesy of Mega Star Video Distribution Ltd. Set against the backdrop of Macao, this cinematic gem introduces an intriguing premise where two pairs of professional assassins find themselves at crossroads over the fate of Mr. Wo (played by Nick Cheung). This ensemble, featuring Anthony Wong, Lam Set, Roy Cheung, and Francis Ng, delivers an explosive performance that intertwines their complex past with present allegiances amidst a visually mesmerizing bullet storm that sets the tone for the narrative's intricate dynamics.

"Exiled" stands out as a homage to the classic Italian spaghetti westerns, mirroring the grandeur of Sergio Leone's epic sagas through its exceptional use of long, continuous shots, breathtaking panoramic vistas, and extreme close-ups complemented by an evocative soundtrack reminiscent of Ennio Morricone's work. This artistic direction is not just a nod to genre classics but a reinvention, blending highly stylized action sequences with a distinctive flare that sets it apart. The film's allure is further enriched by its thematic exploration of loyalty, confrontation, and survival within the gray zones of underworld allegiances and betrayals.

Moreover, the undeniable chemistry among the lead characters injects a unique blend of graphic violence and subtle humor, radiating through the film's meticulously choreographed action sequences and polished cinematography. Johnny To orchestrates a complex narrative ballet — a compelling narrative marked by unexpected alliances and visceral engagements that transcend mere gunfights into a profound examination of honor among thieves. "Exiled" not only captivates with its technical virtuosity and stylistic boldness but also leaves an indelible mark through its exploration of the bonds that tether souls to their shared destinies amidst chaos and redemption.

Johnnie To's "Exiled" navigates the delicate balance between style and substance with notable prowess, encapsulating the viewer in a narrative that is as much about the aesthetics as it is about the plot. The Blu-ray presentation of this film, released by Mega Star, showcases an exceptional level of clarity and detail, enhancing the visual spectacle that To masterfully unfolds against the backdrop of Macao's mesmerizing landscapes. While certain action sequences veer towards the overwhelming, they scarcely detract from the overall experience, propelled forward by a narrative intensity and a cinematic quality that echoes the grandeur of the spaghetti Westerns Sergio Leone brought to prominence. Coupled with a cast whose performances elevate the script's intricate exploration of friendship and loyalty, "Exiled" stands out as a significant addition to the Hong Kong action cinema library.

The technical specifications of this Blu-ray release do justice to the film's cinematic quality, rendering every frame with an accuracy and vibrancy that pulls the viewer deeper into the story's ambiance. It's clear that Mega Star has put considerable effort into this release, establishing a new benchmark for Asian cinema on Blu-ray. The attention to detail in preserving the film's original essence, from its color grading to the meticulous sound design, ensures that enthusiasts and newcomers alike receive a comprehensive viewing experience. This Blu-ray not only enhances "Exiled"'s viewership but also significantly contributes to the appreciation of Johnnie To's directorial vision.

In conclusion, "Exiled" on Blu-ray is a testament to the enduring appeal of thoughtfully crafted cinema and its presentation in home media formats. Mega Star's release excels not only in its technical accomplishments but also in its ability to capture and convey the very soul of the film. This Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for its unparalleled delivery of both form and content, securing its place as an essential acquisition for collectors and fans of Hong Kong action cinema. It exemplifies how a film, when presented at its best, can transcend mere entertainment to become an immersive cultural artifact.