Goldstone Blu-ray Review

"Goldstone" offers a consistently impressive visual experience on Blu-ray, presented by Lightyear Entertainment with a high-quality AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Shot on the Red Epic digital camera, the film’s visual storytelling is captured with striking clarity and depth. The wide, panoramic vistas of the desolate Australian frontier are particularly awe-inspiring, offering an array of finely detailed landscapes that are both pristine and immersive. The color palette is predominantly natural with dusty ochre and beige tones, but occasionally bursts into vivid hues, particularly in the floral prints donned by the mayor, bringing a surprising vibrance to certain scenes.

The Blu-ray presentation boasts razor-sharp detail throughout, with a superior definition that accentuates texture and clarity. Despite occasional banding in some of the brightest outdoor scenes, the overall digital master maintains complete transparency, providing near-demo material quality by Blu-ray standards. Interior scenes, especially those set in dimly lit environments with garish lighting conditions, occasionally exhibit slightly anemic contrast, leading to a hazy visual appearance and reduced shadow detail. Nevertheless, these minor issues do not detract significantly from what is otherwise a highly polished and engaging visual presentation.

"Goldstone" offers an impressive audio experience, highlighted by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which provides an immersive soundscape, particularly effective in outdoor scenes set in the picturesque Australian Outback. Notably, dialogue, sound effects, and the musical score are well-balanced. High fidelity ensures there is no distortion, though dialogue can occasionally be hard to decipher, particularly with David Gulpilil's delivery. A secondary 5.1 Dolby Digital track is available and performs admirably, but the lossless DTS-HD option holds a slight edge in overall potency. Unfortunately, no subtitle options are included, which could assist with clarity issues.

The soundtrack excels in creating a rich auditory backdrop, with the surround mix providing pinpoint imaging and a broad dynamic range. Action sequences like gunfights and explosions benefit from excellent fidelity and impact, making full use of the high-quality sound design to draw viewers into the action. Ivan Sen's score utilizes massed strings and occasional piano to evoke an elegiac tone, though opinions may vary on its emotional resonance. Overall, while minor clarity issues exist in dialogue delivery, the 5.1 tracks—in both DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Digital formats—combine to offer a robust and engaging listening experience that enhances "Goldstone's" compelling visual narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Goldstone" offer a series of brief yet insightful featurettes and trailers. These supplements primarily consist of interviews with key cast and crew members, providing an inside look into their roles and the overall filming process. While concise, they could potentially deliver more impact if combined into a comprehensive making-of documentary. Director Ivan Sen and cast members share valuable discussions that enhance the viewer’s understanding of the film’s thematic elements, including the intricate crime and corruption storyline set in the Australian outback. Despite the brevity of each segment, they paint a detailed picture that underscores the dedication and challenges faced during production, particularly highlighted by the resilient responses to environmental challenges.

Extras included in this disc:

• Detective Jay Swan: Lead actor Aaron Pedersen talks about Jay Swan’s past and background.
• Alex Russell as Josh Waters: Actor Alex Russell discusses his character.
• Jacki Weaver as The Mayor: The actress discusses her character.
• Ivan Sen: A brief look at director/writer/composer/cinematographer Ivan Sen’s filmmaking style.
• The Corruption of Goldstone: Cast discuss the widespread crime and corruption that lies at the heart of the mining town’s dirty politics.
• The Indigenous People of Australia: Discussion on the history of the Aboriginal People related to this movie, including interviews with Aboriginal cast members.
• Trailer One: Promotional trailer for "Goldstone."
• Trailer Two: Promotional trailer for "Goldstone."

Ivan Sen’s "Goldstone" masterfully continues the saga of Detective Jay Swan in a compelling neo-noir thriller that deftly intertwines elements of modern-day corruption with the rugged isolation of the Australian outback. This thoughtful sequel to "Mystery Road" sees Aaron Pedersen reprising his role as Detective Swan, who arrives in the remote town of Goldstone to investigate a missing persons case. The narrative swiftly exposes the vast criminal underbelly surrounding a powerful mining company that essentially controls the town. Sen extends his expertise beyond direction, handling writing, editing, composition, and cinematography, which infuses the film with a deeply personal and cohesive vision.

The portrayal of the town of Goldstone is nothing short of evocative, with Josh Waters (Alex Russell), the local constable, playing an integral role in uncovering the town's deceit. Waters finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his duties and the pervasive corruption encouraged by characters like the mine supervisor Johnny (David Wenham) and the formidable Mayor Maureen (Jacki Weaver). The dynamic between Jay and Josh forms the film’s emotional core, providing a nuanced look at loyalty and moral ambiguity. The film’s subplot about human trafficking and coerced prostitution adds a significant layer of dark realism, further enriching the intense atmosphere.

Sen's use of the Australian landscape as a backdrop perpetuates a sense of timelessness, drawing parallels with classic Westerns while addressing current issues such as human trafficking and indigenous rights. The plot is beautifully structured with substantial character development and dramatic depth. "Goldstone" stands alone without needing prior familiarity with "Mystery Road," making it accessible yet profoundly rewarding for returning viewers. With its riveting performances and meticulous craftsmanship, "Goldstone" is not just a continuation but an elevation of its predecessor, presenting an enthralling blend of action, drama, and social commentary.

"Goldstone" receives an impeccable Blu-ray presentation courtesy of Lightyear Entertainment, showcasing the captivating landscapes of the Australian Outback with striking clarity. The film excels in its visual fidelity; daylight scenes are exceptionally vivid, featuring lush and consistently rich colors that bring the breathtaking outback to life. Precision in close-ups offers significant depth, capturing facial textures and expressions with compelling accuracy. Furthermore, the vast outdoor scenes are rendered with incredible detail, from the expansive blue skies to the pristine terrain, highlighting the film's profound connection to its setting.

In terms of audio, "Goldstone" is equipped with two sound options: English 5.1 DTS-HD and English 5.1 Dolby Digital. Both tracks deliver a robust audio experience, ensuring clear and well-balanced dialogue, score, and sound effects. The DTS-HD option presents a slight edge in potency, enhancing the film’s immersive quality. However, some might find the lack of subtitle options and minimal bonus content—limited to short interviews and a couple of trailers—a tad disappointing.

Mystery Road and Goldstone are both impressive achievements, but I have to say for me personally Goldstone really was a more involving experience, even if a couple of Sen's narrative choices might have been handled more artfully. The cast is really excellent, and the story is actually more about the interrelationship between various tribes (for want of a better term) than it is about anyone missing or forced into a human trafficking situation. Technical merits are solid, and Goldstone comes Recommended.