DogMan Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray presentation of "DogMan" receives high praise for its stunningly detailed transfer, which brings every grimy and decrepit environment vividly to life. The film's setting in locations such as the backyard dog kennel, an animal shelter, and an abandoned school benefits immensely from the rich detail captured. Viewers can closely observe Douglas's repugnant and tattered clothing, dirt-caked face, and matted hair in his childhood scenes. The tactile presence of used wire fencing, aged rotting boards, and the cinder blocks in the holding cell add a remarkably realistic texture to the overall viewing experience.

The color palette, while largely gritty and bleak, showcases moments where primaries pop through the costumes of drag performers. Skin tones appear natural and healthy, and deep blacks retain their detail without becoming muddy. The transfer is free from defects or anomalies, ensuring a seamlessly immersive watch. This impeccable attention to detail underscores an excellent transfer that provides a captivating visual experience to the viewers.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track of the Blu-ray presentation of "DogMan" is truly remarkable, delivering a consistently enjoyable and immersive audio experience. The mix adeptly balances between subtle atmospheric sounds and more dramatic elements, such as the thunderous effects during Douglas' brother's release from jail, creating a captivating sonic landscape. A standout moment is undoubtedly the intense confrontation that leads to Douglas' capture early in the film, where the surrounds are utilized to perfection, placing the viewer squarely in the midst of the action. Gunshots, ambient music, and other sound effects are impeccably delivered, ensuring an engaging auditory journey.

The music score benefits greatly from this impeccable track, rendered with precision and often taking center stage in the sound field. The bass frequencies provide substantial depth, lending weight to each track and amplifying the impact of violent scenes without overwhelming other elements in the mix. Dialogue reproduction is clear and intelligible throughout, ensuring that viewers won't miss any critical lines, while the realistic rendition of dog barks adds to the authenticity of the film's atmosphere. The Blu-ray also supports multiple subtitle options, including English SDH, French, and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.

The extras included in the "DogMan" Blu Ray provide a deep dive into the film's production, capturing a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look. The featurettes come across as well-rounded and thoughtfully curated, highlighting the meticulous efforts by the cast and crew. However, the absence of any commentary tracks or deleted scenes is a notable gap for enthusiasts seeking an exhaustive exploration of the film's development. The behind-the-scenes featurette delivers interesting insights into the directing techniques and actor methodologies, making it invaluable for fans and cinephiles alike. Overall, while some might yearn for more extensive extras, what is offered is professionally crafted and adds meaningful context to the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Making of DogMan: Insightful overview of the movie's production process, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members.

Behind the Scenes: Coverage of the film's on-set activities, showcasing candid moments and technical aspects of the production.

Costume Design Featurette: Detailed look into the costume design process, illustrating the creative decisions that shaped the film's visual aesthetic.

"DogMan," directed by Luc Besson, debuts on Blu-ray with high expectations, given Besson's reputation for blending intense character studies with stylized action. Caleb Landry Jones delivers a dedicated performance as Douglas, aka DogMan, supported by Jojo T. Gibbs' solid portrayal of Evelyn. The Blu-ray release shines with a stellar 1080p transfer and a robust English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, although it lacks supplemental content, such as a slipcover and Digital Code.

Douglas' unique ability to communicate with dogs introduces a fascinating yet underexplored dynamic. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks to his troubled childhood, marked by abuse and an unbreakable bond with the dogs that ultimately help him escape a violent household. His transition into adulthood is marred by the systemic neglect of a dilapidated dog shelter and his illicit survival methods involving his canine companions. While the film promises inventive sequences given Douglas' disability and control over his dogs, it falls short in delivering consistent action, leaving viewers wanting more.

As a character study, "DogMan" attempts to tackle multiple societal issues, from systemic injustice to religious hypocrisy. However, these themes feel forced and undermine the film’s emotional core. The interview scenes between Douglas and Evelyn lack depth, failing to thoroughly explore Douglas' psychological state. Consequently, Douglas remains an enigmatic figure rather than a fully fleshed-out character. The sterile police holding cell setting further detracts from the film’s intended tension, creating a disconnect between the viewer and Douglas' plight. Ultimately, "DogMan" would benefit from a sharper focus on action and less reliance on dialogue-heavy scenes.

The Blu Ray release of "DogMan," directed by Luc Besson, offers a mixed cinematic experience that falls short of Besson’s previous accomplishments. The film begins with a compelling setup as we follow Douglas's arrest, but the narrative struggles to maintain this initial momentum. Despite an intriguing premise, the storyline becomes bogged down by predictable messaging and an overly complex framework that undercuts the intended dramatic tension. The overall pacing is deliberate, with action sequences sparse, leaving the audience yearning for more dynamic storytelling.

From a technical perspective, "DogMan" excels with a pristine 1080p high-definition video transfer that ensures visuals are rendered with striking clarity and detail. The dogs’ performances are captured vividly, showcasing their impressive skills within beautifully sharp and vibrant images. Complementing the visuals, the audio track is well-balanced and robust, offering an immersive experience that elevates critical scenes and underscores the film’s emotional beats. However, the technical excellence of the Blu Ray presentation cannot entirely compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

Luc Besson has delivered numerous classics throughout his career, but "DogMan" does not rise to such heights. While die-hard fans might appreciate this film's philosophical undercurrents and technical polish, it may not resonate as strongly with broader audiences. The movie's subdued tension and dialogue-heavy approach dampen its potential impact. Therefore, while "DogMan" is laudable for its ambitious premise and exemplary Blu Ray presentation, both fans and casual viewers might find themselves wishing for a more gripping and cohesive experience. Proceed with measured expectations.