Rapt Blu-ray Review

Lucas Belvaux's "Rapt," now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, boasts a solid 1080p transfer presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The Blu-ray offers remarkable detail and clarity, especially in close-up shots where depth is conveyed superbly. Panoramic scenes maintain fluid motion and natural light usage lends an authentic ambiance to the film. The color palette is generally soft and muted, impacting overall sharpness at times but resulting in convincing color reproduction. While there are occasional instances of mild banding patterns, particularly visible in sequences like the beach scene, these occurrences are not overly distracting. Stability is notable, with no serious aliasing or ringing patterns observed.

White specs and minor scratches are visible during darker scenes, particularly noticeable during the opening credits set against a black backdrop. However, the film's impressive high-detail level is consistent throughout its runtime. Textures such as the felt-topped poker table, raised patterns on playing cards, and the finer details in close-up shots of faces are meticulously rendered. Even finer nuances, such as the dust specks illuminated by car headlights or the worn textures of wooden surfaces and cinderblock walls, are captured with sharp precision.

Fleshtones appear natural and realistic, transitioning effectively as the character Stan's pigmentation fades from prolonged confinement. Despite the film's grim tone, when colors do appear, they stand out vividly against the generally plain palette. Black levels are predominantly deep and rich, although they occasionally appear as a dark gray due to varying contrast levels. This fluctuation, however, does not detract significantly from the overall visual quality of the transfer. Overall, "Rapt" on Blu-ray delivers an engaging visual experience that sustains a high level of detail and authenticity throughout.

The sole audio option on this Blu-ray disc is a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, with optional English subtitles perfectly positioned within the image frame, ensuring accessibility. The lossless audio track generally serves the film effectively, exhibiting a range of nuanced dynamics. Notably, dialogue quality is impeccable—crisp, clean, stable, and free from sync issues or audio dropouts. The English translation is competent, seamlessly synchronizing with the visuals to offer an engaging viewing experience.

Nonetheless, the audio mix’s utilization of surround channels is somewhat restrained. While the orchestral score is fantastically immersive, enveloping the listener in an almost concert-like environment, other elements such as ambient sounds and effects are minimal in their presence. Surround and rear channels largely enrich the score rather than enhance specific environmental effects, limiting the track's atmospheric depth. Additionally, there is a noticeable scarcity of bass within this 5.1 track. Instances that engaged the subwoofer, such as the rumble of a heavy truck, were too infrequent to generate a robust low-end presence consistently.

In conclusion, while "Rapt" showcases an impressive orchestral score through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, its overall surround design remains modest, focusing heavily on music rather than leveraging environmental effects to create a more immersive experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Rapt" provide an engaging, though somewhat standard, supplement to the main feature. The disc includes trailers and a still gallery, which offer a glimpse into the production and context of both the film and other contemporary releases. The trailers are presented in high definition, retaining a crisp visual quality that complements the gritty realism of "Rapt". The stills gallery, while offering some behind-the-scenes perspectives, may not captivate all viewers but remains a worthwhile inclusion for those interested in cinematic craftsmanship. The technical execution of these extras ensures they are in line with the professional presentation expected from Kino Lorber releases.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailers: Original trailers for "Rapt", "Film Socialisme", "The Robber", "City of Life and Death", and "Armadillo".

Stills: A gallery showcasing 21 still-camera shots from the set.

"Rapt," directed by Belgian filmmaker Lucas Belvaux, offers an innovative twist on the familiar kidnapping narrative, focusing more on psychological tension than action. The film revolves around Stanislas Graff (Yvan Attal), the seemingly successful CEO of a multinational corporation. His life unravels when he is kidnapped and held for a ransom of 50 million Euros. Unlike typical Hollywood kidnappings, "Rapt" delves deeply into the cascading implications for Stanislas and those around him. It exposes his hidden secrets as a compulsive gambler and adulterer, which shatters his pristine public image and complicates efforts to secure his release.

Belvaux's direction ensures a tense atmosphere, methodically portraying the dual storylines of captivity and familial turmoil. The film splits into two distinct parts: the intense negotiation period for Stanislas' release and the subsequent fallout when his secrets surface, igniting chaos within his family and corporate circle. The psychological impact on both the abducted Stanislas and his disillusioned family is meticulously detailed, turning the narrative into a study of human frailty under pressure. This complexity is further enriched by strong performances from Yvan Attal, capturing the essence of a man on the brink, and Anne Consigny, whose portrayal of Stanislas' wife teeters on the edge of collapse.

Technically, "Rapt" stands out with its minimalist aesthetic, resonant of Belvaux's earlier works such as "The Trilogy." The film’s authenticity extends to its portrayal of the upper echelons of society, maintaining a gravitas that never feels forced. The Blu-ray packaging by Kino Lorber is equally commendable, offering high-quality visuals that enhance the film's immersive experience. Complete with original trailers and a stills gallery, this Region-Free Blu-ray edition underscores why "Rapt" earned four Cesar nominations in 2010, including Best Film and Best Director, making it a must-watch for aficionados of psychological dramas and foreign cinema.

"Rapt" is a stylish and compelling thriller by Belgian director Lucas Belvaux that skillfully reinvents the familiar kidnapping/detective genre. The narrative centers on a powerful man ensnared in a destructive, self-inflicted ordeal, portrayed with nuance and intensity by Yvan Attal. Belvaux's direction maintains an elegant, modern aesthetic while steering clear of genre predictability and cliches. The film's pacing is deliberate, heightening the tension and keeping viewers engaged throughout its duration.

The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release is visually impressive, though not flawless. Picture quality is largely sharp and vivid, but there are minor imperfections such as occasional dirt and slightly flawed contrast and black levels. Nonetheless, these issues do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The audio track is generally flat, yet the expertly mixed score compensates, reinforcing the atmospheric tension crucial to the film's impact.

In summary, "Rapt" is a highly recommended addition to any film enthusiast's collection, particularly for those who appreciate sophisticated and innovative storytelling within the thriller genre. Despite minor technical shortcomings in the Blu-ray release, the overall quality is commendable and enhances the viewing experience. This release also stands out as the only English-friendly option available, making it an essential acquisition for international audiences captivated by Belvaux's unique vision and Attal's captivating performance.