Dark Crimes Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dark Crimes" by Lionsgate Films showcases the film in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The digital capture, likely finished at a 2K DI, results in a video presentation that emphasizes a generally desaturated palette dominated by steely grays and muted browns, contributing to the film's somber aesthetic. Cinematographer Michal Englert's work, while technically proficient, leans heavily on drab and dour production design elements. Most scenes are set in dark, shadowy environments with lighting predominantly from single source bright lights, either overhead lamps or windows, creating an intentionally grim atmosphere. Notably, close-ups retain good levels of fine detail despite the overall softness of the image due to pushed highlights resulting in glowing auras around characters.

The transfer maintains fine details consistently, highlighting the oppressive and monochromatic set designs. Black levels are commendably deep, with excellent shadow delineation, ensuring contrast is managed effectively without artificial enhancement. However, the film’s aesthetic remains flat and subdued, with very few vivid colors or primary hues appearing. While daylight sequences provide occasional visual relief with genuine color pop, these moments are rare. Despite having no noticeable artifacts or compression issues, the overall visual experience lacks vibrancy and depth. The presentation is technically sound but ultimately conveys the austere tone of the movie, aligning with its dark and foreboding narrative.

“Dark Crimes” presents a nuanced DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that aligns well with the film’s introspective and often subdued nature. This mix emphasizes subtle sound effects, such as footsteps on concrete, the opening and closing of desks, and the rustle of paper, enhancing the quiet tension of the narrative. While the film’s moments of surround activity are limited, selectively emerging in parts like the sex club montage and the echoing hallways of police headquarters, the clarity and fidelity of the audio are commendable. The dialogue, particularly during the intense exchanges between Carrey and Csokas, and later with Gainsbourg, is rendered with impressive clarity, ensuring every nuanced conversation is comprehensible.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix offers strong spatial dimensions and atmosphere, particularly in instances where minimalistic yet unsettling sound design elements are leveraged to significant effect. The audio track’s capacity to delineate between confined and expansive settings adds a layer of immersion without overwhelming the listener. While subtitling may be necessary for some heavily accented performances by Polish actors, the overall sound mix ensures that essential audio cues and dialogue remain accessible and impactful, contributing effectively to the film's brooding ambiance.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Dark Crimes" provide a valuable look inside the film's production, despite the limited features. The main extra, "The Making of Dark Crimes," functions largely as an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) but benefits from ample behind-the-scenes footage and brief interviews with the cast and crew, although notably missing is Jim Carrey's perspective. Given the film's delayed U.S. release after its initial European debut in 2016, expectations for the bonus content were not high, yet the included feature does offer worthwhile insights into the production process.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Dark Crimes: Informative EPK with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, except Jim Carrey.

"Dark Crimes" is an intriguing yet flawed experiment in neo-noir featuring Jim Carrey, who admirably steps out of his comedic comfort zone to portray Polish detective Tadek. The film, inspired by a true-crime article from The New Yorker, is driven by a plot involving a cold case turned hot when a novel eerily mirrors the crime Tadek investigates. Carrey delivers a quiet, intense performance, revealing his dramatic range, albeit hampered by a lack of character depth and motivational clarity. Marton Csokas as the menacing author Kozlow and Charlotte Gainsbourg as Kasia offer compelling support despite the somewhat formulaic narrative.

While the premise promised an engaging procedural thriller, the film suffers from a plodding pace and underdeveloped narrative strands. The stylistic choices, including numerous direct-to-camera monologues and atmospheric but extraneous footage, often feel pretentious rather than innovative. The screenplay misses out on key opportunities to delve into Tadek's motivations, leaving his actions seeming contrived and without emotional weight. Furthermore, the predictability of the mystery diminishes the suspense, rendering critical reveals anticlimactic.

Technically, the film's muted color palette and stark framing evoke the bleakness of its setting effectively. Carrey's restrained portrayal is commendable but would have benefited from more substantial writing to back up his evident dedication to the role. Despite a compelling setup and strong individual performances, "Dark Crimes" ultimately fails to maintain momentum or fully capitalize on its potential, resulting in an experience that feels both listless and incomplete.

"Dark Crimes" presents an intriguing premise, yet struggles to fully capitalize on its potential. Jeremy Brock's screenplay, adapted from David Gann's compelling source article, fails to fully engage the narrative’s darker themes without resorting to excessive and distracting stylistic choices. Director Alexandros Avranas paints a grim and unvarnished portrayal of depravity and moral decay, but the stark visuals and jarring depictions of misogynistic behavior can be uncomfortable for viewers. Despite these shortcomings, the film sporadically delivers moments of visceral intensity that fans of Jim Carrey’s dramatic roles might appreciate.

The technical merits of the Blu-ray release are commendable. The picture is filmed in stark tones, which effectively emphasize the disturbing atmosphere, though the transfer occasionally appears flat. The audio mix excels, offering clear and distinct dialogue, well-balanced sound effects, and music that enhances the viewing experience. However, the bonus features are minimal, with only a making-of featurette included along with a digital copy.

In conclusion, "Dark Crimes" offers a performance-driven exploration of grim subject matter, but its uneven narrative and stylistic distractions hinder its full potential. While not for the faint-hearted, fans of Jim Carrey's dramatic range may find value in his committed portrayal. Technical aspects of the Blu-ray are generally solid, making it a worthwhile option for those interested.