Standard Operating Procedure Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Standard Operating Procedure" in its original 2.40:1 aspect ratio with MPEG-4/AVC encoding at 1080p quality offers a visual experience that encompasses both the compelling and the flawed aspects typical of high-definition documentaries. The video quality, while not perfect, demonstrates a commendable level of detail in the main interview segments, where the texture of fabrics and facial details are discernible, albeit occasionally presenting a slightly unnatural waxy appearance. The color palette is criticized for being overly saturated in places, yet this seems to be a deliberate choice to enhance the emotional impact of the content, particularly in the reenactment scenes directed with artistic flair reminiscent of previous works by Richardson. Black levels and contrast are managed well, contributing to the overall depth of the visuals, despite the occasional saturation and minor artifacting issues in specific instances.

Reconstructed scenes and the documentarian approach to interviews and evidence presentation generally make for a visually consistent narrative, with occasional lapses into graininess and over-saturation intended to reflect the director's stylistic intents. As far as technical performance goes, the encoding is solid; notable is the absence of common issues such as noise, banding, or edge enhancement. The strikingly cold, blue tones against the more vivid colors of prison jumpsuits contrast effectively with Morris' stylized choices, though some viewers may find the intention behind these color trends and the grainy texture of flashback sequences to be a matter of taste.

From a technical standpoint, Sony's handling of "Standard Operating Procedure" on Blu-ray demonstrates an exceptional effort in presenting documentaries. With crisply rendered detail, commendable black levels, and accurate skintones despite a few minor complaints like artifacting in specific shots, the video quality significantly enhances the storytelling experience. The transfer avoids common pitfalls such as DNR or edge enhancement, preserving the documentary's textural integrity. It stands out as one of the superior high-definition documentary presentations available, offering a visually impactful accompaniment to its weighty subject matter without compromising on technical excellence, barring minor defects that only become apparent on larger displays.

The audio presentation of "Standard Operating Procedure" on Blu-ray offers an articulate and immersive experience primarily through its English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, with the same quality replicated in Spanish and Italian, although French speakers are limited to a standard 5.1 mix. The primary focus of the audio track is on delivering crystal clear dialogue, which it succeeds at by solidly anchoring voices in the center channel. Initial volume levels may seem slightly subdued, necessitating a slight adjustment on the amplifier to achieve optimal listening conditions. The narrative is further enhanced by Danny Elfman's intricate score, which not only adds depth to the audio presentation but occasionally introduces a subtle ambiance by leveraging the rear channels, particularly noticeable in scenes involving Foley effects for enhanced atmosphere.

Despite being a documentary, the audio track surprises with its dynamic range and effective use of the Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, which is notably pronounced in segments underscored by Elfman's music, adding an unexpected depth to the auditory experience. The soundscape embraces an unexpectedly robust character, especially during the reenactments and flashback sequences where the mix showcases a commendable layering of sounds—from the chilling echoes of guard dogs to the intense moments of exploding helicopters. These elements contribute to an engaging auditory backdrop that transitions smoothly across the soundstage, showcasing an articulate balance between dialogue clarity, musical accompaniment, and atmospheric sound effects.

Overall, "Standard Operating Procedure" sports a proficiently mixed TrueHD 5.1 audio track that transcends typical documentary presentation norms, characterized by its meticulous attention to vocal clarity, atmospheric depth, and a particularly notable musical score by Danny Elfman. The audio mix does not merely serve as a backdrop but elevates the storytelling, ensuring that the documentary's impactful narrative is felt as much as it is seen. Despite occasional reliance on the front channels, the track's dynamic range and sophisticated use of ambient sounds and LFE augment the visual experience significantly, thereby setting a high standard for documentary audio presentations.

The Blu-ray extras of "Standard Operating Procedure" offer an extensive deep dive beyond the main feature, catering especially to viewers with a vested interest in the nuances and behind-the-scenes details of the film's production and the broader implications of the subject matter. The collection is led by Errol Morris's thorough commentary, providing personal insights and additional context to the documentary's content and making it a must-listen for enthusiasts looking for deeper understanding. The inclusion of a Premier Q&A, a press conference, and a panel discussion titled "Diplomacy in the Age of Terror" further enriches this offering, presenting varied perspectives on the moral complexities and procedural intricacies depicted in the film. Additional scenes and extended interviews offer more content but might appeal more to those with a specific interest in the documentary's subjects. The overall package is marred only by the standard definition presentation of the supplements, which might detract from the viewing experience for those accustomed to high-definition clarity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary With Director Errol Morris: Offers personal insights and detailed context.
• Premiere Q&A With Director Errol Morris: A session addressing the challenges faced during film completion.
• Press Conference With Errol Morris and Julie Ahlberg: Discusses themes, development, and opinions on Abu Ghraib.
• Diplomacy in the Age of Terror: Panel discussion on global ramifications of changing war tactics.
• Additional Scenes: A collection of nine scenes not included in the main feature.
• Extended Interviews: More in-depth interviews offering further perspective on Abu Ghraib.
• Original Trailer: The film's promotional trailer.
• BD Previews: Additional previews including "Redbelt," "Felon," "The Counterfeiters," and "Persepolis."
• BD-Live: Online content including trailers and previews, though limited in scope.

"Standard Operating Procedure," directed by the seasoned Errol Morris, delves into the dark corridors of human nature and morality through the lens of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. The documentary, poignant in its subject matter, utilizes interviews, photographs, and reenactments to provide a stark examination of the abuses that occurred. It's undeniable that the film is challenging to watch; the graphical depiction of torture and humiliation, documented through thousands of photos, confronts the audience with the grim realities of what transpired at Abu Ghraib between October and December 2003. These visuals serve not just as evidence but as a basis for a broader contemplation on morality, power, and human rights abuses.

Morris's approach to the documentary is neither accusatory nor sparing; he presents a platform for those involved to articulate their accounts and justifications for their actions. Through in-depth interviews with military personnel directly involved in the scandal and experts on the investigation, Morris does not shy away from the tough questions. He probes into the motivations behind the documented abuses and questions the systemic failures that allowed such acts to occur. This approach lends a nuanced layer to the narrative, steering clear of binary judgments and instead laying bare the complexities of individual and collective morality in extreme circumstances.

However, despite its strengths in addressing such a critical topic, the film has its limitations. Morris’s inability to secure interviews with two key soldiers involved in the scandal and a lack of focus on the victims' perspectives mark notable gaps. Additionally, for viewers new to the details of Abu Ghraib, there might be initial confusion regarding the identities and roles of those featured. Yet, these shortcomings do little to detract from the film’s overall impact. "Standard Operating Procedure" emerges as a profound inquiry into the darkest aspects of human behavior, provoking reflection on accountability, ethics, and the cost of silence in the face of injustice.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Standard Operating Procedure" exhibits an understated yet adequate technical performance, consistent with the nature of the documentary content it conveys. While the video and audio quality may not dazzle with cutting-edge clarity or immersive multi-channel soundscapes, they remain sufficiently competent for presenting the film's earnest exploration of complex and uncomfortable truths. The array of playback equipment tested, including the likes of the JVC DLA-RS1x 1080p High Definition Front Projector and various high-definition players such as the Oppo 970HD and Sony PlayStation 3, underscores the Blu-ray's compatibility and decent performance across a broad spectrum of home theater configurations. Despite this adequacy, the allure of the documentary may not compel every viewer towards ownership, poised more as a poignant rental for those intrigued by its challenging themes rather than a staple addition to personal collections.

Errol Morris's "Standard Operating Procedure" is illuminated on Blu-ray with a thoughtfully curated technical and supplemental package that elevates the documentary experience. Sporting a pristine video transfer and robust TrueHD audio track, the Blu-ray edition is further enriched by six hours of diverse supplemental content, showcasing Sony's commitment to delivering a comprehensive viewing experience. This attentiveness to both content and quality signifies an admirable effort to provide an engaging platform for Morris's investigative storytelling, appealing to audiences committed to understanding the darker facets of human behavior through high-definition documentation.

In conclusion, while "Standard Operating Procedure" on Blu-ray may not appeal universally, its solid technical execution and extensive supplementary materials make it a valuable rental for viewers drawn to introspective, well-documented explorations of historical and ethical dilemmas. The presentation effectively supports Morris's balanced approach to controversial subject matter, offering an opportunity for audience engagement without advocating for outright purchase. For those fascinated by the psychological and moral questions surrounding the events at Abu Ghraib, this Blu-ray edition represents a thoughtful means to access and ponder the unsettling realities explored in the documentary.