Point Blank Blu-ray Review

"Point Blank" receives a commendable Blu-ray video presentation, framed in its intended 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer. The film is shot on 35mm, retaining its original filmic texture with no noticeable DNR or edge enhancement issues. The result is an intentionally gritty look, highlighted by a chunky grain pattern that persists even under bright conditions. Fine details are impressively rendered, making the creases on actors' faces and intricate costume details distinctly visible.

However, the transfer does present some inconsistencies that might slightly impact viewers' experience. While the color palette is purposely desaturated to emphasize the movie's stark intensity, offering dense and stable tones, black levels fluctuate; they are typically rich but occasionally shift to a milky gray, especially in darker sequences. Shadow details can be lost, engulfing finer elements in dimly lit scenes. Minor technical imperfections such as brief instances of moiré and slight noise increase in dark sequences are present but not overly distracting. Despite these minor issues, "Point Blank" remains a visually satisfying experience for high-definition enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Point Blank" offers two primary audio options: the original French mix and an English dub, both delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. While the English dub suffices for those averse to subtitles, the French track delivers a richer experience, staying true to the film's visceral impact. The multi-channel mix adeptly handles the non-stop action, creating an immersive soundscape. Environmental sounds, such as the bustling streets of Paris, the clamor of subway stations, and the chaos within the police station are rendered with precision. The surround speakers effectively enhance the more aggressive sequences like shootouts, supported by robust bass and crystal-clear highs. The score, though typical for an action movie, has ample depth and presence, ensuring that it complements the film without overpowering dialogue, which remains clear even during hectic moments.

Klaus Badelt's score significantly enhances the audio experience with its engaging and well-dispersed clarity across the soundstage, seamlessly integrating into the back speakers. While some ambient sounds also utilize the rear speakers, they are not overwhelmingly convincing but are present enough to maintain a sense of immersion. Most of the action is concentrated in the front channels, where dynamic range is executed with impressive precision, offering a wide and welcoming sound image. High-frequency activities are detailed and penetrate the room well, while bass responses are sufficiently low and impactful, adding heft to action scenes and gunfire. Vocals are carefully prioritized, ensuring intelligibility amidst the cacophony. The disc also provides optional English, English SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf or Hard-of-hearing), and Spanish subtitles, with a choice of subtitling text and titles only, enhancing accessibility for diverse audiences.

This mix combines effective atmospheric details with a crisp and dynamic front-driven performance, making "Point Blank" an audibly engaging experience on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Point Blank" offers a focused yet impactful collection of extras that will appeal to enthusiasts of the film as well as cinephiles. Highlighted by a substantial behind-the-scenes documentary, the supplementary material provides in-depth insights into the production, including extensive interviews with cast and crew, coupled with engaging behind-the-scenes footage. However, it carries significant spoilers, making it essential to watch only after the main feature. The inclusion of trailers rounds out the extras, offering previews for "Point Blank" and other titles in Magnolia's catalog.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes Documentary: A 50-minute making-of documentary featuring extensive cast and crew interviews and lots of behind-the-scenes footage.
• Point Blank Trailer: Official trailer for the film.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Previews from Magnolia's catalog.

"Point Blank," a relentless French thriller directed by Fred Cavayé, epitomizes edge-of-your-seat cinema. The film opens with explosive momentum as Hugo Sartet (Roschdy Zem), a wounded gangster, narrowly escapes assassination only to end up hospitalized. Here, nurse Samuel Pierret (Gilles Lellouche) becomes an unwitting pawn in a high-stakes game when his pregnant wife Nadia (Elena Anaya) is kidnapped. From this point, the narrative hurtles forward at breakneck speed, filled with dynamic chases and palpable tension. Cavayé, known for "Anything for Her," crafts a brisk 84-minute spectacle that mirrors "Bourne-esque" intensity, blending suspenseful interludes with kinetic action sequences throughout Paris.

Cavayé's direction masterfully maintains a relentless pace, yet allows brief moments for expository dialogue that deepen the storyline without dragging it down. Gilles Lellouche delivers a gripping performance as the everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, his raw panic and determination anchoring the film’s frenetic energy. Roschdy Zem complements him, portraying a hardened criminal with unexpected depth, crafting a dynamic that avoids the pitfalls of buddy comedy tropes. Gérard Lanvin, as Commander Werner, adds gravitas with his menacing presence, reminiscent of classic noir antagonists. Mireille Perrier’s role as Fabre introduces a nuanced layer of moral ambiguity amidst the chaos.

"Point Blank" excels in its genre trappings without overreaching into philosophical or artistic territory, providing pure, unadulterated thrill. While it may lack deeper substance found in classic French gangster films, it compensates with sheer adrenaline and stylistic flair. It’s an exhilarating ride that grips viewers from start to finish, leaving little room to breathe but ample opportunity for excitement. For those seeking a meticulously crafted action thriller, this film delivers with unwavering precision and intensity.

"Point Blank," which should not be confused with the 1968 movie of the same name, is an intensely fast-paced crime thriller that delivers high-octane action and several jaw-dropping sequences of violence. While the film may lag in its dramatic depth and character development due to its relentless pacing, it excels as a pure action spectacle. Director Fred Cavayé's tight direction and Gilles Lellouche's compelling performance keep the tension high, making it a solid entry in the crime thriller genre.

The Blu-ray presentation offers a mixed bag; the picture quality is average, though certainly not poor. The audio quality, however, stands out as superior, enhancing the overall viewing experience with crisp and immersive sound design. Unfortunately, the supplementary features on this release are limited, providing little additional value for die-hard fans or collectors.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an action-packed and suspenseful crime thriller outside the Hollywood mainstream, "Point Blank" on Blu-ray is worth checking out. Despite lacking robust special features and offering only middling video quality, it is recommended for its engaging narrative and visceral action sequences.