Felon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Felon" is delivered in 1080p using the MPEG-4 codec, and the aspect ratio is 1.85:1, which diverges from its original theatrical ratio of 2.35:1. This narrower framing feels appropriate given the film's predominantly claustrophobic setting within prison walls. The transfer showcases remarkable facial details, especially in close-ups where pores and textures are strikingly detailed. Although the movie is inherently grainy, the transfer stays true to the gritty, documentary-like style of the film, maintaining clean prints free of blemishes. Muted colors complement the somber tone, with the stark, cold interiors and bleak yard areas further enhancing the oppressive atmosphere. Highlights like the distinct jump suits worn by inmates stand out in sharp relief against the drab background.

Despite this accurate representation, some aspects are less optimal. Brightness levels occasionally exhibit a distracting buildup of edge enhancement, and whites occasionally appear overblown. Black levels and shadow details generally hold up well, even if some scenes experience minor crushing or noise. While daytime exterior shots are notably clearer, several scenes can look soft and lackluster, resulting in reduced depth and dimensionality. Scenes featuring rapid action benefit from solid contrast and stable color borders, avoiding smearing during fight sequences. However, there is a noticeable synthetic quality that might not satisfy all viewers, especially those highly sensitive to grain structure disruptions. Overall, "Felon's" Blu-ray presentation captures the film's essence and aesthetic tones faithfully, albeit with some imperfections that might divide opinion among videophiles.

The Blu-ray release of "Felon" features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, which provides an adequate though not exceptional audio experience. The sound layout focuses predominantly on the front channels with left, right, and center speakers handling the bulk of the audio, including dialogue and primary sound effects. Dialogue clarity generally remains consistent, though there were instances where Val Kilmer's lines were challenging to decipher due to his gruff vocal delivery. While the track competently reproduces the film score with a reasonable tonal range and adds a certain dramatic flair to the viewing experience, its overall breadth and dynamism are somewhat limited.

Surround activity primarily serves to deliver ambient noise from the prison environment, with discrete sounds sparsely employed. Specific sequences, such as a harrowing prison riot in chapter three, stand out due to their immersive nature and effective use of all channels. Low-frequency effects (LFE) contribute appreciably to the impact of the film, especially in scenes involving gunshots or the rumbling of heavy prison doors, which result in palpable, deep bass responses. However, the LFE channel’s excess vocal support occasionally muddies dialogue clarity.

Overall, while "Felon's" Dolby TrueHD audio track is functional and offers respectable support for the film's tense atmosphere, it falls short of the premium audio experiences found in higher-budget productions. Fans of the film will likely find it satisfactory but should temper their expectations given its relatively narrow soundstage and modest surround utilization.

The Blu-ray release of "Felon" includes a modest collection of extras centered around a singular featurette. "The Shark Tank: An Inside Look at Felon" is a 13-minute piece where Director Ric Roman Waugh elaborates on his motivations, the extensive research and writing process, and the authenticity he aimed to achieve. The segment covers shooting locations, cast selections, and budget constraints, providing a glimpse behind the scenes. However, it remains somewhat promotional in nature, falling short of being a comprehensive making-of documentary. Additionally, the disc offers trailers for various movies and BD-Live functionality, although connectivity issues have been noted.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Shark Tank: An Inside Look at Felon: Director Ric Roman Waugh discusses the film's conception, authenticity efforts, and production challenges.
• Various Trailers: Includes trailers for "We Own the Night," "Starship Troopers 3: Marauder," "The Fall," "Resident Evil: Degeneration," "88 Minutes," "Prom Night," "Vantage Point," "Money Train," and "S.W.A.T."
• BD-Live Functionality: Additional online content, though often reported as inaccessible.

Ric Roman Waugh’s Felon offers an intense look at prison life, centering around Wade Porter (Stephen Dorff), a family man sentenced to three years following a fatal confrontation with a burglar. Co-starring Val Kilmer as Porter’s cellmate, a philosophical mass murderer named John Smith, and Harold Perrineau as the sadistic Lt. Jackson, the film delves into the corrupt and brutal environment of a maximum-security penitentiary. The narrative highlights the racially charged encounters and orchestrated violence within the prison, contrasting the seemingly indomitable will of some prisoners against the abuse of power by guards.

The film’s direction is heavily influenced by Waugh’s background as a stuntman, employing vigorous handheld camera work reminiscent of classics like Saving Private Ryan. This technique immerses viewers directly into the penal action, elevating tension and fostering a visceral connection to the characters’ plights. Despite its stereotypical elements and some contrived plot points, such as the improbably unlucky events leading to Porter’s more severe sentencing, Felon effectively portrays the dehumanizing aspects of incarceration.

While Kilmer and Dorff deliver commendable performances that add depth to their roles, the supporting characters and subplots don’t fare as well. The focus on Porter’s wife and her strained relationship with her mother feels underdeveloped and slightly misplaced. Additionally, Lt. Jackson’s character, despite Perrineau’s solid portrayal, is sketched rather shallowly, especially given his significant role within the prison hierarchy. Nonetheless, Felon remains compelling by striking fear and empathy into its audience, portraying the prison as a microcosm of moral ambiguity where the line between right and wrong blurs dangerously.

"Felon" presents itself as an intense prison drama that explores themes of survival and justice, carried by solid performances from Stephen Dorff and Val Kilmer. However, the film's impact is marred by a predictable script and an array of clichés that compromise its authenticity. The narrative, while engaging, doesn't break new ground for the genre, making it a competent but unremarkable addition to prison-themed films.

On Blu-ray, "Felon" offers a decent visual and audio experience. The video is characteristically grainy, aligning well with the gritty ambiance of the film. The TrueHD audio track delivers a suitably immersive soundscape, accentuating the tense atmosphere effectively. Despite these technical merits, the Blu-ray release is hindered by a lack of substantial supplemental materials, providing little incentive for collectors or repeat viewers.

In conclusion, while "Felon" has some merit as a rental for those interested in prison dramas, its shortcomings in both script originality and Blu-ray features render it a less compelling purchase. The performances elevate the material, but ultimately, it lacks the depth and replay value to warrant a spot in a permanent collection.