Priest Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Priest" on Blu-ray is a testament to Sony's expertise in high-definition transfers. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.40:1) excels in capturing both the dreary nighttime cityscapes and the bright, arid Western deserts with remarkable fidelity. While there is a slight crush in the blackest scenes, most dark shots feature natural balance and inky blacks that enhance the film's atmospheric gloom. The steely-blue tint and washed-out color palette create a lifeless terrain, yet primary colors, particularly reds, remain well-saturated and distinct. Fine detail is noticeably superior in brighter scenes, with lifelike textures on landscapes, wooden structures, and facial close-ups revealing impressive clarity and realism.

The transfer maintains a film-like texture due to a slight layer of grain that defines the image beautifully. Exceptional detail is apparent in the clothing of priests, the architecture of vampire hives, and the interiors of various set pieces, such as Black Hat's train car. Facial complexions are notably realistic, conveying the arid climate's effect on the characters' skin. While black levels are generally profound and intense, they can be slightly exaggerated, occasionally obscuring background details during sequences inside vampire lairs. Minor banding and posterization are present but do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

In summary, "Priest" delivers an engaging visual treat on Blu-ray that aligns with the filmmaker's stylistic choices. Despite minimal drawbacks like slight crush and minor banding, the exceptional detail, balanced color grading, and deep black levels make for a satisfying and immersive high-definition experience.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Priest" features a dynamic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that underscores the film's intense energy and atmospheric settings. This track demonstrates excellent balance and clarity, with the music exhibiting well-defined highs, a robust midrange, and a naturally heavy low end that seamlessly integrates into the rear channels. The atmospherics, such as dripping water in darkened caves or gusty winds, beautifully immerse the listener, although some sounds can become overly localized and distractingly loud. This tendency is particularly pronounced during action sequences, where the intense soundfield can occasionally overshadow the dialogue.

Action scenes are a highlight of this soundtrack, showcasing splendid directional effects and full utilization of the soundstage, including an aggressive low end that gives gunshots and explosions a formidable presence. However, while the dynamic range maintains strong clarity without distortion, upper frequencies can be somewhat piercing at standard listening volumes. Dialogue is generally clear and centered but can struggle against the more overwhelming moments of the mix. Overall, the channel separation is well-executed, though directionality and movement can sometimes fail to fully convince.

In summary, while "Priest" delivers an energetic and technically proficient DTS-HD MA 5.1 track with superb immersive qualities, it occasionally falters in balancing intense action sounds with dialogue clarity. Despite these minor shortcomings, the soundtrack remains an immersive and impactful component of the viewing experience.

The Blu-Ray release of "Priest" includes a comprehensive collection of extras that are both informative and engaging. The Bullets and Crucifixes: Picture-in-Picture Experience stands out with its in-depth discussions featuring the cast and crew, examining the film’s origins, themes, character development, and special effects, supplemented by original artwork and raw behind-the-scenes clips. Audio Commentary offers additional insights from Director Scott Stewart, Writer Cory Goodman, and key actors, delivering a mix of serious analysis and lighter anecdotes. The Deleted & Extended Scenes provide previously unseen segments, though their value is debatable. The The Bloody Frontier: Creating the World of Priest explores the challenges and creativity involved in bringing the film’s unique setting to life. Finally, Tools of the Trade: The Weapons and Vehicles of Priest offers a detailed look at the film's critical props.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bullets and Crucifixes: Picture-in-Picture Experience: Cast and crew discuss various aspects of the film.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from the director, writer, and actors.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Additional scenes not included in the final cut.
• The Bloody Frontier: Creating the World of Priest: Behind-the-scenes look at production design.
• Tools of the Trade: The Weapons and Vehicles of Priest: Detailed look at the film's props.
• Twisted Metal Uncut Trailer: Promotional trailer for "Twisted Metal."
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.
• BD-Live: Online content access.
• MovieIQ: Live film information database.

"Priest" is a markedly stylish yet ultimately hollow piece of cinema. Directed by Scott Charles Stewart, who previously delivered the supernatural thriller "Legion," the movie attempts to weave a tapestry of a post-apocalyptic world dominated by a religious order waging war against vampires. Despite the premise's potential, "Priest" falters under unoriginal storytelling and derivative special effects. The narrative revolves around a once-celebrated Priest (Paul Bettany) who defies the Church to save his niece (Lily Collins) captured by vampires. Supported by a sheriff (Cam Gigandet), the plot is riddled with cliched dialogue and preposterous action scenes that leave an indelible mark of mediocrity.

Technically, "Priest" exhibits a commendable blend of genres, melding Religious Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction with elements of Western and Horror. The film’s visual prowess, captured by Don Burgess's cinematography, is both its strength and its downfall. Nighttime cityscapes recall "Blade Runner," and high-tech Western settings evoke "Serenity." Yet, this aesthetic is curiously lacking in creativity or originality, feeling more like a pastiche than homage. The film's superficiality is glaring, with its reliance on computer-generated imagery and elaborate stunts seemingly modeled after "The Matrix" and "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon," detracting rather than enhancing the overall experience.

Despite a polished veneer, "Priest" collapses under its own generic execution. The narrative and characters seem lifted from superior films, and the dialogue borders on parody, rendering scenes laughably bad. Generic CGI creatures and a rehashed plot only add to the banality. Bettany’s portrayal lacks depth, matched by Gigandet’s unconvincing performance. Meanwhile, Maggie Q's character adds little to the storyline. The film's attempt to inject suspense through religiously themed weaponry and Biblical references fails to resonate. Overall, "Priest" is a disjointed amalgamation of influences that fails to coalesce into compelling cinema.

"Priest" attempts to carve a niche within the sci-fi fantasy genre, but sadly falls short of any measure of originality. Directed by Scott Stewart, the film stars Paul Bettany in a re-imagining of John Ford's "The Searchers," but the premise is bogged down by a convoluted narrative and derivative elements from better-executed films. The dystopian alternate history populated by vampires and superhero priests fails to engage its audience, and the story's thematic aspirations fall flat. Despite these core weaknesses, the movie's technical execution reflects competence, preventing it from hitting the absolute nadir of big studio offerings.

From a technical standpoint, Sony's Blu-ray release of "Priest" excels with a high-quality visual and audio presentation that meets the typical expectations for modern releases. The video transfer is crisp, delivering sharp detail and robust color fidelity that enhance the film’s aesthetic, while the audio mix provides an immersive experience, enveloping viewers in its soundscape. Additionally, the Blu-ray comes packed with various extras that provide some entertainment value, catering primarily to hardcore fans of the film. These supplemental materials include behind-the-scenes features and interviews, which add a modest layer of depth but do little to elevate the overall appeal of the package.

In conclusion, while "Priest" avoids being a complete artistic disaster due to its competent technical aspects and effortful crew, its lack of originality and thematic depth renders it unmemorable. With an abundance of superior options available, even the Blu-ray's strong technical presentation and assorted extras fail to justify a purchase. Ultimately, "Priest" is best suited for a one-time rental rather than earning a spot in a permanent collection. Skip it unless you're keen on seeing every sci-fi vampire flick out there.