47 Ronin Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "47 Ronin" impresses with its 1080p/AVC-encoded video quality, maintaining a consistent 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Colors, while vibrant, especially in the costuming and lighting, are somewhat muted considering the film's potential for dynamic color separation. Skintones appear natural, and black levels are rich and deep, effectively avoiding crush. The clarity and detail brought forth in both practical and CG elements are commendable, with finely tuned textures visible in clothing, facial features, sets, and make-up.

Despite a handful of optically soft shots, the image remains clean and crisp overall, free from aliasing, ringing, artifacting, or banding issues. There is no detracting from the remarkable sharpness and edge definition which add to the visual splendor. The cinematography, under John Mathieson’s direction, utilizes a natural, earthy palette that aligns well with the film's tone. However, some CG sequences exhibit minor anomalies, attributed more to source material than encoding issues.

In terms of technical specifics, the encoding's resolution of 1080p ensures grain is nicely preserved without introducing noise or artifacts. Contrast levels remain steady without appearing boosted, contributing to a well-balanced image throughout. While the Blu-ray eschews an overly dynamic approach to color grading, the depth of the image is significant, providing a considerable "pop" that underscores the film’s visual strength. Overall, this Blu-ray offers a technically proficient and engaging video presentation, making "47 Ronin" a visually arresting experience.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "47 Ronin" delivers an exceptional auditory experience. Dialogue reproduction is consistently clear and intelligible, even in scenes featuring the softest whispers. The mix ensures that voices remain distinct amidst the film's robust action sequences and dynamic score. The LFE output is assertive, providing deep bass that enhances key moments, from explosive battles to the subtle rumbling of approaching threats. Surround sound presentation impresses, with rear speakers actively contributing to an immersive soundfield filled with environmental effects like flying arrows, distant clashing swords, and the natural ambiance of varying landscapes. The directionality is precise, with smooth pans and transitions that maintain the viewer's engagement throughout.

The dynamic range of the audio track is remarkable, effectively balancing serene, reflective moments with intense action scenes. Composer Ilan Eshkeri’s score is profoundly impactful, achieving an epic stature both in composition and mixing, complementing the film’s grand narrative. The samurai hunting sequence sets a high bar early on with sharp effects mixing that captures bird chirps and horse movements distinctly. The track’s ability to immerse viewers is further demonstrated by sequences where muffled rainfall envelops the room, with audible differentiation based on whether rain strikes hard surfaces or soft foliage.

Overall, "47 Ronin" excels in its audio presentation. The lossless track's attention to detail—whether it's capturing the screams of fallen warriors, creating the vastness of a cavern, or rendering the precise sound of raindrops—enriches the cinematic experience significantly. The subwoofer channel’s low-end rumbles contribute to a palpable sense of presence during action sequences, making the audience feel as if they are part of the unfolding drama. This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out as a technical and artistic triumph, elevating "47 Ronin" into an engaging sensory spectacle.

The extras on the "47 Ronin" Blu-ray provide a mixed bag of additional content that, while informative, falls short in depth and scope. The collection includes deleted scenes that, while interesting, do not significantly enhance the story or character arcs. The featurettes are brief but offer some insight into different facets of the film's production, from Keanu Reeves' performance to the staging of elaborate fight sequences and the creation of mythical creatures. While these segments are engaging and technically detailed, they could benefit from more comprehensive exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes that add minor context but no significant story development.
• Re-Forging the Legend: An overview of blending historical narrative with fantasy elements.
• Keanu & Kai: Keanu Reeves discusses his character and performance.
• Steel Fury: Focuses on the film's action choreography and iconic fight scenes.
• Myths, Magic & Monsters: Insights on the film's visual effects and creature designs.

"47 Ronin" is a visually enticing, yet deeply flawed cinematic endeavor that grapples with maintaining a cohesive narrative. Director Carl Rinsch, in his first feature film, ambitiously blends hyperstylized period drama with a CGI-heavy action fantasy – but the result is a painstakingly disjointed experience. Commissioned with an extravagant budget of $170 million, the film encountered numerous production issues, resulting in substantial delays and a critically panned release. The story follows Kai (Keanu Reeves), a half-breed samurai, who aids Lord Asano's (Min Tanaka) loyal ronin in avenging their master's coerced seppuku by the treacherous Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) and a malevolent witch (Rinko Kikuchi). The film draws from action-fantasy anime inspirations but disappoints in execution, squandering multiple dramatic beats and pivotal action sequences under the weight of lackluster special effects and poor internal logic.

Despite its shortcomings, "47 Ronin" demonstrates moments of potential—particularly in its visual grandeur and certain well-crafted scenes. The cast's performances, particularly those of Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, and Rinko Kikuchi, are commendable, with Reeves delivering a notably soulful portrayal of Kai. However, the narrative feels truncated due to alleged cuts from a three-hour original version, leading to a loss of character depth and an erratic pacing that cripples audience engagement. Lavish sets are underutilized, and the film's overly complex screenplay struggles to balance its fantastical elements with its feudal reality, leaving substantial plot points and characters ineffectively developed.

In conclusion, "47 Ronin" presents itself as a grandiose spectacle with significant latent potential but falters due to its erratic storytelling and inconsistent execution. While the film might serve as an engaging time-waster for some, those seeking a cohesive samurai epic may find the experience unsatisfactorily shallow. The Blu-ray release further highlights the film's visual splendor but offers little to resolve its narrative deficiencies.

"47 Ronin" delivers a mixed cinematic experience that, despite several glaring flaws, manages to offer some level of entertainment. The film's fantasy elements, combined with a compelling true story and a strong cast, promise an engaging ride but ultimately fall short due to poor editing and a truncated runtime tailored for theaters rather than storytelling depth. Despite these drawbacks, the film isn't devoid of merit; its stylistic elements and performances retain enough intrigue to warrant at least a rental viewing. Indeed, Universal’s Blu-ray release excels in audiovisual quality, showcasing a sharp video presentation and immersive audio track.

While the film has been criticized for not living up to its thematic and emotional potential, it is far from the disaster some might expect. The behind-the-scenes controversies have undoubtedly colored public perception, but if approached without preconceived notions, "47 Ronin" can be quite enjoyable. The mixture of samurai culture and fantasy elements provides a unique appeal, reminiscent of "Lord of the Rings." Although the supplementary content on the Blu-ray is minimal and somewhat disappointing, it includes a few Blu-ray exclusive features that are a nice touch.

In conclusion, "47 Ronin" is a flawed yet entertaining film that may not be worth purchasing but certainly merits a rental for those curious about its extravagant visuals and sound. While the movie itself has glaring defects and misses several opportunities, the exceptional AV presentation on Blu-ray enhances the viewing experience significantly. With its strong cast and striking stylistic choices, "47 Ronin" offers enough to satisfy viewers seeking a mix of fantasy and samurai action in high definition.