Those Who Wish Me Dead Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Those Who Wish Me Dead" delivers a respectable video presentation, considering its 2K digital intermediate from original captures at resolutions up to 5K using Arri Alexa Mini and Red Gemini cameras. While the absence of a 4K physical option might deter some, the 1080p transfer performs admirably under these constraints. The film's strength lies in its outdoor sequences, benefiting greatly from natural lighting; these scenes exhibit remarkable depth and texture, allowing details such as rocky terrains and dense forest foliage to shine through distinctly.

Color reproduction on this Blu-ray remains a highlight, with vivid yet tastefully restrained saturation that accurately reflects the film's natural and artificial elements. The controlled burns used to depict fire scenes contribute to an engaging visual experience, accentuated by bright color saturation and minimal artifacts. Although occasional CGI-heavy segments, like an early gas explosion, can be jarring, they are not indicative of the disc’s overall quality. It's worth noting that indoor scenes, particularly those with limited natural light, may experience some flattening, but they maintain adequate integrity in black levels and shadow detail without significant banding or crush.

Overall, "Those Who Wish Me Dead" on Blu-ray offers a commendable visual experience for viewers with its high-quality imaging for the format. It provides strong contrast, accurate colors, and exceptional detail in exterior shots. While opportunities for improvement in low-light sequences exist, the comprehensive package showcases the film's artistic vision effectively.

The audio presentation for the "Those Who Wish Me Dead" Blu-ray prominently features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound mix, which, though not Dolby Atmos, is commendably suited to deliver a theater-like experience within a home setting. Dialogue is delivered with clarity and precision, maintaining sharpness essential for immersion. This mix shines particularly through its robust handling of dynamic scenes, including intense firefighting, gunfire, explosive infernos, and dramatic car crashes. These elements come together to create an enveloping soundscape, enriching the atmosphere even when the film's narrative might fall short.

The audio design effectively utilizes ambient surround and atmospheric effects to construct a richly layered auditory environment. The low-frequency effects (LFE) contribute significantly, providing depth and weight to key moments without overwhelming the listener. From the active surrounds during action sequences to the balanced dynamic range that minimizes frequent volume adjustments, the mix conveys a polished sound that comfortably meets expectations for high-quality Blu-ray audio.

Additionally, this release offers optional subtitles, several foreign language dubs, and descriptive audio tracks. While it might not exploit the full potential of some advanced home theater systems, the DTS-HD Master Audio mix remains a reliable and engaging representation of the film's original 5.1 surround theatrical experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Those Who Wish Me Dead" offers a modest selection of extra features, primarily focused on a single "Making of" documentary. This approximately 14-minute behind-the-scenes feature provides insights into the adaptation of New Mexico into Montana and the use of practical effects to construct convincing settings, like a protected forest made from diseased and burnt trees. The feature includes commentary from director Taylor Sheridan, novel author Michael Koryta, and cast members including Angelina Jolie. While a bit heavy on director commendation, it remains an informative look into the film's complex production challenges. Notably, this Blu-ray lacks some supplemental content previously available on HBO Max, which might disappointment collectors expecting more robust offerings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Those Who Wish Me Dead: A 14-minute behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production challenges with insights from key contributors.

"Those Who Wish Me Dead" is directed by Taylor Sheridan and features Angelina Jolie as Hannah Faber, a smoke jumper haunted by her inability to save lives during a wildfire. Positioned in Montana's wilderness, Hannah crosses paths with a young boy, Connor, played by Finn Little, who harbors crucial, albeit vague, information after his father's assassination. The film attempts to weave a thriller narrative with action and drama, but the stitching appears frail. The plot centers on the hitmen, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen, who ignite a fire to trap Connor, but the story's assembly is often fragmented by illogical sequences and fortuitous scenarios. Although Jolie delivers a credible performance and the cast includes capable names like Jon Bernthal, the characters remain largely unconvincing. Their motivations are underexplored, reducing viewer engagement.

The film's pacing alternates awkwardly between sluggish exposition and frantic action, hindering narrative cohesion. Called out are substantial plot holes—primarily the unrevealed significance of the evidence Connor possesses—that render the film's main thrust as an ineffectual MacGuffin. This failure to expound on critical elements in the plot diminishes tension and leaves viewers with unresolved curiosity. Despite some visually compelling scenes that capitalize on the forest setting, these moments fall short of compensating for the overarching structural weaknesses.

Overall, "Those Who Wish Me Dead" struggles with aligning the thoughtfully composed elements into a seamless cinematic experience. The dialogue and character depth may have benefited from finer screenplay crafting, given Sheridan's known capacity for tighter narrative construction in previous works like "Wind River." For aficionados of the genre or fans of Jolie, moments of fleeting brilliance exist but sit amid a broader framework that feels unfinished and incoherent.

"Those Who Wish Me Dead," directed by Taylor Sheridan and based on a well-received novel, finds its cinematic adaptation struggling to fully capture audience engagement. The journey from page to screen exhibits challenges primarily in casting choices and pacing, leaving the character development somewhat shallow. Despite these setbacks, the film offers moments of intrigue, holding potential that occasionally shines through. The interaction between Angelina Jolie's character and that of young Connor provides an emotional centerpiece that adds depth, portraying Jolie in a role she navigates with adeptness.

On a technical front, the Blu-ray release impresses with its video and audio quality, delivering a crisp and immersive home viewing experience. However, Warner Bros.' decision to forgo a 4K option and limit bonus material might disappoint enthusiasts seeking an enriched home cinema package. The exception is a single featurette that provides some value. Despite these limitations, the Blu-ray edition allows the film’s strong technical aspects to be appreciated fully, enhancing overall engagement with the thriller elements.

In conclusion, "Those Who Wish Me Dead" offers enough to satisfy fans of the genre, with its accomplished Blu-ray presentation aiding in elevating the film's more engaging moments. While it doesn't firmly establish itself as a must-see thriller, and suffers from tonal inconsistencies, the film is not without merit. It strikes a balance that might appeal to those already intrigued by its premise or a fan of the main cast, particularly Jolie. Overall, this release is worth considering for casual viewers but may not fulfill the expectations of those seeking a top-tier adaptation or expansive supplementary material.