The Assault Blu-ray Review

The Assault, directed by Julien Leclercq, is presented on Blu-ray by Studio Canal with a 1080p AVC encode in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The film employs a significant amount of handheld, shaky-cam imagery reminiscent of Paul Greengrass and Tony Scott styles, imparting a gritty and visceral feel. This stylistic choice effectively conveys tension, though it can appear jarring on larger displays. The color palette is intentionally desaturated with cold, bluish hues, giving the film a stark, raw aesthetic. The skin tones appear understandably washed out, and heavy contrast sometimes reduces image depth, accompanied by noticeable but contextually relevant grain.

Detail remains commendable across a range of scenes, from close-ups to broader panoramic shots. The clarity holds up well even during nighttime sequences, maintaining strong visibility. Color reproduction is consistently good, dominated by cold grays, blues, and blacks, which enhances the film's raw atmosphere. While shadow detail could be more pronounced, the overall fine object detail is well-resolved without any edge enhancement artifacts.

Despite some minor contrast fluctuations and an interlaced transfer which might not be preferable to progressive transfers used in other Blu-ray releases, the presentation largely avoids motion-judder. No evidence of post-production tampering ensures the visual integrity of the director’s vision. This Region B locked Blu-ray offers a solid visual experience in line with the grim tone of The Assault, though a progressive transfer might have elevated it further.

The audio presentation of "The Assault" Blu-ray is nothing short of exceptional, delivering an intricate soundscape that significantly boosts the film's immersive experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out with its intuitive and clever use of the full surround array, producing an authentic and well-designed auditory experience that never feels gratuitous. Dialogue is consistently crisp, clear, and stable, ensuring viewers can easily follow the narrative without any strain. The meticulous attention to high-frequency representation and detail rather than sheer volume showcases a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in contemporary sound design.

The sound design and mixing are particularly noteworthy, elevating the film by enhancing the tension and realism of key scenes. The masterful use of foley effects and soundscapes, such as Thierry's firing range scene where the perspective shifts to his auditory experience, showcases an innovative approach to auditory storytelling. Gunfire crackles with a sense of realism, and explosions are rendered with thudding authenticity, all without overwhelming the listener. The music score, particularly the intense cello staccato, adds a layer of foreboding that significantly enhances the cinematic impact.

Special mention must be made of the stunning audio execution during action-packed sequences. Scenes where the GIGN raid the plane feature aggressive sound effects that test the capabilities of any audio system while remaining exceptionally crisp and thick. The intelligent use of surround channels places the viewer in the midst of the action, heightening the dramatic intensity. This audio presentation sets a benchmark in conveying the emotional depth and visceral impact required by such a gripping storyline, making "The Assault" a must-watch for fans who appreciate top-tier sound design and mixing in their cinematic experiences.

The extras section for the Blu-ray of "The Assault" is notably sparse, limited to just a single theatrical trailer. This lack of supplemental material is quite disappointing, particularly for enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes insights or additional content that could enhance their viewing experience. The included trailer is the original French trailer, offering a brief glimpse into the film's tonality and style, presented in French and Arabic with imposed English subtitles. Unfortunately, this minimal offering does not substantially enrich the overall Blu-ray package and barely merits acknowledgment as an extra feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original French trailer for "The Assault," in French and Arabic with imposed English subtitles.

"The Assault" is a gripping thriller directed by French filmmaker Julien Leclercq, depicting the harrowing events of the 1994 Air France hijacking in Algeria. Leclercq constructs the narrative with a focus on realism and intensity, steering clear of an overly political angle. The film's pace is consistently high, immersing the viewer in a pressure-cooker environment as it builds suspense through its portrayal of the hijacking and subsequent assault by the French SWAT team, GIGN. This approach produces a visceral, edge-of-your-seat experience, heightened by Thierry Pouget's cinematography which utilizes dynamic camera work to convey the chaos and urgency during the assault scenes.

From a technical standpoint, "The Assault" excels with its stylistic direction akin to Paul Greengrass, making use of innovative sound design that remains true to real-life events. The high-tempo narrative rarely relents, delivering a raw, realistic portrayal of the crisis that eschews melodrama for an authentic documentary-like feel. This is further emphasized through the film’s dialogue and character interactions, which are free from unnecessary jargon and extraneous melodramatic elements, ensuring each sequence remains purposeful and tightly constructed.

Performances across the board are powerful and convincing. Vincent Elbaz shines as Thierry P., a GIGN leader struggling with the emotional toll of his demanding role, and Aymen Saïdi is equally compelling as the menacing leader of the hijackers. The atmospheric tension is palpable from the moment the terrorists seize control of the plane until the intense climax during the final raid. Although some viewers might find the relentless pace overwhelming, this approach serves to keep the audience deeply engaged and maintains the film’s gripping realism. Overall, "The Assault" is an intense cinematic experience that stands out for its raw depiction of true events, stellar performances, and technical prowess.

I appreciated this film immensely. It is gritty, intense, and maintains a taut narrative throughout. The pacing is swift and, at times, can seem a bit rushed, but this serves to amplify the film's relentless energy. The assault sequences are particularly compelling, capturing the harrowing reality of the events with stark authenticity. Studio Canal's presentation, despite employing an interlaced transfer, delivers a visually pleasing experience with good detail and minimal artifacts. Notably, this release is the only English-friendly version available, making it a valuable option for non-French-speaking viewers.

Audio performance is robust, with a well-balanced mix that ensures dialogue remains clear amidst the action-packed sequences. The sound design complements the visual intensity, enhancing the overall immersive experience. However, viewers should be aware that this edition is Region-B locked, which may present compatibility issues for those in Region-A territories without region-free playback capability.

In conclusion, "The Assault" stands out as a gripping and intense viewing experience. Its technical presentation from Studio Canal is commendable, especially given the use of an interlaced transfer. Potential viewers in Region-A will need to consider the regional lock, but the quality of the film and its delivery makes this Blu Ray highly recommended.