Small Town Crime Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Small Town Crime" on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films is commendable, encapsulating a range of scenic and thematic elements effectively. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1 maintains a meticulously preserved quality, capturing the film's essence excellently. The digital imagery, reportedly captured on the Sony CineAlta F55, reveals scenes of Utah's picturesque beauty, especially the Wasatch Range, even as it contrasts with the grittier characters and settings.

Colors are predominantly fresh and natural, with occasional deviations into sickly yellows during flashback sequences, which are intentionally stylized. Despite some dimly lit interior scenes, the detail remains consistently sharp, and brighter outdoor scenes display excellent fine detail levels. The cooler overall color palette suits the story's drab settings, while complexions remain lifelike and texturally accurate. Resolution is robust, particularly in close-ups and mid-level shots where subtle textural details in characters and surroundings come to life. Although the inherently softer elements result in smoother lines in wide-angle shots, this does not detract significantly from the overall quality.

Contrast levels are well-executed with stable, non-overdynamic blacks, ensuring clear visibility and an immersive viewing experience. Importantly, no video anomalies or compression artifacts were noticed, partly due to the ample real estate provided by BD-50 for both the film and the supplementary materials. The encoding is pristine, further enhancing the overall high-quality presentation of this Blu-ray edition.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack on "Small Town Crime" delivers an engaging and well-balanced auditory experience. Dialog is rendered with clarity and precision, ensuring that every line is easily comprehensible. The sound effects are dynamic, offering a full-bodied and satisfying auditory experience. While the film does not heavily rely on surround sound, it judiciously utilizes the entire soundstage to create the appropriate atmosphere and enhance low-frequency details when necessary. Low-frequency effects, in particular, underscore the sound effects and the film's music score effectively, contributing to an overall immersive experience.

The audio track is intermittently boisterous, drawing considerable energy and surround impact during scenes such as Mike screeching around town in his muscle car, where panning activity and surprising LFE add excitement. The climax of the film features an over-the-top exchange of gunfire, characterized by excellent channelization and bursts of sonic energy that heighten the intensity of the scene. Additionally, scenes set in clubs or bars benefit from well-placed ambient environmental effects and crowd sounds that enhance the realism. Overall, the mix does a commendable job of placing sounds accurately within the sound field’s acoustic environment, making for an impressive audio presentation that complements the on-screen action.

The Blu-ray of "Small Town Crime" offers a robust selection of extras that provide deeper insights and context, enhancing the viewing experience. The Deleted and Extended Scenes sections, each presented in high definition, offer intriguing looks at what didn't make it to the final cut. The Crime and Character Featurette provides thoughtful interviews with the cast and crew, while the Devising a Small-Town Crime Featurette dives into the creative process behind the film. The three Commentary Tracks—directors' commentary, actors, producers, and directors' commentary, and a technical commentary—are indispensable for enthusiasts, offering a multi-faceted understanding of the narrative and technical execution.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted/Extended Scenes: Additional footage not shown in the final movie.
• Crime and Character Featurette: Interviews with cast and crew providing deeper insights.
• Devising a Small-Town Crime Featurette: Overview of the creative process behind the film.
• 3 Filmmakers Commentaries: Three detailed commentary tracks covering various aspects of the film.
• Digital HD Copy: A digital version for convenient viewing.

"Small Town Crime" is an engaging and entertaining thriller that draws much of its appeal from John Hawkes' compelling performance as Mike Kendall, a disgraced former cop turned reluctant investigator. The well-written dialogue and atmospheric tone bolster the mystery, despite the plot's predictability regarding the “why.” The movie adeptly foregoes many overused tropes typically associated with disgraced or suspended police officers still solving cases. This narrative choice helps it stand out within the crowded field of crime dramas.

The film’s logic occasionally stretches believability, particularly in how Mike rebrands himself as a private investigator in a small town where his fall from grace should be widely known. Despite the sometimes questionable realism, the storyline remains captivating as Mike delves into the deceased victim's past and interfaces with her diverse and colorful family connections. These interactions are infused with a mix of gritty and dark humor, providing depth and levity to the overall narrative.

Significant subplots enrich "Small Town Crime," particularly the dynamic between Mike and his adoptive sister Kelly, portrayed by Octavia Spencer. Supporting characters, including Robert Forster as the victim’s wealthy grandfather, contribute to the film's gritty texture, reminiscent of early Tarantino work. Despite the lack of sustained narrative momentum and an exceedingly violent climax, the chemistry between characters—especially during vigilante sequences—delivers an enjoyable viewing experience. The film's primary strength lies in its well-developed characters and their interactions, ensuring that viewers remain engaged throughout.

"Small Town Crime" on Blu-ray is a masterclass in genre filmmaking, offering a gripping narrative centered around John Hawkes' commendable performance. Hawkes effortlessly elevates the material, breaking through some of the film’s more clichéd elements. The screenplay utilizes a colorful array of supporting characters which, while adding charm, somewhat limits screen time for talented actors like Octavia Spencer and Anthony Anderson. Their performances, though brief, add significant depth and credibility.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation excels in both visual and audio aspects. The 1080p transfer is pristine, showcasing clear detail and vibrant coloration that enhances the cinematography's gritty aesthetic. The meticulous attention to visual fidelity complements the film’s intense atmosphere. Accompanied by an immersive surround sound mix, the audio experience is equally robust, delivering clear dialogue and dynamic soundscapes.

Overall, "Small Town Crime" garners a strong recommendation due to its compelling lead performance and impressive technical execution. Despite its formulaic plot elements, the film's engaging narrative and high production quality guarantee a satisfying viewing experience.