At Close Range Blu-ray Review
Score: 54
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
'At Close Range' delivers bleak, powerful performances amidst dysfunction; a must-see with superb technical quality. Highly recommended.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 57
'At Close Range' Blu-ray offers a mostly solid 1080p transfer in 2.35:1, with good color and detail in bright scenes, though it struggles with shadow detail and stability, accompanied by minor scratches.
Audio: 62
At Close Range's DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio delivers crisp dialogue and potent sound effects, with a clear score enhancing suspense without overshadowing.
Extra: 31
The release features a DTS-HD MA 2.0 Isolated Score, engaging audio commentary with Director James Foley, HD trailers totaling 5 minutes, and an illustrated booklet with an essay.
Movie: 66
Madonna's evolution and 'At Close Range' film, starring Sean Penn, explore deep familial and criminal themes amidst standout performances and Madonna's key song contribution.
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Video: 57
At Close Range" graces the Blu-ray format with an AVC-encoded 1080p presentation in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, showcasing a mostly robust visual experience typical of MGM's catalog releases. This video presentation is undoubtedly variegated due to its fidelity to the film’s original cinematography, which extensively features low-lit sequences challenging the transfer's ability to maintain crisp shadow details and avoiding crush—noticeably impacting scenes set in dimly lit interiors or nocturnal exteriors. However, it recovers commendably in well-illuminated scenes, where the color palette is lively and dynamic, rendering an authentic spectrum that enhances texture and depth, from facial features to the intricate details of costumes. Despite some instability, particularly noticeable during the opening credits and sporadically throughout, the film settles into a visually pleasing rhythm.
The video transfer navigates through its inconsistencies with grace; while it battles with image stability early on and occasionally succumbs to minor imperfections, such as scratches and specks, these issues scarcely detract from the overall viewing experience. The presence of organic grain throughout preserves the filmic texture, honoring its source material without veering into overly polished territory. Brighter scenes offer a welcome reprieve from the otherwise prevalent darkness, where the vividness of colors and depth of detail genuinely pop, offering a stark contrast and highlighting the transfer's capability to faithfully render both extremes of the film's visual spectrum.
Notwithstanding a few hurdles, primarily arising from inherent challenges posed by the film's heavy reliance on low-light cinematography, this Blu-ray edition delivers a commendably balanced video presentation. Details emerge vividly in well-lit conditions, and while darkness sometimes overwhelms finer details, the overall condition of the elements and a naturalist approach to grain ensure that "At Close Range" is presented with fidelity to its original aesthetic intentions. Although far from flawless by contemporary standards, this release respects its source material and provides a viewing experience that oscillates effectively between shadow and light, much like the thematic essence of the film it represents.
Audio: 62
At Close Range" is furnished with an impeccable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that excels in delivering a comprehensive and immersive auditory experience, despite its stereo limitation. This mix shines in its handling of the film's heavy reliance on dialogue, ensuring that every spoken word is clear, crisp, and devoid of any unwanted noise such as pops, cracks, hiss, or shrills. The fidelity of this track is particularly noteworthy during the intense, suspense-filled moments where the sounds of gunfire burst through, providing a well-calibrated punch that enhances the cinematic experience. Ambient sounds are captured with a depth and clarity that contribute to the film's atmospheric tension, though it's worth noting the track doesn't offer the enveloping feel of more modern surround sound designs.
The meticulous care in balancing the audio elements is evident as Patrick Leonard's evocative score, gracefully integrating motifs from "Live to Tell," flows seamlessly alongside the film's sonic landscape without ever overpowering dialogue or sound effects. Comprising mainly piano and strings, Leonard's composition is rendered with precision, adding layers to the film's suspenseful arcs without detracting from the clarity of the spoken words. This delicate equilibrium maintained throughout ensures that every element, from the subtlest ambient noise to the sharpest sound of gunfire, serves to heighten the narrative’s emotional impact without overwhelming the audience.
Overall, this Blu Ray release demonstrates a laudable proficiency in audio presentation for "At Close Range." The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix may not deliver the immersive experience afforded by more advanced surround sound setups, but it excels within its format, providing a solid and effective backdrop that complements the film's intense narrative and thematic elements. With a soundstage that expertly balances dialogue clarity, robust sound effects, and a subtly powerful score, the audio aspect of this release earns commendable marks for enhancing the viewing experience through meticulous sound design and engineering.
Extras: 31
The Blu-ray release of "At Close Range" comes equipped with a modest yet compelling ensemble of extras that cater to cinephiles and enthusiasts of the film’s production. It features an informative audio commentary where Director James Foley, alongside Twilight Time's Nick Redman, delve into the intricacies of the movie's creation, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, casting decisions, and Origins of the story, complemented by engaging anecdotes that enrich the viewing experience. A standout is the isolated score track, expertly presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allowing audiences to savor the film's music in pristine quality. Additionally, the release includes both the original theatrical trailer and the MGM 90th Anniversary trailer in 1080p, along with a six-page fully illustrated booklet penned by Julie Kirgo, offering a deeper dive into the movie's context and impact. Collectively, these extras enhance the appreciation for "At Close Range," ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience for fans and new viewers alike.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: James Foley in conversation with Nick Redman about the film's production.
- Isolated Score Track: Experience the film’s score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
- Original Theatrical Trailer: The movie's original promotional preview in high definition.
- MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebrating MGM's cinema legacy.
- Booklet: A six-page illustrated booklet with an essay by film expert Julie Kirgo.
Movie: 66
At Close Range," under the proficient direction of James Foley, emerges as a dark and compelling narrative, interwoven with a gritty crime story and deep-seated familial discord. The film, drawing from the grotesque reality of the Pennsylvania gang led by Bruce Johnston Sr. in the 60s and 70s, is centered around the turbulent relationship between Brad Whitewood Sr. (Christopher Walken) and his son, Jr. (Sean Penn). With its roots in real-life events, the screenplay by Nicholas Kazan articulates a disturbing tale of crime, betrayal, and the ultimate disintegration of family bonds under the weight of criminal machinations. Foley’s adeptness at balancing visceral storytelling with character-driven drama marks a significant milestone in his directorial career, setting a precedent for his later works.
Christopher Walken delivers one of his most unnerving performances as Brad Sr., encapsulating the character’s menacing charm and cold-blooded nature with a fearsome intensity. Meanwhile, Sean and Chris Penn's portrayals add a layer of authenticity to the familial dynamics at play, further enriched by real-life familial connections among the cast that foster an organic chemistry on screen. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker recesses of human psychology, delving into themes of idolization gone awry and the catastrophic fallout of misguided loyalty within a crime-riddled lineage. Nicholas Kazan’s script, while taking creative liberties, crafts a narrative rife with moral dilemmas and harrowing consequences, showcasing complex characters ensnared in a web of criminality and dysfunctional family relations.
Madonna’s contribution, notably through "Live to Tell," subtly underscores the film's intense emotional landscape, adding a haunting lyrical dimension to the storytelling. The inclusion of Masterson, alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Crispin Glover, rounds out a compelling ensemble, each delivering performances that accentuate the film's sobering examination of crime’s effect on human relationships. "At Close Range" is not merely a crime drama; it is an introspective look into how the allure of the criminal underworld can fracture the most fundamental human connections, making it a standout piece in Foley's filmography and a provocative piece of cinema that does not easily fade from memory.
Total: 54
At Close Range" emerges as a profoundly engaging yet distressingly somber narrative, brilliantly led by the stellar performances of Christopher Walken and Sean Penn. This film delves deep into the harrowing dynamics of a dysfunctional family spearheaded by a malevolent father, with performances that are not only captivating but also heartbreakingly real. It strays from the conventional path of crime and mafia storytelling, opting instead for a direct confrontation with the bleak realities of familial discord, accentuated by true-life events. The technical presentation of the Blu Ray is commendable, boasting decent video and audio quality that enhances the viewing experience. The inclusion of a thought-provoking commentary track further enriches this package, making it a noteworthy addition for aficionados of intense drama.
Despite the film's slow burn approach and its unflinching commitment to depicting the gradual descent into madness and moral depravity, "At Close Range" manages to leave a lasting impact through its scenic yet gloomy Tennessee backdrop and its unapologetically raw storyline. The performances alone make this film a must-see, especially for those who appreciate the craft of actors like Walken, Penn, Masterson, along with early appearances by Kiefer Sutherland and Crispin Glover. While the storytelling may not be groundbreaking, the film's execution in terms of character development and atmospheric tension is notably exceptional.
In conclusion, "At Close Range" stands as a potent artifact within the crime and drama genres that defies expectations through its stark portrayal of reality and its focus on the complexities of familial bonds corrupted by criminal undertakings. Its technical achievements on Blu Ray further solidify its recommendable status, making it an essential viewing for those who have perhaps overlooked this gem. Intriguing, depressing, yet undeniably powerful, this film deserves recognition for its authentic representation and commendable home media presentation.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 70
This is a generally very solid accounting of an MGM catalog title, though there are some minor anomalies along the way, beginning with some image instability during the credits which later settles down....
Audio: 80
At Close Range features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track which provides more than ample support for the film's long dialogue sequences as well as sudden (and terrifying) bursts of sonic activity...
Extras: 30
...
Movie: 60
There is so much physical and psychological scarring at the root of these characters, not to mention a frightening trail of victims who are killed throughout the film, that "Live to Tell" almost seems...
Total: 70
For those willing to slog through the dysfunction and increasingly shocking developments as Brad, Sr. goes increasingly off the deep end and takes more and more drastic measures to protect himself, there's...
High-Def Digest review by Bryan KlugerRead review here
Video: 70
In addition to that, a lot of the film is shot in very low light conditions, which has this image suffering a bit from shadow detail and crush, as well as having the color and detail pop....
Audio: 70
The score always adds to the suspense in each scene, while never drowning out any of the dialogue or sound effects, leaving this audio presentation with solid marks....
Extras: 40
Isolated Score Track - You can listen to the music-only portion of the film in DTS-HD MA 2.0....
Movie: 80
It's a well rounded cast for quite a brutal story that doesn't necessarily focus on just the antics of this gang, but rather centers on the relationship between father and son that soon takes a nose dive....
Total: 70
Needless to say, there is a lot of dysfunction here in this family dynamic, and worst of all, this was a true story....
Director: James Foley
Actors: Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, Mary Stuart Masterson
PlotA teenager named Brad Whitewood Jr. lives a mundane life in rural Pennsylvania, struggling for connection with his distant mother and yearning for the father he barely knows. When his father, Brad Sr., re-emerges with a charisma that both enthralls and intimidates him, Brad Jr. becomes enamored with the older man's dangerous lifestyle. Brad Sr. is the enigmatic head of a local crime syndicate, involved in theft and other nefarious activities. Seeking approval and love from his father, Brad Jr. is gradually drawn into the criminal undertakings, bringing along his impressionable younger brother Tommy.
As Brad Jr. becomes more involved with his father's criminal enterprise, he discovers a brutality and amorality that shake his initial admiration. Enticed by the quick money and a sense of purpose within the crew, Brad Jr. initially overlooks the risks and the impact on his family relationships. Meanwhile, he finds solace and a glimmer of normalcy with his love interest, Terry, who remains oblivious to the depths of his family's criminal connections. As some of Brad Sr.'s plans go awry, the stakes rise for everyone involved, forcing Brad Jr. to confront the reality of the path he has chosen.
Writers: Elliott Lewitt, Nicholas Kazan
Release Date: 18 Apr 1986
Runtime: 111 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English