The Stolen Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Stolen" offers a visually clean presentation that contrasts with the gritty narrative and traditional Western aesthetics. Shot digitally, the movie boasts a smooth, glossy look that captures the picturesque New Zealand countryside in sharp, detailed glory. Facial details are crisply defined, from fair skin to rugged beards, and the period attire shows commendable texture and definition, revealing stitching and wear marks with impressive clarity. While the colors are predominantly earthy, the film includes vibrant natural greens and striking red lipsticks that create a visual pop. Wood textures and natural terrains are rendered with precision while props like period revolvers show scuffs and signs of heavy use, adding to the film's authenticity.

Framed at 2.40:1 and presented in 1080p resolution using the AVC codec, the transfer's overall sharpness fluctuates between good and great, with most scenes showcasing strong color fidelity and lifelike skin tones. The black levels are generally rich and inky, blending seamlessly with the letterbox bars, although some scenes exhibit a slightly milkier appearance. Nighttime sequences maintain strong black levels and solid shadow details, though minimal banding is noticeable in darker scenes, particularly in the brothel sequences. Despite minor encode issues, the transfer manages to deliver an attractive and visually engaging picture that complements the film's setting and narrative.

The Stolen’s Blu-ray audio presentation features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is both well-rounded and immersive. The countryside soundscapes are effectively conveyed, providing an open and playful use of surround channels, which shines particularly during scenes on the open road. Low-frequency effects (LFE) are employed judiciously, adding weight to confrontations and firearm discharges without overwhelming the senses. Dialogue clarity remains consistent, well-defined, and centered, with accents being easily comprehensible despite the film's New Zealand setting.

The soundtrack’s instrumental elements are handled with finesse, ensuring soundstage traversal and fluidity that feels effortless. Surround sound usage is prominent yet balanced, never becoming overbearing. Background ambiances, particularly within key locations like the brothel, do a commendable job of enriching the scene's atmosphere. Although some viewers might find gunfire to lack a bit of punch, the spatial distribution compensates well for this minor shortcoming.

Despite minor issues like occasional dialogue mumbling amid busy surround activity, the audio track succeeds in creating an effective auditory experience. Paul Lawler’s score enjoys a beautiful, wide treatment across the front and rear channels, while the barroom scenes and Charlotte’s beach escape feature nicely handled split surround effects. Overall, this DTS-HD MA track delivers an engaging and immersive audio encounter that complements the visual storytelling of The Stolen.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Stolen" deliver a comprehensive look into the film's production, focused on both the creative and logistical aspects. The primary feature, "The Stolen: Behind the Scenes," offers an in-depth exploration into various facets such as the film’s story, cast performances, shooting locations, costumes, and more. Notably, director Niall Johnson discusses the six-year journey to bring his script to life, achieved within a swift five-week shooting period on a modest budget of $4 million. Insightful contributions come from producer/co-writer/actor Emily Corcoran, director of photography Alun Bollinger, and key cast members. Additionally, several promotional trailers are included alongside a digital copy code for convenience.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Stolen: Behind the Scenes: Detailed examination of production history, story, cast performances, locations, scenes, costumes, and more.
• Promo Trailers: Justice, Marshall, Kidnap, Atomic Blonde, The Foreigner.
• Digital Copy: Code sheet enclosed in the case.

"The Stolen" sets itself apart within the Western genre by situating the narrative against the relatively unexplored backdrop of New Zealand’s rugged landscapes. Directed by Niall Johnson, the story centers around Charlotte Lockton (Alice Eve), a prim and proper woman thrust into a perilous journey to recover her kidnapped son. The film is visually stunning, leveraging New Zealand's picturesque scenery and period-accurate attire to craft an immersive experience. Despite its aesthetic appeal and strong cast, the film suffers from a lack of narrative depth and tension, limiting it to a "safe" and somewhat predictable execution.

Charlotte’s journey begins after a tragic home invasion resulting in her husband David’s (Lukas Hinch) death and the kidnap of their infant child. Forced into a world she scarcely comprehends, Charlotte's journey to Gold City involves hiring the rugged track guide Bully (Graham McTavish) and enduring myriad dangers en route. Johnson's direction emphasizes the grim realities of the time while simultaneously maintaining a visually tame tone. The film manages to explore Charlotte's internal struggles adequately, showcasing her progression from a genteel woman to a determined mother willing to face brothels and brutes.

While Alice Eve delivers a commendable performance, her character’s rapid development and the narrative shortcuts undermine the film’s overall impact. Key characters like Jack Davenport’s Joshua McCullen and Graham McTavish’s Bully add flavor to the story but their potential feels underutilized. The screenplay co-written by Johnson and Emily Corcoran creates engaging moments but lacks consistent dramatic intensity. Despite its shortcomings, "The Stolen" holds viewers with its authenticity and raw emotional undertones, though never quite transcending into greatness.

"The Stolen" promises an engaging narrative but falls short in its execution. While the film's premise of a cat-and-mouse kidnapping story in the stunning New Zealand landscapes is intriguing, it ultimately succumbs to excessive cliches and predictable plot twists. Directed by Niall Johnson, the film stars Alice Eve, Jack Davenport, and Graham McTavish, whose commendable performances are somewhat hampered by the lackluster script. The story takes too long to propel itself into action, with significant pacing issues that leave the viewer waiting far too long for the adventure to commence.

On the technical front, Universal's Blu-ray release of "The Stolen" is proficiently crafted. The 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio delivers sharp and vivid 1080p visuals that highlight the serene yet dramatic New Zealand backdrop. The English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track provides an immersive sound experience, complementing the period production design adequately. However, the Blu-ray itself features limited extras, with a single longer-than-expected bonus that adds some value but does not significantly enhance the viewing experience.

In conclusion, while "The Stolen" may entertain those with modest expectations, it doesn't quite achieve any groundbreaking cinematic moments. The blend of good production values and decent yet unremarkable storytelling means it just manages to hold its own as a piece of casual entertainment. Given its slow build-up and blurred climax, renting rather than purchasing might be the most prudent choice for potential viewers drawn in by the trailer or period drama aficionados.