The Architect Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Architect" on Blu-ray displays a competent level of quality given its low-budget production constraints. Encoded in 1080i with an MPEG-2 format, the film maintains a modest level of clarity and sharpness, particularly in close-up shots. However, the visually flat lighting and workmanlike compositions betray its spartan production, echoing its theatrical origins more than a polished cinematic experience. Colors tend to be strong and realistic, but occasionally verge on oversaturation. Black levels perform adequately during daytime scenes but struggle in nighttime sequences, where poor shadow delineation and decreased contrast are apparent alongside noticeable digital noise.

Magnolia’s transfer of the film into Blu-ray format impresses considering the limited resources and shooting conditions. Shot in high-definition over a mere twenty days with a very constrained budget, "The Architect" manages to exhibit commendable video quality. Daylit scenes reveal good detail and depth, with black levels and contrast appearing relatively natural. Conversely, darker material suffers from a lack of shadow detail and image flatness, contributing to an overall fuzzy appearance in those segments. The shot-on-HD aesthetic is palpable and may not satisfy those seeking a more film-like presentation. While not exemplary demo material, the Blu-ray rendition of "The Architect" stands as a laudable effort given the production’s intrinsic limitations.

'The Architect' comes with a DTS-HD High Resolution 5.1 track, which, while adequate, falls short of being extraordinary. The audio presentation is predominantly front-heavy, focusing mainly on the center channel for dialogue and delivering only modest ambient noises like sirens and traffic in the rear channels. Although the dialogue clarity is satisfactory, there are occasional issues with foley sounds and some noticeable ADR work. The near-absence of bass leaves the film with a lightweight sound profile that lacks depth and engagement.

The offering from Magnolia includes Dolby Digital and DTS-HD High-Resolution 5.1 tracks, which reinforce the general perception of limited audio excitement due to the film’s straightforward sound design. The mix’s front-heaviness ensures that dialogue is reasonably clear, but weak ADR and subpar foley effects betray the film’s limited budget. The dynamics are lackluster, with almost non-existent bass and minimal spaciousness or depth, particularly in the higher ranges. Surround usage is minimal, providing only natural ambiance and a few discrete sound effects. Nonetheless, the audio mix remains balanced between indoor and outdoor scenes, avoiding common low-budget pitfalls like wind hiss and ambient noise during location shots.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Architect" offer a mixed bag in terms of content quality and depth. The Commentary by Director Matt Tauber falls short, filled with superficial details about cast and production rather than thematic insights, making it skippable. Conversely, the Higher Definition: The Architect Episode is a more engaging, 28-minute featurette from HDNet that includes interviews with Tauber, Anthony LaPaglia, and Viola Davis. Here, Tauber's political interests become clearer, and the actors' passion for the project shines through. The Deleted Scenes collection spans nearly nine minutes, with optional commentary by Tauber. These scenes add little to the final film, and though their quality remains decent, they are offered solely in 480i. Overall, while not every extra is essential viewing, the "Higher Definition" episode stands out for its informative content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Matt Tauber: Predominantly discusses actors and production.
• Higher Definition: The Architect Episode: Engaging interviews with director and actors.
• Deleted Scenes: Nine sequences with optional commentary by the director.

"The Architect" is an ambitious but ultimately flawed film that grapples with myriad social issues without offering new insights or compelling reasons to watch. Adapted from David Greig's stage play and directed by Matt Tauber, the film attempts to tackle topics such as public housing, familial disintegration, and exploring gender roles. Set in Chicago, the story follows Leo Waters (Anthony LaPaglia), the architect of the Eden Court projects, which have devolved into gang-run slums. Viola Davis shines as Tonya Neely, a resident determined to have the deteriorating buildings demolished. Despite its well-meaning premise, the film struggles to maintain focus, often opting for preachy, moralistic tones that lack depth.

The narrative is riddled with subplots that overshadow the primary social commentary. Leo's fraught family dynamic—featuring Isabella Rossellini as his wife Julia and Hayden Panettiere as his troubled daughter Christina—feels shoehorned into the already crowded storyline. Christina's flirtations with much older men and her brother Martin's complicated sexuality muddy the narrative waters further. The film intermittently teases deeper confrontations and emotional breakthroughs, only to cut away prematurely, leaving key dialogues unfinished and impactful moments diminished.

Performance-wise, the cast delivers commendable efforts amidst the muddled script. Viola Davis stands out with a poignant portrayal of Tonya, while Anthony LaPaglia is convincing as the prideful yet broken Leo. Even Hayden Panettiere manages to authentically portray her complex role. However, Isabella Rossellini’s portrayal seems disjointed and emotionally distant. Limited by a modest budget and a rushed filming schedule, Tauber manages some striking visual compositions but fails to compensate for the film's narrative shortcomings. "The Architect" ultimately falls under its own weight, rendering it a problematic yet noteworthy attempt at social commentary.

The Architect, despite its best intentions and notable cast, ultimately fails to deliver a resonant narrative. The film struggles to form a cohesive story that truly engages its audience, leaving it feeling more like a middling television production rather than a cinematic experience. While the performances manage to hold some attention, they can't entirely redeem the lackluster plot and development.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray release is commendable considering the low-budget origins of the film. The video transfer is as good as one could hope for with clear visuals, though it does suffer from occasional softness and a lack of vibrancy. Audio quality is passable but not exceptional, lacking the immersive depth expected from higher-tier releases. The disc does offer a robust array of extras, providing an additional layer of insight and value for those who do decide to give it a spin.

If The Wire is at the deep end of the insightful, socially conscious narrative pool, The Architect is swimming with the kiddies in the shallows. Despite some fine performances, and some admittedly good intentions, the film simply doesn't come together in any meaningful way. Couple that with a less-than-impressive audio/visual lineup and a meager smattering of extras, and you have an overall package that is worth a cautious rental at best.