Killing Them Softly Blu-ray Review

"Killing Them Softly" arrives on Region B-locked Blu-ray with a striking 1080p High Definition video presentation, preserving the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.4:1 widescreen. The film’s deliberate cinematographic style—focus on central items with softer backdrops—is impeccably reproduced. This distinctive approach emphasizes stunning focal elements, particularly skin textures, while maintaining the intentional softness at the periphery. The color palette, dominated by subdued hues, reflects the gritty atmosphere of New Orleans with impeccable fidelity. The black levels are robust, rendering details like the creases in Brad Pitt’s leather jacket and nuanced shadow details during night scenes with precision.

Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, this Blu-ray release maintains excellent image stability and clarity, despite the film’s intentionally restricted light and toned-down contrast levels. Daylight sequences exhibit impressive image depth and detail. The film seamlessly integrates a range of cool yet natural tones—greens, blues, browns, and grays—that enhance its gritty aesthetic. Notable scenes, such as Markie Trattman’s execution in slow motion, are rendered flawlessly, with clarity maintained even in rapid camera movements. The utilization of different cameras and Kodak’s innovative 500T 5230 film stock contributes to the superior visual quality. Importantly, there are no traces of lab-induced anomalies or transfer-specific issues, making this Blu-ray release an outstanding representation of contemporary film preservation. This exceptional visual fidelity firmly establishes it as one of the finest presentations from EIV to date.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Killing Them Softly" on Blu-ray is exceptionally well crafted, delivering a robust and immersive auditory experience. The audio design is notable for its atmospheric depth, enhancing the film's dark, gritty setting effectively. Torrential rain and roaring engines create an expansive soundscape that envelops the listener, while body blows and gunshots are rendered with a visceral, thunderous impact. Despite the film's minimalistic score, the sound design ensures each element, from crackling leaves to the smallest environmental detail, is expertly presented, contributing to a fully engaging experience.

Dialogue remains impeccably clear throughout, even amidst the most all-encompassing ambient effects, ensuring key plot points and character interactions are easily discernible. The careful integration of music tracks adds another layer of depth to the mix without overwhelming other elements. Technical precision is evident in the balanced use of the LFE channel, which subtly enhances the overall depth and weight of the track. Dynamic range is superb, particularly during intense scenes such as Russell's hallucinations, where subtle audio cues add to the tension. Overall, this DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track offers a standout example of high-quality sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "Killing Them Softly" offers a limited selection of extras, primarily focused on interviews with the cast and crew. While these interviews provide some insightful perspectives on the film’s characters, narrative, and unique qualities, the absence of more substantial content such as a writer/director commentary, deleted scenes, or an in-depth documentary is a notable disappointment. Given Andrew Dominik’s known propensity for comprehensive filmmaking, the lack of deleted scenes suggests a missed opportunity to explore more of his original vision. This exclusion is particularly frustrating as it had been previously suggested that such scenes could be part of the Blu-ray package, creating a gap in the offering for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

Interviews with Cast and Crew: In-depth discussions with cast and crew members. Trailers: A gallery of trailers for other EIV releases.

Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly," an adaptation of George V. Higgins' 1974 novel "Cogan's Trade," presents a gripping gangster narrative interwoven with biting social commentary. This potent collaboration between Dominik and Brad Pitt stands out through its impeccable direction, compelling performances, and meticulously crafted characters. The plot centers around Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt), an efficient hitman tasked with restoring order after three amateurs disrupt a high-stakes card game of made man Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta). The film juxtaposes its crime-riddled storyline with the backdrop of America's 2008 financial crisis, cleverly using political speeches from President Bush and Senator Obama to heighten its critique of economic turbulence and systemic corruption.

From a technical perspective, this Blu-ray release boasts excellent video and audio quality but disappoints with its lackluster special features—merely a gallery of interviews. Nevertheless, the film itself more than compensates for these shortcomings. Dominik's presentation of violence is meticulously stylized yet unflinching, punctuated with dark humor reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino's early work. Of particular note is Pitt's portrayal of Cogan, whose chilling efficiency is underscored by an unforgettable bar confrontation scene. James Gandolfini provides additional depth and humor, playing Mickey, a washed-up enforcer whose quirks add dimension to the narrative.

"Killing Them Softly" excels not only as a neo-noir thriller but also as a metaphorical critique of economic and social dishonesty. The film consciously avoids becoming too didactic, instead offering a nuanced reflection on trust and loyalty amidst a backdrop of chaotic capitalism. Supported by a stellar cast—Pitt, Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, and Ben Mendelsohn—the film ensures an engaging, thought-provoking experience from start to finish. Despite the sparse extras, this Region-B locked UK Blu-ray is a must-have for fans and an enticing proposition for newcomers drawn to intelligent, character-driven cinema.

Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly" stands as a remarkable entry in modern noir cinema. The film is a showcase of subversive storytelling and sharp wit, flawlessly blended with stylish direction. Brad Pitt delivers a compelling performance that elevates the film's narrative, making it a noteworthy contender for prestigious awards. The Blu-ray release by EIV does justice to the movie's artistic vision through an exceptional presentation. The high-definition transfer is crisp, retaining the film's gritty texture and vibrant color palette, which significantly enhances the viewing experience.

The audio track is equally impressive, providing a robust and immersive sound environment that highlights both dialogue clarity and the atmospheric soundtrack. The technical quality ensures that viewers can fully appreciate the nuances of the film’s audioscape, from subtle sound cues to intense sequences. However, enthusiasts might find the supplemental features to be lacking. While the inclusion of an interview with Brad Pitt or additional behind-the-scenes content could have enriched the package, the core quality of the film itself remains undiminished.

In conclusion, "Killing Them Softly" on Blu-ray emerges as a top-tier release for 2023. It captures the essence of modern noir with style, humor, and an unapologetically subversive edge. The exceptional technical presentation by EIV makes it a must-have for film aficionados, despite the relatively sparse extras. This release comes highly recommended for anyone looking to experience one of the year’s most brilliant films.