5 Days of War Blu-ray Review

"5 Days of War" offers an impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Renny Harlin's digital shooting gives the movie a flat, somewhat textureless aesthetic, but this is inherent to the source material. The transfer is nearly flawless, boasting unbeatable clarity and capturing minute details with precision. Every element, from facial stubble and war-ravaged debris to the intricate textures on military uniforms and armored vehicles, is rendered with breathtaking exactness. The colors are strikingly natural and vivid, enhancing both the scenic countryside and the more intense war scenes. Black levels are consistently deep without losing detail or turning gray.

The video transfer excels in offering exceptional fine detail and sharpness, revealing even the tiniest visual intricacies. Particularly noteworthy is a night scene featuring a fiery stream, as well as calming images of quiet countryside villages, both of which showcase vibrant colors while retaining a gritty realism. Despite some minor digital noise and occasional shots with a cheap, overly smooth digital look during intense action sequences, these issues are rare and minor. The overall image is free of banding, blockiness, and other visual artifacts. High contrast lends a deliberately overexposed look to whites, which suits the film’s intense thematic content well.

"5 Days of War" is a visual feast with striking levels of detail, rich colors, and solid depth. Although it's not quite perfect, it comes very close, offering a high-quality viewing experience that is free from significant technical flaws. The pristine source and high-definition presentation make it a standout Blu-ray release that will engage viewers with its almost cinematic clarity and dimension.

"5 Days of War" boasts a dynamic and immersive Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, expertly crafted to capture the intensity of its action-packed narrative. The track is meticulously mixed to deliver a wide range of auditory experiences, with gunfire providing a powerful and heavy thump, resonating from all corners to place the listener amidst the chaos. Explosions are backed by a robust low end, with missiles and heavy ordnance creating an enveloping auditory scene. Directional effects are used to great effect, as tanks and helicopters traverse the soundstage with precise movements, creating an incredibly engaging war-zone environment.

Dialogue is articulately rendered, maintaining clarity and focus even during the most chaotic scenes, ensuring it isn’t lost within the barrage of sound effects. The dynamic range of the track is particularly notable, offering an expansive range of frequencies from gentle ambient sounds to aggressive, high-impact effects without any distortion. Subtle ambient noises such as gentle chatter and overhead jets contribute to a comprehensive soundscape that perfectly complements the on-screen action.

Overall, the audio presentation of "5 Days of War" is exceptionally well-balanced, with explosions, speech, and score cohesively blended to never overpower each other. This meticulous attention to detail not only supports the riveting action but also enhances the viewer's overall experience, making it a standout feature that elevates the film’s immersive quality to near demo material status for action and war movie aficionados.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "5 Days of War" are concise yet effective, offering valuable insights about the film's creation. The highlight is the engaging audio commentary with producer/director Renny Harlin. Harlin delivers an informative and captivating track, transitioning from light-hearted humor to in-depth discussions on the real Georgian/Russian conflict, filmmaking challenges, and the decision to utilize digital over traditional film. This commentary is a rich resource for fans interested in the historical context and production aspects. Additionally, a selection of deleted scenes in full HD provides extended character moments and additional context, albeit without particularly memorable content. The package is rounded off by the high-definition trailer, summarizing the film's intensity and themes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Renny Harlin discusses the Georgia/Russia conflict, set locations, digital filming benefits, and more.
• Deleted Scenes: Extended character interactions and alternate takes.
• Trailer: The official high-definition trailer.

"5 Days of War," directed by Renny Harlin, is a visually compelling but narratively uneven action film that attempts to blend the authenticity of real-life events with high-octane, Hollywood-style drama. Known for his work on action spectaculars like "Die Hard 2" and "Cliffhanger," Harlin applies his trademark style to the 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia. This iteration trades hardened gunmen for a protagonist, war correspondent Thomas Anders (Rupert Friend), whose mission is not of combat but of documentation and survival amidst war's chaos. Despite the noble intent and weighty subject matter, the film often reverts to formulaic action tropes, detracting from its potential to deliver a more profound thematic experience.

The movie captures some genuinely thrilling and immersive action sequences. The technical execution is noteworthy, employing practical effects over CGI, and a quasi-documentary shooting style that switches deftly between frenetic battle scenes and tense interpersonal moments. Harlin uses slow motion and POV shots effectively to heighten intensity. The chaotic urban warfare settings are realistically depicted, offering a nerve-jangling view of conflicts involving tanks, attack helicopters, and small arms. Nonetheless, this technical wizardry often clashes with the conventional storyline elements—such as mercenaries and last-minute rescues—that pull the film back into typical action territory, overshadowing its intended gravitas.

Characters are developed through predictable archetypes, leading to a degree of emotional disconnect. Although Rupert Friend's performance as Anders exhibits a certain heroic determination, it lacks the charisma necessary to elevate the character beyond an archetype. Supporting roles, like Andy Garcia’s portrayal of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, provide valuable context for the political backdrop but are underutilized. Despite these shortcomings, "5 Days of War" manages to hold attention through well-crafted action scenes and an exploration of the perilous life of war journalists. Overall, it provides a mixed but engaging viewing experience for fans of both historical dramas and action films.

"5 Days of War" combines competent action sequences with an attempt at showcasing the gravity of war crimes, yet it falls somewhat short in delivering a penetrating narrative. The film, directed by Renny Harlin, benefits from smooth and well-polished cinematography that captures intense scenes with striking clarity. However, the movie’s potential depth is undercut by its reliance on formulaic characters and predictable plot developments. While performances, particularly from Andy Garcia, add a layer of credibility, the characters themselves lack significant engagement or complexity.

Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release does much to elevate the viewing experience with its excellent technical presentations. The video quality is near demo-worthy, ensuring vivid and immersive visuals that enhance the overall impact of the film. Audio quality is equally strong, bringing the thunder of battle and subtleties of dialogue to life with precision and clarity. Although the number of extras is limited, the included commentary and deleted scenes offer valuable insights and are appreciated additions.

In conclusion, "5 Days of War" may be thematically frustrating and somewhat formulaic, but it remains a visually enjoyable action film with respectable technical merits on Blu-ray. Despite its shortcomings in storytelling and character development, the compelling action sequences and quality presentations make it worth a rental, and possibly a purchase during a good sale.