Kin Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Kin" by Lionsgate presents a largely impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.4:1 widescreen. The film, shot digitally using Arri Alexa cameras and finished at a 2K DI, exhibits a faux-gritty aesthetic that enhances its minimalist budget and provides a filmic quality. This intentional post-production grit occasionally results in scenes appearing slightly mottled or soft, particularly noticeable against certain backgrounds. Nevertheless, the detail is consistently high and the practical special effects interwoven with digital elements hold up well, contributing to the film’s unique visual identity.

The standout feature of "Kin’s" video presentation lies in its vibrant color scheme. Despite the film’s relatively low budget, the neon-heavy palette is exceptionally well-rendered. From the explosive opening to the neon-soaked nightclub scenes, the interplay of strong blacks and striking hues achieves an impressive balance, even without 4K or Dolby Vision support in the UK version. This ensures that sequences involving energetic weaponry and 80s-flavored aesthetics (akin to "Tron" and "Blade Runner 2049") are visually engaging and stylistically superior to typical straight-to-DVD features.

While a surplus of darkly lit sequences can sometimes obscure finer details, these moments do not significantly detract from the overall sharpness and well-defined nature of the presentation. Even in the dimmest settings, such as the warehouse scenes, the transfer maintains a degree of clarity that should satisfy viewers. While not entirely hitting demo disc standards due to the given visual haze, the Blu-ray manages to deliver a robust presentation that aligns well with the indie film’s artistic intent, offering a satisfying viewing experience for the audience.

Kin's Blu-ray release boasts an impressive DTS:X mix that delivers a truly immersive 3D HD audio experience. The track exhibits remarkable depth and dynamism, particularly unexpected for a film of this scale. The persistent low-frequency effects (LFE) underscore the potent and often explosive moments, most notably during action sequences and the Tron-inspired score, which energizes the audio stage dramatically. Dialogue is always clear and coherently prioritized within the frontal array, ensuring a seamless listening experience even as frenetic effects and music surround the listener.

The mix excels in its atmospheric prowess, bringing urban Detroit vividly to life while also delivering thrilling auditory punches during weapon-related scenes. Energy weapons emanate a deep bass hum that enhances their perceived power, crucially selling the believability of such high-tech arsenal. Directionality is expertly managed, with gunfire and other effects accurately placed in the sound space, enhancing the viewer's immersion and making sequences like shootouts particularly visceral. Noteworthy is the climactic finale where effects reach their zenith, providing moments that can make audiences duck their heads.

The score by Mogwai plays a critical role in utilizing the surround channels effectively, adding a layer of engagement to quieter scenes that complement the film's narrative tempo. Key sequences, such as the bike-riding moments and strip club scene, benefit immensely from this immersive sound design, leaving a lasting impression. Overall, Kin’s audio track, with its judicious balance between powerful effects and clear dialogue, stands as a stellar example of effective sound mixing in modern Blu-ray presentations.

The Blu-ray of "Kin" offers a surprisingly rich array of special features, headlined by an insightful Audio Commentary with Co-Directors Jonathan and Josh Baker and Screenwriter Daniel Casey. The collection includes a comprehensive making-of featurette titled "Thicker Than Water: The Making of Kin," packed with in-depth interviews and extensive behind-the-scenes footage. The Enhanced Visual FX Breakdown provides a technical analysis of the film's visual effects, illustrating the blend of practical and CGI elements. Notably, the original short film "Bag Man," which inspired "Kin," is available with optional commentary by the Bakers. Additional features include a set of deleted scenes introduced by editor Mark Day, a meta-documentary "Learned Behavior: Special Features at Work," and the theatrical trailer. This assortment ensures a deep dive into the film’s creative process and technical execution, making it indispensable for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Co-Directors Jonathan and Josh Baker and Screenwriter Daniel Casey.
• Thicker Than Water: The Making of Kin: Comprehensive featurette on the film’s production.
• Enhanced Visual FX Breakdown: Detailed analysis of the visual effects with FX gurus.
• Bag Man: Original Short: The original short film that inspired "Kin."
• Deleted Scenes: Introduced by editor Mark Day.
• Learned Behavior: Special Features at Work: Meta-documentary on the impact of special features.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for "Kin."

"Kin," the directorial debut of Jonathan and Josh Baker, takes on an ambitious fusion of gritty urban drama and sci-fi elements, resulting in a compelling albeit uneven narrative. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Detroit, the story follows Eli Solinski (Myles Truitt), a young African American navigating life with his widowed adoptive father Hal (Dennis Quaid). When his ex-convict brother Jimmy (Jack Reynor) returns home, the family's tenuous stability is further disrupted. While scouring abandoned buildings for scrap, Eli discovers a mysterious energy weapon, triggering a series of events that lead the brothers on a perilous road trip. The film draws inspirations from 80s sci-fi actions and nods to "Tron" and "The Terminator," delivering both nostalgic and modern sci-fi thrills.

The movie combines familiar story beats—run-ins with gangsters, estranged familial relationships, and chaotic road trips—with a fresh, high-tech twist. This melding of genres, although not always seamless, manages to sustain interest through strong performances and slick stylistic choices. Eli's discovery of the alien weapon imbues the narrative with a pervasive sense of simmering tension and potential power. However, tonal inconsistencies and unresolved moral questions—such as the glamorization of weaponry and the morally ambiguous decisions surrounding stolen money—occasionally detract from the storyline. The film’s vignette structure propels the plot forward while somewhat neglecting deeper character explorations, particularly regarding Eli’s adoption background.

Nonetheless, Myles Truitt's performance stands out, anchoring the film with a nuanced blend of vulnerability and resilience. Supporting roles by Dennis Quaid, James Franco, and Zoe Kravitz lend gravitas and depth to the overall production. While "Kin" may lack the epic aspirations of "Midnight Special" or "Ex Machina," it succeeds as a promising debut for the Baker brothers, showcasing their knack for genre-blending and leaving audiences curious about their future projects.

The Baker brothers' debut film, "Kin," offers a distinctive blend of science fiction and familial drama, making it a standout in the field. Despite its unique narrative, which may not fully satisfy die-hard fans of either genre, the film’s technical presentation on Blu-ray is commendable. The UK Region B-locked Blu-ray release, in particular, provides striking video quality that emphasizes the film's vibrant neon-lit settings. The relatively low-budget production does not detract from the stunning visuals, which are among the highlights of this release. Moreover, the immersive audio mix significantly elevates the viewing experience, delivering a robust and encompassing soundscape.

A notable feature of the Blu-ray package is its comprehensive set of extras, including the Short Film that inspired "Kin." These supplements enrich the overall package, making it an attractive option for collectors and fans alike. That said, the absence of an Ultra HD Blu-ray release in the UK might lead some enthusiasts to consider importing the 4K US edition, which likely offers an HDR-enhanced presentation that could further amplify the cinematic impact of the film’s dynamic visual and audio elements.

In conclusion, "Kin" represents an assured debut from the Baker brothers, promising a bright future for their filmmaking careers. While its genre-blending narrative may appeal to a niche audience, the high-quality technical merits of the Blu-ray release, particularly in video and audio performance, make it a worthy addition to any collection. For fans seeking an even more immersive experience, the US 4K release could be an enticing alternative. Nonetheless, this Blu-ray edition stands as a testament to what can be achieved even within budgetary constraints, affirming its value for both casual viewers and dedicated cinephiles.