The Assassins Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Assassins" by Well Go USA features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The presentation, while sumptuously beautiful with impressive production design, is characterized by its relatively soft image quality. This softness is apparent in both close-ups and midrange shots, which may be an intentional stylistic choice rather than a flaw. The digital intermediate has undergone significant color grading, leading to unique but sometimes peculiar color palettes, such as ghoulish yellow and ice-cold blue hues. Despite these artistic decisions, fine details hold up well in close-up shots, revealing the intricate set and costume designs that are central to the visual appeal of the film.

The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 encoded transfer alternates between being incredibly sharp and overly processed due to heavy use of filters that generate a cold, metallic look. This aesthetic works well in some scenes, enhancing the atmosphere, but can feel lifeless in others. Close-up shots capture fine detail exceptionally well, particularly on actors' faces, exemplified by Chow Yun-Fat's expressive portrayal. Fine details like ornate gold overlays on battle armor and delicate etchings on swords are crisply rendered, but this clarity diminishes in wider shots, where facial features and intricate textures lose their distinctiveness.

Contrast levels are consistently well-handled, maintaining deep blacks and controlled whites without blooming. However, banding is noticeable in darker scenes, which can be distracting. Many of the film’s climactic sequences, while visually appealing, lack the ultra-fine detail that could elevate the visual experience further. Overall, "The Assassins" offers an uneven video presentation; while fine detail is remarkable in close-ups, wider shots fare less impressively, rendering the overall image average for a production of this caliber.

The audio presentation of "The Assassins" on Blu Ray is exceptionally well-crafted, delivered through an outstanding lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix available in both Mandarin and English tracks. The film's auditory experience begins strikingly, with a cleverly executed sequence of ants scurrying across the soundfield, immediately immersing the audience in its world. This mix excels at creating a dynamic and enveloping soundscape, with detailed sound effects that pan effectively through the channels. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are moderate but sufficient to maintain a sense of realism during the action moments, contributing to a wide and varied dynamic range throughout the film.

Dialogue clarity is another notable strength, predominantly anchored in the center channel but occasionally dispersed through the front and rear channels during more intense scenes. This smart directional placement ensures that character voices are easily discernible, even amidst bustling action sequences or complex soundscapes. The delicate balance between dialogue, score, and sound effects is commendable, enhancing the viewer's ability to follow character interactions without the audio elements overwhelming one another.

Despite being a dialogue-heavy historical drama, "The Assassins" does not shy away from showcasing its sound design during the martial arts sequences. Clashing swords and archaic weaponry are presented with a rich and resonant clarity that resonates across all channels. These sounds imbue the action with a palpable sense of excitement. The mix demonstrates impressive balance and control, seamlessly managing the transition between subtle narrative moments and robust action scenes, contributing to an immersive and captivating listening experience. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is an excellent example of nuanced and effective sound engineering that enhances the storytelling power of "The Assassins."

The Extras section of "The Assassins" Blu-ray offers a robust selection, delivering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filmmaking process. The "Behind the Scenes" featurette, available in both 480i and HD formats, presents engaging footage of various scenes being shot, including crew members wearing surgical masks, and integrates interviews with cast and crew. These interviews offer insights into director Zhao Yiyang's methodologies and include an extended discussion on working with iconic actor Chow Yun-Fat. The collection effectively balances technical perspectives with personal anecdotes, providing both aficionados and casual viewers with a thorough appreciation of the production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: Footage of scenes being shot, cast and crew interviews, insights into director Zhao Yiyang's process.
• Trailer: Preview of the film.

"The Assassins" navigates the blend between historical epics and fantastical fiction characteristic of prominent Chinese cinema. Set against the backdrop of the waning years of the Han Dynasty, the film spotlights Cao Cao, portrayed by Chow Yun-Fat, a powerful chancellor navigating palace intrigues, familial strife, and assassination attempts. While marketed under the guise of grand-scale historical accuracy, the narrative interweaves mythical elements, imparting a dreamlike quality to the complex political machinations and character motivations. The plot notably shifts between electric pacing during the introductory scenes and a more languid progression thereafter, resonating with viewers familiar with the genre's expansive storytelling.

The narrative's intricacies unfold through Lingju (Liu Yifei), whose traumatic childhood and subsequent rigorous assassin training drive her fate. Her relationship with Mu Shun (Hiroshi Tamaki), marked by his compelled castration, adds a poignant layer to their central vendetta against Cao Cao. However, despite this setup, the duo's narrative thread often seems disconnected from the primary storyline involving Cao Cao's political maneuvers and struggles with various warlords and his ambitious son, Cao Pi (Qiu Xinzhi). This disjointed storytelling and numerous subplots, while rich in thematic content, muddle the pacing and clarity for audiences.

Despite these narrative challenges, "The Assassins" is technically striking. The film boasts intricate costume designs and grand set pieces that fluidly blend with choreographed wire-fu martial arts sequences. These elements amplify the visual grandeur but occasionally clash with the film’s pursuit of historical authenticity. This aesthetic contradiction might detract from the cohesive storytelling fabric but provides an enchanting tableau for viewers. Ultimately, while "The Assassins" offers a visually sumptuous and conceptually ambitious journey into Chinese history, its titular characters’ integration and overall narrative cohesion remain sparse, rendering it an opulent yet fragmented cinematic experience.

"The Assassins" Blu-ray features a stellar cast and an appealing historical backdrop, which may attract fans of martial arts and Chinese historical epics. However, the film's jumbled storyline occasionally falters, preventing viewers from becoming fully engrossed in its narrative. While the tragic love story might appear overly melodramatic to some, with moments that feel unintentionally humorous, the movie redeems itself through its visual splendor. The expressive location work, along with sumptuous sets and costumes, presents a visual feast that can be thoroughly appreciated by audiences.

Technically, the Blu-ray impresses with its solid video and spectacular audio quality. The picture, while decent, suffers from minor imperfections but is generally serviceable. The audio tracks, on the other hand, are exceptional and enhance the viewing experience considerably. It's worth noting that the disc falls short in the supplements department, lacking substantial additional content that might have enriched the overall package.

In conclusion, "The Assassins" may not match up to the pinnacle of huge Chinese historical epics, but it holds its moments of intrigue and beauty. Its slower pace and lesser emphasis on action may not align with everyone's expectations; however, the film remains engaging and never boring. This Blu-ray is recommended for those who appreciate lush visuals and high-quality audio, even if the story doesn't entirely resonate.