Best Laid Plans Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Best Laid Plans", provided by Well Go USA, leverages an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and showcases commendable sharpness and clarity. Shot with a Red One camera and lensed by Ali Asad, the transfer captures the gritty essence of Nottingham's working-class environments with precision. Exterior shots, in particular, offer impressive depth of field, enhancing the overall visual engagement. The contrast is notably subdued at times, leading to some loss in detail during dimly lit scenes, specifically affecting Akinnuoye-Agbaje's expressions. Despite this, fine object detail remains satisfying, and colors, while filtered, are adequately saturated and deliberately skew towards a somber gray palette.

The high-definition presentation is remarkably detailed and achieves a rich cinematic quality with its well-defined image and spot-on contrast. However, minor issues such as slight posterization in dark shadows can be noticed during slow camera movements or actor transitions but are generally easy to overlook. The black levels are authentically deep, adding a considerable sense of depth to the scenes, although a few sequences appear somewhat muddy. The deliberately muted color palette effectively conveys the film's intended grimy atmosphere, but primary colors, notably reds, retain their vibrancy and accuracy. Furthermore, the definition and clarity are exceptional, revealing intricate textures in clothing and facial details, despite some scenes appearing marginally softer in comparison. Overall, the high-def video quality is visually stellar.

The audio presentation of "Best Laid Plans" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that provides a solid, if somewhat uneven, auditory experience. The quieter dialogue moments are handled with care and clarity, ensuring that the interactions between characters, especially Danny and Joseph, are intimate and easily discernible. During the action sequences, particularly the cage fighting scenes, the surround activity comes alive impressively, effectively enveloping the viewer in the chaotic atmosphere and mirroring Joseph's sense of claustrophobia through sonic design. Environmental noises are well-incorporated from the outset, adding depth without overwhelming the main audio elements. This mix offers high fidelity and a notable dynamic range that enhances several key moments throughout the film. Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) deliver impactful but sparing bass, contributing to the intensity without dominating the soundscape.

However, the audio mix has its shortcomings. It is predominantly front-heavy, centering around dialogue with limited rear speaker engagement. While vocals are clear and intelligible, the score's dynamics and instrument detailing are less impressive. The overall soundstage, widened by off-screen effects, still feels curbed in terms of acoustic depth and richness. This limitation is particularly noticeable in scenes meant to evoke visceral responses, such as fight sequences where bass could be more forceful to leave a lasting impact. The Dolby Digital 2.0 track surprisingly holds its own as an alternative, offering a lively experience for a more straightforward stereo setup.

Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix maintains a generally effective balance between dialogue and action sequences, it lacks the engagement and immersive quality that might elevate it from good to outstanding.

The Blu-ray release of "Best Laid Plans" features only one supplementary material, the original theatrical trailer. Although it limits the depth of behind-the-scenes content typically expected in such releases, this trailer provides a concise, nostalgic glimpse into the film’s initial marketing and narrative setup. Its inclusion allows viewers to appreciate the promotional efforts that framed the cinematic experience upon its original release. The disc lacks additional features like director commentary, deleted scenes, or making-of documentaries, which would have enriched the understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.

"Best Laid Plans," directed by David Blair, offers an intriguing yet flawed reinterpretation of John Steinbeck's classic "Of Mice and Men." Set against the backdrop of contemporary Nottingham rather than Depression-era California, the film centers on Danny (Stephen Graham), a small-time hustler, and Joseph (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a mentally challenged giant. Danny, deeply indebted to a crime boss (David O'Hara), enlists Joseph in underground cage fighting matches to repay his dues. Blair's direction oscillates between intimate character studies and sporadic bursts of violence, creating an occasionally inconsistent tonal experience. Despite this, both Graham and Akinnuoye-Agbaje deliver exceptional performances, with Akinnuoye-Agbaje's portrayal being particularly poignant and arresting.

The screenplay, penned by Chris Green, takes its time finding a firm narrative footing. The early part of the film develops the grim stakes facing Danny and Joseph while also incorporating a more tender sub-plot involving their respective romantic interests. Maxine Peake as Isabel brings an unexpected touch of fragility to her evolving relationship with Joseph, imbuing the film with brief yet touching moments of genuine connection. However, as the plot transitions into the visceral realm of violent cage fights, the pacing falters, and the otherwise strong character development sometimes feels sidelined.

In the end, "Best Laid Plans" is a mixed yet ultimately compelling viewing experience. While it struggles with occasional predictability and uneven pacing, the film shines through its powerful performances and emotive highlights. Blair's adaptation holds bittersweet tones throughout, marrying moments of poignant human connection with the harsh realities of survival. Despite some shortcomings, the chemistry between the lead actors provides a solid emotional core that makes this drama worthwhile.

"Best Laid Plans" presents a unique take on John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men." Centered around two deeply connected misfits, this film interprets their struggles through the modern and brutal lens of cage fighting. The narrative maintains a steady emotional grip, primarily driven by standout performances, particularly from Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, whose portrayal of Joseph is authentically poignant. The dramatic tension is sporadic but punctuated by genuinely affecting moments that compensate for the otherwise predictable storyline.

The Blu-ray release’s video quality stands out, offering sharp and vibrant visuals that enhance the film’s gritty atmosphere. However, the audio track does not quite match up, often feeling flat and lacking dynamic range. This imbalance between audio and visual presentation could detract slightly from the overall viewing experience, but it doesn't overshadow the film's core strengths.

In conclusion, while "Best Laid Plans" leaves much to be desired in its audio presentation and some uneven dramatic elements, it excels in delivering powerful performances and a compelling, if unconventional, retelling of a classic narrative. The strands tying Best Laid Plans to Of Mice and Men are rather tenuous at best, and the film is probably better appreciated more as an addition to the fine tradition of British independent film than it is as any quasi-brilliant re-do of Steinbeck's inimitable novella. The film is dramatically uneven, and the choice to put this version's Lennie in the cage fighting arena is questionable, to say the least. But the performances here are nothing short of magnificent, especially that of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who is quite simply heartbreaking as Joseph. For those who like something a bit unusual, with a perhaps sketchy literary reference point, "Best Laid Plans" comes Recommended.