The Kid Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's Blu-ray presentation of "The Kid" brings a robust 1080p/AVC-encoded video experience that effectively marries contemporary clarity with classic Western visual aesthetics. The 2.39:1 transfer, reportedly finished at a 2K Digital Intermediate, showcases consistently strong detail levels, highlighting finer textures and nuances particularly well. This attention to detail is maintained across various shot compositions, from broad cinematic vistas to close-ups, imparting the film with a subtle yet refined visual depth. The color palette leans heavily toward earthy tones such as muddy browns, greys, and blacks, aligned with the genre's stylistic demands, but interspersed with brighter elements from the landscape and skies. Black levels remain robust and deep, providing excellent contrast without notable compression anomalies.

Cinematographer Matthew J. Lloyd capitalizes on alternating wide scenic vistas and tight character close-ups, adding visual diversity to the presentation. The nighttime and dimly lit sequences do exhibit minor digital murkiness, common in lower light conditions, where fine detail understandably dips. Nonetheless, the overall video quality remains impressive with natural color grading and a burnished look that avoids excessive post-processing. The film's cinematography, whether in candlelit interiors or expansive outdoor shots, maintains stability and produces a visually rich experience that is both engaging and true to its western roots.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray of "The Kid" is proficiently executed, delivering a robust audio experience. Dialogue is prioritized with clarity and coherence, whether whispered or yelled, ensuring it stands out amidst the other elements. The effects are effectively distributed across the sound array, offering significant LFE weight to the thunderous shotgun blasts and booming revolver rounds. Punchy explosions add a palpable sense of impact, enhancing the visceral experience. The score, Western in tone yet at times quaint and melancholic, seamlessly integrates, setting the emotional and narrative backdrop with commendable finesse.

The track provides dynamic engagement through consistent surround channel utilization, courtesy of a variety of effects and foley work. Hand-to-hand combat and gunfire erupt with lifelike energy, benefiting from smart directionality. The score by Latham and Shelby Gaines may occasionally exhibit eccentricities but contributes to an immersive auditory experience by moving fluidly through the side and rear channels. This cohesive presentation ensures that dialogue remains pristine amid the action, maintaining a problem-free and enticing audio environment. While it may not be a reference demo track, it's a solid and thoroughly enjoyable aural rendition suitable for the film's intense moments and reflective intervals alike.

The Blu Ray release of "The Kid" includes a modest selection of extras that provide some insight into the film's production. Though limited, the key feature is a making-of featurette which offers a behind-the-scenes look, capturing the essence of the film’s creation. The standout moments include interviews with Vincent D'Onofrio, who notably appears in a somewhat playful manner, donning a cowboy hat. This featurette, albeit brief and in a style typical of Electronic Press Kits (EPK), adds some charm and depth to the overall viewing experience. The overall offering might be sparse, but it is set to appeal to fans interested in the film's production aspects.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making The Kid: A behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews and insights into the production process.

Vincent D’Onofrio’s directorial effort, The Kid, offers a fresh perspective on the legendary tale of Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett, set against a well-trodden Western backdrop. Despite the film's promising premise, it often struggles to find its footing, balancing historical fidelity with fiction. D’Onofrio reframes the narrative through the eyes of teen siblings Rio (Jake Schur) and Sara (Leila George), who cross paths with notorious outlaw Billy the Kid (Dane DeHaan) and lawman Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke). This unique narrative choice imbues the film with a distinct perspective, even if it sometimes trips over familiar Western tropes.

Ethan Hawke delivers a standout performance as Pat Garrett, encapsulating a grizzled yet compelling figure. Dane DeHaan’s portrayal of Billy the Kid, while sincere, feels somewhat underdeveloped, portraying the outlaw as more of an enigmatic side character than the focal point. Chris Pratt makes an appearance as the snarling antagonist Grant Cutler, but his sporadic presence limits his impact. The core storyline revolving around Rio and Sara’s escape from their vengeful uncle adds a layer of personal stakes but dilutes the iconic confrontation between Garrett and Billy.

Visually, The Kid captures impressive Western landscapes that evoke the spirit of John Ford’s classics, enhancing the film’s authenticity. However, at 100 minutes, the narrative feels stretched thin, occasionally dragging through its runtime despite its poignant last moments. While D’Onofrio brings a fresh angle to the oft-told tale, blending myth with modern sensibilities, the film ultimately fails to offer substantial new insights or profound character development that set it apart from previous adaptations. The intermingling of historical figures with fictional elements provides an interesting edge but also challenges believability, resulting in a mixed overall impression.

Vincent D'Onofrio's "The Kid" is a well-intentioned yet flawed retelling of the classic tale of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Supported by commendable performances from Ethan Hawke and Dane DeHaan, the film attempts to delve deeper into character development but only occasionally succeeds. The narrative, which merges elements of real life and fiction, struggles with an uneven tone and often feels artificial as it unfolds. While certain moments in the closing minutes hint at what could have been a more engaging focus, the film generally fails to escape the shadow of its overly familiar storyline.

Lionsgate's Region B Blu-ray release for "The Kid" stands out with superior technical merits. The video and audio quality are very good, offering a visually appealing and aurally immersive experience for viewers. Additionally, the release isn't entirely bare-bones and includes enough supplementary material to justify consideration for fans and collectors. The strong audiovisual presentation helps offset some of the movie's narrative shortcomings, making for a more enjoyable viewing experience.

In conclusion, "The Kid" is not quite up to the caliber of shows like "Deadwood," but it is bolstered by strong performances and technical excellence in its Blu-ray release. While the story grapples with its uneven mix of fact and fiction, leading to a somewhat artificial feel, those who appreciate the central performances and solid technical execution may find it worth watching. Therefore, with noted caveats, "The Kid" on Blu-ray comes recommended for its dedicated audience.