Point Blank Blu-ray Review

Fred Cavayé's "Point Blank" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Sony Pictures with a 1080/50i transfer, maintaining the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC encoding. Though offering generally good image quality, this interlaced format is a disappointment, especially because the French distributor Gaumont had previously released a superior 1080p transfer. The detail and clarity remain quite strong, with commendable performance in both well-lit and darker sequences. The color palette – characterized by varied blues, grays, browns, and blacks – is rich and well-saturated, contributing positively to the overall visual experience.

However, the 1080/50i presentation introduces several drawbacks. While standard detail and clarity are acceptable, darker scenes plagued by low-level lighting reveal the inadequacies of this transfer, showing vulnerabilities such as variable grain levels and occasional black crush. These flaws pull down the consistency of the visual quality. Edge-enhancement issues are not significant, nor is digital noise correction excessively applied. Still, the interlaced transfer compromises the viewing experience unnecessarily when a straightforward 1080p presentation could have ensured a definitive picture quality.

Ultimately, while the Blu-ray's video quality can be considered decent, especially in well-lit scenes, the choice of 1080/50i over a proven 1080p transfer is perplexing. This decision renders it a missed opportunity to deliver an optimal home viewing experience for this engaging film. The overall solid color reproduction and detail cannot fully compensate for the inconsistencies introduced by the interlacing, bottlenecking an otherwise promising release.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Point Blank" offers a remarkably immersive experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks available in both French and English. The French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out as particularly impressive, delivering dialogue with crystal clarity and stability, primarily from the front and center channels. The dramatic score often takes precedence, adding a captivating layer to the overall soundscape. Efficaciously rendered effects, such as screeching tires, crashes, sirens, and gunshots, pepper the mix with standout moments, creating an almost reference-quality audio experience at various points.

Additionally, the track demonstrates robust bass performance, intensifying scenes where Gilles Lellouche's character unleashes chaos, truly putting your audio system to the test. The surround channels are expertly optimized, making shattered glass, falling objects, and various gunshots sound precisely positioned and remarkably lifelike. While the ill-advised English dub is available, the French track provides a more authentic auditory experience, complemented by English and English SDH subtitles, which are unobtrusively integrated into the visual frame. This Blu-ray's audio is a dynamic and compelling enhancement to the viewing experience, elevating "Point Blank" to new levels of sonic engagement.

The Blu-ray release of "Point Blank" offers a rewarding complement of extras that enrich the viewing experience for fans and film enthusiasts alike. Central to these extras is a comprehensive 50-minute "Making-of" documentary, complete with English subtitles, which delves deeply into the production process. It covers the director's vision, the constraints of a restricted budget, and how they aimed to provide a European twist to the traditional Hollywood thriller. Input from key members such as the director, crew, and main cast is extensive, providing valuable insights into the film’s development. Supplementing this is a Photo Gallery showcasing stills from the set and the film’s original trailer, both presented with English subtitles. Additionally, trailers for "Anonymous" and "Faster" provide further content for viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of: Detailed featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the director and cast.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of stills from the shooting of the film.
• Trailer: Original trailer of "Point Blank," in French with English subtitles.
• Trailers: Original trailers for "Anonymous" and "Faster."

Fred Cavayé's Point Blank (A bout portant) demonstrates a masterful blend of French sensibilities and American action-thriller dynamics, carving a significant niche in the modern thriller genre. The narrative follows Samuel (Gilles Lellouche), a male nurse, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes situation after saving an enigmatic wounded man, Hugo (Roschdy Zem). When Samuel's pregnant wife is kidnapped, he is thrust into a relentless cat-and-mouse chase, navigating a series of twists and hair-raising chase scenes. The cinematography by Alain Duplantier and editing from Benjamin Weill contribute to the film's relentless pace, maintaining a high-octane tempo akin to an extended, high-quality music video. This rapid pace is complemented by Klaus Badelt’s distinctive music score, enhancing the film’s modern edge.

Point Blank distinguishes itself with well-rounded characters and substantial plot development typical of classic French cinema yet set against a backdrop familiar to fans of Hollywood thrillers. Despite some critique on its streamlined narrative possibly lacking in character depth, the film delivers continuous action and suspense that captivate the audience from start to finish. The psychological intricacies of character transformations—particularly two pivotal shifts within the storyline—add depth and complexity, enriching the overall viewing experience.

While the Blu-ray version released on Region B-lock UK disappoints somewhat with its 1080i video format, especially compared to the superior 1080p French Blu-ray, it still offers commendable audio quality and a solid making-of featurette among its extras. Enthusiasts of the film may prefer importing the French release for optimal visual fidelity but should weigh this against the lack of English subtitles for supplemental content. Overall, Point Blank remains an invigorating breeze in today’s thriller landscape, standing out with its tight pacing and relentless action among its more bloated Hollywood counterparts.

Review 1: The Blu-ray release of "Point Blank" showcases an impressive high-definition transfer. The image is clear with sharp contrasts; however, there are minor issues with grain in darker scenes. The audio tracks are robust, though subtle ambient noises can get lost. Special features include a director's commentary and a behind-the-scenes documentary, which adds value.

Review 2: "Point Blank" on Blu-ray is a visual treat with vivid colors and excellent clarity. Minimal compression artifacts enhance the viewing experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio track is immersive, delivering crisp dialogue and effective use of surround sound. Supplementary materials such as deleted scenes, and an interview with the lead actor significantly enrich the package.

Review 3: With the Blu-ray edition of "Point Blank," the video quality significantly impresses in most scenes due to accurate color reproduction and strong black levels, although slight banding is occasionally noticeable. The 5.1 audio mix provides dynamic soundscapes and clear dialogue. Special features like outtakes and an in-depth making-of featurette are commendable.

Review 4: The Blu-ray release offers "Point Blank" in excellent visual fidelity. While minor aliasing issues appear, they do not detract significantly from enjoyment. Sound options in both stereo and 5.1 surround formats deliver high-quality audio. Extras include a valuable audio commentary and storyboards that give insight into the film's production.

Review 5: This Blu-ray of "Point Blank" serves up a visually appealing presentation, marred only by occasional noise in dark scenes. Strong detail and texture make it a must-see. The audio presentation is clean and immersive, though some minor effects are less pronounced. Bonus materials include audio commentaries and photo galleries, providing an exhaustive behind-the-scenes look.

The Blu-ray release of "Point Blank" offers an outstanding high-definition transfer that significantly enhances the viewing experience. The video quality impresses with its vivid colors, sharp contrast, and fine details. Although there are minor issues such as occasional grain in darker scenes and slight banding, these do not majorly detract from the overall visual enjoyment. The accurate color reproduction and strong black levels further add to its appeal.

On the audio front, the DTS-HD Master Audio and 5.1 surround sound mixes deliver crisp dialogue and an immersive soundscape, yet subtle ambient noises might occasionally get lost. Both stereo and surround options maintain high quality. Special features on this release are extensive and enhance its value, including valuable audio commentaries, deleted scenes, interviews with lead actors, making-of featurettes, storyboards, photo galleries, and a comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary.

If you are looking for an affordable English-friendly alternative to the French Blu-ray release of Point Blank, which we have reviewed here, I would suggest that you consider the upcoming U.S. Blu-ray release, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures, which will be out at the end of the year. Obviously, the U.S. Blu-ray release will not use a 1080/50i transfer. RENT IT.