The 33 Blu-ray Review

"The 33" Blu-ray presentation offers a meticulously executed visual experience, despite the film's intentional lack of eye-catching color and dimension. Using Arri Alexa XT Plus cameras, the cinematography captures a compelling contrast between the claustrophobic mine and the vivid external desert environment. The resolution is superb, providing appreciable detail and nuance, particularly in close-ups where skin tones appear lifelike, ranging from rosy to pale. The renderings of black levels are excellent, dynamic, and deep, supporting the film's thematic elements effectively. Limited chromatic ranges of muted primary colors punctuated by sporadic bright hues enrich the narrative's emotional tone.

Warner's 1080p AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer maintains a high standard with an average bitrate of 27.98 Mbps, ensuring ample bandwidth for this digitally acquired production. The difference in visual quality between underground and above-ground sequences is stark; the former possess a purposefully murky, dim appearance that occasionally displays minimal noise, reflecting the miners' grim reality. In contrast, outdoor scenes shot in the Atacama Desert are rich with color, depth, and detail, providing relief from the subterranean gloom. The detailed aesthetics of mechanical equipment and facial features are strikingly clear, free from distortion, interference, or artifacts.

The mine scenes, despite their intended darkness, maintain respectable black levels and shadow detail, although they lack the inky depth seen in other high-caliber transfers. Some CGI elements, notably during the collapse scenes, are noticeably artificial but do not significantly detract from the overall visual fidelity. Other concerns such as banding or aliasing are absent, ensuring a clean viewing experience that aligns closely with the theatrical presentation. Ultimately, while the transfer stops short of perfection, it is a thoroughly satisfying visual representation of "The 33" that enhances its gripping narrative.

The 33's Blu-ray audio presentation leverages a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, delivering a highly immersive and dynamic soundstage. The engaging surround mix transforms the viewing space into a three-dimensional auditory experience, aptly reflecting the intense and harrowing events on screen. Low-frequency effects stand out with deep, tactile bass that effectively enhances the realism of the mine's collapse and drilling sequences. Dialogue is clear and distinct, maintaining clarity even amidst the diversity of accents, though a slight sibilance can be noted in the upper registers. This audio track demonstrates meticulous sound design with explicit sonic details, accurate directional cues, and impressive bass extension.

Though originally released in select theaters with a Dolby Atmos track, the Blu-ray's DTS-HD MA 5.1 track provides a compelling approximation of that heightened experience. Geological sounds such as creaks, groans, and drilling reverberate realistically in a properly configured surround setup, contributing to the overall tension and atmosphere. Moreover, James Horner’s score enriches the auditory landscape, subtly integrated with other audio elements without overwhelming the dialogue or sound effects. In addition to the English lossless track, supplemental Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English 5.1 Dolby Digital Descriptive Audio tracks are available, alongside English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles, offering comprehensive accessibility options for viewers.

In conclusion, The 33's audio delivery is robust and expressive, particularly shining during critical sequences like the mine's collapse where the speakers vividly evoke the scene's chaos and intensity. While primarily composed of front-heavy dialogue and rear-channeled effects, this masterfully mixed track ensures an encompassing auditory experience that aligns well with the film's dramatic narrative. Though not perfect, the audio presentation is far from disappointing, offering a resonate encounter that complements the onscreen action.

The Blu-ray release of "The 33" offers a modest selection of extras, shedding light on the production and contextual elements surrounding the film. The included featurettes concentrate on the technical re-creation of the mine collapse and a brief viewing of the global reaction during the rescue operation. While some viewers may find these extras insightful, it is clear that they are rather limited in both scope and depth, serving more as promotional materials than comprehensive behind-the-scenes content. The theatrical trailer rounds out the offerings, providing a glimpse of the film's promotional strategy.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Mine Collapse: Brief featurette focusing on the effects work for the mine re-creation.
• The 33: The World Was Watching: Promotional featurette discussing the role of families and media during the rescue.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer showcasing the film's promotional highlights.
• Digital HD Copy

"The 33" recounts the harrowing true story of the 2010 Copiapó mining accident in Chile, where 33 miners were trapped over 2,000 feet underground for 69 days. Directed by Patricia Riggen, the film boasts a strong cast led by Antonio Banderas as Mario Sepúlveda and Lou Diamond Phillips as Don Lucho. The narrative successfully captures the emotional breadth of the ordeal, delivering suspense, drama, and a nuanced portrayal of resilience. Riggen’s direction is particularly commendable in staging the mine collapse with suddenness and realism, encapsulating the miners' terrifying experience. However, there is a noticeable lack of depth in character development due to the sheer number of individuals involved, which is remedied through composite characters and borrowed traits to streamline storytelling.

The decision to employ English throughout the movie, despite its Chilean setting, detracts somewhat from the film’s authenticity. Though it features a predominantly Latino cast, including Juliette Binoche and Bob Gunton in key roles, the incongruent accents and linguistic choices can be jarring. The film skillfully sidesteps melodrama by focusing on the collective struggle for survival rather than villainizing corporate interests. Riggen's use of magical realism and montage sequences helps maintain engagement as the rescue effort becomes laborious.

Technically, "The 33" translates well onto Blu-ray, providing a visually sharp and emotionally impactful experience that honors this tale of human perseverance. While certain creative liberties and casting decisions may perplex some viewers, the movie achieves its core objective: to celebrate the miners' extraordinary endurance and galvanize audiences with a captivating disaster narrative.

"The 33" is a gripping re-creation of the infamous Chilean mining disaster that captivates even those aware of the real-life outcome. Director Patricia Riggen adeptly channels the emotional intensity of this historical event, grounding the narrative in a reality that resonates deeply. While the film occasionally verges on melodramatic, it's a potent reminder of the harrowing uncertainty faced by the miners and their families. The movie effectively mirrors the original tensions and fears without succumbing to sensationalism, making it an engaging watch from start to finish. Recommended.

Despite an inevitable predictability due to its basis in well-documented events, "The 33" maintains a strong sense of urgency throughout. The film doesn't delve deeply into character development but instead wisely focuses on the broader situation's immediacy and the bureaucratic frustrations that catalyze audience empathy. Viewers are drawn into a narrative that juxtaposes human resilience against institutional lethargy, reflecting the ironies of real-life responses to disaster. Riggen manages to balance these elements well, providing a heartfelt and honest portrayal that does justice to the miners' ordeal.

In conclusion, "The 33" is a compelling film that encapsulates the emotional and physical trials of a monumental human drama. The technical aspects, from direction to cinematography, contribute significantly to its overall impact. Each frame is imbued with a palpable sense of dread and hope, making it an essential viewing experience. Riggen's faithful adaptation of true events ensures that "The 33" stands out as more than just a disaster movie—it's a testament to human endurance and solidarity. Highly recommended.