Obsessed Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Obsessed" consistently impresses with its high-definition clarity, framed beautifully in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The AVC MPEG-4 transfer brings the film's visual aesthetic to life, preserving its theatrical essence with sharp detail and a vibrant yet nuanced color palette. Scenes are delivered with a three-dimensional feel, thanks to sharp edges and crisp definition that shine through in both the wide overhead cityscapes and the intimate interior settings. However, while the film showcases a commendable level of detail in backgrounds and foregrounds alike, it's not without its flaws. Occasional softness and a disparity in black levels sometimes obscure finer details, particularly in lower-lit scenes at Derek and Sharon's home, which may affect depth perception.

Color grading plays a significant role in distinguishing the contrasting atmospheres of Derek's office and home. Office scenes are depicted with cool, steely blues and grays, effectively setting a cold, impersonal tone. By contrast, the warmth of the Charles' home is inviting, with wooden accents and interior detailing standing out, albeit with a slight push towards warmer flesh tones that occasionally feel exaggerated. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the overall visual presentation remains engaging.

Technical proficiency aside, the video transfer remains free from distracting artifacts and presents a clean, filmic quality that fans will appreciate. Deep blacks and enhanced contrast add to the dynamic visual experience, although at times they contribute to the loss of detail in darker scenes. A minimal yet occasionally spiky grain structure, along with sporadic edge enhancement issues, hint at digital manipulation but don't detract significantly from the viewing experience. In sum, "Obsessed" on Blu-ray offers a visually pleasing experience that nearly matches its theatrical presentation, navigating through its narrative with a visually dynamic aesthetic that only occasionally falters in execution.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack of "Obsessed" offers a conservative yet effective audio experience, focusing on clarity of dialogue and fidelity of the soundtrack. While the film is predominantly dialogue-driven, the audio track manages to provide a solid base for the vocal performances, ensuring that each line is delivered with precise tonal quality and depth. This clarity extends to the musical elements, with R&B tunes and the orchestrated score being presented with clear distinction among instruments and vocals, supported by a commendable low-end response that adds body to the music. Ambient sounds and discreet sound effects are used sparingly, primarily through the rear channels, to add a sense of environment without becoming intrusive or overwhelming.

Despite its limitations in offering a dynamic or immersive soundstage, the audio presentation succeeds in enhancing the narrative without detracting from it. The front channels are heavily utilized, placing most of the audio action at the screen while employing the rear channels mainly for ambient extension and occasional discrete effects. These include environmental sounds such as crickets at night or subtle office noises, which contribute to establishing the setting without drawing undue attention. Though not a showcase for state-of-the-art surround sound systems, the mix effectively utilizes the entire audio spectrum available within its narrative constraints.

Critically, "Obsessed" doesn’t push audio boundaries; it stays within a safe zone of clear and crisp dialogue reproduction and well-balanced musical tracks. The low-frequency effects (LFE) channel awakens for music and certain atmospheric cues, adding depth where appropriate but remains underused, mirroring the overall conservative approach to the film's sound design. Despite some critiques about its front-heavy and somewhat dated mix, it accomplishes what it sets out to do within the context of the film’s requirements. The soundtrack, along with its French and Portuguese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 dub tracks and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, alongside multi-language subtitle options, ensures broad accessibility while maintaining a uniform quality across the board.

The extra features of the Blu-ray release for "Obsessed" indeed focus heavily on its most marketable aspects, like the meticulously choreographed catfight scene, rather than delving deeply into the filmmaking process or thematic substance. The "Playing Together Nicely" making-of featurette offers a superficial look into the creation of the film, covering everything from its conceptualization to the final product without offering much in terms of depth or insight. Meanwhile, "Girl Fight!" provides a behind-the-scenes glance at the film's climax, showcasing the practicalities of filming such an intense sequence. "Obsessed: Dressed to Kill" attempts to add a layer of sophistication by exploring the costume design, but it feels more like an afterthought. The extras are rounded off with BD-Live functionality and an array of HD trailers for other films, alongside a digital copy of the movie. These supplements are likely to leave enthusiasts craving more meaningful content, as they do little to expand on the cinematic experience or provide significant value to the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Playing Together Nicely: Making of featurette.
• Girl Fight: Behind-the-scenes look at the film’s climactic fight scene.
• Obsessed: Dressed to Kill: Examination of costume design.
• 8 BD Previews: Array of HD trailers for various films.
• BD-Live enabled: Access to online content.
• Digital Copy Bonus Disc: Standard definition digital version of the film.

"Obsessed," a 2009 attempt at revitalizing the erotic thriller genre, ultimately falls flat, embodying a concoction of tepid storytelling and predictability that struggles to find its unique voice. Starring Idris Elba as Derek Charles, a successful financial advisor, Beyoncé Knowles as his wife Sharon, and Ali Larter as the unsettlingly fixated temp Lisa, the film navigates through an all-too-familiar narrative of obsession and intrusion. Despite the promising allure of its cast and the veneer of a high-stakes drama, "Obsessed" fails to deliver the suspense and psychological depth one might expect from its premise. The film's title, much like its execution, seems to lack the creativity and edge necessary to stand out in a genre well-mined by predecessors like "Fatal Attraction."

Technically, the movie doesn't fare much better. With a script that drags along without offering meaningful character motivation or development, it leaves audiences questioning not only Lisa's inexplicable fixation on Derek but also the fundamental reasons for its own existence. Attempts at tension-building through an overused and uninspiring musical score, alongside scenes that play out with little regard for logic or emotional authenticity, render the experience forgettable. This is further exacerbated by performances that range from disinterested to unconvincing, with none of the actors appearing particularly invested in their roles—contributing to an atmosphere that lacks genuine suspense or intrigue.

While "Obsessed" manages to stretch its narrative to nearly two hours, its length does not equate to substance. The movie indulges in clichés and contrivances without offering the nuanced storytelling or character depth required for a compelling psychological thriller. The climactic confrontation, intended as the narrative's crescendo, instead epitomizes the film's overarching issues: it's overly drawn out and devoid of the emotional weight necessary to resonate. In attempting to mimic genre staples without injecting new life or perspective, "Obsessed" exemplifies a missed opportunity to explore the darker facets of human emotion and obsession, leaving an indelible impression of being nothing more than a derivative and lackluster echo of its forebears.

The Blu-ray release of "Obsessed" finds itself in a unique position—caught between the potential of its high-definition presentation and the reality of its content and execution. Utilizing a comprehensive suite of high-end equipment, including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector, calibrated to perfection by Jeff Meier, and an Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player among others, the technical fidelity of this release is beyond reproach. The 1080p transfer shines on a Carada Precision Brilliant White 96" Screen, backed by a robust audio experience via Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor and a diverse array of speakers including Canton Ergo Series and Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers. The attention to technical details extends to the cooling and cabling solutions employed, ensuring an optimal viewing experience.

Despite the stellar technical setup and admirable Blu-ray quality, "Obsessed" falters in delivering a compelling narrative or engaging performances. The film's attempt to differentiate itself from "Fatal Attraction" is noted yet insufficient, marred by what can only be described as lackadaisical acting and missed opportunities in storytelling. These shortcomings are not mitigated by the Blu-ray's presentation, which though visually and audibly pleasing, lacks substantial extras to elevate the overall package. Such deficiencies relegate this release to perhaps nothing more than a curiosity for Beyoncé enthusiasts or those captivated by cinema.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray release of "Obsessed" showcases an impressive technical presentation, it ultimately fails to captivate or engage. The combination of high-quality audiovisuals and lackluster content creates a dichotomy that leaves much to be desired. This release serves as a stark reminder that even the most sophisticated equipment and meticulous set-up cannot compensate for the inherent shortcomings of the film itself. As such, "Obsessed" becomes an exercise in indifference, where the clarity of its picture does little to clarify its position within the cinematic landscape, rendering it a forgettable experience despite its technological prowess.