The Company Blu-ray Review

"The Company" arrives on Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, encapsulated in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio that offers viewers a solid high definition experience despite some drawbacks. Visually, the series adopts a stylized, somewhat desaturated color scheme that, while not particularly vibrant, contributes to the thematic atmosphere of the show. The transfer shines in its meticulous attention to detail; close-up shots reveal an impressive clarity where every texture, from flesh tones to the intricate details of costumes, is rendered with precision. This level of detail is consistently high, allowing for a lifelike representation of characters and their environments, even to the point of revealing prosthetic seams in the aging makeup of key actors.

However, the visual presentation is not without its faults. Issues such as inconsistent black levels, which swing from deep and rich to overly bright and grayish, detract from what could otherwise be a more visually consistent experience. These fluctuations lead to moments where the image appears washed out, undermining the otherwise excellent sharpness and depth of the picture. Furthermore, technical anomalies like edge enhancement and slight color banding introduce occasional distractions, alongside rare instances of shimmering on detailed textures and a few softer shots that break the overall crispness of the presentation.

Despite these imperfections, "The Company" boasts a transfer that is likely superior to its original broadcast on TNT HD. The show's deliberate color palette and high level of detail in textures and backgrounds highlight the care taken in its visual production. While the presentation faces challenges with black levels and minor video artifacts, these do not overly mar the viewing experience. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find the Blu-ray's video quality to be a significant enhancement, cementing "The Company" as a strong entry in the collection of television series presented in high definition.

The audio presentation of "The Company" Blu-ray comes equipped with a high-caliber lossless PCM 5.1 track as well as a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, each catering to the series' nuanced sound requirements. While primarily dialogue-driven, the audio experience is commendable, making conversations clear and intelligible. However, the series' soundstage might not immerse you as deeply as expected in its espionage-filled world, particularly given its settings in stark offices and covert locations which limit the scope for expansive natural ambiance. Notably, the sound design truly comes to life during the meticulously crafted action sequences witnessed in episodes detailing historical events like the Hungarian uprising and the Bay of Pigs invasion. Here, gunfire resonates with palpable intensity, and explosions deliver a deep, satisfying rumble, showcasing the dynamic range of both audio tracks.

Both the uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track and the Dolby Digital mix demonstrate their strengths effectively throughout the series. The PCM track excels in delivering booming war scenes with a level of clarity and detail that adds a tangible layer of depth to the viewing experience. The soundfield maintains its integrity impressively, offering a directionally precise and immersive soundscape that brings even the subtlest environmental sounds to life – from the crunch of gravel underfoot to the distant echo of ricochets, enhancing the realism of each scene. Despite these strengths, there's a noticeable lack of variation in acoustic properties across different locations within the series, which slightly detracts from the overall auditory immersion. This issue becomes apparent in scenes set in varying room sizes, where the acoustics remain disappointingly uniform, occasionally causing dialogue to blend too seamlessly into the background noise.

In summary, while "The Company" boasts an audio presentation that impressively handles both its dialogue-heavy scenes and explosive action sequences with aplomb, there's room for improvement in creating a more enveloping soundstage that accurately reflects the diversity of its settings. The meticulous attention to detail in certain aspects of the sound design is commendable, yet a more nuanced approach to acoustics could further elevate the auditory experience to match the series' ambitious storytelling and visual presentation.

The extras on the Blu-ray edition of "The Company" offer a glimpse into the creation and production of the series, though they fall somewhat short in providing the comprehensive behind-the-scenes look that aficionados of the series might hope for. The set includes two primary featurettes: "Declassified: The Origins of 'The Company'" and "The Hidden Hand: The Making of 'The Company'," both presented in 480p and offering insights from the cast and crew on the adaptation of the original book into a miniseries and the challenges faced during production. Additionally, a trailer for "Spider-Man 3" and a Blu-ray promotional montage in 1080p are included, but the absence of the Covert Mission: DVD-ROM content present in the standard DVD release is notable. While these extras provide some value, particularly in understanding the directorial decisions and Ridley Scott's involvement, they ultimately feel insufficient for those seeking an in-depth exploration of the series' historical context versus its fictional narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Declassified: The Origins of 'The Company': Cast and crew discuss adapting the book into a miniseries.
• The Hidden Hand: The Making of 'The Company': Insight into the production challenges and directorial choices.
• Trailer for Spider-Man 3: A 1080p preview of the movie.
• Blu-ray Promotional Montage: A 1080p montage promoting Blu-ray.

"The Company" presents on Blu-ray as a compelling adaptation of Robert Littell's bestselling novel, meticulously charting the covert battles and moral quandaries of the Cold War era. This nearly five-hour miniseries condenses decades of espionage and ideological warfare into a gripping narrative, focusing on a group of CIA recruits pitted against their KGB counterparts. The essence of this clandestine war, marked not by military engagements but by the stealthy exchange of secrets and the perpetual threat of betrayal, is vividly brought to life through the experiences of characters such as Jack McCauliffe (Chris O'Donnell), Leo Kritzky (Alessandro Nivola), and their Soviet nemesis Yevgeny Tsipin (Rory Cochrane). The casting, including notable performances by Alfred Molina as Harvey Torriti and Michael Keaton as James Angleton, adds significant depth to the storytelling, an intricate tapestry of friendships forged and broken in the shadow of global conflict.

Despite its ambition and the richness of its source material, "The Company" is not without its flaws. Critics and viewers alike have noted the miniseries' uneven pacing and occasionally divergent focus, particularly its overindulgence in the protagonists’ personal lives at the expense of more nuanced historical analysis. The adaptation wrestles with the inherent challenges of dramatizing complex, real-world events; it endeavors to remain faithful to the spirit of the Cold War's secretive maneuvers while crafting a narrative accessible and engaging to a contemporary audience. Distinctions between historical fact and creative license blur, yet the essence of this tumultuous period is captured with enough fidelity to keep viewers invested in its outcome.

Technically, the Blu-ray rendition offers both aficionados of espionage thrillers and students of Cold War history a substantial viewing experience. Cinematography and performance quality, particularly from Molina and Keaton, stand out, elevating "The Company" above standard TV fare. However, its portrayal of consequential events like the Bay of Pigs invasion and encounters with a deep-cover mole codenamed Sasha oscillates between exacting detail and dramatized fiction. This tension between accuracy and storytelling necessitates a viewer approach that appreciates the series' broader thematic ambitions over its fidelity to historical minutiae. While "The Company" successfully immerses its audience in the cloak-and-dagger atmosphere of the era, it also prompts reflection on the enduring impact of secrecy and surveillance, themes as relevant today as they were at the height of the Cold War.

"The Company," with its blend of historical fiction and fine performances, offers a compelling watch that balances between riveting sequences and slower moments. As a television series, its transition to Blu-ray has been commendable, offering enhanced audio and video quality that, while not groundbreaking, is a noticeable improvement over the original TNT HD cablecast. This release provides a suitable platform for appreciating the series' strong production values and thoughtful narrative, catering to an audience that prefers substance over spectacle. However, it's important to note the presentation's shortcomings, particularly in the realm of supplementary content, which remains disappointingly sparse.

Both reviews highlight the substantial audio-visual upgrade this Blu-ray edition delivers, emphasizing its appeal to viewers seeking intellectual stimulation rather than action-packed sequences. The performances are praised as strong across the board, reinforcing the series' reputation for quality storytelling and character development. Nonetheless, the critique regarding the lack of in-depth extras echoes through, suggesting missed opportunities to enrich viewers' understanding and appreciation of the series' context and making.

In conclusion, "The Company" on Blu-ray is recommended for those who value nuanced entertainment grounded in historical events, delivering a solid audio-visual experience that enhances its already commendable production. However, enthusiasts looking for a deeper dive into the series' background will find the extras lacking. Despite this flaw, the release stands as an impressive effort within the realm of television miniseries adaptations, worthy of attention from both new viewers and longtime fans seeking to revisit the series with improved presentation quality.