Broken Mile Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Broken Mile" on Blu-ray reveals a fascinating confluence of technical accomplishments and inherent limitations typical of micro-budget indie films. Shot with a Sony A7S II, the film attains an admirable visual performance considering its economic constraints, showcasing qualities that speak to its raw, indie aesthetic. Mastered in 4K before being downconverted to 1080p for the Gravitas Ventures U.S. and IndieCan Entertainment Canada release, the Blu-ray retains a documentary feel achieved through available lighting and a deliberately muted palette. Sharpness and detail fare well despite the film's continuous camera movement, maintaining stability without engaging in the distracting shakiness often found with similar setups. The film is encoded at an average bitrate of 25.78 Mbps on BD-R, sufficient for digital originations, and only lens flares, intentional and intrinsic to the production, manifest as visible artifacts.

Despite these merits, certain aspects mar the viewing experience. Fluctuating contrast and occasional banding are persistent issues, characteristic of the micro-budget nature of "Broken Mile." Overexposure of lights and inconsistent focus further detract from the visual fidelity, resulting in a product that, while capturing the intended grindhouse aesthetic, may not satisfy videophiles seeking immaculate clarity. Instances where black levels shift to brown under certain conditions attest to the dynamic range limitations faced during production. Moreover, thick color grading bestows varying shades of green and blue upon the frames, imbuing them with a coarse texture that underscores the film's limited resolution credentials.

Overall, while "Broken Mile" does not cater to those desiring pristine visual quality, it compensates through its unique aesthetic vision and technical competency within its financial constraints. The challenges of BD-R distribution are thoughtfully addressed by creator Justin McConnell, emphasizing the economic necessity behind such decisions while striving to deliver an authentic and artistically cohesive viewer experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Broken Mile" offers an immersive experience with a choice between a 5.1 mix available in either lossless DTS-HD MA or lossy Dolby Digital, and a 2.0 Dolby Digital option. The 5.1 mix is essential, especially given the film's point-of-view aesthetic that dynamically navigates voices and environmental sounds through different channels, aligning with the camera's shifting perspective. This deliberate effect can be disconcerting at times, enhancing the storytelling by placing the viewer within the scene's ambiance. For instance, during a tense conversation in a café, background noises are cleverly anchored to specific channels, creating a sense of space encroachment.

The exaggerated surround use in the DTS-HD 5.1 mix ensures that voices and key sounds are distinctly placed, albeit sometimes unnaturally so, particularly noticeable during the film’s finale where voice placement in the rear channels comes off as overemphasized. Despite some dialogue competition with city ambiance from live shooting conditions, such as trolley sounds mixing into lines, this adds a layer of realism. Sean Motley’s score, reminiscent of Elliot Goldenthal’s work for "Heat," further complements the sound design, enriching the film’s atmosphere while maintaining high fidelity across various audio channels.

The Blu Ray edition of "Broken Mile" impressively supplements the main feature with a substantial collection of extras. The director's commentary, featuring Justin McConnell, delves deeply into the technical intricacies of the film's single-take illusion. Meanwhile, the actor's commentary, despite its singular implication, includes a dynamic discussion with Francesco Filice, Caleigh Le Grand, and Patrick McFadden. The full-length documentary "One Shot Kills" offers a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. Additional content such as the Canadian Film Fest Q&A, initial conversation rehearsal, trailers, short films, a song used in the film, and a stills gallery provide extensive insights and added value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary: Technical details about the film's production and editing.
• Actor's Commentary: Group discussion with key actors.
• Behind the Scenes Featurette: In-depth documentary on the film's making.
• Q&A at Canadian Film Fest 2017: Event session.
• Full Rehearsal Take: Initial conversation between Shaun and Amy.
• Official Trailer: Finalized promotional trailer.
• Early Sales Trailer: Preview under the film's initial title.
• Short Film—Damned Selfie: Starring Caleigh Le Grand.
• Short Film—Open Invitation: Thematically linked to Broken Mile.
• Song—Drifting Souls: Music used in the film.
• Stills Gallery: Posters, production stills, and behind-the-scenes photos.

"Broken Mile," directed by the multi-talented Toronto-based filmmaker Justin McConnell, is a bold and ambitious endeavor that takes a daring approach to storytelling. Shot in what appears to be a single, continuous take over 80 minutes, the film brings an exceptional level of immediacy and tension reminiscent of Mike Figgis' "Timecode." With logistical challenges, extensive rehearsal, and guerilla-style filming in open public settings, McConnell has created a unique cinematic experience that marries the experimental with the accessible. Shot on a micro-budget and primarily in and around McConnell's neighborhood, the project showcases his ability to innovate within tight constraints.

The narrative kicks off with Shaun (Francesco Filice) waking up in an apartment bathtub to find Sarah (Lea Lawrynowicz) dead, presumably from suicide. Shaun's panic, compounded by unclear reasons revealed later, propels him into a night of frantic evasion and confrontation. His journey intensifies as he escapes from a friend-turned-pursuer, Kenny (Patrick McFadden), while seeking the reluctant help of his ex-girlfriend, Amy (Caleigh Le Grand). McConnell skillfully builds suspense by sticking closely to his characters, guiding the audience through dark city streets and tense confrontations without ever losing sight of the evolving relationships and the looming mystery of Sarah's death.

While McConnell's single-take approach brings a sense of urgency and intimacy akin to Hitchcock's "Rope," it also imposes narrative limitations. The film often finds itself bogged down by lengthy travel sequences and aimless conversations that slow the pacing. However, moments of genuine tension, such as the unnerving car chase with Amy, showcase McConnell's capacity for building suspense and maintaining engagement despite these challenges. "Broken Mile" is not just an experiment in real-time cinematography but also a nuanced exploration of personal responsibility and the human psyche. Though not without its flaws, it stands as a testament to creative filmmaking within budgetary constraints, making it an engaging watch for fans of innovative cinema.

"Broken Mile" on Blu Ray offers an intriguing blend of indie filmmaking grit and innovative single-take storytelling. The film's technical execution, with its continuous shot technique, creates a uniquely immersive experience though it occasionally hampers the pacing. The single-take format, while daring, introduces some monotonous stretches that could benefit from more dynamic scene shifts. However, the ambitious approach alone makes it noteworthy within the indie film circuit.

Audio-visual quality is competent if not extraordinary, with the BD-R format delivering a decent but not exceptional viewing experience. The cinematography, marked by its raw and unpolished style, further enhances the movie's underground appeal. Although the film's aesthetic may lack the polish of a major studio production, this roughness contributes to its authenticity and character.

The Blu Ray release is packed with extras, offering a treasure trove for those interested in DIY filmmaking. McConnell's additional content provides valuable insights into the independent filmmaking process, making it a worthwhile watch for aspiring filmmakers.

No one would ever mistake "Broken Mile" for a studio production, and that's an essential part of its appeal. Compared to predictable Hollywood fare, it's a breath of fresh air. McConnell's wealth of extras is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the nuts and bolts of do-it-yourself filmmaking. Prospective purchasers shouldn't let the fact that this intriguing creation arrives on BD-R deter them. Recommended.