Morgan Blu-ray Review

Morgan's Blu-ray presentation by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, utilizing footage captured on Arri Alexa XT cameras. The film's visual style is notably variable, with a broad gamut of tones and contrast spanning its runtime. Dimly lit lab scenes are characterized by cool blues and slate grays, contrasting sharply with outdoor sequences awash in buttery yellows, or flashback scenes enveloped in reddish or sepia hues. Though these elements contribute to a somewhat disparate visual experience, the detail levels typically remain very good to excellent when lighting permits.

Mark Patten's stylized cinematography presents a clean and sterilized digital aesthetic with a pervasive greyish overcast that complements the narrative but often leaves colors feeling lackluster despite their accurate rendering. Flesh tones are natural, revealing excellent textural details and visible pores, while Morgan’s intentionally pale and sickly complexion stands out. While the freshly minted transfer offers a dreary, subdued contrast, the whites come through cleanly and bright; however, black levels are inconsistent—occasionally deep and rich but often resulting in murky shadows that flatten the depth of field and obscure background information. Still, well-lit scenes are exceptionally well-defined, showcasing fine lines and intricate details within the house, surrounding foliage, and Morgan's bleak concrete enclosure.

The audio presentation of "Morgan" on Blu-Ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, showcases an array of compelling audio moments. The differentiation between indoor and outdoor ambiances is particularly noteworthy, producing an immersive experience. Outdoor scenes come alive with sounds such as swarms of bees effectively buzzing through the soundfield, while indoor lab environments effectively emit a low-frequency hum. Specific effects, including gunshots and vehicle noises, utilize discrete channelization well, channeling sound through side and rear speakers with a surprising degree of realism. Dialogue remains consistently clean and clear, anchored effectively within the front channel for an uninterrupted listening experience.

Despite these strengths, the absence of a Dolby Atmos track, which was used in theaters, is a missed opportunity. The surround channels are employed effectively in certain scenes, such as voices echoing off concrete walls in underground bunkers and the score by Max Richter spreading across all three front channels. However, quieter dialogue-driven scenes lack atmospheric depth, with minimal activity noticed even in outdoor scenes where one would expect a richer soundscape. On the technical side, the soundtrack during action sequences demonstrates excellent dynamic range and maintains clarity and warmth without distortion. The low-end frequencies are especially impressive, delivering deep bass notes down to 16Hz, providing palpable presence both in music and suspenseful scenes.

Overall, "Morgan's" DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix stands out for its detailed ambience differentiation, clean dialogue reproduction, and robust low-end performance, even though a Dolby Atmos option could have elevated the experience further.

The extras on the Blu-ray for "Morgan" present a comprehensive and engaging collection, meriting significant attention for their informative and insightful nature. The Audio Commentary by director Luke Scott, despite moments leaning towards routine narration, delves into creative decisions and working dynamics with cast members. Modified Organism: The Science Behind Morgan stands out with expert interviews discussing the scientific and ethical dimensions of genetic engineering, reflecting meaningful connections to the film's narrative. The inclusion of Loom, a compelling short film by Scott, offers a deeper exploration of genetic themes and acts as a unique companion piece. Additionally, Deleted Scenes with optional commentary provide further context to the storyline. A Gallery with Auto and Manual Advance options, and promotional Trailers, round out this well-curated package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Modified Organism: The Science Behind Morgan: Scientific insights supporting the film’s premise.
• Deleted Scenes: Featuring optional commentary by Luke Scott.
• Loom (Short Film): A short film exploring genetic themes with optional commentary.
• Audio Commentary: Luke Scott discusses the creative process and anecdotes.
• Gallery: Auto and Manual Advance options showcasing film stills.
• Trailers: Promotional trailers for the movie.

"Morgan" falls into the often trampled territory of artificial intelligence and the ethical quandaries surrounding its creation, inevitably drawing comparisons to "Ex Machina." Luke Scott, stepping into the directorial arena with the support of producer Ridley Scott, endeavors to craft a visually intriguing but ultimately narratively flawed film. The titular AI, Morgan (Anya Taylor-Joy), is housed in an isolated location reminiscent of "Ex Machina," complete with an improbable house and a labyrinthine lair, making the narrative feel derivative rather than innovative.

The premise may hold promise, but it quickly descends into absurdity partly due to Seth W. Owen's script, sourced from the so-called Black List. A significant issue lies in character development—or lack thereof. The scientists responsible for Morgan's creation display astonishingly poor judgment, making perplexingly idiotic decisions inappropriate for their presumed intelligence. This not only hampers believability but also undermines potential suspense. Even pivotal characters like risk assessor Lee Weathers (Kate Mara) and head scientist Dr. Lui Cheng (Michelle Yeoh) are shackled by shallow motivations and a predictable storyline that follows a linear and uninspired trajectory culminating in a foreseeable twist.

Technically, the film exhibits strong performances from its cast, notably Anya Taylor-Joy and Kate Mara, who infuse their characters with a semblance of depth despite the play's failings. The movie attempts to establish an atmospheric mystery but ultimately conveys monotony through the dreariness of its setting, further compounded by inconsistent pacing. Elements such as interstitial scenes of nature juxtaposed against Morgan’s artificial conditions serve as blatant visual metaphors rather than nuanced storytelling aids. Consequently, "Morgan" feels like a missed opportunity—stale and frustratingly unoriginal, falling short of its higher aspirations in science fiction and horror.

Luke Scott's directorial debut, "Morgan," aims to be a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller but falls short on several fronts. The film features an ensemble cast with some recognizable faces, navigating the dangers of genetically engineered human hybrids. While the performances are competent, the characters, who are supposedly brilliant scientists, often act in ways that undermine their intelligence and credibility. The film's narrative structure lacks depth and fails to engage the audience fully, often skimming over potentially rich existential themes in favor of a more superficial exploration.

Visually, the Blu-ray presentation is top-notch. The visuals are crisp and detailed, ensuring that the film's aesthetic choices are fully realized in high definition. Similarly, the audio quality is impressive, providing a robust and immersive experience that complements the visual elements well. However, the supplementary materials included with the Blu-ray are limited, reducing the overall appeal of the package to merely a rental rather than a must-have purchase.

Anyone wanting a deep rumination on self-actualization might do better than this film's surface-level approach. With "Morgan" giving little more than lip service to its supposed philosophical underpinnings, viewers could find richer material in classics like Polonius' speech from "Hamlet" or the superior "Ex Machina." Fans of the cast may find elements to enjoy, and technical merits are strong for those primarily interested in audiovisual quality. However, for those looking for a more profound narrative experience, "Morgan" may simply not suffice.