Our Kind of Traitor Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Our Kind of Traitor" is visually compelling, benefiting from an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Shot digitally on the Arri Alexa XT and finished at a 4K Digital Intermediate (DI), the film showcases excellent detail levels that highlight facial features and textures effectively when scenes are well-lit. The color grading, although somewhat unconventional, presents occasional green-yellow flesh tones which may seem disconcerting but offer an artistic touch. The contrast remains robust, though the black levels can appear slightly milky at times, they do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

The cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle delivers on technical execution despite some subjective artistic choices that might not appeal to all viewers. Lens flaring and reflections are recurrent, and the overarching cool bluish/greyish palette characteristic of the genre might seem overused to some. Nonetheless, these choices do not undermine the transfer's quality, as no major issues such as aliasing, banding, or excessive noise are present. This rendition precisely captures Mantle's intended aesthetic while maintaining Lionsgate's reputation for consistent and high-quality A/V releases. Ultimately, the transfer holds up strongly under scrutiny and offers a visually engaging delivery of the film’s intended look.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Our Kind of Traitor" adapts to the film’s dialogue-heavy nature by providing a solid and reliable auditory experience, though it's not particularly exuberant. While the audio track does not consistently exhibit high levels of sonic dynamism, it does offer moments of immersive surround sound, especially during action scenes with machine gun fire and explosions, where low-frequency effects (LFE) add a burst of intensity. The spatial placement of ambient environmental effects across urban and rural settings, such as Marrakech, is commendable and maintains excellent fidelity.

Overall, the audio mix ensures clear and distinct dialogue, which is crucial for a talk-oriented narrative like this one. Surround channels are utilized effectively during crowd sequences and sparse action moments, even if they do not deliver the kind of enveloping atmosphere some might expect from more action-oriented films. The English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, though not extraordinary, offers a well-balanced mix with no noticeable issues or glitches. Subtitles in English, English SDH, and Spanish further enhance the accessibility of the audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Our Kind of Traitor" provide a mix of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and additional content that enhance the viewing experience without being overly extensive. "The Making of Our Kind of Traitor" offers a conventional yet insightful look at the film's production, featuring substantial input from key figures in the project, including the director and main cast. The "Deleted Scenes" section presents five excised moments that add context but were ultimately cut for pacing. "The Cast" delivers a concise overview of the characters through brief interviews and film excerpts, while "The Story" offers a general plot summary with comments from the cast and crew, focusing on John le Carré's narrative without delving into spoilers.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Our Kind of Traitor: Behind-the-scenes look with interviews.
• Deleted Scenes: Five deleted scenes that can be viewed individually or as a set.
• The Cast: Overview of characters through interviews and snippets.
• The Story: General overview of the plot with comments from the cast and director.

The adaptation of John le Carré’s 2010 novel "Our Kind of Traitor" is an intriguing, albeit somewhat flawed, entry into the spy thriller genre. Le Carré’s shift from the gritty realism of his iconic Cold War novels to an almost Hitchcockian narrative involving unwitting civilians caught in espionage marks a notable departure. This film unfolds with Perry McKendrick (Ewan McGregor), a hapless professor, and his wife Gail (Naomie Harris), a barrister, who find themselves embroiled in international intrigue during a troubled vacation in Morocco. The pair's chance encounter with Russian money launderer Dima (Stellan Skarsgård) leads to a convoluted plot of espionage and political machinations. Despite some believability issues, such as Perry’s transformation from an academic to an unlikely action hero, the story remains engaging, largely thanks to Skarsgård’s magnetic portrayal of Dima.

The film's pacing and tone pose some challenges. While le Carré's novels often succeed as slow-burning narratives with brooding tension, the film’s attempt to condense this into a brisk 108-minute runtime results in some underdeveloped character arcs and plot points. Perry, whose marital woes serve as his initial character motivation, sometimes comes off as lackluster and unconvincing as the protagonist of such high-stakes drama. On the other hand, Stellan Skarsgård injects a refreshing vitality into his role, juxtaposing charm and volatility to craft a character that carries much of the film’s emotional weight. In contrast, Damian Lewis’s portrayal of British official Hector feels one-dimensional, lacking the depth required to fully engage audiences.

Ultimately, while "Our Kind of Traitor" does not quite capture the same authenticity and pedestrian air typical of le Carré’s best works, it offers a suspenseful and well-acted narrative. The gripping opening, featuring an assassination orchestrated through a staged accident on a serene countryside road, sets the tone for an engaging espionage saga. While the film never fully escapes certain plot contrivances or achieves the same level of compelling realism found in other adaptations, it nonetheless delivers a solid entry into the spy thriller genre with commendable performances, particularly from Skarsgård.

Our Kind of Traitor, adapted from John le Carré's novel, aims high with a strong cast and commendable production values, but ultimately falters in its narrative execution. While the film presents an intriguing premise involving an ordinary man entangled in a web of international espionage, its believability is compromised by a somewhat far-fetched central plot. Despite this, if viewers are willing to suspend disbelief, they will find numerous tense moments that keep the momentum going.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release excels. The visual presentation is sharp, with vibrant colors and deep blacks that effectively enhance the film's mood and settings. Audio quality is equally impressive, providing clarity and depth to dialogue, ambient sounds, and the score. These technical merits elevate the viewing experience, making it more immersive.

There's no denying that the central plot conceit of Our Kind of Traitor is just kind of flat out ridiculous. Some may find it a deal killer in being able to swallow everything that flows from it, but if it's accepted as a given, the film has a lot of tense moments and offers an eclectic cast the opportunity to strut their stuff. Technical merits are strong and Our Kind of Traitor comes Recommended.