Locke Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films presents "Locke" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, emphasizing its visually constrained yet engrossing narrative. The film, famously shot using Red Epic cameras mounted inside a stationary BMW, skillfully captures the intricacies of Ivan's solitary in-car journey. Shot entirely at night, the movie thrives on dark and claustrophobic settings rendered with commendable sharpness and clarity. While shadow detail is competent, black levels are particularly impressive, enriching the darkness surrounding Ivan without crushing or banding issues. The jaundiced palette, courtesy of omnipresent streetlights, is punctuated with occasional bursts of vibrant colors like neon green vests, adding visual interest within the limited set.

Detail and contrast are well-executed across the board. Close-ups reveal subtle textures in facial features and fabric, although some filtering effects may induce slight haze. Features like transposed motorway images atop Hardy's face offer stylistic flourishes that break visual monotony without detrimental overprocessing. The Blu-ray disc is notably free from artifacts and stability issues. Lens flares and abstract views of passing traffic contribute to a distinct visual motif that maintains engagement despite the film's minimalistic setting. Overall, "Locke" exemplifies how careful cinematography and post-production can yield a visually effective presentation even under restrictive filming conditions.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Locke" delivers a surprisingly immersive and realistic audio experience. Dialogues, being the cornerstone of the film, are reproduced with remarkable clarity, allowing every intonation and accent to be distinctly heard. The mix provides a seamless balance between the front and rear sound fields, enhancing the spatial cues and near-field simulation to create an enveloping atmosphere. The minimalist score by Dickon Hinchliffe gently pulsates through the surround channels, enhancing the immersive feeling without overwhelming the naturalistic soundscape. Even phone conversations maintain a balanced auditory distance, contributing to the film's intimate realism.

While the low-frequency extension is limited, it serves its purpose appropriately whenever needed, such as during instances of Ivan accelerating or the engine revving. The sound of passing traffic intelligently pans through the side channels, ensuring the viewer feels like a passenger in Ivan's car. The ambient noises from outside and along the highway are meticulously balanced, contributing to a full-bodied yet restrained sound design that feels authentic. Although the film's aural landscape may initially seem sparse, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix ensures it remains vibrant and alive, maximizing every subtle element to maintain engagement throughout the runtime.

The Extras section for the Blu-ray of "Locke" offers a compelling, albeit mixed, collection of content that provides both technical insight and behind-the-scenes perspectives. The Audio Commentary with Director Steven Knight is particularly notable, providing an informative look into the complexities of shooting a film entirely within a moving car and managing remote actor performances. However, some viewers might find the commentary's pacing lagging due to occasional long pauses. The Ordinary Unraveling: Making Locke featurette, although concise, delivers substantial interviews and captures intriguing techniques used in the production. Overall, the extras vary in depth but do well in complementing Tom Hardy's stellar performance and the film's impressive cinematography.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Steven Knight: Offers insights into the unique challenges of filming in a single, mobile location.
• Ordinary Unraveling: Making Locke: Provides interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: High definition trailer for "Locke".

"Locke" Movie Rreview

Steven Knight's "Locke" manages to transform a seemingly mundane scenario into a riveting cinematic experience. The film, starring Tom Hardy as Ivan Locke, unfolds almost entirely within the confines of his BMW during a two-hour drive from Birmingham to London. Despite the confined setting, Knight masterfully escalates tension through a series of phone calls, revealing the unraveling of both Locke’s professional and personal life. Knight, previously known for writing gritty narratives like "Dirty Pretty Things" and directing "Redemption," ensures that "Locke" is not perceived as mere theatrical gimmickry. By maintaining visual variety and dramatic momentum, he transforms what could be a monotonous journey into an engrossing narrative.

Tom Hardy delivers a performance of immense restraint and nuance, primarily using his voice and facial expressions to convey Ivan's internal turmoil. As the story progresses, Hardy’s portrayal of the calm, collected construction manager reveals deeper layers of conflict. Ivan is on his way to be present for the birth of a child he fathered during an affair, leaving his wife and legitimate children devastated. Concurrently, he manages a critical construction project via phone calls. Hardy’s understated performance captures the paradox of a man striving to do the right thing while grappling with the consequences of his actions.

Knight’s script intricately weaves Ivan’s deteriorating professional and personal lives. The unexpected element of Ivan conversing with a figurative specter of his absent father adds a psychological depth, albeit clumsily executed. The film’s thematic exploration of legacy and personal ethics aligns with the high-stakes narrative surrounding the largest concrete pour in Europe. Despite minor missteps, "Locke" stands as a testament to how immersive single-location films can be when executed with precision and anchored by a compelling lead performance.

Steven Knight's Locke masterfully circumvents potential gimmickry by leveraging Tom Hardy's mesmerizing performance to deliver a compelling narrative confined within the four walls of a car. Knight, both the writer and director, ensures the film's direction maintains a consistent grip on its audience through meticulous technical execution. Hardy’s portrayal anchors the film, his nuanced interpretation of Ivan Locke eliciting a range of emotions that transcend the screen. The Blu-ray release does justice to this unconventional storytelling by providing robust image and sound quality, effectively capturing the film's intense, real-time dialogue and atmosphere.

The presentation of Locke on Blu-ray is a testament to its intricate craftsmanship. Despite the restriction of a single on-screen character and a confined setting, the technical aspects—brightness, color grading, and audio mixing—are expertly handled, emphasizing the depth and gravity of Locke’s journey. However, Knight's commentary track falls short and lacks the insightful depth one might expect, which is slightly disappointing given the film’s layered complexity. Nevertheless, the included featurettes and trailer add value to the release, although they are more appetizers rather than substantial extras.

In conclusion, Locke is an exceptional piece of cinema that combines strong performances and precise direction with high technical standards. Despite minor flaws in the supplemental features, this Blu-ray release is strongly recommended for its ability to deliver an intense, thought-provoking cinematic experience that highlights Hardy’s extraordinary acting capabilities. As one of the notable releases of 2014, Locke deserves a place in any film aficionado's collection.