Savages Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Savages," courtesy of Universal Studios, showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio that stands as a nearly flawless cinematic experience. The film, directed by Oliver Stone and captured by cinematographer Dan Mindel, known for his work with Ridley and Tony Scott, benefits immensely from a video quality that makes its Southern California setting truly come alive. The highly detailed visuals, from the teal hues of the ocean to the amber warmth of the beaches, are a testament to Stone's vision and Mindel's execution. The inclusion of various film stocks and color grading, including segments in black and white, further enhances the viewing experience. Despite minor banding in some scenes with direct sunlight, the overall clarity and color fidelity are impressive.

Detail in the presentation is consistently high, capturing the essence of Stone's direction with extreme close-ups that reveal every pore, freckle, and blemish. The film's deliberate shifts in visual style, from stark, colorful vistas to grainier monochromatic sequences, are rendered with precision. The alternation between oversaturated tones and more naturalistic scenes reflects both the narrative's dynamism and Southern California’s vibrant landscape. While certain scenes opt for a softer focus, particularly those imitating 16mm film, the majority of the movie benefits from a clarity that brings out the textures of the environment and the characters within it.

Overall, "Savages" on Blu-ray boasts an exceptional video quality that does justice to both Stone’s ambitious aesthetic choices and Mindel’s keen eye for detail and color. This high-definition transfer succeeds in elevating the visual storytelling, ensuring that every frame, whether drenched in sunlight or cloaked in shadow, contributes to a compelling viewing experience. The occasional presence of minor visual imperfections does little to detract from a presentation that is as audacious and varied as the film itself.

The "Savages" Blu-ray boasts a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix that elevates the viewing experience with its well-balanced and immersive sound design. From the visceral impact of gunshots and the chilling spatter of blood to the vibrant roar of engines and helicopters, the audio mix aggressively uses the surround channels to place the viewer at the heart of the action. Yet, it's not all about intensity; the mix also captures serene moments with intricate detail, such as the soothing sounds of ocean waves caressing the beach. This careful attention ensures that even in the quieter scenes, the audio remains engaging. Despite a slightly restrained use of nonstop source cues characteristic of director Stone's style, the fidelity and dynamic range are impressive, guaranteeing that both the explosive and calm moments are delivered with clarity and depth.

Dialogue in "Savages" is critically clear, attributed to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix's handling of vocal nuances, especially notable with O's distinctive, breathy monologues. Her voice-overs, despite their content, are delivered with exceptional clarity, demonstrating the mix's capacity to handle varied audio elements with precision. The soundtrack expertly utilizes all available channels to create a rich auditory landscape, employing deep bass at strategic points to enhance the action sequences and maintain atmosphere during dialogue-heavy scenes. The mix's adept management of these contrasting elements ensures that every sound, from the subtlest of whispers to the most jarring explosion, is presented with utmost clarity and balance, making for a thoroughly satisfying audio experience on this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Savages" provide an enriching complement to the film's intense narrative and stylish execution. With deleted scenes adding 16 minutes of unseen content, viewers can delve deeper into the brutal world Oliver Stone has sculpted. The centerpiece, "Stone Cold Savages", is a comprehensive five-part featurette, featuring Stone's musings on everything from his color palette preferences to the intricacies of the source novel and casting. Two separate audio commentaries provide valuable insights: Oliver Stone's personal reflections reveal the meticulous thought process behind scene selection and design, while a group commentary featuring Eric Kopeloff, Moritz Borman, Don Winslow, Shane Salerno, and Tomas Voth offers a multifaceted view of the production. Notably, the inclusion of both Theatrical and Unrated versions allows for a tailored viewing experience, with the latter presenting a marginally grittier and more character-focused narrative. This collection of extras significantly enhances the overall appreciation of "Savages", appealing to fans and cinephiles alike through its detailed exploration of the film's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Offers additional content that extends the narrative.
• Stone Cold Savages: A detailed behind-the-scenes featurette, segmented into five parts.
• Feature Commentary with Director Oliver Stone: Provides Stone's personal take on the filmmaking process.
• Feature Commentary with Producers, Co-Screenwriter/Novelist, Executive Producer/Co-Screenwriter, and Production Designer: Presents a diverse perspective on the production.
• Theatrical and Unrated versions of the film: Two versions of the film to cater to different viewer preferences.

Oliver Stone's "Savages" embarks on a complex narrative set against the backdrop of California's marijuana industry, entwining themes of love, loyalty, and violence. The film's central characters, Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and Ben (Aaron Johnson), epitomize the dichotomy of brute force and intellectual prowess. Their harmonious yet unconventional relationship with O (Blake Lively) serves as the linchpin for the unfolding melodrama, further complicated by the intrusion of a merciless Mexican drug cartel. Despite the film's ambition to marry visceral action with intimate character study, it often strays into the realms of incredulity and overindulgence.

Stone's direction is unmistakably stylized, leveraging dynamic cinematography and a barrage of graphic sequences to maintain a relentless pace. While his attempt to blend the grotesque with the glamorous is visually arresting, the film's narrative coherence suffers under the weight of its own extravagance. Characters such as Elena (Salma Hayek) and Lado (Benicio del Toro) oscillate between caricature and complexity, occasionally blurring the lines of believability. The dialogue, particularly O's voice-overs, teeters between profound and pretentious, detracting from the authenticity of the triad's bond.

Despite these misgivings, "Savages" demonstrates Stone's unwavering ability to captivate through sheer cinematic force. The juxtaposition of Chon and Ben's ideologically divergent yet symbiotic partnership against the ruthless pragmatism of their adversaries weaves an intricate portrait of morality in shades of gray. However, the film's inability to fully flesh out its central characters or offer a novel exploration of its themes leaves it feeling like a missed opportunity for deeper commentary. In its endeavor to push boundaries, "Savages" vacillates between brilliance and banality, echoing the chaotic unpredictability of the world it seeks to portray.

Oliver Stone's "Savages" is a film that oscillates between being a visually arresting revenge drama and a convoluted narrative beset by extraneous details and stylistic overindulgences. While it unquestionably showcases some of Stone's most captivating cinematography to date, complete with harrowing scenes of violence that include decapitations and arson, these elements occasionally overshadow the raw grittiness at its core. The pacing is frenetic, imbuing the film with a breathlessness that arguably helps smooth over its narrative irregularities. Attempts at humor, primarily through John Travolta’s character, feel misplaced against the backdrop of the ultra-violent performances from Benicio del Toro and Salma Hayek, who seem to be acting for an audience beyond just those in the cinema.

On the performance front, Blake Lively’s portrayal as ‘O’ and Salma Hayek as the antagonist fail to impress; their characters come across as unconvincing, weakening the film's overall engagement. Despite having Oliver Stone at the helm—a director known for his capability to weave compelling narratives—“Savages” struggles to maintain interest due to its underdeveloped story and forgettable characters. For enthusiasts who prioritize technical aspects over storytelling, the Blu-ray presentation does offer redemption through superior video and audio quality, which might be enough for some viewers to consider this release.

In conclusion, while "Savages" may glide on the merits of its technical achievements on Blu-ray, it falls short of delivering a coherent or emotionally resonant story. The film is layered with excessive stylistic elements that occasionally divert from the heart of its revenge plot, paired with performances that range from overzealous to lackluster. This disparity creates a viewing experience that, despite its visual splendor, leaves much to be desired in terms of narrative satisfaction. As such, this Blu-ray might be more suited for collectors focused on visual and auditory fidelity rather than those seeking a riveting storyline or character development.