Ronin Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Ronin" on 1080p through an MPEG-2 encode demonstrates a commitment to authenticity, albeit with notable shortcomings that may detract from the viewing experience for some. The transfer, seemingly not sourced from the original master, presents a picture quality that is somewhat lackluster. It suffers from a lack of vibrancy, with colors appearing subdued and the overall image marred by a persistent grain and occasional dust spots. This visual presentation is further compromised by a subtle but noticeable strobing effect and vertical banding, predominantly affecting the midsection of the screen. Such issues are less evident in darker scenes or during rapid action sequences but become distracting in well-lit, static shots. Despite these flaws, the black levels are commendably managed, offering a richer depth in darker visuals compared to the brighter scenes which reveal the transfer's limitations.

Furthermore, while the Blu-ray may not boast the most dynamic range or the cleanest image, it stands as a solid improvement over previous DVD releases in terms of resolution. This raises an important consideration for potential viewers: the trade-off between color saturation and detail. Those willing to overlook the muted color palette in favor of enhanced detail will find the Blu-ray preferable. However, it's worth noting that this choice comes with its own set of compromises. Comparatively speaking, while the video quality does not reach the high standards observed in other Blu-ray releases, it still represents a significant upgrade from earlier versions of the film, especially in terms of audio quality. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors carefully, guided by provided screencaps and their personal preferences towards visual fidelity versus color intensity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track of "Ronin" on Blu-ray, though not quite achieving reference quality, substantially enhances the viewing experience with its dynamic range and fidelity, particularly when contrasted with the Blu-ray's underwhelming video quality. The track excels in the reproduction of dialogue, offering clear and well-defined vocal tones that effectively distinguish and embody each character, despite the occasional subdued portrayal of gunfire. This occasional lack of punch in weapon discharges—whether silenced or not—slightly detracts from the overall impact. However, the audio presentation shines in its handling of vehicular sounds, where the growl of car engines during chases is rendered with an impressive depth and clarity that surpasses the more compressed Dolby Digital track found on the DVD version.

In action sequences, especially the noted convoy ambush and subsequent chase, the DTS-HD MA track provides a rich audio landscape. The low frequency effects (LFE) channel responds well to explosions, demonstrating a robust capacity for bass that enriches the auditory experience. Most noteworthy is the sound of car engines and tires during high-speed pursuits; these elements are captured with a remarkable realism and aural separation that elevates the tension and excitement of these scenes. The accompanying soundtrack, though lacking intricate melodies, adds to the intensity with its forceful rock rhythm, driving the action forward.

As the chase culminates in a frenetic passage through narrow French streets, leading to a climax of explosions and gunfire, the audio track adeptly balances the diverse sonic elements. The car engines' roar, the screech of tires against cobblestone, and the cacophony of gunfighting are mixed with enough distinction to create a compelling auditory experience. This masterful mixing ensures that even amidst the chaos of high-speed chases and ballistic exchanges, the viewer is immersed in a well-orchestrated audio environment that is both visceral and meticulously crafted.

The "Ronin" Blu-ray extras leave something to be desired, most notably lacking in substantial content beyond a singular trailer for "X-Men: The Last Stand." Potential buyers should be wary of the menu navigation, as it is predominantly in Japanese, posing a significant challenge for those not proficient in the language. Upon startup, the disc defaults to Japanese subtitles, requiring users to manually sift through all options to select English subtitles for the French dialogue parts. Additional subtitle options include Japanese and Chinese, offering a limited degree of accessibility for non-English speakers. The overall presentation of the extras package does little to enhance the viewing experience of "Ronin," marking a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the film’s production and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer for X-Men: The Last Stand: Brief overview of the movie.

John Frankenheimer's "Ronin," presented in a BD-25 release, encapsulates the essence of ronin - the masterless samurai of feudal Japan, transported into a post-Cold War landscape of espionage and shifting allegiances. The movie stars Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, and other high-caliber actors as mercenaries navigating the murky waters of loyalty and betrayal. While the Blu-ray's picture quality might not fully meet the high-definition mark expected from a 1080p resolution, the DTS-HD Master Audio ensures that each revving engine and gunshot resonates with clarity. Despite its technical limitations, this release stands as a solid choice for enthusiasts aiming to enrich their Blu-ray collections with a classic action masterpiece.

Featuring De Niro in one of his standout roles of the '90s, "Ronin" thrives on meticulously choreographed action sequences that blend realism with artistic abstraction. The operatives' expansive arsenal, ranging from De Niro's versatile firearms to Reno's signature Beretta Inox, imbues the film with an unmatched level of authenticity. Frankenheimer's direction shines especially in the car chase scenes that snake through the European countryside and bustling Paris streets, underscoring his skill in crafting suspenseful sequences without sacrificing character depth. The on-screen chemistry between De Niro and Reno elevates the narrative, anchoring the film's fast-paced and convoluted plot with moments of genuine human connection.

At its core, "Ronin" is a study in contrasts: the pragmatic against the principled, and the tangible against the abstract. With a screenplay by David Mamet and J.D. Zeik, the film cleverly navigates through its espionage-laden storyline without divulging too many details, creating a compelling narrative drive. Its genius lies in what it withholds, leaving audiences pondering the true contents of the elusive silver case and the motives behind its pursuit. This restraint, paired with Frankenheimer's adept direction and a strong ensemble cast, crafts a memorable cinematic experience that not only pays homage to its samurai namesake but also redefines the modern action thriller genre.

The Blu-ray release of "Ronin" has been a topic of interest and disappointment in equal measure among cinephiles and home theater enthusiasts. Initially announced for an early release, the U.S. version faced delays and uncertainties, primarily because of concerns over its picture quality. Observations from the import version suggest an underwhelming visual presentation that does not meet the expectations set by the Blu-ray format. Despite being a film renowned for its fast-paced, action-packed narrative and solid performances, the Blu-ray release struggles to serve as the definitive edition it aims to be, attributed mainly to its compromised video quality on a BD-25 disc and the lack of enticing new bonus content.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray edition leave much to be desired. The 1080p transfer, while retaining some film-like qualities and details, falls short of showcasing "Ronin" in its full glory, affecting its potential as a showcase piece for home theaters. The anticipation for an enhanced domestic release was palpable, with hopes pinned on a better-sourced transfer and additional features that could enrich the viewing experience. Fans of the film and Blu-ray collectors may still find value in this release, despite its flaws, especially those eager to experience the film's engaging storyline and high-octane sequences.

In conclusion, while "Ronin" on Blu-ray presents an opportunity to own this cinematic gem, its presentation is marred by subpar picture quality and a missed chance at offering more engaging supplemental content. Its appeal remains intact for die-hard fans or newcomers to the film, eager to dive into its thrilling espionage realms. However, until a superior version is released that does justice to the original film’s dynamism and visual aesthetics, this Blu-ray edition serves as a placeholder rather than the definitive version we had hoped for.