The 12th Man Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "The 12th Man" presents the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of approximately 2.40:1, using a BD-50 with the MPEG-4 AVC encode. The cinematography by Geir Hartly Andreassen makes heavy use of natural lighting, causing muted and drained colors to dominate the visual palette, effectively conveying the cold and pallid atmosphere. The film utilizes an interesting focus technique, often combining semi-sharp and shallow focuses within a single frame, alongside skillful rack focus transitions that alternately sharpen and blur different areas of the image. Notably, the overall bitrate for the full disc reaches a high of 43.38 Mbps, supporting a solid picture quality with stable dimensionality.

However, this release is not without its faults. There are notable issues with banding in darker scenes, introducing artifacts like macroblocking and chroma noise, which detract from the viewing experience. These artifacts are particularly evident in low-light conditions, apparently stemming from the source material and exacerbated by the disc's compression. There is a pervasive level of noise in darker sequences, which digital cinematography has struggled to mitigate. Despite these issues, the wintry brightness gives scenes excellent contrast and deep black levels that anchor the film's visual stability. Color contrasts differ greatly between cool exteriors and warmer interiors, allowing for stunning visual fidelity both in close-ups and wide shots.

The Blu-ray's collection includes twenty scene selections, a welcome departure from Shout! Factory's typical twelve. This enhances navigation through the 135-minute feature, making it easier to appreciate Andreassen's mesmerizing cinematographic efforts despite the noted technical setbacks.

Shout! provides a robust sonic experience with their Blu-ray release of "The 12th Man," offering four lossless audio tracks: the original Norwegian/German 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio Surround (24-bit), a downsampled Norwegian/German 2.0 DTS HD Master Audio Stereo (24-bit), and dubbed English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio (24-bit), along with a downconverted English DTS HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo (24-bit). Upon evaluation, the uncompressed 5.1 mixes deliver an immersive auditory landscape, utilizing the surround channels to effectively heighten the impact of action sequences and musical score elements. In particular, the orchestral score by Christophe Beck is notably pronounced during high-intensity moments, driving the dramatic tension.

The DTS-HD mix distinctly opens with piercing bullet sounds traversing the surrounds, establishing an immediate sense of peril through exceptional channel separation. Additionally, the environmental sounds such as heavy winds dynamically fill the soundstage, enhancing the situational realism as protagonist Baalsrud faces an aerial assault. While bass response is present, it primarily emanates from the orchestral backdrop and engine roars, achieving adequate depth and tightness without overwhelming the experience.

While the dubbed English track is competently executed, it falls short in delivering the authentic tone present in the original language mix. For purists and audiophiles, the original Norwegian/German track offers a superior auditory immersion, capturing nuanced performances and ambient details with precision. Notably, the inclusion of optional white subtitles (as opposed to the New York Film Critics Circle DI print's yellow subs) ensures viewer accessibility without detracting from the audio-visual experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The 12th Man" are minimal but effectively presented. The primary included extra is the original trailer, which is displayed in high-definition 1080p, preserving the film's anamorphic 2.35:1 aspect ratio and featuring the original dialogue with English subtitles. This inclusion, although limited in scope, provides a visual and auditory representation that maintains the film's authentic atmosphere. There are also some unlisted bonus trailers that play before the main menu, adding slight value to the overall package. While additional content would enhance the offering, the available extras are commendable for their quality and presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Trailer: Shout!'s official trailer of "The 12th Man" presented in anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen with original dialogue and English subtitles.

The 12th Man delivers an unflinching portrayal of Jan Baalsrud’s harrowing journey across the Norwegian wilderness during WWII. Unlike Arne Skouen’s critically acclaimed 1957 film, Nine Lives, Harald Zwart's adaptation presents a more expansive narrative while maintaining an intense focus on survival and endurance. The plot follows Baalsrud (Thomas Gullestad) as he escapes capture by Nazi forces, battles severe injuries including gangrene, and survives in extreme sub-zero conditions with the help of sympathetic locals. Jonathan Rhys Meyers' portrayal of Gestapo Commander Kurt Stage adds a chilling layer of tension, turning Baalsrud's plight into a gripping game of cat and mouse.

Despite opting for a more conventional storytelling style compared to Skouen's experimental techniques, The 12th Man captivates through its visceral depiction of Baalsrud’s trials. Cinematographer Geir Hartly Andreassen captures Norway’s daunting landscapes in stunning CinemaScope, emphasizing the protagonist’s isolation against vast, unforgiving terrains. Gullestad’s physical transformation underscores the extremities of Baalsrud’s ordeal, encapsulating his resilience and determination. The film doesn’t lean heavily into nationalism; instead, it emphasizes universal themes of human tenacity and the will to survive.

However, The 12th Man occasionally falters under its own weight. The narrative can feel repetitive, with prolonged sequences that underscore Baalsrud’s suffering but also impede pacing. Supporting characters, though vital to the plot, sometimes lack depth, and their portrayal leans excessively on the Germans’ broad villainy. Despite these drawbacks, the film succeeds in delivering a raw and authentic depiction of one man’s battle against insurmountable odds, making it a compelling watch for those interested in WWII survival tales.

The 12th Man on Blu-ray is a masterfully crafted presentation of a gripping historical drama. Showcasing the indomitable spirit and courage of Jan Baalsrud, the film stands as a fierce tribute to resilience amidst adversity. The stunning Norwegian cinematography captures the rugged terrain and palpable tension of Baalsrud’s harrowing escape from Nazi-occupied Norway, accentuating every grueling trial he faces. The visual quality of the transfer is stellar, delivering an impeccable level of sharpness and detail that brings each scene vividly to life.

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray transfer offers a rock-solid visual presentation paired with four robust audio options. Despite the absence of substantial extras beyond the trailer, the disc excels where it matters most: delivering a pristine viewing experience that does justice to both the narrative and the breathtaking landscape that frames it. While a dearth of additional features might be a modest letdown for some, the high-definition transfer and audio fidelity alone make this release an essential addition to any collection.

The 12th Man is a stunning adventure epic and tribute to the indomitable spirit and courage of Jan Baalsrud. I'd very much like to see its predecessor, Nine Lives (1957), given a full restoration by Criterion, Eureka, or Arrow. (The Nordisk Film R2 PAL DVD, which comes with optional English subtitles, has decent resolution and sharpness when upscaled but a panoply of age-related artifacts scattered sporadically throughout the transfer.) I'd also like to see the UK documentary miniseries, The Man with Nine Lives: The Baalsrud Story (2014), reach high-def. Shout! Factory delivers a rock-solid transfer and four audio options but extras are zilch except the trailer. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and a MUST OWN for Jonathan Rhys Meyers fans, too!