Straw Dogs Blu-ray Review

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Straw Dogs" presents a superb 1080p transfer that straddles the line between modern high definition quality and the authentic filmic aesthetic. The visual fidelity is enhanced by a stable and clear presentation, skillfully capturing intricate details such as facial textures, fabric nuances, and the rugged stone facades of the Sumner house. The color palette, while generally balanced and vibrant, does exhibit a slight warm/yellow tint which can affect flesh tones intermittently. Notably, the black levels are impressive, maintaining depth and detail even in the shadowy, nighttime sequences.

Despite some inconsistencies in indoor scenes with suboptimal lighting—where shadows can appear murky and blacks may lack depth—the overall image quality remains predominantly strong. Exterior shots, in particular, shine with excellent brightness and contrast, highlighting the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. The transfer's fine detailing is particularly evident in the diverse textures of both architecture and wildlife. While certain scenes may exhibit minor grain or occasional blurriness, these are minimal and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

In summary, "Straw Dogs" on Blu-ray is an exemplary display of Sony's prowess in transferring films to high definition, providing a largely pristine viewing experience that captures both the intricacies and the raw aesthetic of the original footage.

The Blu-ray release of "Straw Dogs" features a stellar DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, exemplifying Sony's high standard of audio excellence. The sound design is impeccable, allowing the film's rural Louisianian setting to come alive with a 360-degree sound field full of natural ambiance. This is most apparent in the consistent atmospheric details, such as the distant chirping of crickets and other wildlife, which create an immersive experience. The soundtrack benefits from precise dynamic range and imaging, making directional effects seamless, whether it's general ambiance or the piercing sound of a high-speed bullet. The mid-range frequencies offer expansive clarity during both quiet dialogue scenes and the film's more intense moments.

The audio mix excels in balancing dialogue, music, and sound effects. Dialogue remains rock-solid and perfectly centered, never competing with the background score or action sounds. This clarity is crucial and consistently maintained throughout the film. Larry Groupé's musical score is also well-balanced, extending into the surround channels and enveloping listeners without overpowering other elements in the soundstage. In high-tension scenes, such as the climactic siege, the soundtrack achieves an enthralling level of immersion. Sounds of violence—gunfire, shattering glass, screaming—are rendered with precision, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Overall, "Straw Dogs" provides a first-rate auditory experience that complements its visual presentation perfectly. The integration of natural ambient sounds with significant dynamic and directional precision ensures that viewers are deeply immersed in both the serene and chaotic moments of the film. This lossless mix not only enhances engagement but also underscores the film's tension and drama with remarkable sonic clarity.

The Blu-ray edition of "Straw Dogs (2011)" presents a compelling array of extras that significantly enhance the viewer's experience, despite its modest selection. A standout feature is the insightful audio commentary by writer/director Rod Lurie, who takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through his creative process, addressing both criticisms and praises with an engaging and thought-provoking narrative style. The supplementary featurettes, such as "Courting Controversy: Remaking a Classic," "The Dynamics of Power: The Ensemble," and "Inside the Siege: The Ultimate Showdown," offer valuable behind-the-scenes glimpses into the production, thematic exploration, and vivid storytelling techniques employed in the remake. Additionally, the piece on production design, "Creating the Sumner House," provides an intriguing look into the meticulous set construction. Overall, these extras serve to deepen appreciation and understanding of Lurie’s vision for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Writer/Director Rod Lurie: An engaging and comprehensive commentary.
• Courting Controversy: Remaking a Classic: Insights into the remake process with cast and crew.
• The Dynamics of Power: The Ensemble: Examination of character dynamics and performances.
• Creating the Sumner House: The Production Design: Details about the key film location’s construction.
• Inside the Siege: The Ultimate Showdown: Behind-the-scenes of the climactic action sequence.
• BD Live enabled.

Rod Lurie's remake of "Straw Dogs" updates Sam Peckinpah's 1971 film primarily by transplanting the action from the English countryside to a small Mississippi town, though the core conflict remains rooted in a clash of cultures and escalating violence. James Marsden plays David Sumner, a Hollywood screenwriter who relocates with his wife, Amy (Kate Bosworth), to her rural hometown. The tension builds as David, an intellectual and pacifist, finds himself at odds with the aggressive and devious Charlie (Alexander Skarsgård), Amy's old flame. Skarsgård's portrayal of Charlie stands out for his ability to switch between charm and menace seamlessly, while Marsden convincingly transforms from a reluctant hero into someone who must embrace violence for survival. Despite modern updates and some effective performances, the film lacks the original's suspense and fails to create a consistent atmosphere of tension.

Stylistically, the 2011 "Straw Dogs" achieves a polished look with picturesque cinematography capturing the eerie beauty of its Southern setting. However, director Rod Lurie struggles to instill the same level of unease and escalating dread that characterized Peckinpah’s work. What the film gains in slick production values, it loses in emotional impact and suspense. The narrative includes nuanced character development, such as Amy's internal conflict between her past and present life, but often reverts to stereotypical depictions that can feel heavy-handed. The climax, though gripping and violent, is predictable and lacks the tension buildup that makes such a showdown impactful. In sum, while competently made and featuring strong performances, Lurie's adaptation doesn't quite reach the disturbing intensity or thematic depth of its predecessor.

Overall, "Straw Dogs" in its updated form delivers some commendable acting and technical aptitude but falls short of revitalizing the classic's gripping suspense and intricate psychological tension. The film does introduce intriguing character dynamics and polished visuals, yet ultimately, it misses the raw, unflinching power that made Pekinpah’s original a landmark in cinematic history.

Rod Lurie's 'Straw Dogs,' a remake of the iconic Sam Peckinpah thriller, falls short of the original's masterful suspense and subtle build-up, yet delivers a solid, engaging cinematic experience. The film is anchored by strong character development, defined arcs, compelling performances, and a robust atmosphere steeped equally in tension and dread. It challenges viewers through its violent sequences and dark themes, presenting a story that stirs both the mind and the emotions, despite occasionally relying on clichéd conflicts between small-town residents and city transplants.

From a technical standpoint, Sony's Blu-ray release of 'Straw Dogs' excels. The video quality is pristine, capturing every nuanced detail with precision, while the reference-grade audio immerses the audience in a rich soundscape that enhances the overall viewing experience. However, while the supplemental content includes some valuable insights, it lacks depth and could benefit from a more comprehensive selection of extras. This minor shortcoming, nevertheless, does not overshadow the overall quality of the Blu-ray presentation.

In conclusion, while 'Straw Dogs' may not achieve the same heights as its predecessor, it remains a competent thriller that effectively engages its audience. The Blu-ray release is technically superb, offering excellent picture and sound quality. For fans of psychological thrillers or those intrigued by the premise, this is a highly recommended addition to their collection.