Margin Call Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Margin Call arrives with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, produced by Lionsgate Films. Notably filmed using the Red Camera, the transfer exhibits the characteristic smooth texture and exceptional fine detail in close-ups. Despite this, several issues with midrange shots detract from an otherwise respectable visual experience. These shots often appear surprisingly soft and filtered, highlighting blues but diminishing the contrast. As a result, the palette remains decent yet lacks robustness, with black levels that are adequate but not exceptional.

The transfer suffers from notable contrast problems, where blacks appear gray and whites overly bright. This high-contrast approach renders some scenes hazy and robs the film of finer details. Shadows can look muddy, and vibrant colors rarely make an impact due to their muted appearance in what is primarily a black, white, and gray palette. While artifacts and edge enhancements are minimal, banding is recurrent during fades used to denote time passages, and aliasing occurs with tight patterns like suit coats.

Despite these shortcomings, close-ups provide strong detail, revealing intricacies like facial freckles, scars, hair strands, and stubble with precision. However, these detailed scenes are infrequent, making it regrettable that the film's overall textureless quality predominates. The indoor settings and minimalist visual style of Margin Call align with the digital medium's strengths, resulting in a visually solid if unspectacular Blu-ray transfer.

The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Margin Call" offers a nuanced sonic experience that is effective though not particularly flashy. The film's mostly dialogue-driven scenes are delivered across a fairly narrow soundstage, maintaining clarity and conciseness. Fidelity remains top-notch while dynamic range is somewhat subdued. Background noises in the trading floor sequences, including the cacophony of voices and ambient New York City sounds, populate the surrounds effectively, providing an immersive and urban atmosphere.

Music is creatively executed, oscillating between channels and perfectly complementing the dialogue's intensity. This adds to the film's overall tone, although some vocal inconsistencies, possibly due to mastering issues, slightly hamper the experience. While dialogue is generally clear, there are instances of slight distortion. The track does include moments of strong imaging, such as the overhead helicopter scene, which underscores the potential of the lossless format. However, opportunities for more diverse directional effects are largely unexploited, and some ambient sounds are notably absent in certain scenes.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the audio mix strikes a good balance between foreground and background elements. Trading room conversations seamlessly blend with subtle ambient sounds in quieter segments, enhancing the overall viewing experience. While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix may not be groundbreaking, it adequately supports the film's narrative and setting. This functional and consistent sound design keeps viewers immersed in the film’s intense financial drama.

The Blu-ray extras of "Margin Call" provide insightful content and entertaining behind-the-scenes moments, enhancing the viewing experience of this financial thriller. First-time director J.C. Chandor and producer Neal Dodson offer a compelling Director and Producer Commentary, discussing location choices, filming techniques, and actor performance styles, although some may wish for deeper exploration into the real financial crisis. The Deleted Scenes feature optional commentary and include intriguing, albeit non-essential, footage like Grace Gummer’s cut appearance and a redundant Jeremy Irons’ pep talk. The Revolving Door: Making Margin Call is an informative featurette offering background on the script and the film's genesis, although its brevity might leave some viewers wanting more. Missed Calls: Moments with Cast & Crew is a light-hearted gag reel showcasing the cast's offbeat moments. Additionally, From the Deck: Photo Gallery presents a slideshow of set photos accompanied by the film's score.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director and Producer Commentary: In-depth discussion on filming techniques and performance styles.
• Deleted Scenes: Optional commentary; includes scenes with Grace Gummer and Jeremy Irons.
• Revolving Door: Making Margin Call: Background on the film's origin with cast insights.
• Missed Calls: Moments with Cast & Crew: Light-hearted gag reel.
• From the Deck: Photo Gallery: Slideshow of set photos with accompanying score.

In "Margin Call," J.C. Chandor delves into the intricacies of a Wall Street firm's downfall during the 2008 financial crisis, blending real events into a fictional narrative. The film's portrayal of a high-stakes, 36-hour period at an investment bank is both a technical exercise and a character study. As risk analyst Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) uncovers the impending financial calamity from a project left by his recently-fired boss Eric Dale (Stanley Tucci), the narrative quickly escalates, drawing in senior executives like Sam Rogers (Kevin Spacey) and CEO John Tuld (Jeremy Irons). Despite some critiques regarding the screenplay’s clarity in explaining the financial meltdown to the audience, the film effectively captures the urgency and ethical dilemmas faced by the firm’s employees.

The movie's strength lies significantly in its stellar ensemble cast, with performances that elevate the tension and drama of the unfolding crisis. Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of a weary floor head, balancing professional responsibilities with personal regrets, stands out particularly. Jeremy Irons also delivers a compelling performance as a ruthless corporate leader. The film’s technical presentation on Blu-ray is solid; the 1.78:1 image remains sharp, with finely detailed close-ups under Chandor's preference for shadowy lighting, presenting a subdued color palette that fits the film’s tone. The 5.1 DTS HD Master audio ensures dialogue is crisp and clear, although the film’s dialogue-driven nature means there is limited use of dynamic sound effects.

Overall, "Margin Call" succeeds in engaging its audience through its pacing and performances, making it a noteworthy entry in the genre of financial thrillers. While some viewers may find the technical finance jargon challenging to follow, the human elements and moral quandaries provide ample food for thought, reflecting on the collective panic and confusion that marked the real-life financial collapse. With strong direction and potent acting, "Margin Call" offers both an insightful and emotionally resonant experience.

"Margin Call" is a critically relevant film set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial meltdown, exploring the high-stakes world of investment banking. Featuring an illustrious ensemble cast delivering exceptional performances, the film excels in portraying personal and professional turmoil within the tight confines of high finance. However, its narrative tends to be convoluted and lacks sufficient clarity concerning the financial intricacies at its core. This oversight can obscure the plot, leaving viewers to infer many critical details. Despite this, the personal stories of the characters, particularly the poignant portrayal by Kevin Spacey, add emotional depth and resonance to the film.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Margin Call" is a mixed bag. The 1.78:1 image quality shows strong detailing, especially in close-ups, despite moments of softness and issues with contrast levels that result in blown-out whites and lackluster blacks. The color palette is intentionally subdued, reflecting the film's somber tone and is well-represented on Blu-ray. The 5.1 DTS HD Master audio track, while primarily dialogue-driven, provides clarity and features subtle directional effects that enhance the viewing experience. The accompanying supplements include a thorough audio commentary by director J.C. Chandor and co-producer Neal Dodson, a photo gallery, and several short featurettes, though they fall short of demystifying the film's financial groundwork.

While "Margin Call" may not be among the best films of 2011, its intense and intelligent script, supported by a stellar cast, ensures it remains engaging and thought-provoking. The Blu-ray edition might not be perfect, but it offers a solid audiovisual experience and valuable insights into the film's production and casting process.

Overall, "Margin Call" delivers an emotionally powerful narrative with a notable cast, making it a worthwhile viewing experience. Despite some presentation shortcomings on Blu-ray, it comes recommended for rental for those interested in a compelling drama on financial crises.