Last Looks Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Last Looks" delivers a generally commendable visual experience, with its 1080p transfer managing to faithfully represent the film's digitally-shot origins. The 2.39:1 aspect ratio showcases vibrant color reproduction, effectively capturing Southern California's glitz and grunge along with the striking difference between rural and urban settings. The lush green landscapes offer excellent texture and fine detail, painting an expansive and authentic atmosphere. Furthermore, scenes set in more controlled environments, like Wilson Sikorsky's office, skillfully embrace a noir aesthetic with strategic lighting choices. Despite being a neo-noir, the film features a "sunny" disposition with clear, crisp imagery, nicely preserving the director’s intent.

While the transfer is largely solid, it does encounter several technical setbacks. Stylized photography featuring recurring near-focus shots might be unsettling for some viewers, though their intentionality is clear. The Blu-ray struggles occasionally with compression issues, particularly during night scenes, leading to artifacts and microblocking. These defects diminish depth perception and lead to a somewhat flat image during complex shadowed scenes. Black levels are generally deep and inky, though instances of banding and posterization arise, notably during high-stakes moments like the climactic chase.

Despite these setbacks, "Last Looks" benefits from strong contrast and sharpness without any undue effects from post-production meddling. Skin tones exhibit a natural sun-kissed glow, reflective of the film's Californian backdrop. While compression leaves room for improvement, the presentation remains largely clean of noise and artifacts. In summary, while there are areas requiring enhancement, the Blu-ray succeeds in delivering a brightly detailed and vibrant visual testament to the film’s stylistic ambition.

The Blu-ray release of "Last Looks" features a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that showcases a predominantly front-loaded presentation. Dialogue clarity is a highlight, delivered with precision and clarity even amidst complex background elements. The mix effectively balances channel separation and ambient effects, ensuring a clear yet immersive auditory experience. Peter Nashel's original score enhances this with a commanding presence, only dominating dialogue intentionally when necessary. Though the production is dialogue-centric with minimal action or low-end responses, it achieves near perfection within its defined boundaries.

The audio presentation does not rest solely in the front channels, as side and surround channels are thoughtfully engaged, enhancing even the quietest moments with subtle soundscape movements. Scenes set in lively environments, like bars, leverage the low-frequency extension for an engaging LFE rumble, adding depth to the audio experience. This dynamic mix punctuates action sequences with vigor, offering an immersive venture into the narrative world of “Last Looks."

RLJE Films maintains its reputation for high technical standards with "Last Looks," delivering one of the most consistent audio experiences available in Blu-ray format. The surround sound channels proficiently handle ambient sounds and action sequences, offering depth and context to otherwise dialogue-driven scenes. Optional subtitles in English (SDH), French, and Spanish complement the primary audio features, available during the main feature only, rounding out a technically impressive audio presentation that caters to a diverse audience.

The Blu Ray release of "Last Looks" comes with a limited selection of extras, primarily focused on a singular feature. The offering provides a concise yet insightful glimpse into the production process through "The Making of Last Looks." Although the bonus content lacks depth and variety, it still offers a professionally polished overview of the filmmaking experience, featuring input from notable cast members such as Mel Gibson, Charlie Hunnam, Lucy Fry, and director Tim Kirkby. Despite the engaging interviews and on-set footage, the content steers towards formulaic discussions typical of promotional materials. It is worth noting that a previously advertised theatrical trailer is absent from this release. While the extras may not extensively satisfy those seeking thorough behind-the-scenes content, they deliver a modest yet appealing look at the film’s creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Last Looks: A short featurette detailing the filming process with interviews and on-set footage.

Tim Kirkby’s "Last Looks," adapted from Howard Michael Gould's novel, delivers a stylistic blend of neo-noir and offbeat comedy, reminiscent of "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," albeit with less snark. Charlie Hunnam stars as Charlie Waldo, the eccentric former DETECTIVE with a sparse 100-item lifestyle and a fondness for isolation. However, the tranquility vanishes when Morana Baccarin’s character, Waldo’s former lover, lures him back to Los Angeles. Waldo is tasked with untangling a murder case involving Mel Gibson’s Alastair Pinch, a seemingly charming yet suspect TV star.

"Last Looks" navigates familiar whodunnit terrains with a Hollywood twist, echoing a resurgence in the genre alongside "Knives Out." The film relies on a playful dynamic between its colorful cast and scattershot narrative of red herrings and quirky characters. Mel Gibson delivers an engaging performance, channeling humor through his character's British accent and alcoholism, often overshadowing scenes. Although energetic and at times compelling, the film occasionally struggles with cohesiveness and originality, feeling like a caper that borrows heavily from others in its genre rather than forging its own distinct identity.

Technically, RLJ Entertainment's Blu-Ray release provides strong audio-visual quality while lacking in supplementary materials. The film captivates with its brisk pace and the Los Angeles setting, especially relatable to locals familiar with the terrain. Charlie Hunnam's portrayal of Waldo capitalizes on his character's eccentricities without tipping into gratuitousness. Though not groundbreaking, "Last Looks" stands as a light and entertaining entry in its field, its potential bolstered by a strong ensemble cast and an intriguing screenplay that remains accessible. Producers, including Hunnam himself, seem to hope for further exploration in this quirky cinematic universe.

Tim Kirkby's "Last Looks" is a neo-noir that delivers an engaging blend of wit and intrigue, though its appeal may vary depending on individual taste. The film's light tone, paired with its unique characters, can make it an entertaining watch, especially for those in the right mood. The standout performances of Charlie Hunnam and Mel Gibson add an enjoyable dynamic to the narrative, suggesting an untapped potential for a more buddy-cop style presentation. While "Last Looks" doesn't quite tread new ground in the crime caper genre, it offers clever twists and eye-catching visuals that keep it from falling into predictability.

The Blu-ray release by RLJ Entertainment is generally commendable, although not without its flaws. While the video transfer exhibits some compression issues that might distract the discerning cinephile, the audio mix effectively compensates with its dynamism and clarity. These technical merits provide an adequate balance for viewers considering a purchase. However, the slim offering of bonus features could be seen as a missed opportunity for those seeking additional content or deeper insights into the film’s production.

In conclusion, while "Last Looks" may not revolutionize the neo-noir genre, it stands as an enjoyable piece with enough charm to captivate audiences. The Blu-ray’s current affordability makes it a viable option for those interested in the appealing blend of noir crime and comedy. Depending on one's interest in the cast and genre, "Last Looks" presents itself as a worthy addition to any film collection, particularly for viewers who appreciate a quirky narrative underscored by solid performances and robust audio quality.