Anthropoid Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Anthropoid" offers a compelling visual experience, distinctively characterized by its use of Super16 film stock. Despite not being the sharpest HD encode, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer captures the desired gritty and stylized look intended by co-writer/director/producer Sean Ellis. The image holds a thick, filmic quality with a noticeable yet unobtrusive grain that creates an authentic period feel. Colors are deliberately muted, favoring a slightly desaturated and mildly bronzed palette that complements the WWII setting. Bright primary colors, such as the red Nazi banners, stand out against the otherwise restrained color scheme, enhancing the movie's historical ambiance. The 2.40:1 theatrical aspect ratio is faithfully preserved, maintaining the director's visual intent.

Detailing within the image, while not at the level of more modern digital counterparts, provides sufficient clarity and texture to impress, particularly with fabrics and facial features. The grain structure sits between 35mm quality and digital noise, contributing to an overall even and handsome filmic veneer. Black levels are stable and effective, supporting solid contrast and maintaining shadow detail without introducing compression artifacts. Instances of minor white specks or noise in select scenes are minimal and do not detract from the viewing experience. Universal's transfer avoids digital imperfections such as banding or aliasing, resulting in an image free from scratches or other physical flaws.

Ultimately, the Blu-ray's video presentation excels in delivering a robust and faithful reproduction of "Anthropoid's" unique visual style. The conscious choice of Super16 film sacrifices some extreme detail but achieves a rich and immersive period look that aligns well with the director's vision for the film. This presentation is highly recommended for film enthusiasts who appreciate a carefully crafted, period-accurate aesthetic.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray release of "Anthropoid" is a nuanced and atmospheric experience. While predominantly reserved, the audio mix springs to life during the film’s more intense sequences, delivering wonderfully immersive gunfire and explosions that spread effectively across the soundstage. These action elements, including dynamic atmospheric effects like public address announcements and church bells, create an encompassing audio environment. The placement and clarity of dialogue are notable, with a natural center presence that maintains clear communication even in hushed or chaotic scenes. However, some may find certain accented dialogues challenging to understand.

The sound design excels in its use of effects and silence. Unsettling tones and ominous sounds fill moments with a full, eerie vibe, enhancing the film’s tension. Action sequences are particularly noteworthy—gunfire, grenade blasts, and other explosive sounds dynamically spread across channels, heightening intensity and immersing the viewer in the chaos. Atmospheric sounds such as cracking branches in the opening scene or a baby's cry amidst an explosion exemplify the detailed audio crafting.

Overall, while the audio mix might not possess the room-shaking impact of larger productions, it succeeds in delivering a compelling and immersive experience. Its reserved nature allows pivotal moments to stand out, making for a gripping auditory journey through "Anthropoid."

The Blu-ray release of "Anthropoid" presents audiences with insightful and meticulously curated extras that enhance the viewing experience. Primarily, "The Making of Anthropoid" (HD, 30:15) delivers comprehensive behind-the-scenes content, encompassing interviews with key cast and crew members who highlight their motivation to join the project, and discuss extensive research, production challenges, and on-set experiences. Notably, it also sheds light on unique elements like set design, costume authenticity, and special effects. Complementing this is the "Storyboard to Film Comparisons" (HD, 15:11), which offers a compelling visual treat by juxtaposing three crucial sequences—church battle, assassination, and opening scene—using Sean Ellis's innovative 1/6 scale model storyboards against their final cinematic versions. This side-by-side comparison provides a remarkable glimpse into the filmmaking process. Additionally included in the package are standard digital copy codes and DVDs.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Anthropoid: Extensive behind-the-scenes content covering various aspects of production.
• Storyboard to Film Comparisons: Visual comparison of storyboard sequences with film scenes.
• Promo Trailers: Trailers for other films.
• DVD/Digital Copy/Ultraviolet: Digital and physical copies of the film.

"Anthropoid" is an intricately crafted World War II drama that brings to light a lesser-known but equally compelling story from the era, set in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. The film centers on Czech soldiers Jozef Gabčík (Cillian Murphy) and Jan Kubis (Jamie Dornan), tasked with the perilous mission of assassinating SS officer Reinhard Heydrich, known as the Butcher of Prague. Directed and co-written by Sean Ellis, the narrative meticulously evolves over a two-part structure: the build-up and execution of the assassination followed by the intense aftermath. This slow-burn approach allows the film to delve deeply into character motivations and the dire stakes of their mission, weaving a narrative that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking.

The deliberate pacing sets "Anthropoid" apart from typical war films, favoring carefully constructed tension over fast-paced action. This attention to detail extends beyond plot and character development, as the film's visuals, shot on 16mm, enhance its gritty period authenticity. The standout performances by Murphy and Dornan add layers of emotional depth, brilliantly capturing their characters' internal conflicts and resilience. They are supported by a strong cast, including Toby Jones and Charlotte Le Bon, who further enrich the film’s texture with nuanced portrayals.

Despite some criticism for its pacing and limited action sequences, "Anthropoid" succeeds in maintaining a gripping atmosphere, particularly in its climactic sequences. The film balances historical fidelity with dramatic storytelling, presenting a vivid portrayal of the Czech resistance's heroism and sacrifice. Its meticulously crafted narrative and authentic period recreation make "Anthropoid" a significant contribution to World War II cinema, offering an insightful exploration of a pivotal yet underrepresented historical event.

"Anthropoid" offers a riveting, slow-burn portrayal of a critical yet obscure World War II operation. Eschewing the flashy violence and rapid pacing typical of modern war films, this movie instead opts for an absorbing, detail-oriented narrative. The performances are compelling, driving deep emotional engagement and enhancing the suspenseful climaxes of the two-act structure. Universal's Blu-ray presentation is impressive, boasting exceptional video quality that captures the period's ambiance and dynamic audio that enriches the viewing experience.

The film benefits from its deliberate pace, with each scene meticulously constructed to build intrigue and tension. The well-executed cinematography and nuanced performances pull viewers into the story, making them feel the weight of the mission carried out by the protagonists. While the supplementary materials included are limited, they are highly informative and augment the main feature's historical depth.

Overall, "Anthropoid" is a must-see for history buffs and fans of beautifully crafted war dramas. Combining strong narrative elements with high-quality technical execution in both audio and visual fronts, this Blu-ray stands out as an excellent addition to any collection. Highly recommended.