Nightcrawler Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Nightcrawler" in the UK Region B-locked format boasts an exceptional 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video quality, framed in the movie's original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1 widescreen. It dazzles with superior black levels, even in its predominantly nocturnal setting, achieving a visual clarity that allows for the minutest details to shine through—thanks to the commendable work of cinematographer Robert Elswit. From the crispness of close-up shots to the depth of wider scenes, this presentation captures the vibrant yet naturalistic color scheme and nearly flawless execution, marred only by negligible blocking barely noticeable to viewers. Noteworthy are the neon lights and the vivid portrayal of Los Angeles at night, including a striking depiction of a Dodge Challenger that adds a pop of color to the dark cityscapes.

The film's video quality consistently impresses with its grainy but polished look that aligns perfectly with director Dan Gilroy and Elswit's vision. Detail is meticulously preserved across all lighting conditions, from the neon-drenched darkness of LA's underbelly to the subtler daytime scenes shot on film. The usage of Arri Alexa digital cinema cameras for night sequences and wide-angle lenses introduces a depth-of-field that keeps everything in focus, enhancing the immersive experience. Skin tones vary based on lighting but contribute to the characters' portrayal, adding layers to their personalities through visual cues. Though there are minor instances of black level crush, it’s an intentional choice that does not detract from the film’s overall dynamic and sharply executed visual presentation.

In summary, "Nightcrawler"’s Blu-ray video presentation is a testament to high-definition filmmaking, skillfully blending technical precision with artistic vision. Despite minor critiques concerning shadow detail, the encode excels in bringing Gilroy and Elswit's nocturnal Los Angeles to life with stark, vivid visuals and meticulous attention to detail. The absence of macroblocking, banding, and other common digital issues further ensures an undistracted viewing experience, making it a standout in home cinema collections. This is truly a top-tier visual presentation that captures the essence of Los Angeles at night like few others can, deserving of its near-perfect ratings.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provided with the Blu Ray edition of "Nightcrawler" delivers an audio experience that is as meticulously crafted as it is captivating. Characterized by a minimalist score, that infuses the narrative with a haunting atmosphere through its vintage electro tones, the track excels in creating a palpable tension that complements the film's dark thematic elements. The sound design artfully employs this sparse musical backdrop to enhance the viewer's immersion, drawing them into a world of nocturnal crime in Los Angeles with striking acoustic finesse. The environmental sounds and dialogue are woven together in a manner that prioritizes clarity and spatial distribution, ensuring that every whispered threat or frenzied dialogue from Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Lou Bloom is delivered with chilling clarity.

Dialogue reproduction across the center and front channels is exceptional, maintaining intelligibility and presence even amidst the film’s most chaotic scenes. This clear vocal delivery is matched by a dynamic range of effects; from the unsettlingly precise ambience of crime scenes to the visceral intensity of car chases, every siren wail and tire screech is rendered with stark realism. The low-frequency effects add a robust depth to the audio landscape, with sudden impacts and roaring engines providing an impactful auditory experience. Meanwhile, rear channel activity enriches the film's immersive soundscape, employing precise directional cues and ambient sounds that effectively extend the dark alleys and tense atmospheres of Los Angeles into the listener's space.

Universal’s audio track for "Nightcrawler" stands out for its ability to blend subtlety with explosive moments, achieving a delicate balance that mirrors the film’s own narrative progression and thematic exploration. The meticulously calibrated mix not only supports but elevates the visual storytelling, offering a sonic journey that ranges from intimate character studies to high-octane action sequences. While some may debate its status as demo-level fidelity, there's no denying that the track represents a cohesive and nuanced approach to sound design that showcases an acute attention to detail in reflecting the film’s unsettling exploration of ambition and success.

The Blu-ray extras for "Nightcrawler" offer an insightful and gratifying peek behind the curtain, thanks in large part to the compelling audio commentary by the Gilroy brothers (Writer/Director Dan, Producer Tony, and Editor John). This commentary stands out as a highlight, offering a blend of technical details, production anecdotes, and thematic exploration that reflects the trio's seamless collaboration and passion for their project. Similarly engaging, though short, the "If It Bleeds, It Leads" featurette provides an interesting albeit brief glimpse into the making of the movie, featuring remarks from both the cast and real-life stringers. While these extras are insightful, the overall offering feels somewhat scant, particularly in the absence of deleted scenes or more extensive behind-the-scenes content. This limitation does little to diminish the value of the provided materials but leaves a hunger for more.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion with writer/director Dan Gilroy, producer Tony Gilroy, and editor John Gilroy regarding the production process.
• If It Bleeds, It Leads: A concise behind-the-scenes featurette with insights from the cast and real stringers.

Dan Gilroy's "Nightcrawler" is a directorial masterpiece, delivering a bleak yet engrossing narrative through Jake Gyllenhaal's career-defining performance as Lou Bloom, a sociopath navigating the cutthroat world of crime reporting in Los Angeles. The film plunges viewers into the nocturnal underbelly of LA, where morality is sidelined in pursuit of the American Dream, portrayed with an unnerving brilliance that leaves audiences captivated by Bloom's chilling ambition. Bloom's transformation into an embodiment of predatory capitalism — ruthless, calculating, and devoid of empathy — serves as a dark commentary on the extremities one might pursue in the quest for success.

The supporting performances, particularly by Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed, complement Gyllenhaal's intense portrayal, adding depth to a story that thrives on its complex characters and morally ambiguous narrative. The cinematography and editing further elevate the tense atmosphere, immersing viewers in the vibrant yet sinister environments of Los Angeles. Gilroy's script, nominated for Best Original Screenplay, intertwines a compelling character study with a critique of media sensationalism and the voyeuristic nature of contemporary society, challenging viewers to reflect on their own consumption of tragedy and spectacle.

Despite being overlooked by the Oscars in major categories, "Nightcrawler" emerges as a significant cinematic feat, a testament to Gilroy's directorial acumen and Gyllenhaal's magnetic performance. Its absence from the Best Picture nominations remains one of the year's most notable snubs, underscoring a disconnect between critical acclaim and award recognition. Nevertheless, "Nightcrawler" stands as a taut, riveting thriller that not only showcases the technical prowess and storytelling finesse of its creators but also provokes a disturbing reflection on ambition's dark side and the moral compromises it entails.

Nightcrawler," a chilling journey through the ethical wilderness of crime journalism, anchors its narrative prowess in Jake Gyllenhaal’s career-defining performance as a sociopathic charmer—a role shockingly overlooked by the Oscars. The film’s tight screenplay by Gilroy garnered well-deserved praise, capturing the visceral allure and disturbing underbelly of sensationalist media. Offering more than just an intense character study, "Nightcrawler" thrills with its stark, neon-bathed depiction of Los Angeles by night, presented on Blu-ray with remarkable clarity and detail. The Region B-locked edition, available in both a standard amaray and a collector-favored HMV / EOne Steelbook version, features stunning artwork that encapsulates the film's mood, making it an essential addition for cinephiles. Despite its dark themes, this film is unmissable, offering a compelling exploration of ambition unchecked by morality.

The Blu-ray release impresses with its technical specifications; a vibrant video presentation and an immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track bring the gritty streets of Los Angeles to life. However, while the audio-visual experience is top-notch, special features leave something to be desired—a surprising oversight for a film of this caliber. Noteworthy, though, is the inclusion of an engaging audio commentary by the Gilroy brothers, providing valuable insights that will appeal to both fans and budding filmmakers alike. This makes the "Nightcrawler" Blu-ray not just a movie to watch but an experience to delve into, particularly for those intrigued by the darker corners of human nature and the moral complexities behind the lens.

In conclusion, the "Nightcrawler" Blu-ray presents an essential viewing experience underscored by Gyllenhaal's mesmerizing performance and the film’s unflinching critique of media sensationalism. While it could benefit from a richer selection of special features, the outstanding audio-visual presentation and the insightful commentary largely compensate. For enthusiasts of thrillers that provoke thought as much as they entertain, "Nightcrawler" is a compelling addition to any collection, promising an engrossing movie night with a lingering impact.