Assassination Blu-ray Review

"Assassination" is presented on Blu-ray by Well Go USA with an excellently executed AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing the Arri Alexa for digital filming, the movie benefits from sharp, smooth, and sleek visuals characteristic of this format. The film's production design is nothing short of commendable, offering levels of detail that bring close-ups to life with exceptional precision. Scenes with ample lighting allow for remarkable clarity, showcasing intricate elements such as fabric textures with palpable definition. However, while aggressive color grading enriches the thematic tone, it does not compromise detail but does affect the fidelity of shadow definition during darker or dimly lit sequences.

The transfer continues Well Go USA's reputation for high-quality video in its Asian market releases. The film’s color profile is particularly noteworthy, exhibiting a muted olive-green tendency that influences tones across the spectrum. While grays and deep greens dominate the palette, and yellows maintain their presence, blues and reds are somewhat subdued. This color grading choice suits the film’s aesthetic but can result in slightly unnatural flesh tones for some cast members. Despite these minor issues, black levels remain robust with solid shadow separation, creating excellent three-dimensional depth.

One notable area where the transfer slightly falters is in its CGI backdrops. When juxtaposed against the meticulously shot foreground action, these digital elements can appear smeared and lack the vibrancy and depth seen elsewhere in the film. Despite this minor drawback, "Assassination" delivers an impressive visual presentation on Blu-ray, making it a worthwhile addition to any enthusiast’s collection.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Assassination" is a stellar achievement, featuring a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. This Korean-language track, accompanied by English subtitles, ensures an immersive and engaging auditory experience for viewers. The film boasts numerous high-octane sequences where the precise placement of sound effects during explosions, gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat are particularly noteworthy. Even during more subdued scenes such as those at a bustling train station or amidst quasi-urban traffic, the side and rear channels are utilized effectively, creating a richly dynamic soundscape that envelops the listener.

Dialogue is distinctly presented and well-prioritized, remaining clean and clear throughout the film’s duration. This balance allows for the film's score and sound effects to shine without overwhelming the spoken word. The track adheres well to midrange frequencies while allowing the lower tones of the score to resonate beautifully. Levels are finely tuned, ensuring that adjustments in volume are rarely, if ever, necessary. Together, these elements culminate in an audio track that is both pleasingly immersive and technically impressive.

The extras included in the Blu-ray edition of "Assassination" are disappointingly sparse. The sole feature, the original theatrical trailer, presents itself well with a quality 1080p HD resolution and runs for 1 minute and 40 seconds. Although it succeeds in capturing audience attention, it stands alone and ultimately falls short of expectations for a comprehensive collection of special features. The lack of additional behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or documentaries is notably absent, making the offering feel less substantial compared to other releases. This single offering does little to enhance the viewer's experience or provide deeper insights into the film-making process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: A decent enough trailer that works to get your attention, but being the only extra feature is a real shame.

"Assassination," directed by Dong-hoon Choi, masterfully uses the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s to craft a complex, action-packed spy thriller. At the heart of the film is the Korean resistance’s attempt to survive and fight back. The prologue sets the stage in 1911, depicting an assassination attempt that establishes critical relationships between key characters. The narrative becomes convoluted as it transitions from a brief scene in 1949 back to the primary 1930s timeline, where a covert operation unfolds. Yeom Seok-jin (Lee Jung-jae) assembles an elite team consisting of sharpshooter Ahn Ok-yun (Jun Ji-hyun), arms dealer Chu Sang-ok (Cho Jin-woong), and demolitions expert Hwang Deok-sam (Choi Deok-moon) to execute a high-stakes mission against Japanese collaborators.

As historical events enrich the story, the overly complex plot with its deluge of characters and shifting alliances can make the narrative seem densely packed. Yet, strong performances from the cast help anchor the film amidst its labyrinthine plot twists and espionage shenanigans. Characters like Kang In-gook (Lee Geung-young), a businessman who aligns with Japanese forces, and Hawaii Pistol (Ha Jung-woo), a hired gun, bring depth and tension to the narrative. Despite sometimes bewildering time jumps and a plethora of subplots, the film maintains an engaging pace through its excellently staged action sequences and moments of unexpected humor.

Overall, "Assassination" delivers thrilling entertainment underscored by historical context and rich character interplay. The intricacies of hidden alliances and betrayals offer a tapestry that requires attentive viewing but rewards with its breathless action and narrative depth. While the film's structure could test viewer patience, particularly due to its seemingly disjointed timeframes, it ultimately offers a satisfying amalgam of suspense, political intrigue, and visceral action—an engaging watch for enthusiasts of historical action dramas.

"Assassination" delivers a compelling narrative set within a complex epoch of Korean-Japanese history, although it may occasionally confound Western audiences unfamiliar with the historical context. The plot's presentation can be erratic, jumping between characters and shifting alliances in a seemingly haphazard manner. However, the film compensates with relentless entertainment, notably through well-crafted action sequences and a captivating performance by Jun Ji-hyun.

The Blu-ray release of "Assassination" by Well Go USA shines in terms of its audio-visual presentation. The picture is sharp, the color palette is vibrant, and the sound design immerses viewers into the heart of the action. Despite these technical strengths, the disc falls short in the extras department, offering little beyond the main feature to enrich the viewer's understanding or appreciation of the film.

In conclusion, while "Assassination" might not rank among the top spy/thriller/action-adventure movies, it stands as a solid cinematic experience worth watching. The engaging story and stellar cast offset its disjointed narrative structure, and with Well Go USA's high-quality Blu-ray release, it comes highly recommended for both newcomers and existing fans.