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Parkland (Blu-ray)
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray B - United Kingdom - Koch Media Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (28th March 2014). |
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The Film
 ***This is a technical review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Based on the chilling and acclaimed book 'Four Days In November' by Vincent Bugliosi, PARKLAND is fast-paced, original and features superb performances from some of Hollywood’s finest actors. A gripping true story, PARKLAND is sure to lend an absorbing and candid new perspective into that tragic day, that changed the course of history. The outstanding ensemble cast includes: Zac Efron (Paperboy) Academy Award® winner Marcia Gay Harden (50 Shades of Grey), Academy Award® winner Billy Bob Thornton (The Man Who Wasn’t There) Academy Award® nominee Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) Colin Hanks (‘Dexter’), Ron Livingston ( ‘Boardwalk Empire’) and Academy Award® nominee Paul Giamatti (12 Years a Slave, Sideways) Written and directed by Peter Landesman, PARKLAND recounts the chaotic events that occurred in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Video
Independent German-based distributor Koch Media have released "Parkland" onto Blu-ray in the United Kingdom using the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The transfer is 1080p, and uses an AVC MPEG-4 encode. Shot using an Arri Alexa digital camera, the picture is sharp, with no major issues. The first thing you will notice when watching "Parkland", is that the filmmakers have opted to use a colour scheme which really gives the feature that 1960s feel synonymous with political thrillers (though this does not fit into that genre). There are lots of slightly elevated blacks and greys which really suit the tone of the feature, whilst the various whites offer good contrast. Despite how well the colours looked though, I did feel that skin tones were perhaps a little warm, but this does appears to be intentional. Details are strong, especially when it comes to the many facial close-ups, but even items in the distance and reflections in the cars offer good depth. Shadow details are also good for the majority of the run time, with only one or two moments which felt slightly lacking. As far as damage goes, there isn't any. I noticed no scratches or blemishes, and no aliasing or banding problems. Although not reference quality, "Parkland"'s transfer is solid, which is exactly what I would expect from such a new feature. The feature runs 93:31.
Audio
This is where the disc fails us I'm afraid. Despite the back of the case proudly showing off a logo for DTS-HD Master Audio, Koch Media have provided us with only a simple lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 (448kbps). It's very disappointing to be missing a lossless audio option on what is an otherwise well-rounded disc, but at least the track still sounds reasonably good. The score by James Newton Howard (best known for the ER theme tune) makes good use of the surrounds, but never becomes quite involving enough for the viewer. Subtle effects - mainly mourners crying, photographers, or general chatter - use good directionality and showcase competent channel separation, but as it's a dialogue heavy film, the majority of the track is heavily reliant on the front speakers. Dialogue is clear at all times, volume levels are consistent, and there are no signs of damage such as scratches or drop outs. Optional subtitles have been included in English for the hard-of-hearing.
Extras
The first extra is an audio commentary with director Peter Landesman. Landesman puts in a good effort for a solo track, with very little dead air, as he talks about various aspects of both the film, and the JFK assassination. He talks about his hopes for the feature, the (excellent) casting, and gives good details on the history surrounding the events of the assassination of JFK. It's also nice to hear about the little touches to some of the more emotional scenes that you may not have otherwise realised. Next up, we have a selection of deleted scenes (6:35). Although they were likely cut for pacing issues, I found they added to the story quite well, and helped understand some of the characters trains of thought a little better - especially for the scenes involving Ron Livingston who plays James Hosty. The final substantial extra is a selection of cast and director interviews which are available as a play all option only (25:41): - Billy Bob Thornton (1:50) - Colin Hanks (2:28) - Jacki Weaver (3:04) - Marcia Gay Harden (1:31) - Paul Giamatti (3:40) - Ron Livingston (2:58) - Zac Efron (3:42) - director Peter Landesman (3:50) - director of photography Barry Aykroyd (1:34) As you can see, this is a good selection of short interviews, with most of the main players. The cast members talk about their characters, how they got involved with the project, the script, and the filming process, whilst the director and director of photography provide a little more focus on the research involved, and working with the cast. These short snippets are a welcome addition, and of a higher standard than your typical EPK soundbites. There are also a couple of start-up trailers: - "The Frozen Ground" (1:51) - "Thanks for Sharing" (2:22)
Packaging
Initial pressings come packaged with a slipcover.
Overall
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