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Touch of Sin (A)
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray B - United Kingdom - Arrow Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (11th September 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.*** An angry miner revolts against the corruption of his village leaders. A migrant worker at home for the New Year discovers the infinite possibilities a firearm can offer. A pretty receptionist at a sauna is pushed to the limit when a rich client assaults her. A young factory worker goes from job to job trying to improve his lot in life. Four people, four different provinces. A reflection on contemporary China: that of an economic giant slowly being eroded by violence.
Video
Independent British distributor Arrow Films have released Chinese film "A Touch of Sin" on to Blu-ray for UK audiences, using the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The transfer is 1080p and has received an AVC MPEG-4 encode. It is almost reference quality. The feature was shot on digital using Arri Alexa M and Arri Alexa Studio cameras, with Zeiss Master anamorphic lenses to give the film a softer, more filmic look. Colours are accurate throughout, with the various landscapes, whether sandy and rural, or urban, showcasing the various tones well. Blacks are deep and inky, though on rare occasions, suffers from minor crush. Details are generally exceptional though. In some scenes there is an intentional soft focus, but away from this, the transfer grandstands, with distinct faces in crowded backgrounds, numerous intricate patterns on clothing, and facial close-ups, all steeped in detail. The vivid colours and robust details help give the transfer a tremendous sense of depth, and assists the viewer in feeling immersed in the four stories. Apart from the aforementioned crush, and some occasional light banding, there are no causes for concern with this transfer. I noticed no issues with compression, no edge enhancement, minimal aliasing, and no signs of digital noise reduction. The film is uncut, and runs 129:44.
Audio
A single audio track has been provided here; DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 in a mix of both Cantonese and Mandarin (original language track). Like the transfer, there is very little to nitpick here, with the track being of high quality. The film is dialogue driven, but with bursts of violence at various times which make full use of the LFE and surrounds, giving a sharp, short jab to the senses, immersing you into the situations. The surrounds are also well used for minor subtleties including crowd noises, echoes, and general environmental effects. Dialogue is clear at all times, with solid separation and direction. There are no problems to speak of such as drop outs or scratches, and I noticed no signs of background hiss. Far better than I expected for a non-Hollywood, non-big-budget feature. English subtitles are included, but are unfortunately burnt-in rather than optional.
Extras
Start-up Trailers (4:07): - "I Wish" (1:53) - "Like Father, Like Son" (2:12)
Overall
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