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Hour of the Lynx (The) AKA I lossens time
R2 - United Kingdom - Arrow Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (16th October 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.*** 45-year-old priest Helen is approached by scientist Lisbeth with a desperate plea for help. A young man, who has been sent to a high security psychiatric ward after having killed an old couple, has attempted suicide while rambling about God. Having been part of an experiment attempting to humanize inmates by assigning them pets, the young man has suddenly gone ballistic. Fearing that he will attempt suicide again priest and scientist must now confront their mutual animosities while trying to grasp the truth. In a race against time the two women begin a shocking journey deeper and deeper into the sick mind of a young man’s soul. What they are about to realize will change them forever.
Video
Danish psychological drama "The Hour of the Lynx" arrives on DVD in the United Kingdom courtesy of independent British distributor Arrow Films. The feature receives an anamorphic transfer in the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Although not reference quality, this is a very solid transfer. As with most titles found under Arrow's Nordic Noir range, "The Hour of the Lynx" is quite bleak in tone, and receives the colour scheme we have come to expect from the Nordic countries when it comes to this genre - plenty of blues and greys. The colours suit the feel of the feature perfectly and the blue hues running throughout the psychiatric hospital make it feel like a depressing place with distraught patients. Blacks are deep and inky with hardly any crush, and lighter colours, such as skylines and snow, look fine. Details are very good for the format, especially long-distance details during the scenes with the Grandfather. Close-ups show minute details in skin and clothing, and mid-range details have background items showing good clarity. Some light edge enhancement can be seen on occasion, but aliasing, print damage, and compression artefacts are all non-existent. The feature is uncut and runs 88:54 PAL.
Audio
Arrow Films have provided us with a single Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track which is in Danish with occasional Swedish, and is the original language track. Although the track does well to utilise the atmospheric tone throughout the surrounds, more could have been done when it comes to subtle directional effects, such as clanking doors at the hospitals. The score also does well to help immerse the viewer, with the LFE receiving an occasional boost as and when required. One of the more impressive scenes for the environmental effects, is when Drengen douses himself in petrol and hides from the noise of oncoming police during the opening scenes. Dialogue is clear and concise at all times, and there are no issues with pop, drop outs, scratches, or background hiss. Optional English subtitles have been included.
Extras
Start-up trailers: – "Nordic Noir" Promo – The Accused
Overall
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