Blu-ray Movie Reviews

The film follows the mysterious and ruthless Nikolai, who is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna, an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence against the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit and retribution.

Cronenberg has been delivering some solid films these last few years and this is no exception. Probably one of the best I've seen this year in fact. Promises delivers a solid storyline that is both gripping and fierce. The acting is first rate and the pacing is perfect. Highly recommended.

Universal delivers a solid HD presentation for this one with great detail and sense of dimension. This is one of those films that showcase just how good great photography can look on the format. Contrast levels are exceptional and really lend to the depth of image and fine object detail is solid throughout. Colors have a nice level of pop and saturation and fine film grain is apparent throughout. A solid HD transfer.

The DTS-HD Master Audio mix is a nice blend of atmosphere and score and provides a rich soundfield that never sounds boxed in. Dialogue has a very natural tonal quality and imaging across the main channels is solid. The mix is dynamic when it needs to be and the sense of space in the surround channels is quite convincing.

Extras include a look at the real gangsters of Russian descent and stories that inspired this film. Some onset footage is also included.

It is great to see Cronenburg making bigger budget Hollywood films now. He’s been a great director for so long that seems to go unnoticed. This Blu-ray does a great job with presentation.