Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Ambitious and famed defense lawyer Martin Vail (Richard Gere) volunteers his services to Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a Kentucky teenager charged with the murder of a Chicago archbishop. Vail uncovers evidence that the archbishop was involved in a corrupt land scheme and may have molested young parishioners. The case is further complicated by a psychologist's diagnosis that Stampler suffers from multiple personality disorder.

This is one of the best thrillers in the past 25 years, and Norton's Oscar-nominated role as a troubled youth is his debut performance—what a debut! The strong supporting cast includes Laura Linney, John Mahooney, Frances McDormand, andTerry O'Quinn (of Lost fame). I hadn't seen the film since its theatrical run in 1996, but even upon a second viewing, I found myself enthralled with the twists and turns of the well-crafted screenplay.

The AVC encode features a very film-like presentation devoid of any major issues. Black levels are slightly elevated but still provide adequate shadow detail, and resolution wavers from razor sharp in close-ups to soft and fuzzy on the longer shots. Colors are very life-like, and the print is in excellent condition in this solid catalog release.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack is pedestrian in its delivery, but it fits the genre. Dialog is front and center with very little spread across the front soundstage, and the surround speakers only provide some mild ambience and rarely call attention to themselves. The score by James Newton Howard compliments the story and provides the most dynamic element of the audio.

The standard-definition special features include a commentary track, a couple of behind-the-scenes featurettes, and an interview with Edward Norton and other cast members regarding his role as the troubled Aaron Stampler. Rounding things out is the theatrical trailer.

There aren't many thrillers that hold up well with a second viewing, but this is certainly an exception. The solid presentation and phenomenal performances are worth a revisit. Highly recommended.

Release Date: March 10, 2009
Studio: Paramount

Movie: 9/10
Picture: 8/10
Sound: 8/10

Review System

Source
Panasonic DMP-BD55

Display
JVC DLA-RS1 projector
Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics
Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro
Anthem PVA-7 Amplifier
Belkin PF60 power conditioner

Speakers
M&K S-150s (L, C, R)
M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)
SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables
Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)
Best Deal analog-audio cables
PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics