Argo Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Argo Blu-ray Movie Review

A new cut and an extra hour of bonus content for Affleck's Best Picture winner? I'm in.

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown November 22, 2013

November 4, 1979. Militant Islamists storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran and take fifty-two Americans hostage. During the initial incursion, six men and women narrowly escape the embassy -- Bob Anders (Tate Donovan), Cora Lijek (Clea DuVall), Joe Stafford (Scoot McNairy), Lee Schatz (Rory Cochrane), Mark Lijek (Christopher Denham) and Kathy Stafford (Kerry Bishé) -- and find refuge with a Canadian ambassador (Victor Garber). In the United States, the CIA scrambles to respond to the mounting crisis, and begins secretly working to extract the six American refugees. The task soon falls to CIA specialist Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck). Under the watchful eye of CIA supervisor Jack O'Donnell (Bryan Cranston) and the help of Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers (John Goodman) and movie producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin), Mendez devises and develops a fake film -- Argo -- to use as cover. The plan? Fly to Iran, quickly establish the legitimacy of the production, "scout" for suitable filming locations, and return safely home with his six-person "Canadian film crew."

With quiet, slowburn intensity, Argo cranks up the heat, notch by notch, with unnerving poise and precision. Affleck and screenwriter Chris Terrio (working from Mendez's own books and writings, among other sources) meld ensemble performance and calculated pacing to nail-biting ends, transforming an already harrowing escape story into a powerful drama brimming with terrific turns from a terrific cast. Affleck only makes one negligible misstep as an actor -- the indulgent, warmly lit half-smile he brandishes near Argo's close; a third-act staple shot in even his bleakest of films -- and one questionable decision as a director -- the down-to-the-wire takeoff, complete with back-room interrogations, the simultaneous off-site discovery of the true identities of the movie crew, gunmen rushing to stop a flight and military vehicles pursuing a plane, all of which is, ironically, a bit too Hollywood for the film Affleck is making. Otherwise, the Man Without Fear delivers in front of the camera and behind, and any suggestion to the contrary has more to do with the small but prevailing disbelief that Affleck's past cinematic sins (Gigli, Surviving Christmas, Reindeer Games, et al) are just that: a thing of the past.

Flanking Affleck is a wonderfully assembled cast with little to no interest in injecting sensationalism into a historical drama as restrained and measured as Argo. Goodman and Arkin have the most fun, and rightfully so, while Donovan and company make the most of their roles as six frightened Americans minutes away from execution or torture at every turn. Back at the CIA, Cranston is outstanding, Kyle Chandler and Chris Messina lend resistance as needed, and every performance falls into place. No one seeks out the spotlight (least of all Affleck), scene-stealing is all but off limits, and each actor retreats humbly to give others the opportunity to shine. Off screen, cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, production designer Sharon Seymour and editor William Goldenberg seamlessly blend carefully recreated sets and dressed locales with archive footage and news reels to blur the line between 1979 and 2013. Argo is, at times, as close to a documentary in tone and aesthetic as a docudrama can be, and it's abundantly clear just how much attention was paid to authenticity. Argo not only took home the Academy Award for Best Picture, it remains one of the standout films of 2012.

Argo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Extended Edition box set features faithful, notably filmic 1080p/AVC-encoded presentations of Argo's theatrical and extended cuts, without any sign of reduced quality when compared to Argo's original February 2013 release. There's still a hint of ringing to be found, sure. But none of it proves too severe. The archive footage that peppers the film tends to amount to a standard definition eyesore as well; easily forgiven as it is considering the corresponding anomalies are tied to archive video footage from the late '70s and early '80s. Which leaves us with an altogether sound, purposefully subdued presentation backed by striking desaturated colors, lifelike skintones, smoky but satisfying black levels and finely tuned contrast. Grain is intact as well, without anything in the way of unevenness or errant noise, and detail is strong and precise. Edges are nicely defined, textures are natural and reasonably well-resolved (even in intentionally aged or distressed shots that exhibit a fair bit of softness), and delineation is spot on. There also isn't any significant artifacting, banding, aliasing or crush on display, allowing Argo's extended cut to look just as good as its theatrical counterpart.

Argo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Argo's theatrical and extended cuts are backed by a high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that's aggressive and involving, and never becomes overbearing. LFE output brings weight and intensity to scenes that benefit greatly from heft. Enraged crowds surge, violence erupts, tear gas canisters launch with heavy thooms, gunshots thunder, angry hands pound against passing vans, security personnel give chase and airplane engines roar to life. Every last low-end effect is bolstered by raw power and presence. The rear speakers do their part too, immersing the listener in those angry mobs, cramped vehicles and escaping planes with pinpoint directional effects, convincing pans and a fully enveloping soundfield. Moreover, despite the prevailing chaos, dialogue remains clean, clear and diligently prioritized at all times, without a lost or buried line of any importance. Alexandre Desplat's score rounds out the soundscape nicely, privy to the same meticulous prioritization and implementation as every other element, all of which come together to create a lossless experience that further blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Argo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Argo: Declassified Extended Edition Packaging and Collectibles

• Oversized slipbox neatly houses a standard 2-disc Blu-ray case and several collectibles
• 64-page behind-the-scenes hardcover book
• 16" x 20" map with scene-specific notes
• Replica Tony Mendez ID badge
• Argo (1979) Mini Poster
• CIA confidential envelope
• Digital HD UltraViolet digital copy (expires 12/03/15)

New and Exclusive Special Features

• Declassified Extended Cut (Disc 1, HD, 130 minutes): Argo's latest Blu-ray release offers two cuts of the film: a 120-minute theatrical version and a 130-minute extended cut from director Ben Affleck. But is the extended cut an improvement? Not really, although it's by no means unwelcome. There are five new scenes and a handful of alternate takes and edits, most of which will go unnoticed by the casual viewer. Thankfully, there is some material here that enriches the experience, particularly the character of Tony Mendez and the culture of the CIA. None of it is revolutionary, but it holds up to the quality of the rest of the film quite well.
• Argo Declassified (Disc 2, HD, 12 minutes): The Extended Edition box set's second disc includes a number of new special features (clocking in at a little more than an hour), first among them this featurette that examines the history behind the story through interviews with President Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez, former Director of the CIA George Tenet, the filmmakers and other key figures.
• Ben Affleck's Balancing Act (Disc 2, HD, 16 minutes): The actor-turned-filmmaker faces the challenges of balancing competing elements in the film, juggling tone, shooting in multiple locations around the world, and setting priorities in front of the camera and behind.
• A Discussion with the Cast of Argo (Disc 2, HD, 10 minutes): A candid, funny, but much too brief Q&A segment with Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Clea Duvall and others. The only downside is that the entire Q&A session isn't included.
• Tony Mendez on Tony Mendez (Disc 2, HD, 11 minutes): Mendez provides an overview of his career, his training and skillsets, the CIA of the '70s and, of course, his 1979 Tehranian intervention. Good stuff, I just wish it were longer.
• The Istanbul Journey (Disc 2, HD, 9 minutes): Affleck, his producers and other key members of the crew detail the film's shoot in Turkey, as well as some of the obstacles they faced during their 3-week stay.
• Argo F*** Yourself (Disc 2, HD, 1 minute): The origin of the now famed phrase.
• Theatrical Trailer (Disc 2, HD, 3 minutes): The film's high definition theatrical trailer.

Previously Released Bonus Content

• Picture in Picture: Eyewitness Account (Disc 1, HD, 120 minutes): Headlining the first disc of Argo's supplemental package is the same excellent Picture in Picture experience included on the previously released Blu-ray, as it features interviews with the survivors of the Iran hostage crisis and other notable participants, among them President Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez, Mark Lijek, Bob Anders, Cora Lijek, Kathy Stafford, Lee Schatz and USMC hostage Al Golacinski. Listening to firsthand accounts of the events depicted in Argo serves as a testament both to the bravery of those involved and the authenticity of the film, and stands as the first of many first-rate extras to provide insight into the events surrounding November 4, 1979 and all that followed. Note: "Eyewitness Account" is only accessible with the theatrical version of the film.
• Audio Commentary (Disc 1, HD): Affleck and writer Chris Terrio cover everything from the unorthodox storyboard-framed opening to script development, casting, performances, production design and melding of history and fiction used to create Argo's reality. It's a engaging commentary (albeit a touch dry), and strikes a balance between historical fact, filmmaking technique and storytelling prowess. Note: Affleck's commentary is only available for the theatrical version of the film.
• Rescued from Tehran: We Were There (Disc 1, HD, 17 minutes): President Carter, Mendez and the actual house guests recount the real-life harrowing experience they endured.
• Absolute Authenticity (Disc 1, HD, 11 minutes): "I really wanted to root the audience in the period." This short production featurette focuses on Affleck's expectations and efforts and his production department's subsequent research and work.
• The CIA and Hollywood Connection (Disc 1, HD, 6 minutes): Affleck, Terrio, Goodman, and Mendez discuss the CIA's alliance with Hollywood. Unfortunately, the already brief featurette is too reliant on film clips, making it more a plot overview than anything more substantial.
• Escape from Iran: The Hollywood Option (Disc 1, SD, 47 minutes): This 2005 television documentary commemorates the 25th anniversary of the "Canadian Caper," taking us back to this startling affair through the direct testimony of the Americans who found sanctuary at the Canadian embassy in Teheran, and the Canadians who risked their own safety to shelter their closest neighbors.

Argo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Overlooked for a Best Director nod at the Academy Awards, Affleck -- the once B-grade actor turned fully fledged star and filmmaker -- had to settle for a producer's statue and a Best Picture win, with the knowledge that, regardless of accolades or awards, Argo continues to be widely and rightfully hailed as one of the best movies of 2012. Fortunately, Warner's Extended Edition release is as befitting a film of Argo's caliber as was the studio's original February 2013 Blu-ray release. With a faithful video presentation of both cuts of the movie, an absorbing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, and a hefty helping of extras (including an hour of new bonus content, as well as an audio commentary, a documentary, three featurettes, and a Picture in Picture track featuring President Jimmy Carter and the Hostage Crisis house guests themselves), Argo is a must-own for any filmfan. Be sure to pick up the Extended Edition if Argo isn't already a part of your collection. If it is, ask yourself if a new 130-minute extended cut and an hour of additional extras is worth the price of admission.