Artik Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Artik Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 4, 2019

Writer/director Tom Botchii Skowronski is aiming to put his own stamp on comic book cinema with “Artik,” merging the brute force of a serial killer story with a fantasy face-off, only here the opposing forces are a murderer and a straight-edge soldier trying to do something right in his life. It’s stylish picture, doing so much with very little in the budget department, and when approached in the right mood, “Artik” engages to certain extent, with Skowronski trying to remain creative and aggressive with the little room he’s given himself to explore this showdown between light and dark.

“Artik” is simple and weirdly brief (12 minutes of the 78-minute-long run time are devoted to main titles and end credits), with Skowronski working very hard to stretch a short film idea into something approaching a feature-length offering. He almost gets there, delivering unusual characters in the genre, especially with the straight-edge hero, whose nobility isn’t challenged by direct threats with sharp object, but the presence of alcohol and humiliation, giving the bad guy a different way to torment what passes here for a hero. Cinematography by Martin Moody is also a highlight, giving “Artik” a refreshing brightness, unafraid to use color while exploring bodily harm and encroaching madness.

Artik Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.23:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Artik" is a little strange at times, with an unusually active layer of grain that's possibly artificial, along with evidence of speckling and scratches. Brightness is a big plus here, delivering a colorful viewing experience with cranked, saturated hues. The seasonal mood here is secured with decent greenery and darker costuming, handling browns and blues. More acidic hues are found inside Artik's lair, generating desired levels of unease. Skintones are natural. Detail is healthy, handling facial surfaces well, getting a sense of hair growth and age. Costuming is textured, and gory events are sharp, appreciating makeup work. Delineation is satisfactory.

Artik Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 Dolby Digital mix offers some aggression through scoring cues, which are offered volume and clarity to contribute to scenes of suspense and violence. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, capturing differences in performance ability and vocal intensity. Sound effects register as intended, while surrounds do fine with atmospherics, offering room tone and property movement. Low-end isn't active, but a few confrontations bring out some mild rumble.

Artik Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Tom Botchii Skowronski.

• Behind the Scenes (HD) include "The Chair" (1:56) and "The Characters" (3:14).

• Short Films (HD) offer "Goldblooded" (9:22) and "11 Minutes" (6:21). Both are presented with commentary and trailers.

• And a Teaser Trailer (1:22, HD) and a Theatrical Trailer (1:56, HD) are included.

Artik Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Artik" isn't a complete pulse-pounder, all too often losing itself to monologuing as characters explain their every move. The production wanders here and there, but there's an adrenalized conclusion that makes up for all the waiting, delivering some needed fury for the finale, which offers the right kind of mayhem to leave viewers semi-satisfied.