6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Five military veterans, best friends since childhood, gather together to support their troubled host, and the metaphoric ghosts of their past become all-too-literal.
Starring: Anne Ramsay, Larry Fessenden, Ezra BuzzingtonHorror | 100% |
Supernatural | 7% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Wartime secrets are explored in “Brooklyn 45,” which offers a single location and a cast of characters for a 90-minute examination of death, patriotism, and xenophobia. A supernatural element is included in the tale, which involves a particularly active séance, but writer/director Ted Geoghegan doesn’t make a horror feature, going the psychological route with a real-time journey into suspicion. There’s a lot to like about the endeavor, with Geoghegan challenged to create a suspenseful viewing experience while the story remains in one position. There’s an interesting examination of World War II and all the pain involved with service and intimidation, which is just beginning to spill into civilian life for the players, and while it seems to be headed in an Agatha Christie-like direction in the opening act, “Brooklyn 45” shies away from mystery elements, as Geoghegan shows more interest in character wear and tear, not the capacity for murder.
The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation explores the softer, darker period look at "Brooklyn 45." Detail on characters is appreciable, with vivid faces offering compelling skin particulars. Costuming is also fibrous, dealing with thicker uniforms and wintry weather outfits. Makeup additions are also open for examination. Interiors retain depth, and decorative additions are visible, with the action taking place in a room filled with art and household items. Color is secure, with initial Christmas hues registering as intended. Séance room activities deliver lots of green, and cooler hues are encountered with costuming. Ghostly events retain intended glow, and blood remains a deep red. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. For the truly adventurous, a black and white version of "Brooklyn 45" is presented as well, easily accessed through the menu or via the rarely visited "angle" button on most remotes.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix deals with the mostly conversational/confrontational nature of "Brooklyn 45." Dialogue exchanges are crisp throughout the listening experience, handling hushed confessions and more aggressive argumentative behavior without distortion. Scoring maintains a steady sound with sharp instrumentation, supporting suspense efforts. Soundtrack selections are also defined, with clear vocals. Surrounds aren't aggressive, providing a more nuanced understanding of sound effects and room movement. Low-end isn't too active, but the weight of harsh movements and violent activities is understood.
Geoghegan works to combat the inherent staginess of the material, and it's a battle he doesn't always win. However, "Brooklyn 45" has moments of cinematic authority, and the helmer has gathered an unusual and commanding cast to inhabit these roles and play this strange evening of escalation. Performances are excellent, securing behavioral nuance and argumentative fury, capturing the details of denial as old chums slowly turn on one another, with past sins and longstanding animosity emerging in the verbal chaos. This is where "Brooklyn 45" is most successful, with Geoghegan giving the ensemble room to inhabit disturbed individuals experiencing a supernatural evening, only to be confronted with the bitter reality of their own actions.
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