Crosstalk Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.0

Crosstalk Blu-ray Movie Review

Crosstalk romantic-thriller exploring the world of artificial intelligence and computer systems through a crime case. Executive produced by Ross Matthews (Australian Dream, The Chain Reaction), Crosstalk rewards as a compelling crime saga that explores the world of computers and the development of artificial intelligence. Produced by Errol Sullivan (Cathy's Child, On the Beach), Crosstalk offers up Australian thrills for genre fans.

Ed Ballinger (Gary Day) is a disabled and wheelchair bound computer programmer who is living in a luxury apartment only the wealthy elite can afford. With a mystery employer, Ed Ballinger reaches beyond his disability to remain an expert programmer – working on correcting errors in the I-500 – considered as the world’s most complex surveillance system ever designed. As the system errors continue, Ed learns that the system has become the eyewitness to a brutal murder. Now Ed is determined to solve the crime with the help of the advanced system. Can Ed solve the crime?

The performances are one of the strengths of the production. Gary Day impresses in the leading role as Ed Ballinger. There is a certain machismo to the performance by Day. The role gives the actor plenty of moments to shine and showcase his acting skills – highlighting the strengths of his subtleties as a performer. The supporting performances are well-done. Cindy (Penny Downie) adds to the film significantly, too. There is a remarkable strength to Penny Downie’s supporting role and her performance holds well opposite Gary Day.

Featuring a score composed by Chris Neal (Rebel, Buddies), Crosstalk is a well-done score and the music adds a lot to the charms of the production. Neal provides solid music that highlights the eerie artificial intelligence elements as well as the thriller aspects. The score is a nice backdrop to the terror of the filmmaking as well as the dramatic moments that underscore the film, too.

The cinematography by Vincent Monton (Road Games, The Day After Halloween) is well-done and adds a lot to the production aesthetic. Monton is a talented cinematographer and someone with a keen and creative understanding of the production. Monton certainly contributes something special to the film – providing a dark and eerie aesthetic that is appropriate for the technological-thriller aspect of the film. Monton creates evocative imagery throughout.

Featuring production designs by Laurence Eastwood (Dead End Drive-In, Crocodile Dundee II), Crosstalk is a well-mounted production. Eastwood provides good creative sensibilities for the filmmaking. The fun stylistic approach adds to the charms of the thriller. The larger-than-life aspect of the computer station is particularly compelling and makes the thriller feel a lot more engaging as a tale of technology and the dangers technology can sometimes cause.

The costume designs by Jenny Miles (Shine, Babe) are well-done and work well across the entire cast of characters. The designs by Miles certainly add unique character and charm to the production. A strong and effective roster for the filmmaking.

The visual effects by Roger Cowland (Planet Terror, Iron Man) are a wonder in and of themselves. The visual effects are subtle but effective during many scenes of the film. There is a lot to appreciate with regards to the effects work and the quality of craft these moments adds to the film. Cowland is an enormous talent as a visual effects designer – may the late effects genius rest in peace.

Written by Linda Lane (Full House) and Mark Egerton (The Winds of Jarrah), Crosstalk is a solid thriller and a film that benefits a great deal from a compelling script. The screenplay has strong dialogue to celebrate and good dynamics worth appreciating. The script certainly unfolds at a steady pace with elements explored effectively throughout the feature-film. With additional script material by Denis Whitburn and Keith Salvat, Crosstalk works as a tech thriller.

Directed by Mark Egerton (The Winds of Jarrah) and Keith Salvat (Private Collection, Sir Robert Helpmann), Crosstalk is not a perfect production but the directing is solid throughout and it is imaginative at showcasing the creativity of the feature. Crosstalk is a fun genre film and one that audiences will appreciate discovering. A must-see for genre enthusiasts with an interest in classic Australian cinema.

Crosstalk Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, Crosstalk is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. Filmed with Panavision cameras, Crosstalk uses a 35mm film negative format. The transfer retains an authentic and natural looking visual aesthetic that is true to the original 35mm cinematography. The somewhat subtle but refined color reproduction looks excellent on the release. The natural film grain is well reproduced and showcased on the release, too. A solid presentation by Umbrella Entertainment.

Crosstalk Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0. The release does not include lossless audio encoding As a result, the audio quality is somewhat underwhelming and sparse sounding. The audio encoding sounds somewhat flat and uninvolved. The dialogue is easy enough to understand but the soundstage is weak and less fun. The release certainly could have benefited by having a lossless audio encoding option.

Crosstalk Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Shooting Hitchcock Downunder – An Interview with Cinematographer Vincent Monton (HD, 13:03)

Rear Window Meets 2001 – A Visual Essay from Screenwriter and Author Stephen Vagg (HD, 12:50)

Not Quite Hollywood Interview with Executive Producer Ross Matthews (HD, 3:57)

Archival Interviews with Director Mark Egerton, Executive Producer Ross Matthews and Composer Chris Neill (SD, 24:08)

Archival Interview with Original Writer/Director Keith Salvat Conducted By Film Critic David Stratton (Audio Only) (HD, 31:55)

The VHS Experience (SD, 1:21:39)

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:17)

Extended Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:31)

Crosstalk Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Crosstalk is a compelling thriller with romantic elements. The performances are a highlight of the film with Gary Day and Penny Downie both providing noteworthy performances. The production values impress, too. The artificial intelligence element of the futuristic computer makes the film a bit more intriguing.

The Blu-ray release provides a solid high-definition transfer of the film. Alas, the release doesn't include lossless audio encoding. The release also comes jam-packed with an absorbing selection of bonus features. Recommended.