7.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Three self-involved Edinburgh roommates take in a brooding boarder, and when he dies of an overdose, leaving a suitcase full of money, the trio embark on a series of very bad decisions, with extraordinarily grim consequences for all.
Starring: Kerry Fox, Christopher Eccleston, Ewan McGregor, Ken Stott, Keith Allen (I)Dark humor | 100% |
Crime | 63% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region B (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Danny Boyle’s first feature film “Shallow Grave” (1994) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of UK-based distributors Film Four. Amongst the extras on the disc are a director's commentary, a featurette and a short excerpt from Ewan McGregor’s Career Retrospective broadcast on FilmFour in 2002, all perfectly playable on North American TV sets. At present, a US release has not been announced. The disc herein reviewed is Region-B "locked".
The roommates
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Danny Boyle's Shallow Grave arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Film Four.
This is a film that truly needed a solid treatment of some sort. For whatever reason, Shallow Grave never received a deserving DVD release, neither in North America nor in Europe. Fortunately enough, Film Four have put together a nice presentation that will finally please fans of the film. This is not to say that this UK-produced disc is flawless, but it is certainly something strong enough to recommend.
First of all, contrast and clarity are definitely very pleasing. Detail is also dramatically
improved (during the attic footage, I was able to see a lot that is certainly noticeable on the old MGM disc). Second, the transfer is relatively healthy. Aside from a few minor specks and dots, it looks quite good. Third, this 1080p transfer is pleasingly stable. This being said, there is quite a bit of edge-enhancement that I noticed. Most of the time the sharpening is not overly distracting, but there are a few scenes where the image looks quite rough. On the other hand, macroblocking is not n issue of concern. Finally, I would like to note that the more sensitive amongst you will likely notice that there is some mild digital noise on this transfer as well. Still, I believe that even the most critical amongst you will find Studio Four's Blu-ray release to be a major upgrade over previous releases of the film. (Note: This is Region-B "locked" disc. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free player in order to access its content).
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: English LPCM 2.0. For the record, Film Four have provided optional English subtitles for the main feature.
Before anyone incorrectly concludes that the audio presentation could have been a lot better – because Film Four have supplied only an LPCM 2.0 track – allow me to remind you that Shallow Grave conveys plenty of limitations due to the manner in which the film was shot. Therefore, the English LPCM 2.0 track is more than adequate.
This being said, the dialog is crisp, clear and very easy to follow. There are absolutely no dropouts, pops, cracks, or hissings to report in this review. Additionally, balance is also solid. Generally speaking, the bass is strong and full-bodied while the high-frequencies are not overdone. Simon Boswell's soundtrack is also proficiently mixed with the dialog. All in all, the English LPCM 2.0 track is about as good as I expected it to be.
Note: All of the supplemental features on this Blu-ray disc are perfectly playable on North American TV sets.
Audio commentary by Danny Boyle – Director Boyle provides a terrific analysis of Shallow Grave in this very informative commentary. In particular, he explains how the film was made possible, what were the challenges the cast and crew faced, how some of the more bizarre scenes were shot, etc. If you are a fan of Shallow Grave, I strongly recommend that you listen to the commentary.
Digging Your Own Grave – in this featurette, director Boyle recalls his attempts to secure funding for Shallow Grave at the Edinburgh Film Festival. There is a lot of archival forage here from the casting, shooting, etc. Subtitled in English (HD, 30 min).
Danny Boyle on Shallow Grave – a few quick comments from the director addressing the script and the shooting process. Subtitled in English (HD, 2 min).
Ewan McGregor on Shallow Grave – a short excerpt from Ewan McGregor's Career Retrospective broadcast on FilmFour in 2002. Subtitled in English (HD, 8 min).
There are a few minor issues with the transfer for Shallow Grave that could have been addressed by Film Four, but I certainly do not have a problem recommending their Blu-ray disc to fans of the film. This being said, I have a feeling that this Region-B "locked" release will remain exclusive to the United Kingdom for a very long time. Hopefully, I am wrong. Recommended.
1990
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1966
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1962
Arrow Academy
1973
2014
2007
Remastered
1996
1973
30th Anniversary Collector's Edition
1994
2017
2006
2005
Premium Collection
1997
2017
Masters of Cinema
1984
Original UK Audio
1971
2019
Director's Cut
1984