Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Shallow Grave Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov June 16, 2009

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

Three roommates – Juliet (Kerry Fox, Intimacy), David (Christopher Eccleston, Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen) and Alex (Ewan McGregor, Young Adam) – decide that they need one more person to take the last available room in the large house they rent. They post an ad in a local newspaper and begin screening prospective renters. While doing so, the trio manages to have plenty of fun.

The lucky one is Hugo (Keith Allen, The Others), a mid-age man who tells Juliet, David and Alex that he is working on finishing his book. Juliet is particularly impressed with Hugo and makes sure that David and Alex are well aware of it. Hugo moves in.

A few days later, Hugo is found dead in his room. Under his bed, Juliet, David and Alex discover a large suitcase full of money. They fight over what to do with it, but eventually decide to keep it. Then, they dismember Hugo’s body and get rid of it.

Kerry and Alex begin celebrating. They go on a shopping spree and treat themselves well. David warns them that now is not the time to be careless, but they ignore him. They do agree, however, to hide the money in the attic. After they do, David becomes paranoid.

Two gangsters begin looking for Hugo and the money. They leave a few bodies behind and eventually get to Juliet, David and Alex. Things get complicated when each of the three friends realizes that none of the other two are to be trusted.

Shallow Grave was British director Danny Boyle’s first feature film. It was first screened internationally at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994 where many felt that the film should have been included in the official program. Director Boyle’s unique style and notably edgy sense of humor impressed critics and casual fans.

More importantly, however, Shallow Grave kick-started Scottish actor Ewan McGregor’s career. His performance was praised by the press and director Boyle made sure that the he would return for his future smash hit Trainspotting (1996). Seven years after the release of Shallow Grave, McGregor was recognized with a Golden Globe award for his performance in Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge (2001).

Nowadays, Shallow Grave looks a bit dated. Its characters are thin, plot transparent and dark humor not dark enough to entice a new generation of viewers who feel strongly about films such as Guy Richie’s quirky Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Mike Hodges’ moody I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead and Shane Meadows’ Dead Man’s Shoes (2004).

Still, there are certain aspects from Shallow Grave that are as effective as they were when the film was first screened. For example, the dialog, courtesy of John Hodge, has some terrific lines that have not lost their edge. Cinematographer Brian Tufano’s (Billy Elliot) lensing remains one of the film’s strongest assets as well.

Shallow Grave Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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).

Shallow Grave Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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.

Shallow Grave Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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).

Shallow Grave Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.