6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.1 |
A father travels from Oklahoma to France to help his daughter who has been arrested for murder.
Starring: Matt Damon, Camille Cottin, Abigail Breslin, Lilou Siauvaud, Deanna DunaganThriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: DTS 5.1
French: DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Stillwater may not be a top movie in the lengthy Matt Damon canon, but neither is it the cinema equivalent of cannon fodder, so to speak. Stillwater is a rock-solid film made with something of a throwback feel that places the emphasis on characterization and plays the long narrative game rather than exist for the highlight reel moments. It's the sort of film that demands its audience be invested in it, and at well over two hours in length it proves itself unafraid of asking for that attention even in an attention deprived world. Though not a revolutionary film or a rewriting of the "International Thriller" rules, Stillwater nevertheless captures its genre's essence with a solid pace and good performances that are enough to hold attention for the duration.
The digitally shot Stillwater translates well to Blu-ray. The 1080p picture is certainly not a powerhouse or really even memorable for any reason, but it delivers an unremarkably solid viewing experience. The downsides are few, including minor aliasing and modest noise, the former of which is scant and the latter of which is minimally invasive. The picture is otherwise crisp and stable, offering satisfying details, especially on and around Bill, whose thick goatee and well-worn ballcap provide some impressive outlets for high yield textural goodness throughout the film. Definition on dense city streets also delights. Color output is fine, offering stable output, good saturation, and nice balance. There is no strangely tuned contrast or wayward temperature settings, leaving everything nice and neutral. Output offers enough pop as necessary and good depth and accuracy to earthy tones and skin. Black levels fare nicely, as does white balance. This is a solid effort from Universal.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is the audio equivalent of the companion video: solid all around but doing nothing to stand apart from the crowd, satisfying in every way but not bolstered by any kind of nifty sound design. The track handles everything asked of it with expert precision, presenting music with fine clarity, good width, and balanced, though still modest, surround stretch and subwoofer engagement. Light atmospheric effects nicely pull the listener into the main locales, such as prison interiors and Marseilles exteriors. There are not many aggressive sound effects to critique, nor is there any kind of heightened bass extension or surround bonanza to report. Dialogue is the main mover and shaker here, and it remains well prioritized and center positioned, holding lifelike clarity whether the dialogue be in English or in French.
This Blu-ray release of Stillwater contains a few extras. A DVD copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code are included with
purchase. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.
Much of Stillwater depends on the "fish out of water" quality that helps define the story. Bill does not belong in Marseilles, but his heart cannot leave the place. His desire to prove his daughter's innocence propels him even in strange lands and different tongues, but he overcomes with some help and relentless drive to see his purpose to completion. It's not a particularly novel movie, but it's perfectly effective for what it is, thanks to focus on character and Damon's solid performance in the lead. Universal's Blu-ray delivers solid video and audio and a few extras. Recommended.
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