Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Ted K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 10, 2022

“Ted K” examines the developing madness of Ted Kaczynski, a man who, for decades, terrorized America with threatening manifestos and homemade explosive devices, earning the nickname, “The Unabomber.” Screenwriters Gaddy Davis, John Rosenthal, and Tony Stone (who also directs) don’t create a biopic of the monster, instead looking to understand the corrosive nature of his thinking while living in isolation in the Montana wilderness. The details of such a life aren’t prioritized by the production, with “Ted K” more interested in the subject’s screaming mind and his management of extreme intelligence, which led him down a deadly path of action that wounded and killed innocent people, much to his delight.

Ted Kaczynski (Sharlto Copley) lives in a small cabin in the middle of a Montana forest, growing increasingly agitated about noise and chemical pollution threatening the serenity of nature. He declares war on others, starting with property destruction, eventually escalating to the creation of bombs he mails to his perceived enemies. During the years, Ted takes odd jobs and battles with his family, including his brother, David, over the phone, soon losing contact with reality as he pours his thoughts into his writing, creating a manifesto he demands major outlets publish, or else his murderous attacks will continue.

Ted is a bright man who understands the details of the world, but he’s also insane, allowing the toxicity of his thinking to take over his reality. This is the concept of “Ted K,” which doesn’t dig too deeply into family matters or outside interactions, remaining with the subject as he develops confidence in his convictions. He embarks on a mission to retaliate against individuals and corporations who seek to destroy the balance of nature or intrude on his own lust for peace, as viewed in several scenes where Ted works to sabotage vehicles and work sites causing him tremendous distress. The writing stays with Ted’s POV, and Stone goes into Kubrickian mode with the endeavor, creating a stylized overview of dark empowerment, supporting this odyssey with sharp visuals and a distinct sound design that emphasizes noise pollution.

Ted K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.00:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a crisp look at frame information, doing especially well with Montana expanse. Distances are dimensional and loaded with elements of nature, and detail also scores with body particulars, examining Ted's rough and hairy appearance. Interiors examine decoration with clarity. Colors are compelling, with rich greenery during forest events, joined by woodsy cabin living. Urban experiences secure defined primaries, joined by period costuming and vehicle paint choices. Delineation is satisfactory. Some mild banding is detected.

Ted K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is extremely active, with deep synth scoring cues particularly full, providing a circular sense of intensity, with sharp instrumentation. Orchestral additions and soundtrack selections are equally defined. Dialogue exchanges are clear, playing with position as Ted's inner thoughts and manifesto writings secure a wider, echoed presence. Atmospherics are inviting with nature tours and vehicle movement. Low-end provides a rumbling sense of industrial activity and airplane roar.

Ted K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Deleted Scenes (HD) include "Tentacle" (2:05), "The List" (1:56), "Mr. Rogers" (:28), "Ship of Fools" (5:32), "He's Still Me" (:25), and "The Court" (1:55). A Play All option is offered.

• And "Revenge" Trailer (2:00, HD) and "Protect" Trailer (2:07, HD) are included.

Ted K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Bits and pieces of Kaczynski's life are investigated, including his lifelong struggle with the mysteries of women, but "Ted K" isn't too detailed with biographical material. It's more of a cinematic journey about an unstable man losing his already tenuous grip on reality, and it remains compelling on that level. Stone generates an intimidating visual and aural presence with the endeavor, and he guides Copley (an underwhelming actor) to the best performance of his career, as he finds the volatility of the part without diving into the deep end of showy acting. "Ted K" runs too long for the information it ultimately offers, as Stone gets a little too distracted with his directorial flourishes, and information about those wounded and murdered by Kaczynski is frustratingly limited. Still, the movie does provide an intriguing depiction of a mental decline, and the birth of deranged but methodical vigilante.