Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Long Walk Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 16, 2022

“The Long Walk” is an unusual feature from director Mattie Do (“Dearest Sister”) and screenwriter Christopher Larsen. The story plays with time, establishing two experiences for the same character as he deals with life as he knows it and life as it once was, 50 years ago. It’s a genre picture, but suspense isn’t immediately identified, as Do takes the title to heart, enjoying the slow-burn nature of the tale, which is meant to sneak up on viewers. “The Long Walk” isn’t ultimately effective as a chiller, but Do conjures some terrific atmosphere with the endeavor, and she has actor Yannawoutthi Chanthalungsy, who delivers outstanding work in the lead role.

Two timelines are created to examine a situation involving missing people and dead bodies. The story takes place in Laos, and Do embraces this rare vision of the land, using her run time to examine textures and community interactions. She’s constructing a special mood for “The Long Walk” as the writing generates mysteries concerning character actions and connections, with time differences gradually braided together as the story unfolds. Tension isn’t established as confidently, and it takes quite some time for “The Long Walk” to begin taking shape, demanding patience from viewers.

The Long Walk Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.24:1 aspect ratio) presentation secures precise detail with skin surfaces, exploring weathered faces and open wounds with sharpness. Village tours are also textured, along with housing interiors. Distances are preserved. Color favors a slightly warmer palette with crisp greenery. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory, dealing with intensely dark evening experiences at times. Compression issues are periodic, flaring up with banding during nighttime events.

The Long Walk Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix presents heavy atmospherics, offering active surrounds that explore the sounds of insects and movement. Dialogue exchanges are crisply defined. Music supports comfortably, adding intensity and some weight to scenes of suspense.

The Long Walk Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Intro (4:47, HD) provides introductory thoughts and gratitude from director Mattie Do.

• Commentary #1 features director Mattie Do, producer Douangmany Soliphanh, and actress Totlina.

• Commentary #2 features C. Robert Cargill and David Lawson Jr., who describe themselves as friends of Mattie Do.

• Q&A (52:31, HD) is a video conference interview with director Mattie Do from 2020, hosted by journalist Alexandra Heller- Nicholas, who also invites a group of people to join in and watch the conversation.

• Deleted Scenes (6:33, HD) are provided with or without commentary from director Mattie Do.

• And a Trailer (1:43, HD) is included.

The Long Walk Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Long Walk" seems to be wandering at times, but it ultimately arrives at a dramatic destination, with Do and Larsen building a time-based puzzle. The solution is satisfying, but it comes at the end of a film that isn't always sharply committed to commanding storytelling, which slightly weakens the intended power of the climax.