7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
From acclaimed director Robert Eggers, The Northman is an epic revenge thriller that explores how far a Viking prince will go to seek justice for his murdered father.
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-JoyDrama | 100% |
Thriller | 80% |
History | 53% |
Action | 35% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.00:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.00:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
French (Canada): Dolby Digital 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 free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The Northman is a story of bloodlust. It is the story of a young warrior who witnesses great atrocity and vows revenge on the man who forever changed his life's focus and direction, who metaphorically ripped his heart out when he destroyed that belonging to another. This story is not new, and this is not noteworthy. However, this is that story told in all of its morbid, bleak, and unrelenting authenticity, exploring a broken man who has built a body and a skillset well suited to the combat of his day while grooming a heart for vengeance and a soul bent on destruction. The movie is visceral and raw and very well done within these gruesome and grisly parameters. Prepare for an intense journey into the past set on the converging bloody battlefields of the mind, soul, and body.
The Northman exacts its bloody revenge on Blu-ray with a positively stellar 1080p transfer. Though the movie be bleak and gray, frequently dark, and visually depraved, there is plenty of opportunity for solid color expression, particularly blood, natural greens, and the odd example of brighter attire. However, skies are often overcast, clothes are usually some shades of gray or brown, and the picture favors a tonally depleted and weary expression as a way of supporting the morbid and bleak storyline. Be that as it may, the SDR color range thrives within these parameters. Details are terrific as well. The picture is well capable of capturing every skin detail conceivable at this resolution, not to mention filthy strands of hair and beard, caked-on mud and blood, natural terrain and vegetation information, and manmade structures, all with precision intricacy and visual intimacy. Black levels are decent, but there are some artificial looking nighttime shots here and there that betray perfect blacks. Skin tones are pasty and pale but fit into the intended color parameters. There are no obvious source or encode blemishes of note. The image looks tremendous.
The featured Dolby Atmos soundtrack is an absolute treat. The presentation is rich with detail and commanding in its spacing and accuracy. Listeners will feel in the center of combat, evading devastating blows, dodging swooping arrows, and feeling totally submersed in the maelstrom of epically violent hand to hand combat. Musical score is powerful and commanding, offering full stage engagement defined by crystal clear detail, impactful but not overburdening bass, and full stage immersion, including the top end. Discrete effects are not commonplace overhead, but the added fullness the Atmos channels provides only adds to the sense of authenticity the track offers. Light ambient effects within the world are incredibly realistic and engaging as well. Dialogue is clear and center positioned for the duration.
This Blu-ray release of The Northman includes deleted and extended scenes, a handful of featurettes, and an audio commentary track. A
DVD
copy of the film and a Movies
Anywhere digital copy code are included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.
The Northman disguises its plot simplicity with authentic grit, copious amounts of raw violence and bloodshed, and just enough character depth beyond the march for revenge to play as a very good example of its kind. The locations, costumes, and weapons look as authentic as one would expect and beyond Nicole Kidman the cast disappears into the roles. The Blu-ray looks and sounds terrific and is supported by a solid amount of bonus content. Highly recommended.
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