5.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
A mysterious new minister takes up residence at a rundown church in a desolate Texas town. Despite the growing suspicions of the townsfolk - the hardened local police chief, the drug-dealing brothers caught in the chief's cross-hairs, and the mournful woman who keeps up the church - the congregation grows. But how long can the minister keep his secrets safe, and who can be forgiven when the truth comes to light? Based on the acclaimed novel by Damon Galgut.
Starring: Shea Whigham, Michael Shannon, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Bobby Soto, Bruno BichirCrime | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Mystery | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Scott Teems (That Evening Sun) writes and directs The Quarry, a simple small-town murder story that does away with the whodunit angle and instead explores a killer who takes on the identity of his victim, a preacher, and shares the word of God with a Spanish speaking congregation. The movie is not one of redemption, though. At least not in a more traditional, overt sense. Teems crafts a story of slow and deliberate pacing that allows the actors room to breathe, to define character and shape narrative as much through unspoken exposition -- outward reflections of inward questions and crises -- as traditional story building beats.
The Quarry's digital photography translates nicely to Blu-ray, offering a well-rounded picture that is mostly hindered only by some source noise, which does become extensive in several shots and is prominent through much of the movie, even in some more forgiving light. The picture introduces a handful of additional artifacts, too, notably severe macroblocking on near-frame wood paneling at the 49:30 mark. Otherwise, the picture is quite good. Textural clarity is largely excellent. The film is heavily reliant on character portraits to tell much of its story. Facial clarity is oftentimes exquisite, showcasing pores, hairs, lines, and, most critically, eyes with screen commanding detail and authority. Many of the small town components are richly rendered, too. Look around the church to find various examples of dust, wear, and decay in great clarity that gives the structure character and which is vital to the story as the church is revitalized under the auspices of an imposter. Textures around the quarry and throughout town are likewise impressively sharp and revealing, capturing that small town Texas vibe with intimate definition. Colors are favorable throughout, even as much of the movie is defined by earthy beiges and browns. Worn whites are a highlight, and some red blood and clothing accents stand out as nicely saturated and complimentary, too. Skin tones appear accurate and black levels are sufficiently deep. The image runs into a few issues here and there but is largely quite good in the aggregate.
The Quarry's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack proves fully capable though certainly nor particularly dynamic by its nature. The presentation is straightforward, offering music, atmosphere, and a few more intensive sound effects with good balance and concern for essential clarity and positioning. The track handles environmental supports nicely, with little details like singing birds off to the sides or through the rears helping to set the stage for several exterior scenes. A handful of gunshots ring out with positive depth and power. Music enjoys good fidelity and front side space while folding in modest surround and subwoofer content. Dialogue delivery is clear and accurate, presenting from a natural front-center location.
The Quarry contains two extras: a commentary track and the film's trailer. A digital copy is included with purchase. This release
ships with a non-embossed slipcover.
The Quarry is teeming with potential, but Writer/Director Scott Teems can't quite come up with a movie as robust as its own ambitions and obvious possibilities. It's a character study that is crafted almost entirely within its character with little outward exposition. That's not a bad thing, and the performances are quite strong in support, but there's just too little meat on the bones to fully appreciate the finer points. Lionsgate's Blu-ray does deliver good, though not perfect, video and audio presentations. A commentary track and a trailer are the only extras included. Rental.
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Klansman / The Burning Cross / KKK
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