6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
A former British army officer and POW during World War II, discovers that the Japanese interpreter who tortured him is still alive and sets out to confront him.
Starring: Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Michael MacKenzie (I), Nicole Kidman, Jeffrey DauntonDrama | 100% |
Biography | 83% |
History | 69% |
War | 49% |
Romance | 33% |
Period | 21% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.41:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
UV digital copy
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
The Railway Man is the sort of movie that movies were made for. Here's a story that gets to the essence of man as shaped by the dueling sides of conflict. It's about not simply the physical pain in the moment of war but the resultant emotional turmoil that can linger and simmer through the years and evolve into more than bad memories, morphing into something that manifests in the physical in any number of ways: depression, a nearly crazed lust for revenge, a search for answers, a quest for reconciliation, some odd combination of all of the above that can reduce a man to nothing, even with the greatest support he could ever hope to have. Director Jonathan Teplitzky's (Burning Man) The Railway Man, based on the true story as told in the book of the same name, is an instant classic that speaks on the horrors of war, the haunting memories that reduce a man to nothing, and the power of forgiveness to overcome even the worst tragedies that may befall a man in time of war, war that is both physical conflict and the inner struggles that are a result of it.
Broken.
The Railway Man pulls onto Blu-ray with a sparkling 1080p transfer. This is quite possibly the best transfer seen yet from Anchor Bay and one of the absolute best Blu-ray releases the format has yet enjoyed. Details are crystal-clear in every scene, aided not simply by the generous 1080p resolution but the robustness of the source material and a clarity that's to die for. Precision, nuanced details are commonplace, from sweaty and bloodied faces and bodies to all variety of clothing, including clean suits and dirtied military uniforms. Terrain and vegetation in the flashbacks and complex stone work in the "present" are immaculately presented, revealing the finest nuance with an effortlessness reserved for the finest Blu-ray releases. Colors are just as superb. Natural greens are incredibly even and well pronounced, including shade nuance that helps to distinguish one leaf from another even at medium distance. Blood red, clothing hues, and other colors are excellently reproduced, whether in bright exteriors or darkened interiors. Black levels present no problems, and flesh tones appear accurate. The image suffers from no perceptible noise, banding, blockiness, or other eyesores. Though there's a slightly flat, digital sheen to the image, it's about as close to full, complex film texture as one is likely to find at the current state of the technology. All in all, this is a wonderful transfer from Anchor Bay.
The Railway Man's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is every bit as good as its video counterpart. The track handles all variety of elements, from the most hushed ambient effect musical note to the most robust action sounds, with equal precision. Musical delivery is excellent. No matter the style, it enjoys a positive, effortless flow about the stage, an even surround element, and wonderful clarity. The track produces plenty of supporting environmental ambience throughout the film and regardless of location. A rumbling, braking train; the rattle heard inside a speeding train car; light jungle ambience; and a heavier, more chaotic din at the prison camp are all wonderfully presented with a spacious surround presence that effortlessly immerses the listener into the film's many environments. Heavier action effects, such as rumbling tanks and zipping fighter planes, are presented with equal fluidity, toughness, stage placement, and accuracy. Dialogue reproduction is excellent, from whispers to screams and everything in between. This is a tremendous effort from Anchor Bay.
The Railway Man contains two supplements, an audio commentary and a detailed making-of. A UV digital copy code is included in the case.
The Railway Man is frequently difficult to watch, but it's one of the most rewarding cinema experiences of the past several years. The film's portrayal of a broken man is a runaway success, featuring a once-in-a-lifetime performance by Colin Firth. The film is dramatically weighty and emotionally heavy, and even as it builds to a rather predictable resolution, the journey feels nearly as harsh as that which must have been experienced by Eric Lomax himself. The picture is sumptuously crafted and exquisitely performed. It's one of 2013's finest films and one of 2014's best Blu-ray releases. Perfect video and audio are flanked by two quality supplements. The Railway Man earns my highest recommendation.
1970
2007
25th Anniversary Edition
1993
2008
2006
Der Untergang | Collector's Edition
2004
65th Anniversary Limited Edition
1957
2014
2023
25th Anniversary Edition
1987
2014
1960
2013
2009
1987
60th Anniversary Limited Edition
1962
2020
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