Turks & Caicos Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Turks & Caicos Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 18, 2014

It’s been three years since writer/director David Hare introduced Johnny Worricker in “Page Eight,” exploring the nervous existence of a habitually composed MI-5 officer caught up in a corruption scheme involving the Prime Minister (Ralph Fiennes, returning for a split-second cameo). When we last left the character, he was taking off on a plane to parts unknown, but it turned out he was headed for the sun and sand, with “Turks & Caicos” picking up the chase in paradise. Of course, any relaxation is fleeting, with Worricker returning to the defense when the troubles his left behind manage to find their way back to his doorstep.

Hare continues themes established in the previous effort, taking on corruption, torture, and an alternate economy that keeps the rich in business, avoiding the pains of the world. Time also plays a role in the sequel, finding ex-girlfriend Margot (Helena Bonham Carter) reluctant to reunite with Worricker when he finds himself in trouble with CIA Agent Pelissier (Christopher Walken) and Melanie (Winona Ryder), a local PR flameout who knows too much. Uncomfortable encounters ensue and secret plans are hatched, finding “Turks & Caicos” sustaining established franchise patience, with most of the picture dedicated to sophisticated dialogue exchanges where the players feel out one another through the art of conversation and misdirection, hoping to trigger confessions along the way.

Turks & Caicos Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is most promising out in the sun, where bright lighting is allowed to illuminate all the details of the frame, providing an adequate appreciation for skin textures and the natural beauty of the location. Crush is present, solidifying evening sequences. Colors remain in line with the average HD-shot production, looking stable and defined, keeping up with the tropical palette. Some banding is detected and pockets of noise remain.

Turks & Caicos Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is standard issue for a low-wattage production, with some introductory scoring making a deep impression, setting a jazzy mood. The primary force of the picture is dialogue, with performances registering as intended, holding to a crisp dramatic range. Atmospherics are pumped up, with crashing waves and resort activity filling in background needs.

Turks & Caicos Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Making Of" (19:23, HD) sits down with the cast and crew to discuss the challenge of returning to Worricker's world years after the first movie. Conversations are expectedly complimentary, with heavy respect paid to Walken, and Hare is offered a chance to explain his thematic reach with "Turks & Caicos."

Turks & Caicos Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Conflicts are there, but tension isn't a priority to Hare, who refuses to transform Worricker into an action hero. He's a man of intelligence and experience, with the material more interested in his screwy personal life than immediate danger. Performances are expectedly superb, finding Walken and Nighy exceptional scene partners, and Ryder plays emotionally rattled with ease. While it doesn't retain the sense of surprise "Page Eight" mustered, "Turks & Caicos" is a secure follow-up, setting the scene for the next stage of government evasion: "Salting the Battlefield."