6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 3.8 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Victor Maynard is a middle-aged, solitary assassin, who lives to please his formidable mother, despite his own peerless reputation for lethal efficiency. His professional routine is interrupted when he finds himself drawn to one of his intended victims, Rose. He spares her life, unexpectedly acquiring in the process a young apprentice, Tony.
Starring: Emily Blunt, Bill Nighy, Rupert Grint, Rupert Everett, Martin FreemanRomance | 100% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
After reading some of the scathing reviews surrounding Wild Target’s brief American theatrical run, I was anticipating a disaster. New York Observer critic Rex Reed even called it “dead on arrival,” and a “benign and labored little British comedy I didn’t find remotely amusing.” I finally got to see the film yesterday, and all I can say to these disparaging critics is, “Why so serious?” Perhaps I was just in the right, expectation-free mood, but I found Wild Target to be almost perfectly droll, equal parts dry-as-gin wit and sweet silliness. Sure, there’s a lot about the movie that doesn’t make much plausible sense, and there are contrivances that would absolutely cripple a more dramatic film, but Wild Target harkens back to the screwball heist comedies of yore, when making the audience laugh was more important than constructing an airtight plot.
Wild Target hits its mark on Blu-ray, with a satisfying 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. Granted, this won't be the first disc you'll pull out to demo your HDTV, but the movie looks natural and filmic, exhibiting no signs of excess noise reduction, edge enhancement, or other unnecessary forms of digital, post-telecine tinkering. While the disc never displays the consistently exemplary clarity of top-tier Blu-ray release—it looks a little soft at times— fine detail, overall, is certainly strong enough, revealing skin and cloth textures, and rendering background objects with ease. The film's color palette is largely realistic, so you won't see many insanely vivid hues, but the image is pleasingly dense, founded on deep blacks and balanced contrast. (There are a few instances when highlights seem a bit overexposed.) Although the film sits on a 25 GB platter—rather than a larger, dual-layer 50 GB disc—there are no wayward compression artifacts or other encode issues.
As a lightweight crime comedy/thriller, you probably have a good idea of what to expect audio-wise from Wild Target. The film's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track may lack the non-stop sound effect theatrics of a more dedicated action movie, but the mix still has plenty of punch and immersion, mostly in the form of the pop songs that completely fill the soundfield every few minutes. The rear channels also occasionally get called into service for car chases, gunshots, and breaking glass—along with some quiet, scene-setting ambience now and then—but nothing too intensive. What it lacks in sheer bombast the track makes up by nailing the essentials—a broad dynamic range, clarity throughout the spectrum, and dialogue that's consistently clear and comprehensible. English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available in easy-to-read white lettering.
The disc's sole bonus feature, On Target with Emily Blunt (SD, 3:33), is a quick interview with the always-lovely actress, who discusses her role and the other characters in the film.
I'm not sure why Wild Target got so thoroughly trashed by critics. It's no masterpiece, but it's a fun diversion, especially if you're into characteristically dry British comedy. Perhaps the film—which disappeared rather quickly from limited U.S. release—will find its audience on Blu-ray, where 20th Century Fox has granted it a solid high definition presentation. If you're in the mood for something light after all of this year's dour award- season dramas, Wild Target is worth a shot. Recommended.
1959
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
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Collector's Edition
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Warner Archive Collection
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Warner Archive Collection
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Warner Archive Collection
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