World War III Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

World War III Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 27, 2024

“World War III” has a premise that seems like a sure fit for an absurdist comedy event. But whatever the opposite of lighthearted is, that’s where co- writer/director Houman Seyyedi takes the picture. He oversees a study of desperation, with the Iranian feature examining the various ways of manipulation involving a number of characters, who all find themselves in an extraordinary situation of opportunity. Seyyedi keeps the film bleak but fascinating, determined to subvert expectations with this journey of insanity, which makes several detours into pure behavioral observation.

After enduring great loss in his life, Shakib (Mohsen Tanabandeh) is alone, spending his money on weekly trips to see Ladan (Mahsa Hejazi), a deaf prostitute he fancies. Trying to make a living as a day laborer, Shakib finds himself building a movie set, erecting a death camp for a film about Hitler and World War II. He’s desperately trying to keep the gig, but when the lead actor dies, the production looks to Shakib to take over as the top Nazi. As he reluctantly begins his days as an actor, multiple complications come for Shakib, including the arrival of Ladan, who’s trying to escape her pimp, looking to hide out on the set.

Shakib embarks on a journey in “World War III,” a real adventure that’s filled with all sorts of horrors. The material carefully portions out changes to his daily routine, going from a lonely man buying time with Ladan to someone of reliability on film set, proving his ability to follows orders. His natural timidness (blended with ignorance) proves to be an asset when he’s selected to become Hitler for the cameras, and this arc of survival and on-set priority is expertly handled by Seyyedi, who could easily move into joke mode, but he goes for something deeper with the character. Escalation arrives with Ladan, and “World War III” deals with the craziness of Shakib’s life, finding his world mirroring the movie he’s making in some ways. And Seyyedi indulges formula as well, exploring the relationship between Shakib and Ladan, which toys with the presence of sincerity as the john looks to save his beloved prostitute from her evil pimp.

World War III Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.09:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "World War III" maintains excellent detail throughout the viewing experience. The weathered, aged appearances of the cast remain vivid, with excellent skin particulars and fibrous costuming, which explores casual wear and thicker, heavier movie outfits. Set tours are dimensional, examining the muddy appearance of the shoot, and interiors offer a look at decorative additions. Colors are distinct, with vivid reds of Nazi symbols and lush greenery. Cooler, imposing hues are secured as well, touring concentration camp sets and rainy days. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in good condition.

World War III Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix shows some surprising life at times, with surrounds offering a few panning effects with vehicle movement, and atmospherics are defined. Dialogue exchanges are crisp, tracking emotional moments, the quietness of sign language, and the rise of argumentative behavior. Music supports with sharp instrumentation. Low-end isn't challenged, but violent moments do register with some weight.

World War III Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (12 pages) contains information about director Houman Seyyedi and film festival playdates.

• Commentary features film critic Walter Chaw.

• Interview (59:06, HD) is a video conference discussion of "World War III" with director Houman Seyyedi and co-writer Azad Jafarian.

• And a Trailer (1:37, HD) is included.

World War III Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"World War III" is a slow-burn endeavor (perhaps too much so at times), staying close to Shakib as he generates mistakes and absorbs an incredible amount of guilt while trying to set things right. He becomes a disaster for many, but the writing also explores his position as an exploited man in middle of manipulators and money men who require his warm body for their own needs. There are predators everywhere, and "World War III" generates a vivid understanding of defeat, with Seyyedi heroically taking the tale to its natural conclusion, leaving viewers with a defined sting at the end of a potently realized downward spiral.