|
|
|
Ronin
[Blu-ray 4K]
Blu-ray ALL - America - Kino Lorber Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (17th July 2023). |
|
The Film
 There are several films that enter the zeitgeist mainly for a specific scene or sequence. Something that manages to capture audience's attention, imagination or are so impacting that it's virtually impossible to separate the scene from the rest of the film. For example when people talk about "Bullitt" (1968) they talk about the incredible car chase, with "Patton" (1970) there's the opening sequence in front of the American flag, "The French Connection" (1971) for another memorable car chase, "Rocky" (1976) is all about running up the steps, "When Harry Met Sally" (1989) who can forget the orgasm scene? And when people talk about "Pulp Fiction" (1994) they talk about the 'Ezekiel 25:17' sequence (among others of course). These are but some examples, even if people haven't seen these films chances are they know the scene in question. "Ronin" is similar in that sense, while not as great as the previously mentioned films, it's known for the incredible car chases that director John Frankenheimer shot for this action thriller. The film's title "Ronin" references masterless samurai, roaming the lands as a Ronin making money off their skills. Essentially our Ronin are a collection of ex-spies, mercenaries, hired guns, retrieval experts, etc. These men all have the skills necessary to track down and retrieve a suitcase which is about to be sold to Russians. The team consists of Sam (Robert De Niro), Vincent (Jean Reno), Gregor (Stellan Skarsgård), Spence (Sean Bean) and Larry (Skipp Sudduth). These men are hired by Dierdre (Natascha McElhone) who works for the IRA. And they embark on a mission to steal the case. The only problem is that it's a well guarded case that seems to hold a high value to its owners. The mission gets complicated and culminates in a thrilling third act that features some of the best car chases in cinema history. For this film Frankenheimer brings together an incredible ensemble cast led by De Niro, each member manages to bring their own unique element to the characters and manage to stand out among the heavy hitters. I was impressed with the fact there were no show boaters or scene stealers... no scenery is chewed here as Frankenheimer has a tight grip on his performers all coming together to service the action. "Ronin" is basically a one note plot, there's a case containing something mysterious, everyone wants the case and a bunch of guys will do anything in their power to get it. The result are a series of scenes that build up tension and keep audiences on the edge. The film was rarely predictable, and this is a major aspect of spy thrillers, the best ones are those that surprise the viewer and never let on how it'll unfold and "Ronin" manages this feat for the most part. A character twist involving Stellan Skarsgård is about the only thing I saw coming, but I was so engrossed in the locations, characters and car chases to even care about that. The case is the ultimate McGuffin, we don't know what's in it, you can spend all day and night coming up with ideas, the point is it doesn't matter what's in the case... only that it's valuable and everyone in this film is after it. The drama, intrigue and action all stem from this set-up. Speaking of action this film is notable as mentioned for the car chases throughout the French locations. What we have are some exhilarating chases on various road conditions that'll leave other sequences in the dust. The scenes are shot, edited and paced out with a precision that missing from some films today. It feels real and intense. "Ronin" is paper thin in it's plot, but what it lacks there it more than makes up with its characters, intriguing locations, production values and action. It's Frankenheimer and cast at their best.
Video
Presented in 2.39:1 widescreen 4K format, 2160 24/fps HEVC with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. This is a brand new 4K transfer created using the original camera negative and it looks fantastic. Beautiful new color grade with incredible depth and detail, this new image is about a good as this film will ever get and is a suitable upgrade over the previous Blu-ray releases and is a surprisingly crisper than the Arrow Video release from 2017. Skin tones look brilliant, film grain is fine and nuanced, and black levels are deep and bold. Kino Lorber has delivered another banger 4K release.
Audio
Two audio tracks are present here in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo. For the purposes of this review I chose to view the film with its 5.1 audio. I can't find any information if this is a new audio track but having compared it to the much older Fox/MGM Blu-ray release from 2009 it seems like it's a new track. The audio has definitely improved and sounds much more robust. The film is an action spectacle with fast paced and impressive car chases that sound brilliant. Dialogue is clear, surrounds are active and immersive, overall it is terrific. Optional subtitles are included in English for the hearing impaired.
Extras
Kino Lorber has stacked this release with a plethora of supplements, they include an audio commentary, a collection of featurettes, an alternate ending, and a bunch of theatrical trailers. Below is a closer look at these extras. DISC ONE: 4K UHD The only extra on this disc is an audio commentary with director John Frankenheimer, if you've bought this film previously on Laserdisc and DVD then you'll be familiar with this audio track, it's the commentary recorded back in the late 90's. Frankenheimer offers some great insight into the production process and making of this film and worth listening to for any fans. DISC TWO: Blu-ray The same audio commentary with director John Frankenheimer is also included on this disc. "Close-Up" is an interview with cinematographer Robert Fraisse (31:28) Robert discusses the process of lighting and shooting this film and on his collaboration with Frankenheimer. "In the Ronin Cutting Room with Editor Tony Gibbs" featurette (18:57) talks about the cutting process and challenges faces with maintaining a fast pace. "An Actor’s Process with Natascha McElhone" featurette (13:58) the actress talks about the experience of working on the film and on working with Frankenheimer. "Composing the Ronin Score with Elia Cmiral" featurette (11:53) discusses the process of scoring the film and creating themes and moments during the film. "The Driving of Ronin with Stunt-Car Coordinator Jean-Claude Lagniez" featurette (15:30) this film will be remembered mostly for it's impressive driving stunts and this clip focuses on just that. "Through the Lens with Cinematographer Robert Fraisse" featurette (17:58) is another look at the filming process. The Venice Film Festival interviews with Robert De Niro, Natascha McElhone, and Jean Reno (20:42) is an archival clip from the film's promotional run at the Venice Film Festival. "Ronin: Filming in the Fast Lane" featurette (17:46) is a pretty generic and standard EPK clip. An alternate ending (1:50) is also included. As well as the film's original theatrical trailer (2:29) plus there's a collection of bonus trailers for: - "The Manchurian Candidate" (1:53) - "The Train" (4:35) - "The Holcroft Covenant" (2:49) - "52 Pick-Up" (1:45) - "True Confessions" (2:16) - "Mad Dog and Glory" (2:11) - "The Score" (2:30) - "The Crimson Rivers" (1:57)
Packaging
Packaged in a Blu-ray case with a cardboard slip-case.
Overall
Kino Lorber has offered up a brilliant 4K upgrade with excellent supplements, if you haven't added "Ronin" to your collection, then now's the time.
|
|||||
|