BLU-RAY REVIEW

Gringo

Featured In Issue 229, July 2018

Picture4.5
Sound5
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
25196734
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
Language throughout, violence, and sexual content
(Retail Price):
$34.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
111
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
6/5/2018
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Nash Edgerton
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"Gringo" joyrides into Mexico, where mild-mannered businessman Harold Soyinka (Oyelowo) finds himself at the mercy of his back-stabbing business colleagues (Edgerton and Theron), local drug lords, and a morally conflicted black ops mercenary (Copley). Crossing the line from law-abiding citizen to wanted criminal, Harold battles to survive his increasingly dangerous situation in ways that raise the question: is he out of his depth––or two steps ahead? (Gary Reber)

Special features include four featurettes: "The Making Of Gringo" (HD 04:58), "The Stunts Of Gringo" (HD 023:48), "Filming Gringo In Mexico" (HD 03:45) and "Who Is Harold?" (HD 11:58); upfront previews; and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa SXT camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture exhibits a natural presence throughout with a vivid color palette. Colors are rich and warm and often pop. Primaries are strongly hued, which enhances the realism of the American and Mexican setting. Fleshtones are rendered naturally throughout. Lighting effects often create visual settings that are nicely contrasted. Contrast is well balanced with deep black levels and satisfying shadow delineation, especially during the night scenes in Mexico. Resolution is revealing of fine detail in facial features, hair, beards, clothing, and object textures, especially explicit in interior scenes. Overall clarity and sharpness is excellent. This is a fine visual experience with a wide variety of settings and dynamic colors that is pleasing throughout. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is lively with an energetic music score reflective of the locations. Dynamics are effective with extended bass impact in the action sequences, during which .1 LFE energy is present. Surround envelopment occurs with certain atmospherics and when sound effects boost the action sequences, such as car crashes and gunfire. A fiesta scene, involving music and fireworks, is particularly holosonically engaging with an aggressive surround presence. Foley sound effects are excellent and very realistic. The music is well recorded and occupies a wide and deep soundstage that extends aggressively to the surrounds. Dialogue is nicely articulated with acceptable spacial integration. This is a very varied soundtrack that delivers great dynamics and excellent fidelity. (Gary Reber)