BLU-RAY REVIEW

Retaliation

Featured In Issue 253, January/February 2021

Picture4
Sound4
WSR Score4.5
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):
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
58372
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
Disturbing violence/sexual content, language throughout, and some nudity
(Retail Price):
$$21.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
96
(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):
9/8/2020
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Ludwig Shammasian & Paul Shammasian
(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):

"Retaliation" is the story of Malky (Bloom), a demolition worker whose life receives a seismic shock when, out drinking with friends at a local pub, he sees a disturbing figure from his past: the man he holds responsible for a traumatic childhood incident. Fueled by anger, Malky sets out on a path of vengeance––and discovers that no one can escape the consequences of their sins. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Co-Directors Ludwig Shammasian and Paul Shammasian, the featurette "Brutality And Honesty: The Making Of Retaliation" (HD 21:21), upfront previews and a digital code.

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 and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The pictures exhibits a natural color palette and realism. within the urban settings. Flestones are natural throughout. Contrast is excellent and never exaggerated. Blacks are deep and shadow delineation is revealing. Lighting is reserved but effectively natural. Resolution is revealing of fine detail in facial features, hair, beards, and complexions. Clothing and object textures appear naturally resolved. This is a down-to-earth image that delivers a compelling drama. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is frontal focused with subtle surround envelopment. Dialogue focused, the heavy English accents are prevalent and with impressive spatial integration. The orchestral score is subtle but nicely enveloping with a wide and deep soundstage that extends to the surrounds. Atmospherics sound totally realistic and basic in real environments. Sound effects enhance the sense of realism, as well as Foley sound effects. This is a well-crafted soundtrack that perfectly complements the story's darkness. (Gary Reber)