Read my review of ANIMAL KINGDOM.
This Australian crime drama gets a wonderful true-to-the-source transfer to 1080p. The gritty 35mm look is presented with film grain in tact, but not so much that the image loses detail. The color palette is subdued, which is fitting for the dark underworld tale. The colors are natural, which helps sell the believability of the world. Blacks are especially given deep character on the screen. There were some fleeting moments of film scratches but that was all I saw.
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack is used as best as it can for the limited soundscape. The dialog heavy film features clear voices. For music and sound effects, the soundscape is weighted toward the front. The only stand out is the LFE track during some key violent moments where shotgun blast boom, making an impression on the viewer.
The special features are full of great information. "Creating Animal Kingdom" is an hour-plus making of doc that goes into the entire process of how the film came to be and ended up at Sundance. The featurette tells the story of the production from director David Michod writing script to connecting with producer Liz Watts to casting and filming. I wish more films had making ofs as comprehensive. The only annoying part is the use of the ominous music from the film, which made it seem like the whole production was a disaster when it wasn't. The film features a Q&A session with Michod, Watts, stars James Frecheville, Jacki Weaver and Sullivan Stapleton that took place at the Los Angeles Film Festival. It doesn't say much that wasn't said in "Creating," but the filmmakers and cast add some nice antidotes. Michod's commentary track is like the artistic version of "Creating." The first time feature director goes into the artist choices he made and the compromises he had to make due to budget. He's a humble guy so it's interesting to hear him be hard on himself.
The disc also includes the theatrical trailer and BD Live access.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
