Surveillance (2008/Magnolia/MagNet Blu-ray)
Picture:
B Sound: B- Extras: B- Film: B-
I must
admit that I was not the biggest fan of Boxing
Helena (1993), but did not think Jennifer Lynch would wait 15 years before
making another film. Saving Helena for
another time, I figured she could make a feature that was effective and not
just because of whom her father is. Now
we get Surveillance (2008) and I
have to admit that it is a very good murder mystery with some fine
performances, ironies and twists that work better than most such films we have
seen lately.
A series
of ugly, bloody murders have taken place in a small town and two FBI agents
(Julia Ormond and Bill Pullman) come in to investigate due to the unusually
violent nature of the killings. The film
then shifts its narrative as the clues (from a screenplay by Lynch and co-star
Kent Harper) are laid out for the audience in very effective ways. I was impressed by the performances (Michael
Ironside, Cheri Oteri, French Stewart are the most familiar faces), pacing and
mood. It can drift at times, but part of
that is the style. Once it really kicks
in, you will be impressed. I will say no
more.
The 1080p
2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image was shot on High Definition video and
Super 35mm film, combined in a smooth way that works better than in most of the
cases where this has been attempted. Director
of Photography Peter Wunstorf pulls off a look that is just a little different
and though it can be degraded at times, it does not overdue this and the
transfer here is very good at capturing his intent. The DTS-HD Master Audio (MA) lossless 5.1 mix
is a little weak in the sound and dialogue departments a little more than
expected, but the sound is good overall.
Budget limits may have affected location recording. The combination is more than compelling
enough to enjoy.
Extras
include feature length audio commentary by Lynch and Actor Charlie Newmark,
deleted scenes, an alternate ending, HDNet program promoting the film and
making of featurette Surveillance: The Watched Are Watching.
- Nicholas Sheffo
