BLU-RAY REVIEW

Secret In Their Eyes

Featured In Issue 205, March 2016

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Sound4
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):
64176457
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
Thematic material involving disturbing violent content, language and some sexual references.
(Retail Price):
$$34.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
112
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
(Disc Release Date):
2/23/2016
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Billy Ray
(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):

Based on the Academy Award®-winning foreign film El Secreto de suss ojos, Secret In Their Eyes explores the murky boundaries between justice and revenge. A tight-knit team of investigators—Ray (Ejiofor), Jess (Roberts), and their supervisor Claire (Kidman)—is torn apart when Jess's teenage daughter is brutally and inexplicably murdered. After obsessively searching for the elusive killer every day for 13 years, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he's certain will resolve the case. No one is prepared, however, for the shocking secret that will reveal the enduring, destructive effects of personal vengeance on the human soul. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director/Screenwriter Billy Ray and Producer Mark Johnson, the featurettes: Adapting The Story For Today's World (HD 01:59) and Julia Roberts Discusses Her Most Challenging Role (HD 03:23), upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture was photographed anamorphically in the Hawk Scope format using Arri Alexa XT Plus and exhibits a natural presence, with a warm color palette with at times strong primaries. Fleshtones are rendered with natural hues. Resolution is revealing of fine facial features, hair, clothing, and object textures, for a vivid image portrayal. Most scenes are shot in interiors with well-balanced contrast. Black levels are natural without crush, and shadow delineation is revealing, Overall, this is a pleasing visual experience with a natural color palette and balanced contrast. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused that is decent in terms of spatial integration. At times atmospherics and sound effects raise up to create a stronger dynamic presence, such as gunshots, but never at levels to aggressively excite the surrounds. The music score is generally quiet and nuanced but sets a haunting emotional mood. Bass extension provides a natural foundation to the music score and the other sound elements. This is a nicely produced soundtrack that effectively complements the storytelling. (Gary Reber)