Dinner, The

In "The Dinner," two estranged brothers and their wives meet at a restaurant to discuss a dark crime committed by their sons. With their involvement still a secret, they must decide how far they’ll go to protect the ones they love. Based on the novel by Herman Koch. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Writer/Director Oren Moverman and Actress Laura Linney, a photo gallery, trailers, upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed apparently on a digital format but with film veneer due to the apparent light grain structure, which is exhibited at times. For the most part the imagery is softly focused with fine detail absent. This is no doubt an intended look. The color palette varies in saturation depending on whether the scenes take place in the restaurant or during flashbacks. in the restaurant, hues are saturated, especially evident on the red dress worn by Actress Laura Linney. Also evident is an overall golden tone. Flashbacks are under-saturated with a pushed brightness. At times contrast is quite good, with deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. While some scenes, such as at the restaurant, appear somewhat soft, at times sharpness is quite good. Fleshtones appear natural, except for a paler hue during flashbacks. This is a very stylized film with digital segments exhibiting two different styles, to support the storytelling. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused with a rather forward, non-integrated presence. Still, there are effective segments in which ambience is present and extended to the surrounds, including a segment on the battle at Gettysburg, with directionalized gunfire and deep bass extension. In another segment Richard Gere’s voice emanates from the right surround. The limited music, at times jazz or solo piano, is energized but generally absent or in the background. Overall, the soundtrack is mediocre in terms of presentation, especially lacking in dialogue spatial integration. (Gary Reber)