BLU-RAY REVIEW

Sweet Virginia

Featured In Issue 226, April 2018

Picture4
Sound3.5
WSR Score3
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):
Shout Factory
(Catalog Number):
SF 18517
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
Violence, some strong sexuality, language and drug use
(Retail Price):
$22.97
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
91
(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):
4/3/2018
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Jamie M. Dagg
(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):

In "Sweet Virginia," a mysterious stranger sends shockwaves through a close-knit community in the wake of a triple murder that leaves residents of a remote Alaskan outpost on edge. Tightly wound drifter Elwood (Abbott) checks into a motel run by Sam (Bernthal). He is a former rodeo champion whose imposing physical presence conceals a troubled past. Bound together by their outsider status, the two men strike up an uneasy friendship and dangerous association that will set off a new wave of violence and unleash Sam's darkest demons. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the trailer and upfront previews.

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. While a low-budget independent production, the production values and cinematography are excellent. The play on camera perspectives and lighting is haunting. Photographed on location, the small-town environs are effectively realistic. Color fidelity is generally muted but naturally hued. Fleshtones are natural throughout. Contrast is generally well balanced with deep, natural blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Resolution is good, with fine detail especially evident in the close-ups of facial features, hair, beards, clothing, and object texture. This is a visually engaging picture that is well executed. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is frontal focused and dialogue centric. Atmospherics are realistic, as well as sound effects, such as the natural sound of gunfire, but again frontal focused. The music score is a major component and provides excellent emotional support for the story. The music delivers an aggressiviely enveloping presence. This is a haunting soundtrack that is well crafted. (Gary Reber)