• Aspect Ratio: 2:35:1
• Video Codec: AVC MPEG-4
• Resolution: 1080p/24 (23.976Hz)
• Audio Codec: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
• Subtitles Color: White
• Region: A (Region-Locked)
  
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 95 Mins
• Discs: 1 (1 x Blu-ray)
• Digital Copies: None
• Studio: Magnolia Picture
• Blu-ray Release Date: February 5th, 2013
• List Price: $29.98

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Overall
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Film
[Rating:3.5/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:1.5/5]

Click thumbnails for high-resolution 1920X1080p screen captures

(All TheaterByte screen captures are lightly compressed with lossy JPEG at 100% quality setting and are meant as a general representation of the content. They do not fully reveal the capabilities of the Blu-ray format)

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The Film

[Rating:3.5/5]

Deadfall tells the story of robbing siblings in Addison (Eric Bana) and Liza (Olivia Wilde). Fleeing from their latest casino heist, the two run into a bit of trouble when their getaway car crashes, ultimately killing a state trooper. In hopes of avoiding extra attention, both decide to go their own separate ways, eventually meeting up at the Canadian border. While Liza decides to take a quieter path with ex-boxer Jay (Charlie Hunnam), Addison feels creating more mayhem (on a snowmobile!) seems to be the way to go. What results is a well-made thriller with a few solid performances by Bana, Wilde and Hunnam.

The single best aspect, one of which really makes Deadfall work, just so happens to be the wide range of quality actors. Bana delivers a tense performance, one of which just so borders on the criminally insane. His character is wild at times, yet remains right on the edge – just enough for us to become engrossed. Wilde, perhaps here for the ‘eye candy’, also hits the right notes (mostly that of the emotional side.) I’ve always been a fan of Wilde, from the first moment I saw her on The O.C., and she certainly doesn’t disappoint here. Typically known for his bad boy, abuse the law role as Jax Teller in the excellent series Sons of Anarchy, plays a more reserved role here – almost like his performance in The Ledge – capturing the ‘good guy’ role.

Video Quality

[Rating:4/5]

Deadfall hits Blu-ray with a 2:35:1 framed, AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer, one of which captures the dark, snow covered locales quite well. Even though the film uses a somewhat muted color palette, like your grays and blues, flesh tones and contrast levels remained accurate. Nothing looked out of place or overly pumped up. Black levels are rock solid as well, with no instance of crush or smearing. Detail texture is also quite strong, particularly that of clothing. Lastly, DNR or any other scrubbing tools didn’t rear their ugly heads. All in all, this transfer captures the style choices of Ruzowitsky well.

Audio Quality

[Rating:4.5/5]

Like the film’s video presentation, I found the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 to be notch above the aforementioned video. From the initial windy opening moments, we’re given many examples of just what kind of lossless effort Magnolia has put together for us. Dialogue remains intelligible throughout, with no instance of drop out. Atmosphere impressed me, particularly that of the varying icy locales. As I have mentioned, the windy whooshing effects create a kind of 360-degree sound field that helps to place us right in the middle of the wintery setting. All in all, this is a fine effort by Magnolia.

Supplemental Materials

[Rating:1.5/5]

The included features are presented in High Definition:

• Snow & Western and Family – This is a rather brief 2:42 look into what it was look shooting at below zero temperatures.
• Production Interviews – A few different interviews are included. Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde, and Director Stefan Ruzowitzky with a total runtime of 9:44.
• Extended Interview with Director Stefan Ruzowitzky – A longer, one on one interview (10:34) with the film’s Director.
• Behind the Scenes – A bit (8:09) of behind-the-scenes footage including a few on set shots.
• AXS TV: A Look at Deadfall – A quick synopsis of the film is given.
• Trailer – The film’s trailer (2:12) is shown.

The Definitive Word

Overall:

[Rating:3.5/5]

Deadfall works thanks in part to a few solid performances, all of which is captured in an all-around solid Blu-ray from Magnolia. Recommended as a strong rental and, perhaps, a purchase for the biggest fans of Bana, Wilde or Hunnam.

Additional Screen Captures

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Purchase Deadfall on Blu-ray at CD Universe

Shop for more Blu-ray titles on Amazon.com

Overall
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Film
[Rating:3.5/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:1.5/5]

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