Lions for Lambs

The Blu-ray presentation of "Lions for Lambs" is delivered in 1080p via the AVC codec, pushing an average bitrate of 33Mbps, which showcases a competent if not groundbreaking transfer from its original 35mm Panavision film source. The choice of filming technology and technique, presumably under cinematographer Philipe Rousselot's guidance, appears to favor a soft, filmic look especially in the interior, dialogue-heavy scenes. This choice lends a certain atmospheric quality to these moments, despite the lack of ultra-fine detail that some may expect from high-definition disc formats. Colors are faithfully reproduced, particularly in daylight scenes, although they occasionally suffer from a light bleaching effect—likely an intentional result of the film's aesthetic that utilizes natural sunlight flooding through windows. A distracting technical misstep, however, comes in the form of a blue band during certain office scenes which unavoidably pulls focus from the critical narrative unfolding.

In contrast to its competent handling of well-lit scenes, the video quality reveals its limitations during nighttime sequences, specifically those set in the snowy landscapes of Afghanistan. Here, while the foreground benefits from a commendable degree of detail and contrast - enhancing the immediacy and danger of the environment - the background succumbs to a murky blend of blues and blacks. This issue notably disrupts the viewing experience at moments when narrative tension is high, as the anticipation of enemy combatants becomes visually muddled. Despite these flaws, the overall presentation maintains its integrity through solid color handling and a consistent film-like texture that aligns with the cinematic intentions.

Enhancing and detracting in almost equal measure, the "Lions for Lambs" Blu-ray video presentation navigates through its technical challenges and stylistic choices with moderate success. Although it does not reach the pinnacle of what Blu-ray can offer in terms of razor-sharp detail and flawless darkness rendition, it commendably sustains a visual atmosphere befitting the film's narrative and thematic aspirations. The presentation's weaknesses, particularly in low-light scenes, occasionally mar what is fundamentally a decent effort to transfer a thematically complex and visually nuanced film onto high-definition format.

The revamped audio experience provided by the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on the "Lions for Lambs" Blu-ray edition marks a significant upgrade from its DVD counterpart, particularly in capturing the essence of the film's action-packed and dialogue-driven scenes. Notably, this mix skillfully manages the spatial dynamics between the surround channels, bringing an immersive auditory experience that was somewhat muted in previous formats. The meticulous detail in sound design shines through in sequences of heightened tension, where the crispness of gunfire and the realistic sweep of helicopter blades overhead gain a newfound prominence. This enhancement in audio quality elevates the Afghanistan scenes, imbuing them with a palpable sense of danger that significantly benefits from the nuanced use of the LFE channel.

Moreover, the audio track's handling of dialogue and background music deserves commendation. It achieves a harmonious balance that ensures smooth transitions between action-heavy scenes and quieter moments without the need for constant volume adjustment. Such careful attention to volume levels across different elements of the soundscape ensures that neither the spoken word nor the musical score is overshadowed by the more dynamic sounds of conflict.

In essence, the Blu-ray's audio presentation of "Lions for Lambs" stands out as a robust and meticulously mixed experience. It skillfully complements the film's narrative and thematic elements, bridging gaps previously left by lesser formats. Without overstating its capabilities - it does not claim to rival blockbuster action films in auditory prowess - it significantly enhances the viewing experience for fans and first-time viewers alike, making it a worthy addition to any collection. This audio track elevates the film's immersive quality and brings a new level of engagement to its compelling storyline.

The Blu-ray extras for "Lions for Lambs" offer an insightful behind-the-scenes look that aligns with the film's thematic richness rather than its production intricacies. The "Making of Lions for Lambs" featurette takes an unusual but welcome approach by focusing on the film's themes and how the characters' emotional journeys tie into these, even when discussing casting choices. "Script to Screen" provides fascinating insights into Matthew Michael Carnahan's motivations and experiences in crafting the script, highlighting what attracted the star-studded cast to this project. Additionally, the "UA Legacy" segment offers a nostalgic trip through United Artists' storied history, though it leaves viewers wanting more. Rounded off with two high-definition trailers and a director’s commentary that delves into storytelling aspects rather than filming technicalities, the collection enriches the viewing experience by offering depth and context to the movie's narrative and thematic elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Lions for Lambs: Delves into the themes of the film with insights from the cast and crew.
• Script to Screen: Discusses the story and script development, featuring Matthew Michael Carnahan.
• UA Legacy: A retrospective look at United Artists' historic film library.
• Director's Commentary with Robert Redford: Focuses on storytelling aspects of the production.
• High-Definition Trailers: Includes two trailers for the film.

Lions for Lambs," directed by the venerable Robert Redford, embarks on a perilous journey through the ideological battlefield that is America's involvement in the War on Terror. Released in 2007, a time when American sentiment towards the Iraq war underwent a significant transformation, this film ambitiously addresses the complex interplay between government policy, military action, and the individual choices that feed into the larger narrative of national identity and purpose. With a cast including heavyweights such as Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, and Redford himself, the movie delves into a multifaceted discussion on political and moral responsibility through intertwined stories that both captivate and provoke. Despite suffering at the box office, presumably due to its politically charged content and a climate of war fatigue, "Lions for Lambs" presents a meticulously crafted narrative that transcends mere political critique to pose deeply existential questions about action, inaction, and the cost of both.

Central to the film’s narrative are students Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Pena), who, inspired by their professor, Dr. Malley (Robert Redford), enlist in the military with the noble intention of making a difference. Their story runs parallel to an intense dialogue between Senator Irving (Tom Cruise) and journalist Janine Roth (Meryl Streep), building a rich tapestry of perspectives on war, policy, and personal conviction. The film, while not brimming with the high-tension drama seen in titles like "Babel" or "Crash," still manages to weave its various threads into a compelling examination of America’s polarized socio-political landscape. This narrative technique, although potentially polarizing for its heavy reliance on dialogue and political discourse, offers an intellectually stimulating experience that challenges viewers to reassess their views on leadership, sacrifice, and the ambiguous nature of right and wrong.

Beyond its thematic depth, "Lions for Lambs" excels in its character portrayals, with each actor delivering performances that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. Redford’s portrayal of Dr. Malley captures a poignant blend of idealism and desperation, while Cruise and Streep’s on-screen chemistry embodies the nuanced dance of power and principles. The film’s production quality and direction further underscore its message, creating an engaging visual and auditory experience that complements its thought-provoking content. Despite its struggles to connect with a broader audience at its release, "Lions for Lambs" remains a significant cinematic endeavor that deserves recognition for its bold examination of the intricacies of war, politics, and the human condition.

Lions for Lambs" offers an intriguing dissection of human indifference amidst a backdrop of political turmoil. Despite its earnest attempt to provoke thought and self-examination amongst its audience, the film occasionally lapses into overt didacticism, which may dilute the potency of its message for some viewers. Director Robert Redford navigates these thematic minefields with commendable restraint, however, purposefully blurring the lines between his personal convictions and the broader, universally applicable call to action he envisages. It's a fine balancing act that, for the most part, maintains its equilibrium, encouraging a reflective rather than reactive engagement with the content.

Regrettably, the film's timing hindered its potential reach and impact, debuting during a period of collective aversion towards the very issues it seeks to highlight. This inadvertent manifestation of life imitating art—where societal preference for ignorance over discomfort mirrors the film’s central critique—is perhaps its most bitterly ironic footnote. The disconnect between the film’s aspirations and its reception underscores a broader cultural reluctance to confront inconvenient truths, thereby reinforcing the film's underlying arguments about apathy and detachment.

In conclusion, "Lions for Lambs" is an ambitious project that grapples with significant themes of political apathy and responsibility, albeit with mixed success. Its central message is diluted at times by a tendency towards preachiness, yet it remains a poignant reminder of cinema's power to reflect and challenge societal norms. Despite its shortcomings and unfortunate timing, the film stands as a testament to Redford's directorial intent and vision—a call to awareness and action that, while not universally heeded, remains critically relevant.