The Imposter

The Imposter," presented in its cinematic aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and rendered in 1080p on Blu-ray, demonstrates an exceptional level of digital crafting by the British distributors, Revolver Entertainment. The visual delivery of Bart Layton's gripping narrative showcases remarkable clarity and depth, especially notable in the plethora of close-up shots that populate the film. These close-ups, along with the panoramic views captured in Texas during the latter part of the movie, display a splendid depth and fluid motion evident in specific scenes highlighted by the reviewer.

The color palette transitions gracefully from warm to neutral to cold tones, intricately mirroring the emotional range and geographical shifts within the storyline. This adherence to a natural, organic aesthetic elevates the visual narrative beyond a typical documentary approach, maintaining an engaging viewer experience throughout. While minor discrepancies in video quality are acknowledged, particularly with archival footage which understandably falls short of the primary content's fidelity, such instances are brief and scarcely detract from the overall presentation. Minimal banding is noted but doesn't significantly impact the viewing experience, affirming the technical polish of this Blu-ray edition.

Revolver Entertainment ensures a region-free Blu-ray release, thus broadening accessibility and eliminating playback concerns across different geographical locales—a thoughtful consideration for a globally appealing title like "The Imposter". Potential obstacles such as PAL content or 1080/50i sequences preceding the main menu are conspicuously absent, ensuring a seamless viewing initiation. Consequently, viewers can anticipate a thoroughly satisfying visual experience, complemented by a lack of transfer-specific anomalies or stability issues. This Blu-ray presentation not only meets but exceeds expectations, underpinning the film's captivating narrative with a robust and meticulously maintained visual standard.

The Blu-ray disc of "The Imposter" offers viewers a choice between two primary audio tracks: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English LPCM 2.0, alongside an additional descriptive audio track in LPCM 2.0 for those who may need it. Revolver Entertainment has thoughtfully included optional English subtitles for the main feature, which neatly integrate within the image frame, ensuring that they do not detract from the viewing experience. This careful consideration for a diverse audience underscores the overall quality commitment of the release.

Upon comparison, a distinct gap in audio quality becomes evident between the two lossless tracks. The film's atmospheric score, crafted by Anne Nikitin, benefits significantly from the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which elevates the ambiance with its enhanced fluidity and depth. This track adeptly manages to capture and expand on the film's sonic landscape, providing a more immersive experience when the music swells or tension mounts. However, it's notable that dialogue clarity remains consistently sharp across both lossless options, indicating meticulous mastering that respects the importance of narrative clarity.

No issues like audio pops, dropouts, or distortions mar either track, attesting to a high standard of audio production quality. This ensures that viewers' immersion is uninterrupted, allowing for an engaging auditory experience that complements the visual storytelling of "The Imposter." Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is the preferred choice for those wishing to fully experience the nuanced soundscape of the film, while the LPCM 2.0 options provide solid alternatives without sacrificing dialogue intelligibility.

The extra presentation of the Blu Ray for "The Imposter" offers a compelling insight into the making of this riveting documentary, with enriching content that dives deep into its production and the investigation of the case it portrays. The "Making The Imposter" featurette provides a detailed exploration of the film's creation, featuring insights from key production members including director Bart Layton and producer Dimitri Dogains, who share the challenges faced during the film's development and shooting, including co-producer Poppy Dixon's multiple insightful trips to Texas. Complementing this, the Q&A session with Layton, Dogains, and private investigator Charlie Parker, offers viewers a chance to delve deeper into the bizarre real-life case behind the film, highlighting their unique perspectives and answering a variety of questions related to both the case and the film's production. These extras deliver an invaluable behind-the-scenes look that fans and newcomers alike will find deeply informative and engaging.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making The Imposter: A behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and stories from the production team during the film's creation, including insights into the logistical and emotional hurdles they encountered.

• Q&A: A session with key figures from the documentary sharing their experiences and answering questions about the intriguing case the film covers.

The Imposter," directed by Bart Layton and honored with both the Douglas Hickox Award and Best Documentary Award at the British Independent Film Awards, delivers an entrancing narrative that is perhaps more bewildering than fiction. This 2012 documentary, now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Revolver Entertainment, delves into the astonishing true story of a young boy from San Antonio, Texas, who disappears without a trace only to be allegedly found years later in Spain. The Blu-ray presents the documentary in English with optional subtitles, ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience. A standout addition to the physical release is an array of supplemental features including a making of featurette and a Q&A session that delve deeper into the production's backstory, featuring insights from the film’s producer, director, and investigating personnel.

The film unfolds the bizarre case of Nicholas Barclay with a pacing that mimics a thriller rather than a conventional documentary, thanks in part to its adept blend of interviews, archival footage, and original recreations. Layton's storytelling prowess turns a curious case into an enthralling study of identity, deception, and the lengths to which one might go to belong. Notably, "The Imposter" benefits from the contributions of Simon Chinn, a name synonymous with impactful documentaries like "Man on Wire" and "Searching for Sugar Man," as its producer. These elements collectively assure the viewer of a cinematic experience that is as gripping as it is polished.

Crafting a narrative around skepticism and incredulous truths, "The Imposter" challenges viewers to question not just the tale of Nicholas Barclay but also their perceptions of trust and reality. By positioning private investigator Charlie Parker almost as a guide through this maze of deception, Layton ensures that the storytelling remains engaging and thought-provoking throughout. Beyond merely presenting facts, this documentary thrives on its ability to weave uncertainty and mystery around what might have seemed like a straightforward event. The result is an absorbing film that promises—and delivers—a ride filled with twists and revelations right up to its concluding moments.

Bart Layton's "The Imposter" emerges as a compelling masterpiece within the documentary genre, weaving a story so surreal that it defies conventional belief. The narrative's strength lies in its genuine peculiarity, urging viewers to dive into the experience unspoiled, free from prior knowledge or biased preconceptions. This enigmatic approach amplifies the film's impact, creating an immersive viewing journey. The Blu Ray presentation by Revolver Entertainment is nothing short of remarkable, earning it a strong recommendation for its flawless execution. The technical prowess and attention to detail ensure that the film's intricate details are preserved, enhancing the overall experience.

The Blu Ray rendition stands as a testament to the meticulous effort put into its production, ensuring that both the audio and visual elements maintain the highest quality standards. This careful curation not only respects the original vision of Layton but also elevates the documentary's compelling narrative, allowing the bizarre truth at its core to resonate even more deeply with the audience. The preservation of technical details is essential, as it enables viewers to engage fully with the film's complex layers, ensuring a seamless and engaging viewing experience.

In conclusion, our review affirms that "The Imposter" Blu Ray presents an unparalleled viewing experience, primarily due to its exceptional production values and Revolver Entertainment's commitment to quality. Layton's documentary is a must-watch, presented here in a format that does justice to its strange yet utterly captivating story. The technical excellence and rich narrative detail make this Blu Ray edition highly recommended, ensuring that audiences receive the most authentic and immersive experience possible.