Matchstick Men

The Blu-ray presentation of "Matchstick Men" brings to the forefront the meticulous cinematography of John Mathieson, Ridley Scott’s frequent collaborator, who adeptly captures the dichotomy of Roy's internal turmoil and the stark Southern California landscape. The high-contrast clarity that Mathieson employs adeptly emphasizes the blistering sun while simultaneously crafting deep shadows and reflections within indoor spaces, serving as an ever-present reminder of protagonist Roy's struggles with agoraphobia. This technical prowess in cinematography is enhanced beautifully by the Blu-ray transfer, which showcases the vast and varied color palette from the russet tones of Dr. Klein's office to the cool, detached ambiance of Roy's apartment, further heightening the emotional landscape of the film.

In its Blu-ray debut, "Matchstick Men" has been meticulously scanned at 2k from an interpositive by MPI (Motion Picture Imaging), Warner's premier on-site facility. The result is nothing short of spectacular on the 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray. Detailing is remarkably crisp and clear, especially when viewed through the focal point of the anamorphic lens—a choice director Scott elaborates on in his commentary—highlighting his intentional use of depth of field. This transfer marries technical excellence with artistic intent, allowing viewers to fully engage with the film’s visual storytelling.

Moreover, the Blu-ray version boasts an exemplary fine-grained image quality without any noticeable digital manipulation, testament to Warner’s commitment to presenting Matchstick Men in the best light possible. The average bitrate of 29.91 Mbps affirms that this release marks a significant departure from previous catalog releases that often suffered from bitrate starvation. Through this attention to detail, Warner ensures that "Matchstick Men" is not only a feast for the eyes in terms of cinematography but also in its high-quality Blu-ray presentation.

The audio presentation of "Matchstick Men" on Blu Ray, encoded in a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound mix, expertly captures the nuanced shifts in the narrative's atmosphere and character psychology. At particular moments, such as when Roy, grappling with his agoraphobia, and Frank pose as FTC agents, the audio transitions smoothly to reflect Roy's internal distress, immersing the viewer into the depths of his anxiety with striking clarity. The ambient sounds from various settings - an airport, a bowling alley, and a strip club - contribute to an immersive and realistic soundscape that enhances the film's environmental authenticity without overwhelming the senses. Sound effects, integral to key plot points, are delivered with impactful precision, ensuring that dialogue remains crisp and intelligible throughout.

The eclectic soundtrack of "Matchstick Men," crafted with meticulous care by composer Hans Zimmer, plays a pivotal role in setting the tone of the film. Zimmer’s commentary on his creative process, featured in the documentary "Tricks of the Trade," offers insight into the challenges of scoring for the film's multifaceted narrative. A diverse selection of music, ranging from the timeless vocals of Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra to the unique sounds of Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass and Mantovani and his Orchestra, complements Zimmer's score. The addition of tracks by Roxy Music, Marvin Gaye, Wayne Newton, and Kid Rock results in one of cinema's most diverse soundtracks. This careful curation not only underscores the film's varied emotional landscapes but also contributes to its timeless appeal, demonstrating a seamless integration of narrative and sound.

In essence, the audio component of "Matchstick Men's" Blu Ray edition is a testament to the power of sound in narrative filmmaking. The meticulous blending of ambient noise, effectual sound design, clear dialogue, and a diverse musical score creates an auditory experience that is as compelling as it is immersive. This audio review not only showcases the technical prowess behind the film's sound mixing but also highlights how such elements enhance storytelling, making "Matchstick Men" an exemplary study in audiovisual harmony.

The Blu-ray extras of "Matchstick Men" offer a deep dive into the making of the film, meticulously ported over from the 2004 Warner DVD version. The director Ridley Scott, alongside writers Nicholas and Ted Griffin, provide an insightful commentary that's skillfully edited to give Scott a predominant voice. His comprehensive discussion ranges from technical choices to character backstories, reflecting his profound involvement in filmmaking. Additionally, the feature-length documentary "Tricks of the Trade: Making Matchstick Men," directed by Charles de Lauzirika, presents an extensive behind-the-scenes look from pre-production to the final score, featuring interviews with the cast and crew and highlighting the crucial role of Assistant Director K.C. Hodenfield. The documentary is split into three parts covering each stage of production, offering viewers an authentic experience of a movie set’s highs and lows.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Ridley Scott and Writers Nicholas Griffin and Ted Griffin: An edited together commentary with a majority of insights from Ridley Scott.
• Tricks of the Trade: Making Matchstick Men: A comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary divided into three parts:
  • Part I: Pre-Production
  • Part II: Production
  • Part III: Post-Production
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer of the movie.

Matchstick Men," a film by Ridley Scott, finds itself nestled among the director's eclectic portfolio as something of an unexpected jewel. Developed during an intermission in Scott's more ambitious historical projects, this character-driven narrative offers a departure from his typical oeuvre of grand-scale epics and sci-fi adventures. The storyline, intricately woven around the life of Roy Waller - a meticulously crafted character by Nicolas Cage - and his more flamboyant partner Frank Mercer, played by Sam Rockwell, dives deep into the intricacies of human emotion through the lens of con artistry. The film, praised for its balanced blend of comedy and darkness, invites the audience into a complex world of deception and redemption.

The setting, brilliantly captured by Scott and director of photography John Mathieson, brings to life the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles with a striking elegance that neither glosses over the raw authenticity of the locations nor lets them fade into banality. The use of location, light, and angle contributes significantly to the film's atmosphere, embroidering its dramatic essence without detracting from the intimate character explorations. The narrative's depth is further enriched by the strong on-screen chemistry between Cage and Alison Lohman, who plays Roy's estranged daughter Angela. Their evolving relationship, central to Roy's journey towards change, offers a nuanced exploration of fatherhood, identity, and the possibility of personal transformation against the backdrop of their unconventional bond.

Insightfully incorporating technical details and rich character arcs, "Matchstick Men" showcases Ridley Scott's versatile filmmaking prowess. Through Scott’s skillful direction, coupled with the dynamic visual storytelling and compelling performances from its leads, the movie emanates a timeless appeal. It presents itself as a film worth revisiting, promising new layers of understanding with each viewing and asserting itself as a distinguished entry in Scott's varied filmography.

Matchstick Men," Ridley Scott's nuanced exploration of con artists, elegantly marries the age-old portrayal of the artist as a trickster with a poignant character study, setting itself apart from the plethora of con movies through its focus on the human aspect of its protagonists. The film delves into the complexities and vulnerabilities of its characters, rendering it a rich tapestry that is as emotionally engaging as it is cerebrally stimulating. Like the con artist's promise of making you richer, the movie deceives with its intricate plot while simultaneously revealing the intricate depths of human deception and desire for connection. This duality captures the essence of cinematic storytelling, where the illusion crafted by actors, editing, and direction invites audiences into a world of pretense that mirrors our complex realities.

The presentation of "Matchstick Men" on Blu-ray enhances this experience, offering viewers not only superior visual and audio quality but also an intimate look into the careful craft behind the cinematic curtain. The clarity and detail afforded by the Blu-ray format enrich the atmospheric nuances of Scott's direction, ensuring that every subtle expression and cleverly designed shot contributes to the overarching narrative and emotional journey of the characters. Moreover, special features likely dive into the behind-the-scenes efforts, further illuminating the meticulous assembly of storytelling elements that make this film resonate.

In conclusion, "Matchstick Men" stands out not just as another entry in the genre of con films but as a deeply moving study of its characters, elevated by its Blu-ray presentation. Ridley Scott offers viewers a compelling blend of emotional depth and narrative intricacy, all while engaging in a meta-commentary on the nature of deception both onscreen and in life. The Blu-ray edition underscores this by bringing unparalleled clarity to Scott's vision, making it an essential addition for cinephiles invested in the artistry behind cine-magic.