Infernal Affairs

Infernal Affairs" arrives on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in the aspect ratio of 2.34:1 and 2.35:1 across the reviews, resulting in a slightly varied visual experience that leans heavily towards a stylized and gritty aesthetic. The video quality, however, is a mixed bag. On one hand, specific segments of the film, such as the opening credits and some outdoor close-ups, showcase fine detail and clarity, making certain scenes stand out with impressive depth. A moderate layer of grain throughout reinforces the film’s gritty narrative, contributing positively to its atmospheric intentions. The overall palette is cool and almost monochromatic, aligning with Christopher Doyle's cinematographic vision and accentuating the film's somber tone, though this stylistic choice somewhat mutes the visual pop and vibrancy one might expect from a Blu-ray presentation.

On the other hand, this release is marred by several technical shortcomings that detract from the overall viewing experience. The presence of noise is significantly noticeable, at times overwhelming the picture with a distractingly grainy appearance likened to swarms of locusts. Equally problematic is the application of digital sharpening and edge enhancement, which introduces noticeable halos around characters and objects, thereby diminishing the natural feel of the imagery and making it appear overly processed. Additionally, while color grading and contrast levels are generally strong, maintaining consistency and depth especially in darker scenes, the overall image suffers from being overly soft in large parts, coupled with an occasionally harsh look due to overexposure in certain shots.

Despite the film's influential stature and the potential for a visually striking Blu-ray experience, the transfer is somewhat disappointing. The technical issues of noise, excessive digital sharpening, and problematic edge enhancement overshadow the transfer's strengths, such as its clear depiction of detailed outdoor scenes and its faithful adherence to Doyle's original color palette. The end result is a presentation that falls short of expectations, failing to consistently offer the visual fidelity and clarity one might hope for from a modern Blu-ray release of a notable film like "Infernal Affairs.

Infernal Affairs" offers an engaging auditory experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtracks, available in the film's original Cantonese and an English dub. The Cantonese version stands out for its robust mixing, superior to the unusually loud English dub. This disparity becomes evident upon comparing the two, with the English version not only louder but also deviating significantly from the original dialogue as indicated by the subtitles. The Cantonese track excels with its dynamic range, balancing quieter dialogues seamlessly with intense action sequences, and demonstrates impressive directionality and environmental soundscapes that enhance the cinematic experience.

The film's auditory presentation is further elevated by its score and the handling of action scenes. Dialogue is consistently crisp, free from any auditory imperfections, ensuring that every line is clearly understood. The soundscape's directionality is commendably executed, with the score and action effects smartly distributed across the audio channels to create a vivid atmosphere. Particularly noteworthy are the action set pieces, where the surround sound breathes life into the scenes with realistic audio effects like whizzing bullets and squealing tires, all while maintaining excellent balance and fidelity across varied frequencies. The bass punctuates the music and action with depth, adding a palpable punch that enriches the viewing experience.

However, it's worth noting that while the audio quality is generally solid, there are moments where it falls short of being exemplary. Despite these instances, the mix does succeed in drawing viewers into the film's world, especially during key sequences where the combination of score and sound effects achieves an immersive auditory environment. The effort to maintain a careful balance between the louder and softer moments ensures that each scene, regardless of its auditory intensity, is delivered with clarity and precision, showcasing the film's sound design effectiveness.

The Blu-ray extras for "Infernal Affairs" present a lean yet insightful collection aimed at enhancing the viewing experience with supplementary content primarily in standard definition (SD) with Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 sound, accompanied by optional English subtitles. The highlight includes a making-of featurette offering a glimpse into the production's core through interviews with the cast and crew, alongside behind-the-scenes footages that provide a raw look into the filmmaking process. Additionally, an alternate ending offers a divergent fate for a key character, sparking thoughts on narrative choices. Complementing these are the international and original Chinese trailers that encapsulate the film's essence for differing audiences. Although these extras may not be extensive, they are curated to give fans a deeper understanding and appreciation of the film's thematic depth and production intricacies.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Infernal Affairs: Insightful interviews with cast and crew, coupled with behind-the-scenes footage.
• Confidential File: Behind the Scenes Look at Infernal Affairs: A concise featurette showcasing the filming process.
• Alternate Ending: Presents a different conclusion for a principal character.
• International Trailer: A peek into the global promotion of the film.
• Original Chinese Trailer: The film's marketing tailored for its home audience.
• Trailers: A selection of trailers for other Lionsgate films.

Infernal Affairs," a riveting Hong Kong crime drama that served as the blueprint for Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning "The Departed," retains its power and tension, even when viewed in the shadow of its Hollywood counterpart. The film's narrative construction is an intricate tapestry of moral ambiguity, threading through the lives of two moles: Chan Wing Yan (played by Tony Leung), an undercover cop embedded in a crime syndicate, and Lau Kin Ming (Andy Lau), a criminal masquerading as a police officer. As their paths entwine, a high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues, pitting each man against his own identity crisis as much as against his adversary. This core conflict fuels a plot that is both cerebral and visceral, challenging the audience to navigate its moral complexities alongside the characters.

Director Andrew Lau's storytelling is brisk, almost to a fault. The film jumps into the heart of its premise with a pace that can momentarily disorient, yet this speed does not detract from the depth of character development or thematic exploration. Instead, it demands attentiveness, rewarding viewers with a clearer view upon subsequent viewings. Comparisons to "The Departed" are inevitable and insightful, highlighting the differences in cultural storytelling and the nuances that each cast brings to similar roles. While Scorsese's adaptation opts for a more star-studded path with elaborated backstories and expanded roles for supporting characters, "Infernal Affairs" shines with its raw, gritty essence and a more focused narrative lens that dwells deeply on the duality of its main characters.

Despite these differences, both renditions exploit their respective moles' psychological unraveling to great effect, offering viewers a rich tapestry of suspense and moral introspection. The performances of Tony Leung and Andy Lau add layers of subtlety to their characters' internal conflicts, making their eventual confrontations as emotionally engaging as they are plot-critical. The film’s conclusion, opting for a more philosophical finish rather than the violent clarity in "The Departed," leaves audiences with lingering questions about identity, morality, and redemption. This choice exemplifies the film's commitment to exploring the gray areas of human nature, making "Infernal Affairs" not just an essential viewing for fans of crime drama but also a compelling study of character and consequence.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Infernal Affairs," the cornerstone film that inspired Scorsese's celebrated "The Departed," stands as a compelling example of how effective storytelling and frenetic pacing can captivate audiences. This original iteration may lack the nuanced character explorations of its American counterpart, instead opting for a more direct, visceral approach to its narrative. It thrusts viewers into the morally ambiguous worlds of its protagonists without much psychological exposition, relying on the intensity of their situations to drive the narrative. The video quality of this release does present some challenges, with noticeable issues such as edge enhancement detracting from the overall visual experience. However, the dynamic audio track partly compensates for these shortcomings by amplifying the film's suspenseful sequences and action moments, thereby maintaining a solid level of engagement throughout.

Supplementary materials included in the Blu-ray may seem limited but are nevertheless intriguing, especially the alternate ending which offers a thought-provoking divergence from the film's original conclusion. This alternative may resonate differently with viewers, considering the intricate dance of deception the lead characters engage in throughout the movie. Fans of the genre and Scorsese’s adaptation will find these extras, although sparse, to add valuable context and appreciation for the film’s craft.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray release of "Infernal Affairs" might falter in delivering a pristine visual experience due to some technical flaws, it ultimately stands as a highly recommended addition to any cinephile's collection. The film itself remains a seminal work in crime drama, offering an enthralling narrative replete with suspense and moral complexity. Coupled with a robust audio presentation and the intrigue of its supplemental content, this edition is a must-have for enthusiasts eager to explore the roots of Scorsese's "The Departed" and appreciate a pivotal piece of cinema in its own right.