The Way Back is an epic all the way around! I know the word Epic is used so loosely these days but we are talking Peter Weir here. The director of Master and Commander, he knows how to make an epic film and with the story involved in this one it is truly that. Inspired by real events the story follows 7 escapees from a Siberian Russian gulag in the 1940’s. We’ve all seen films about the concentration camps in Germany, but here we see more from another side that is rarely ever put to film because in real life the Russians didn’t do much documenting of this. They tried to keep it hush hush where as Germany was proud and promoted it.
The crew sets out on a journey that little did they know would claim many lives and end after a treacherous 4,500+ mile trek! The true test of what a human being will do for freedom. We’re talking about walking through the worst parts of the world, the Siberian cold, the desert and OVER the Himalayas! The acting is brilliant, the cast is great! The Way Back stars Ed Harris, Jim Sturgess, Colin Farrell, and Saoirse Ronan. The fact that these actors had to film in these environments helped them really emerge themselves in the reality of their situation and chemistry just followed there after.
I’ve always had a strong liking for Master and Commander and seem to watch it like every couple years, and after The Way Back I now have a new found respect for Peter Weir. I don’t know if he is having trouble getting funding for projects (with the state of Hollywood) or if he is just very selective, but Weir you gotta make more movies than once every 5 years if we are lucky haha. This movie has it all for those who love adventure flicks or real dramas where people overcome.
The video quality for The Way Back comes your way with a 1080p blu-ray transfer presented in 2.35:1. Overall its a great transfer and there isn’t much to complain about without being a level headed person. Sure there is some film grain, but we’re talking about a film about an epic journey across many landscapes so your going to get a little here and there. Mostly the only instances you truly notice it is during the dark “at night” scenes. For all I know it could have just been director intended to give you that gritty at night feel. Regardless, The Way Back has a great video transfer and it really showcases the awesome scenery in this film. From the fierce Siberian gulag and Forrest, to the badlands and desert, all the way to the luscious scenery when finally in India over the Himalayas this is a great one to watch on blu-ray.
Blu-ray Screen Shot Gallery:
The Way Back comes packed with a DTS HD Master 5.1 track that definitely does the job for this release. In fact, it does a great job when taking into account that most all of this film was filmed outside. Thus it also gave plenty of opportunity for this track to excel. I would have been saddened if this didn’t an appropriate audio track due to the magnitude of this film Obviously a front heavy track, so if your system can handle that then your in for joy. Sub gets work too when called for and its nice and crisp. Audio quality is not a thing to worry about as this one handles business.
So what exactly is this film lacking? You guessed it, supplements. Unfortunately all we have is the trailer and a making of featurette. However, I have to admit this was one hell of an interesting featurette that’ll keep you intrigued the whole way through. It’s also extremely well done including interviews with all major cast. It’s also only in 480i, but it’s definitely worth the viewing!
Point blank, you need to see this movie! I dont care how, but do it! I actually fully recommend the purchase of this blu-ray as it’s also extremely well priced on amazon. The video quality and audio quality are perfect for this release and the movie is just one hell of a movie of a true story. People who like these types of movies, will most certainly know who you are and should by all means get this one in your collection. Peter Weir did an exceptional job as did all the actors. The Supplements though are very meek, however the featurette is an awesome piece with cast interviews etc. Hi-def Ninja recommends The Way Back.
