The
Timber (2015/Well Go Blu-ray)
Picture:
A Sound: A- Extras: C- Film: C+
Anthony
O'Brien's The Timber (2015) is about two brothers, Wyatte
(James Ransone) and Samuel (Josh Peck), who have to deal with the
bank when it forecloses on their home. However, the real story
begins when Wyatte and Samuel become bounty hunters and realize that
the outlaw that they must go after to save their land is none other
than their father. The movie is a western set during the Yukon Gold
Rush and takes place during a harsh winter season. This aspect
really helps the film along, because a nice snowy western is very
pleasing to the eyes.
However,
the premise for The Timber is not executed as well as it could
be. The main issue is there is not much happening and the characters
can be somewhat dull at times. It tries to make up for this
important fact with great looking scenes, but that is due to the
cinematography. Another go at the character development would have
gone a long way.
The
Timber had a unique story, two brothers that have to hunt their
outlaw father in order to collect the bounty so they can pay for
their home all while dealing with the harsh snowy environment, but it
tries to focus on smaller side stories. It also has scenes that do
not progress the story and leaves you guessing which character was
just killed and why should we care. Let it be known that this still
is a nice movie for a young cinematographer, perhaps to learn
something from. Even though a lot of westerns can seem slow, this
just felt a little too slow.
The
movie is presented in widescreen 2.35:1 (shot with an Arri Alexa HD
camera), 1080p Blu-ray, which of course looks great, with the big
open landscapes and great colors. The audio is a lossless English
DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 mix that actually sounds kind of quiet
when people are talking, but okay in other spots. The special
features on the disc include audio commentary with the Director
O'Brien, a Behind the Scenes segment, interviews with the cast, and
the trailer.
-
Jordan Whiteko
