Split
(2017/Universal Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B+/B- Sound: B+/B- Extras: B Film: B+
M.
Night Shyamalan has had a more varied and interesting career than
many other modern filmmakers in that his films are hit (1999's The
Sixth Sense) or miss (the 2013 Will Smith bomb After Earth),
with many feeling that in recent years he has lost his touch in some
ways save his previous 2015 outing The Visit, which was a
sleeper hit. The case is much different for Split (2017) a
return to form for the director, once again proving his talent for
suspense and his keen eye for blocking and visual storytelling.
Spit
stars James McAvoy (X-Men franchise, Wanted) in his
best performance to date as Kevin ''Windell'' Crumb, a dangerous and
vile man who possesses 23 (on the verge of 24) personalities who
abducts three unsuspecting young women. The film plots him against
Casey Cook (played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who stunned audiences last
year with the supernatural horror film The VVitch - reviewed
elsewhere on this site) - a troubled young girl who shares more in
common with this criminal than she would like to admit. As the three
young women are kept under lock and key against their own will, Kevin
wrestles with his different personas as his concerned psychiatrist
Dr. Karen Fletcher (played brilliantly by Betty Buckley) struggles to
piece together Kevin's sudden cries for help. An engrossing and
interesting thriller, Split is a film to recommend you check
out and is a kind-of sequel to Shyamalan's Unbreakable (2000)
- which I feel is the Director's best work.
Also
in the film are Kim Director, Sterling K. Brown, and a cameo by Bruce
Willis.
Split
is presented in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio
of 2.39:1 and a nice sounding, lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1
track, both which are up to disc standards. The film is shot in
Philadelphia (Night's home) in the fall season and has many scenes
are filled with beautiful colors that reflect the season. Other
parts of the film are dark and sterile, reflecting the dark world
these prisoners are locked into. The presentation is solid and a few
stand out moments of sound design and lightning, namely during the
film's climax.
Also
included is a standard definition DVD which is presented in an
anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and a lossy Dolby
Digital 5.1 track. This transfer lacks the detail and picture
quality to the Blu-ray obviously, but works fine for the format.
A
digital UV copy is also included.
Special
Features:
Alternate
Ending
Deleted
Scenes
The
Making of Split - Filmmakers, cast, and crew
discuss what attracted them to the project and how they were able to
bring such a unique premise to life.
The
Many Faces of James McAvoy - A look at how James McAvoy
approached the challenge of playing so many different identities.
The
Filmmaker's Eye: M. Night Shyamalan - Director and writer M.
Night Shyamalan has a singular, big-picture vision of his projects.
Producers, cast, and crew discuss how Night's process gives them the
freedom to execute their roles to the fullest.
Split
is an interesting film and is presented nicely on this release from
Universal. Recommended.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
