The Edge of Love on Blu-ray Disc Review
By Rachel Cericola
The Film
Bombs are usually a nice backdrop for romance. At least that seems to be the case for the cast of
The Edge of Love. If they aren't in the mood for love, it's most likely because they are too busy drinking and/or smoking.
Those two activities are this crew's favorite pastime. If it's possible to sleep and smoke, you'll see it here. Aside from that kind of talent, fans of Dylan Thomas might not appreciate this depiction of the poet as a world-class jerk. You can take it with a grain of salt, though. Played by Matthew Rhys (TV's
Brothers & Sisters), Thomas is not the focus of this film, although he the object of desire for its two leading ladies. The lucky guy is involved in a love triangle with sweet, but slutty wife Caitlin (Sienna Miller) and childhood love Vera (Keira Knightley).
The trio are like three drunken peas in a pod until Vera falls for William (Cillian Murphy), the two marry, and he gets shipped off to war. In his absence, Vera births his child and uses his pay to support her two best buddies. William soon comes back, slightly shattered from the war -- and his newfound extended family isn't exactly helping him adjust to home life.
The Edge of Love is on the edge of entertaining. Although the film has four main characters (if you count Murphy), there seem to be twice as many storylines going on. When the whole thing finally wraps into a sloppy package, the climax feels rushed. The performances are decent, but also slightly hammy. Don't expect lessons in history or poetry, and you should do fine.
The Picture
The 1.85:1 transfer of the
The Edge of Love is a mixed bag. Close-ups that show Knightley performing in the nightclub are stellar. The shots of her porcelain skin make the actress look exceptionally beautiful. Her red lips are bold and hypnotizing. For the most part, flesh tones are rendered accurately which is undoubtedly important for those of you who will exercise your player's freeze frame and slo-mo features during Ms. Knightley's much anticipated topless scene (but don't blink or you'll miss it!). However, in other scenes, the actress appears bland and gaunt. Also, the flowers that she wears don't pack the same punch. War isn't very pretty, but it sure is detailed. Some of those scenes as well as where the crew takes up residence have a dreary palette, but with plenty to look at.
The Sound
Did anyone out there know that Keira Knightley could sing? Apparently, she is quite good at it, too, as shown through this release's DTS-HD Master Audio. The war scenes are also particularly jarring, and the bar and outdoor scenes are filled with background noises. The dialogue is very important here. It is crisp and clear. However, I did find myself rewinding to catch up on some of the accents.
The Extras
If you like your extras in high-def, you can skip this section entirely. The making-of featurette seems to use scenes from a press tour, but the real notable extra has to be the gag reel. It's not particularly hilarious, but the fact that one is included with this theatrical soap opera? It's weird and wacky and sort of worth watching.
Final Thoughts
The Edge is Love won't provide any lessons in history, poetry or acting, for that matter. However, as far as period pieces go, it's a fairly interesting evening. Special features aside, the Blu-ray does make the film more enticing. However, it's best to try before you buy and rent this one. After all, it probably won’t make it into your regular rotation.
Where to Buy:
Product Details
- Actors: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys
- Director: John Maybury
- Audio/Languages: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (English)
- Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Region: A
- Number of Discs: 1
- Rating: R
- Studio: Image Entertainment
- Blu-ray Disc Release Date: July 14, 2009
- Run Time: 111 minutes
- List Price: $35.98
- Extras:
- Commentary with director John Maybury & actor Matthew Rhys
- Looking Over The Edge of Love
- Outtakes
- Theatrical Trailer
