The Film
Constable Shane Cooper (True Blood's Ryan Kwanten) reports for his first day of work in Red Hill, a Queensland, Australian town of 130 residents. By afternoon the town rallies to defend itself against an escaped convict in what turns out to be an old western standoff in Red Hill.
The remote town of Red Hill is an hour away from the next population area, and therefore as escaped convict Jimmy Conway (Tom E. Lewis) rolls into town, its residents are left to defend themselves against one of the best aboriginal trackers they've ever known. And he has a score to settle.
Conway, who is silent until one line in the finale, appears as a menacing presence that lends the film to the horror genre in addition to its western category.
The Picture
The Australian countryside is beautiful in this 2.20:1 transfer. However more could be done to improve the cinematography to add an element of beauty to the low budget film. The picture is clear, though colors don't pop out in the dusty setting. Skin tones appear accurate, as do the wide open expanses of Australia's farm and livestock areas.
The Sound
Gunfights send loud shots through the sound field. Beyond some of the action sequences, the ambient sounds are more subtle. There's throwaway lines throughout the film about an approaching storm, and a few isolated lightning bolts, but other signs of a coming storm are absent until we become drenched by a pouring rain. That rain could also have had more presence in the sound department. The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio presentation is clear enough, but clearly could have been more exploitave of the surround channels.
The Extras
There are none. The film is appealing to those who like suspenseful westerns. Since it classifies as a foreign film, Blu-ray may be the best way you can see it. Though don't expect any "making-of" features or other extras. The menu promises more content on BD-Live, however there is no information on what might be added in time.
Final Thoughts
As a western, as a suspense thriller, as a film starring a current cable TV heart throb, Red Hill is enjoyable but not without its flaws. The film often drags. Some characters, barely introduced in the film, turn out to be quite essential to the plot, and then they're dead. For fans of the genre, it's worth a rental at least, but, without any meanigful estras, a purchase is a bit of a harder sell.
Product Details
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