BLU-RAY REVIEW

Mojave

Featured In Issue 206, April/May 2016

Picture4
Sound4
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
48036
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
Language and some violence.
(Retail Price):
$$24.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
93
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
(Disc Release Date):
4/5/2016
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
William Monahan
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

Mojave is a classic, cerebral thriller about a brilliant artist, Thomas (Hedlund), who attempts to escape his privileged existence by heading out to the desert, only to encounter homicidal, chameleon-like drifter Jack (Isaac). Their first encounter at a campfire sets up a nonstop, violent duel of physical and intellectual equals, a chase that moves from the spectacular vistas of the American desert to a noir Los Angeles, where Thomas' notoriety as an artist is revealed. Jack, for his part, continues to remake his own identity in relentless pursuit of his victim, culminating in a vortex of criminality and brutality as Thomas emerges as an equally dangerous opponent. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurette A Doppelganger And The Desert: Making Mojave (HD 08:55), four deleted scenes (HD 16:40), trailers, upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture was photographed using the Arri Alexa Studio digital camera system and exhibits convincing naturalness throughout, from the initial scenes in the Mojave Desert to urban Los Angeles. The color palette is hued in earthy tones in the desert to a rich and warm natural palette that is nicely balanced. Fleshtones are also naturally hued throughout. Contrast is well balanced with deep blacks and revealing shadows. Resolution is generally good, especially during close-ups. Overall, this is an engaging visual experience that exhibits a stylistically cinematic feel. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused, with nuanced atmospherics and the occasional heightened sound effect that raises the energy level. Otherwise, the sonics are low-keyed yet effectively eerie. The music score is excellent, with a wide and deep soundstage that extends to the surrounds. The .1 LFE adds a nice, natural, low-end foundation to the score. Dialogue is intelligible and spatially integrated. This is a haunting sonic experience that builds in intensity as the story unfolds. (Gary Reber)