Review by Gary Tooze

 

Production:

Theatrical: Zentropa International Norway

Video: Magnolia

 

Disc:

Region: 'A' (as verified by the Momitsu region FREE Blu-ray player)

Runtime: 1:44:20.254 

Disc Size: 23,033,891,126 bytes

Feature Size: 20,004,956,160 bytes

Video Bitrate: 20.99 Mbps

Chapters: 12

Case: Standard Blu-ray case

Release date: June 25th, 2013

 

Video:

Aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps

Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

 

Audio:

DTS-HD Master Audio English 3131 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3131 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)

 

Subtitles:

English (SDH), English (for German language audio), Spanish, none

 

Extras:

• AXS TV: A Look at Into the White (2:51)

• Trailer (2:05)

• Bookmarkable

 

Bitrate:

 

 

Description: On April 27, 1940, two enemy fighter planes were shot down over Norway. When the soldiers crash-landed, the stranded survivors, both German and British crew members, were driven into an isolated cabin where they realized that in order to survive the harsh winter in the wilderness, they would have to learn to stand together.

 

 

The Film:

Based on a true-life incident in 1940, this Norwegian war flick ponders whether enemies can set aside their differences in the name of survival, and how Rupert Grint’s broomstick skills might translate to a fighter plane. The latter is answered in a cannily staged opening in which Grint and a fellow British airman crash in snowy fjordlands and are forced to take shelter with three downed Germans. There are poignant beats as hatred gives way to understanding, but the scenario inches forward with the grim predictability of a glacier. Less Hell In The Pacific, more Enemy Nein.

Excerpt from Empire Magazine located HERE

Two opposing teams of pilots band together in the name of survival, and discover that their similarities are stronger than their differences in this thought provoking war drama from Norway. As fighting rages during World War II, German and English aces engage in a heated dogfight in the Norwegian sky. When their ravaged planes fail and they are forced to eject, the men come face to face on the ground below. As the harsh elements take hold, they are forced to seek refuge in a secluded cottage, where they quickly realize that their fighting is futile in the grand scheme of things.

Excerpt from MRQE located HERE

Image :    NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Into the White appears adept but not stellar on Blu-ray from Magnolia.  This is single-layered with a modest bitrate. The outdoor whites of the snow are quite intense with some blue-leaning - contrast is handled reasonably well. Colors are passive and there are a lot of greys and blacks without any visible noise. It is in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This Blu-ray doesn't exhibit any depth but detail in the few close-ups is acceptable.  By modern standards this is fairly tame visually but as a representation of the original I'd assume it is quite accurate.

 

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio :

Audio is in the form of a DTS-HD Master 5.1 at a healthy 3131 kbps. Effects are mostly in the form of the Norwegian elements (wind etc.) and are easily handled by the robust track. There aren't a lot of effects and no music (that I recall.) Audio is clean and clear - with optional subtitles (about 1/4 of the film is in German.) My Momitsu has identified it as being a region 'A'-locked.

 

Extras :

Not a lot in the way of extras. The AXS TV: A Look at Into the White is not much more than a glorified trailer, and there is a trailer and the disc is Bookmarkable. That's it.

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
I thought Into the White was okay - a little contrived at times. Something about it seemed... forced and less realistic but there are some bona-fide positives including the performances. It's a good story that, no doubt, has had some heavy poetic licence.  The Blu-ray is no demo and it's bare-bones status makes the price exorbitant for what is offered. Not enough value here for a recommendation! 

Gary Tooze

June 23rd, 2013