Knowing – Blu Ray Review

The Film:

The Knowing might have a silly title, but this Alex Proyas (Dark City, The Crow) directed sci-fi film packs a B-movie premise with some interesting ideas, and a few standout action set pieces. Yeah, yeah, say what you will of Nic Cage about his recent films were he sports bad wigs and over-acts, he is decent here. So no need to harp on him today. But too me, the single element that make this a solid sci-fi film is the premise, that intrigues long after the credits roll. I am fully aware that I’m about to praise a new Nic Cage film, dear readers, but let me tell you why I am.

Not to spoil anything, but based on the trailers, you should know that the film is based on some numerical predictions that are a code to dates and number of casualties of deadly disasters for the last 50 years. Of course, this is met with skepticism from Nic Cage’s character for one, he’s believes in the randomness of the universe, everything happens due to unpredicted accidents. This letter challenges his beliefs as it is basically showing him that there is a pattern, an order. I love this duality, and the script plays with it constantly, even in subplots like his estrangement to his father, who happens to be a pastor, and the death of his wife years earlier. I think this adds to the film, gives it something to chew on, outside of some rather breath-taking set pieces.

Of course, the film would be a visual feast for our eyes. Alex Proyas has always displayed an eye for compositions and for staging elaborate action. Even a weaker film of his, like I, Robot, has some incredible set pieces. Knowing is no different in those regards, but with a solid idea, the action really stands out, again thanks to the script. I do think the opening prologue is a little weak as it starts the film off slowly, but Cage’s relationship with his son, the said action, and the way the plot unravels into intriguing concepts and ideas, make the Knowing a step above the mindless sci-fi dreck we’ve seen recently.

I think the ending, which I won’t spoil, is a make or break deal. I can clearly see the other side of the coin, in where someone might not except the climax. I think then, it must have challenged you’re own perceptions, and I love the grim, dark nature to it. It was ballsy, but the film earns it. Like all good sci-fi, you’ll talk about it afterwards, as the film takes a few things from current news, and amps it all up, possibly putting fear into you. When Cage’s character discovers what the EE stands for at the end of the numbers on that letter, it’s fear that religion, skeptics, or even optimists can’t run from. Plus the film features a rare Marcus Beltrami score worth listening too!

The Blu Ray:

Audio/Video: Summit Entertainment slam dunks this Blu Ray in every aspect. The audio is a pure pleasure to your ears, just hide the dogs. The bass is loud and room shattering, the surrounds very active, and word is spoken clearly. The video is on par with the best I’ve seen on Blu Ray. Proyas shot this with that new Red camera and every detail is accounted for. This is demo material, but also the reason we made the leap to high def over DVD. Fantastic!

Commentary: Alex Proyas is joined by an unnamed man, but the track is full of intelligence. Proyas might be a soft speaker but he knos his stuff and delivers an entertaining commentary with behind-the-scenes info as well as a discussion on the film’s themes and subject matter. Highly recommended.

Extras are in high definition.

Knowing All: This piece is a primer course for the commentary, as it quickly goes over all aspects of the film’s production. Not that it’s bad, it’s pretty decent, but the commentary is where most of what you want to know is.

Visions of the Apocalypse: Here’s a good non-film related piece, as it features interviews with various scholars and educators as they discuss the film’s themes and what could happen or not. I love this type of stuff. 2012 is talked about, various religious aspects of the End of Times, scientific elements of life ending, all wrapped up in like 20 minutes. Fans of the film or the film’s subject should watch this.

Trailers

Conclusion: Intriguing sci-fi film with solid performances and awesome action, highly worth seeing on Blu Ray. Yes, I dug a Nic Cage film, thanks to Alex Proyas.

The Film: Rating:

The Blu Ray: Rating:

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