Ultra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme tells the story of Anatole "Zsa-zsa" Korda, a ruthless, unscrupulous, businessman, who is among the richest men in Europe, and constantly finds himself fighting for his life. During the final stages of a vast, decades-long, career-defining business project, Korda survives a sixth assassination attempt, and must appoint a successor: his long-estranged daughter Liesl, a nun. With personal tutor Bjorn in tow, the trio set off on a globetrotting adventure to achieve Korda's epic mission.

This rather dark, comedic film, is decidedly Wes Anderson, requiring a familiarity with his penchant for whimsy, and narrative escapism. His films can be an acquired taste, which in my case, have been sort of hit, or miss. Typical of Anderson's visual, and narrative style, the story is simple, yet complex in tone, with quirky characters, that perfectly support its elements.

The primary plotline revolves around Korda, and his desire to secure his legacy, via his latest business venture, for which he is in dire need of investment capital. Simultaneously, members of a clandestine U.S. agency are seeking to thwart his plans, by any means necessary. Korda reaches out to various, and often untrustworthy, financial backers, with limited success. He soon finds himself struggling to cope with the weight of his endeavor, and must rely on the only two people that he has let within his inner circle. Unfortunately, one of them hides a secret that could derail everything.

It would be fair to say that I liked, not loved, this one. As with Anderson's other films, the supporting production elements, including the costumes, locations, and cinematography, all contribute to the opulent proceedings. The large ensemble cast (which includes many Wes Anderson film staples) are simply terrific, which aided in my enjoyment of the film.

The Phoenician Scheme is the first of Wes Anderson's film's that I have reviewed in Ultra HD on Blu-ray. It was shot on film, framed at 1.47:1, and finished on a 4K Digital Intermediate, with Dolby Vision HDR grading.

This is a quality 4K presentation that exhibits discerning levels of detail that brings out the lifelike textures captured by the camera's lens. Close ups are noticeably refined, and revealing of the subtlest details within the frame.

The cinematography employs a sepia toned color scheme that represents the Wes Anderson's typical visual aesthetic which underscores the storyline's thematic tone. Where appropriate, colors are appreciably delineated with natural rendering, and punchy primaries that prove pleasing to the eye.

Contrast is boldly applied without overstatement, as it underscores whites/grays without impacting delineation. Blacks are rich, gradational, and, dynamic in appearance. This is bolstered by the appropriate application of high dynamic range. All in all, this one looks great.

In listening to the Dolby Atmos sound, I found that sounds placed in the height listening plane were nicely integrated, consisting of atmospheric extension, and where applicable, discrete objects. Dialogue is reproduced with transparent realism and lucid texture as it is appropriately balanced within the front soundstage. Sounds in the bed channels are more active, employing effects that are discrete/ambient in nature, creating an appreciable level of immersion. The subwoofer is rarely tested but, low frequency effects provide supportive punch where applicable. I thought that overall, the mix sounded very good, but that incorporating the height channels a bit more, would have pushed it to another level.

The included bonus features consist of four production featurettes, that include filmmaker insights, and interviews with the cast/crew. A Blu-ray of the film, and a Digital Code, completes the package.

With The Phoenician Scheme, writer/director Wes Anderson paints an unconventional, and quirky, comedic portrait, that has its moments, while falling just shy a wholly gratifying film experience. Its Ultra HD Blu-ray release delivers a solid viewing experience that should please fans of his work.

Ralph C. Potts