The Iceman [Blu-Ray]

Director: Ariel Vromen

Cast: Michael Shannon, Chris Evans, Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, James Franco

Release Date: Now Available on Blu-Ray & DVD

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Film Rating: 9/10

Disc Rating: 8.5/10

Plot Summary:

In the 1960s, Richard Kuklinski is working as a porn film lab tech until his mob bosses persuade him to change his career into that of a contract killer. For years, Kuklinski gains a reputation for cold blooded professionalism even as he raises a family who are kept in the dark about his true career. Unfortunately, mob politics ultimately forces him to secretly work independently with the psychopathic Robert ‘Mr. Freezy’ Pronge. As much as Kuklinski tries to keep his lives separate, circumstances and his own weaknesses threaten a terrible collision as the consequences of his choices finally catch up to him.

‘The Iceman’ is one of those films that forcefully grabs you and pulls you into its world, and there you remain captive until the conclusion. Inspired by actual events, the film covers the career and personal life of notorious contract killer Richard Kulkinski, who at home is a kind hearted family man who would do anything to provide for and take care of his family. Outside of home, he lives another life entirely, acting as one of the most ruthless contract killers around. He will murder any man without remorse, cold as ice. The term The Iceman is more a take on the fact he used to freeze his bodies for periods of time prior to disposing of them in order to keep authorities from being able to discern a time of death, though this concept is barely breached in the film.

Ariel Vromen directs this masterpiece of a film, and Michael Shannon shines in the lead role of Kuklinski. Michael Shannon is one of the finer actors working today in my opinion, and he is at top form here. He tears through each scene like the beast of an actor he is, and it amazes me how so many people still don’t even know this amazingly talented man by name. While Shannon unquestioningly steals the show, all of the performances are extremely powerful. Winona Ryder does a truly amazing job next to Shannon as his wife and is almost unrecognizable as she so fully consumes this role. Ray Liotta is always a pleasure, and Chris Evans is fantastic as usual. I continue to be impressed by Evans’ work, and ever since the masterpiece ‘Sunshine’ I have found him to be a truly impressive up and coming name in the list of my favorite actors.

To put it simply, ‘The Iceman’ is not a film you will want to miss. I highly recommend getting a hold of this one as fast as possible and checking it out. I’m almost certain you will not regret doing so. This is a truly uncompromising and emotionally riveting film that I will personally be highly recommending to anyone willing to watch it.

VIDEO:

The Blu-Ray release of ‘The Iceman’ features a full 1080p High Definition presentation utilizing a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio and everything about the video transfer looks pretty spot on. Everything is detailed, smooth and sharp, colors properly coordinated and beautiful. Everyone should be quite satisfied with the video presentation on this release.

AUDIO:

The Blu-Ray release features a lossless 5.1 channel Dolby TrueHD soundtrack which sounds fantastic. Bullets go whizzing past in the action sequences, and the music hits hard. The subtle noises in the background on the more tame sequences really add to the overall experience of the film as well. All of the audiophiles out there should be content with this Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The Blu-Ray release includes a ‘Making of The Iceman’ featurette as well as another titled ‘The Iceman: Behind The Scenes.’

Film Rating: 9/10

Disc Rating: 8.5/10

‘The Iceman’ is now available to own on Blu-Ray & DVD from Millennium Entertainment.