DVD Corner

Camp X-Ray Blu-ray Review

“Camp X-Ray” is a flawed, but moving film.

The plot: After Amy Cole (a PFC soldier) is assigned to be a guard at Guantanamo Bay, she is confronted with unruly and rebellious detainees and sexist colleagues. Amidst these issues, she unexpectedly begins to form a friendship with a talkative detainee (Ali) who changes her outlook on life.

Despite having thought provoking ideas about humility, human decency, sexism, war, incarceration, and the power of something as simple as a “Harry Potter” book (this will make sense when you see it), you can’t help but wish the sometimes far-fetched “Camp X-Ray” had more to say. As ambitious as the film may be, writer/director Peter Sattler wasted the opportunity to dig deeper into the characters, themes, and ideas presented here.

On the bright side, the film’s two main cast members (Kristen Stewart and Peyman Moaadi) give such incredible performances that you can forgive the film’s shortcomings. Kristen Stewart continues to prove her naysayers wrong here as the film’s central character Amy Cole. This is easily her best work alongside “Still Alice.” As for Peyman Moaadi, I was not familiar with this actor previously, but after this striking acting performance, I am certainly intrigued to see what else he has done.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 1080p. How does it look? “Camp X-Ray” is a supremely well shot film that shines in hi-def.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? While a bit soft, the track is sufficient.

The only extras here are IFC Film trailers, a “Camp X-Ray” trailer and a 12 ½ minute making of featurette.

Overall Thoughts: There’s no denying there’s a great film somewhere in here, but, as is, “Camp X-Ray” is merely a intriguing drama that could have been so much more.

July 25, 2015 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Camp X-Ray Blu-ray Review, Kristen Stewart