Based on real events the dramatic thriller "Argo" chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis focusing on the little-known role that the CIA and Hollywood played-information that was not declassified until many years after the event. On November 4 1979 as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran taking 52 Americans hostage. But in the midst of the chaos six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed the Canadian and American governments ask the CIA to intervene. The CIA turns to their top "exfiltration" specialist Tony Mendez to come up with a plan to get the six Americans safely out of the country.
Director Ben Affleck does a tremendous job melding political thriller elements with humor in this Best Picture nominated film. Affleck is solid as Tony Mendez and surrounds himself with a perfect cast that includes Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Titus Welliver, Clea Duvall and several more who bring a realism to this true and harrowing story.
Some of the msartest humor I've seen in the past couple years comes about an hour into the film when Tony tries to get the help of a Makeup Artist and movie Director to help him creat the illusion that they are going to film a movie in Iran called "ARGO". The scene in which odd and interesting people that show up at the open table read for the press to eat up and put to print is perfect.
The extraction mission is a brilliant masterwork of tension. The last 25 minutes I was on the edge of my seat. With Gone Baby Gone Ben Affleck showed he was a promising director, with The Town he put Hollywood on notice and with Argo has cemented his place among the modern greats. 10/10
Argo arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of2.40:1 From the opening tense moments to the last frame Argo looks great. From the 70's fashion to it's decor the transfer does a beautiful job with natural color and perfect saturation. Fine detail with closeups show every little stubble and hair. You can practically feel the textures of the suits, fabrics, and vehicles of that time. Black levels were deep with good shadow delineation. There is some fine grain noticeable in shots during the Iran hostage crisis which I personally love. No artificial enhancement or anomalies were noticed. 9.0/10
Audio is provided by a DTS -HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - The first 15 minutes you are in a full 360 degree sound field that immerses the viewer right into the action on screen. From the powerful chant of the crowds to the sudden shock of a helicopter barreling from the back to the front of the soundstage and it felt like a chopper was lowering right down into my living room. Dynamics are top notch when called upon. Dialogue was always clear and intelligible. Bass was strong and deep. Alexandre Desplat's masterful score is supported with a rich reproduction and separation. No opos, hisses or cracks were heard. 9.5/10
* Picture in Picture: Eyewitness Account (1080p) - A very informative and always entertaining supplement that details the events surrounding the Iran histage crisis and includes all new interviews with (at that time )President Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez, Mark Lijek, Bob Anders, Cora Lijek, Lee Schatz, Kathy Stafford. Take your time to watch this.
* Audio Commentary: - Featuring Director Ben Affleck with writer Chris Terrio, this fun listen goes into just about every detail you would want to know and more.
* Rescued from Tehran: We Were There (1080) - This is a retelling of the real life events told from the people who experienced it including the houseguests that Tony extracts, Tony Mendez himslef, and President Jimmy Carter.
* Absolute Authenticity (1080p) - This featurette details Ben Affleck and his motivations as a Director and his attention to detail in bringing the film to life.
* The CIA and Hollywood Connection (1080p) - A brief featurette with film clips and interviews.
* Escape from Iran: The Hollywood Option (480p SD) - Here we get a 2005 documentary that took a look back a the real life story of the 6 houseguests who seeked refuge at the Canadian Embassy and were later extracted and safely brought home to America.
