A phenomenal cast, including Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini, lead this gritty thriller about Bartender Bob Saginowski (Hardy) and his hardened employer Uncle Marv (Gandolfini) who must choose between survival and loyalty when they find themselves caught in a robbery gone bad, and on the hook for a mob debt they can’t repay.
The Drop is one that slipped under my radar and I was pleasantly surprised to be watching one of the best dramas to come out of 2014. The cast as you can imagine is pitch perfect. The late James Gandolfini brings an authenticity that very few actors ever had, he is matched by the intensity of rising star Tom Hardy who has continues his string of brilliant performances. The overall pace of the film is a slow build that is rare in a crime drama nowadays and it works in my opinion. I would highly recommend checking this one out. 8.5/10
The Drop arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - Colors are a bit subdued overall but the palette fits the world of the movie. Different settings vary in hues that range from warm to icy cold. Black levels were reasonably deep with solid shadow delineation. Fine details really pop whether it's the individual hairs of a scraggly beard or the stitching and textures of clothing. No signs of edge enhancement or compression artifacts problems to see hear. 9/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue handles the accents with a clarity among the very best. Consistently crisp and intelligible. The surround channels add some immersive environmental an directional effects. The score effortlessly breathes through the mix. LFE isn't all that aggressive but was precise for the few moments it kicks in. 8/10
* Audio Commentary by Michael R. Roskam and Dennis Lehane
* Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Michael R. Roskam and Dennis Lehane (HD, 6min22sec)
- Millie and Bob talk at the bar
- Bob puts away Xmas decorations
- Bob talks to Priest
- Bob scolds Rocco
* Promotional Featurettes (HD, 19min)
- Keeping it Real
- Making of The Drop
- Making Brooklyn Your Own
- Rocco the Dog
- Character Profile: James Gandolfini
* Still Gallery
* Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2min23sec)
