The Last Duel Digital Copy Review

 

Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) are friends and squires in 14th century France, who faithfully serve their count, Pierre d’Alençon (Ben Affleck), and his cousin King Charlies VI. When Le Gris viciously assaults Carrouges’ wife Lady Marguerite (Jodie Comer), she bravely and defiantly accuses her attacker. Jean challenges Le Gris to a trial by combat, a duel to the death, which places the fate of all three in God’s hands.

The Last Duel is literally Ridley Scott’s Rashomon. The story, told around the crime of a rape, is told three times from each perspective and plays with time and character development. The cast is stellar and delivers solid performances. There is also a focus on the process of film-making with the importance of camera angles, performance, direction and editing to bring the three perspectives of the same event together.

If you have seen Rashomon, then this will be a pale comparison of the Kurosawa classic. If you haven't then you may find this film perfectly compelling. At the end of the day, I still found Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel as a solid film. 

Video 

The Last Duel digital copy arrives on 4K Ultra-HD in Dolby Vision where available. The images are outstanding despite the dark and gloomy settings. Blacks are rich and there are quite natural in terms of shadows and darkness. Textures on fabrics stand out but the star here is anything with fire and the glowing effect they produce.  Another great transfer for 20th Century Studios.

Audio

The Last Duel comes with a wonderful Dolby Atmos mix. The sound stage is large and booming in the battle scenes. The rear channels provide steady ambiance to create a good sense of depth. The dialogue is also crystal clear and well prioritized. 

Extras

Surprisingly light on extras here. 

The Making of The Last Duel (HD, 33:48) – A collection of on set footage and photography from Ridley Scott’s daughter Cuba. It features some showcasing of Ridley’s directing, conversations on the set to figure out sequences and some actors giving thoughts on the the film. All done during Covid as people have various safety gear and methods going on.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:29)

Summary

Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel finds itself being a solid film with great performances. The digital 4K version looks pristine and the Dolby Atmos track creates and thoroughly immersive experience in your home. There is only one featurette, but its over 30 minutes and it is wonderful to see Ridley Scott making the film. Pick up one of the year’s best with The Last Duel on digital 4K now or the physical copy 4K UHD, blu-ray or dvd on December 14th.