Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 125 mins  – 2009 – Rated PG-13 – 1080p Widescreen 2.40: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1

Duplicity sets out to fill two spots, first it’s a film about spies and corrupt organizations, but it’s also a romantic comedy. In a year where movies based on toys from the 80’s are dominating the box office, it’s refreshing to see a film like Duplicity that is relying on characters and how they interact with each other, rather than over the top special effects. For those looking for a film that allows you to think, rather than just react, Duplicity is available on Blu-ray from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

THE MOVIE

Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, who last starred together in the 1994 film Closer, play former CIA officer Claire Stenwick and MI6 operative Ray Koval, two experts in their field who have no real war to fight anymore, so are reduced to being agents for big corporate entities who are dueling for power. Claire and Ray are lovers on one day and the next they are both attempting to be the first to get their hands on a formula for a product that will give massive wealth to the company that acquires it first. One is employed by an powerful industrialist named Tully (Tom Wilkinson) and the other is on the payroll of a super CEO named Garsil (Paul Giamatti). Claire and Ray use every cat and mouse tactic in the book to gain the advantage over the other, but their uncontrolled passion for each other could blow apart their missions.

Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who recently helmed Michael Clayton, Duplicity is a web of complex twist and turns that will satisfy anyone looking for an intelligent story, but at the same time the film doesn’t forget about it’s core audience, the romantic comedy crowd. Julia Roberts and Clive Owen have a nice onscreen chemistry, but oddly it’s the co-stars, Giamatti and Wilkinson, who steal most of the spotlight as the power hungry dueling big bosses who hate each other’s guts.

Duplicity is not Get Smart or a Jason Bourne film, so there is no flash with things blowing up and cars skidding on two wheels. Instead it plays out like Oceans Eleven, Twelve, or Thirteen where the characters match wits, instead of firing off bullets. To some the pacing may feel very slow, but if you’ve scene Gilroy’s last film Michael Clayton, you will know that this is his style, and he obvious likes to pay homage to films from the 60’s and 70’s.

Though not a perfect film in any way, Duplicity gets points for trying to stimulate some form of intelligent style. Fans of Julia Roberts, (if there are really any left) will be happy to see her again on screen, and Clive Owen, who has great movie star quality, still has not locked his signature role. Duplicity is definitely worth a look just as long as you accept if for what it is, because it has some good moments, but it will not be labeled a classic.

VIDEO

Presented in 1080p in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, Duplicity looks great on Blu-ray. Colors stand out strong, and blacks are extremely sharp. This film’s visual style is very impressive, making great use of slow motion as well as bringing out the look of the locations. Julia Roberts may have been the pretty woman back in the day, but not to be mean, high-definition does not really flatter her. This is an excellent transfer that will jump off your screen.

AUDIO

Duplicity offers a Dolby Digital DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 track that sounds great, allowing for crisps and clean dialogue. The front speakers will handle most of the work, but background ambience is handled well in street scenes and large location shots. Overall, the audio does the trick without overdoing it.

EXTRAS

Odd, you would think a film of this stature would have some decent bonus goodies, but there’s basically nothing to fill up all the space left on this Blu-ray. The only thing available is an audio commentary track from director Tony Gilroy and his brother, who is the film’s editor, John Gilroy. This one will put sleep to sleep.

BOTTOM LINE

Duplicity is not for everyone, but if you give it a chance it may grow on you. The Blu-ray offers an excellent image and solid sound quality, but the lack of bonus features is a crime. Unless you absolutely loved this film when it was released in theaters, there’s no real reason to buy it, because it is basically only a rental.

SCORES: (out of 5):

The Movie: 3.0

Video: 4.5

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 1.0

Bottom Line: 3.0