“Skyfall” Blu-ray review

The sumptuous visuals of “Skyfall” make the 23rd James Bond film a natural for Blu-ray. Sam Mendes directed what has ended up being the highest-grossing Bond film of all time. It’s a return to form for the franchise after the slight misstep of “Quantum of Solace” and comes close to matching the highs star Daniel Craig reached in his 2006 near-reboot of the franchise, “Casino Royale.”

For the 50th anniversary of Bond in films, “Skyfall” pays homage to the British special agent’s history. The storyline works on both a straightforward and symbolic level, as Bond is portrayed as an aging throwback to a simpler time.

Javier Bardem is Silva, a creepy hacker with a grudge against M (Judi Dench). His techno-future works against Bond’s bulldog-with-fists approach. The film stays just on the edge of realism throughout, heightening the tension. Silva’s dark reflection of Bond raises some interesting moral dilemmas for those on both sides.

The cinematography of Roger Deakins is an impressive reason to spring for the Blu-ray. Deakins’ work from the intro of the film to the explosive climax makes this film one of the most visually opulent entries in the Bond oeuvre. A fight sequence shot entirely in silhouette, in front of flashing LED billboards and lighting, will be remembered as a Bond classic.