The Proposition (2005)

A savage Western set in Australia's Outback, The Proposition is relentless in its intensity and bloody imagery. Set in the late 19th century, the film tells the brutal story of a gang of brothers that kills not out of desperation, but because they can. Arthur Burns (Danny Huston) is the mastermind who shares little in common (other than total disregard for human life) with his younger brother Charlie (Guy Pearce, L.A. Confidential, Memento). When Charlie and their baby brother Mike (Richard Wilson) are captured, Charlie is offered a proposition to save their necks from the gallows. "Suppose, Mr. Burns, I was to give both you and your young brother Mikey, here, a pardon," offers Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone). "Suppose I said that I could give you the chance to expunge the guilt beneath which you so clearly labor.... Now, suppose you tell me what it is I want from you." Without blinking, Charlie says, "You want me to kill my brother." For most people, this would be an unthinkable proposition. For Charlie, the answer's obvious. He'll do whatever he has to spare his own life, even if that means trading his for Arthur's. The Proposition at times is a difficult film to watch. But thanks to a compelling story by rocker Nick Cave and a supporting cast (including Emily Watson as the Captain's gentle wife), the film is a classic in the making. --Jae-Ha Kim Amazon.com

A Unique Western

The Proposition definitely stands out in a crowd. The beautiful camerawork and intense emotional drama compensate for the somewhat slow pace of the film. However, its' unconventional, graphic climax is well worth waiting for. There is no good or bad guy in the movie; it's only people, motivated to do good or bad. And these motivations make the film stand out and give it a very realistic tone. If you get a chance, see this one. December 13, 2008

Best quality Blu ray for a bargin price.

This is a gritty western with great performances and is the Blu ray that shows you can have great quality for a low price. October 4, 2008

Movie: 4/5 Picture Quality: 3.5~4.5/5 Sound Quality: 4/5 Extras: 4/5

Version: U.S.A / Region A, B, C(?)
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
VC-1 BD-25 / Advanced Profile 3
Running time: 1:44:00 (h:m:s)
Movie size: 18,50 GB
Disc size: 24,05 GB
Total bit rate: 23.72 Mbps
Average video bit rate: 14.99 Mbps

Dolby TrueHD Audio English 3347 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 3347kbps (AC3 Core: 5.1 / 48kHz / 640kbps)
DTS-HD Audio English 2046 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 2046kbps (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 1536kbps)
Dolby Digital Audio English 224 kbps 2.0 / 48kHz / 224kbps
Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48kHz / 192kbps

Subtitles: English SDH / Spanish
Number of chapters: 12

#Audio Commentary
#Inside the Proposition (SD, 68 minutes)
#The Making of The Proposition (SD, 28 minutes)
#Deleted Scenes (SD, 12 minutes)
#Photo Gallery
#Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2 minutes)
#Trailers

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Version: U.K / Region A, B & C(?)
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
MPEG-4 AVC BD-25
Running time: 1:43:52 (h:m:s)
Movie size: 20,67 GB
Disc size: 22,52 GB
Total bit rate: 26.54 Mbps
Average video bit rate: 19.99 Mbps
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Dolby TrueHD 5.1 16-bit
DD AC3 5.1 640Kbps

************************************************** September 21, 2008

Outstanding, underappreciated piece of work

I had intended to see this movie for a long time, but never really gotten around to it. I was finally sprung into action when I heard that John Hillcoat would be directing the upcoming adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Road (outstanding book, by the way). In short, let me simply say that not only has my excitement for that film increased ten fold, but I have a new film in my top 10. The performances to a one are pitch-perfect, with Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone leading the charge as men forced to make difficult decisions by the circumstances which surround them. The dialogue is outstanting, the premise is unique and compelling and the direction is truly perfect. I cannot recommend this overlooked gem enough. September 8, 2008

A great western set in the Australian Outback!!! A great Blu-Ray Disc!

Sad to see that this great little western did not the exposure it derserved!!! It's well acted,written and paced!!! Great acting from all,Guy Pearce,Ray Winstone,John Hurt,Emily Watson,etc!!! This great film was written by Nick Cave of Bad Seeds fame!!! Great picture and sound quality that you come to expect from a Blu Ray Disc,plus there are some great extras to boot!!!(considering this disc is from First Look Studios,a pretty small independent company!)Actually this great disc has a great wealth of material for the price tag!!! A very recommended Blu Ray title!!! A+ September 6, 2008

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