Over 36 hours in three different wars, a small group of soldiers grapples with mortality, futility and an increasingly volatile combat situation.
For thoughts on Foxhole, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Foxhole makes its Blu-Ray debut with a strong 1080p video presentation that should please most audiences. The image is clean with the nuanced, shifting color palette popping off the screen. Colors are more subdued in the first shadowy segment before getting to the crisp black-and-white portion and eventually the earthy finale. All three segments and the ending montage all deliver vibrant imagery which this disc handles well.
The presentation shows off an impressive amount of depth given the confined space the characters find themselves in throughout. The production design along with the fabrics of clothing provide crystal clear textural details. The black levels occasionally struggle ever so slightly with depth and show signs of crush and banding in certain shots. Compression artifacts rarely show up outside of a couple of fleeting moments. The flesh tones are natural with a magnificent amount of detail present in close-ups. There are a few areas where this disc could possibly be improved, but overall this Blu-Ray is a fine representation of this movie.
Audio Quality
Yellow Veil Pictures delivers a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track which does an impeccable job of bringing this tale to life. Environmental sounds of the world engage the surround speakers in an effective way that ramps up the tension of the scenario. While the characters are hunkered down in these cramped spaces, there are some intriguing ambient details that flesh out the setting. Dialogue is the driving force of the film, and it always comes through clearly without being clipped by any competing sounds.
The music in the film is effective and well-balanced while maintaining its fidelity. Hard-hitting moments are not a consistent part of this track, but a few moments deliver the goods such as gunfire. Otherwise, the low end of the track mostly provides some nice texture to the more dialogue-driven stretches. The audio track is very effective from beginning to end.
Special Features
- Introduction: A minute-long optional introduction is provided here in which director Jack Fessenden gives some context to the film including how long it has been in development and his personal reflections on the experience.
- Audio Commentary: Director Jack Fessenden provide a sturdy and informative commentary track in which he discusses the realities of the production, the ways in which they utilized the locations and digital enhancements, motivations behind certain choices, the complications of indie filmmaking, allowing room for the script to be tweaked and much more that makes for an entertaining track.
- Behind The Scenes Documentary: A really terrific 90-minute documentary is provided here which takes you through each step of the process including discussions about the development of the script, meetings with experts to get the combat details correct, scouting for props and other materials, costume fittings, cast table readings, the production of the three time periods, the sound design and more.
- Animation Diary: A nearly 13-minute time-lapse video of various scenes being prepared along with other moments from the set capturing filming.
- Q&A From MOMA: A nearly 13-minute Q&A from April 2022 is provided here in which Fessenden discusses the background of the film, aesthetic choices, how the pandemic impacted the final film and more.
- All For One (Short Film): A 24-minute short film is provided which details an adventure into these woods with a group of friends that goes horribly wrong when attention is split. This is obviously made by a young, burgeoning filmmaker, but it is well executed for what it is. This is provided with a minute-long introduction from Fessenden putting it into context.
- “No Jockin’” By Darquell (Music Video): A three-minute music video is provided here.
- Booklet: A multi-page booklet featuring the essay “Bunkered In: Recurring War Stories In Jack Fessenden’s Foxhole” from film critic Anton Bitel is provided here. This piece gives a well-rounded analysis of the themes and structure of the film.
Final Thoughts
Foxhole has a very intriguing premise which hopes to paint a thematic throughline across the years and conflicts. The film somewhat accomplishes this, but at times the messaging can be a bit murky and the scenarios as presented can be a bit theatrical rather than grounded in gritty realism which the scenario likely needs. The film improves the more you engage with it, but there is always a sense that the film is being held back by various constraints. Jack Fessenden has crafted a well-made, personal story that has moments of greatness along with stretches of tedium. It’s a solid effort from a filmmaker who will only grow stronger with experience. Yellow Veil Pictures and Vinegar Syndrome have released a Blu-Ray featuring a really good A/V presentation and a great assortment of special features. Recommended
Foxhole is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Yellow Veil Pictures and Vinegar Syndrome have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.