Nominated for "best foreign film" of 2009, "A PROPHET" is now available on blu-ray from SONY. Director Jacquues Audiard's film comes close to being a masterpiece, only to become slightly derailed for about 30 minutes a little more than half-way through. It focuses on a young Arab, Malik, as he begins his 6 year sentence in a French prison. While it's obvious he just wants to stay low, and just do his time without any problems or desire for anything other than to get through the sentence, fate and other really awful prisoners force him to make drastic moves, that sometimes aren't even choices, but necessities for survival.

Even when Malik has his shoes stolen from him, he chooses not to extract revenge. Unfortunately, the arrival of Reyeb, a fellow prisoner, willing to turn evidence against the mob, sets events into motion that Malik can't escape from. A Corsican gang in jail confronts Malik, giving him the ultimatum of killing Reyeb, and earning their limited respect, or being killed instead. It's not a real choice for someone wanting to live. The act brings about the film's first real sense of violence, in a particularly disturbing scene. The killing has created a slow, but impactful effect on Malik, wracked with guilt, that enables and guides him into becoming a force of nature which the Corsicans and anyone standing in his way, will have to be concerned with. "A PROPHET" has a lot of themes and sub-texts occurring, making it even more impressive with repeated viewings. It's not exactly a "masterpiece," but coming "close" to being one, is impressive enough!

SONY has provided the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio for this AVC-MPEG 4 1080p blu-ray. While the film has an intentionally bleak, cold tone to most of its prison scenes, other scenes glisten with vibrant color and light. Detail is stunning throughout, aided by inky blacks. Grain is a constant but necessary fixture, giving the image the film-like, gritty feel it requires. The image never falls flat. REFERENCE QUALITY!

SONY has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. For a dialogue-driven film, it's more immersive than expected. From beginning to end, the prison environment is heightened by the terrific fidelity and ambient effects of this lossy mix. Bass is impactful, and there are few "quiet" moments, but even the most subtle effects are extremely impressive. Music, dialogue and a variety of surround effects are perfectly balanced throughout. A great mix!

SONY has included some extras, including a great commentary with the film's lead actor, director and co-writer. While the commentary is in French, with english subtitles, it's really worth listening to and filled with virtually every tid-bit of info fans and aspiring filmmakers would want to know. Deleted scenes, screen tests, and rehearsal footage, are only offered in 480p, while trailers are offered in 1080p.