For reasons defying comprehension, one of the best foreign films of recent memory, "THE STONING OF SORAYA M." was completely overlooked at this past year's Oscars.  The film, mostly in Farsi, is bookended by an opening/end sequence describing how this true story came to light, and these moments are just as equally dramatic and tense as the rest. Jim Caviezel plays the French journalist, whom upon having his car break down, must stop for repairs in a remote Iranian village. It's obvious the villagers coming to meet him are all concerned about his arrival, wanting him out quickly,...all but one of them, that is. Zahra, a bold woman is trying to meet him discretely, hoping to reveal a horrible crime that has taken place there. But, of course, as the film points out, in the eyes of fanatical Muslims, what they're hiding is no crime at all. The mere fact that there are people who would try to argue or get hysterical about the blatant fact that anyone jumping up and down with fervor  at the prospect of stoning anyone, let alone an innocent woman, is lower than any animal, is part of the bigger problem that this film touches upon.  There are those in the world, condemning America, for whatever arguable wrongs it does, but whom, at the same time condone and even want to have full Sharia law in place, over the entire world. What disgusting people! "THE STONING OF SORAYA M." is not for the squeamish. For those who were able to watch "BRAVEHEART" without a wince, the ending torture of William Wallace, ...child's play for the unrelenting bird's eye point of view of the "Stoning" occurring towards the film's end. "THE STONING OF SORAYA M," in spite of its horrific conclusion, is anything but exploitative. The direction, cinematography, script, music, acting and everything else compliments a tragic, engrossing film, that offers short respites of beauty. "THE STONING OF SORAYA M" is an important film, and should not be missed!

LIONSGATE FILMS has provided the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio for this MPEG-2 1080p blu-ray.  Shot on the high-def camera system lately used by Michael Mann and David Fincher, the vast majority of the image looks incredible! Colors, while often confined to the blacks and whites of clothing, and browns and greens of the exterior locations, are strong. The compositions and depth are consistently impressive in virtually every shot. "Virtually," meaning with the exception of darker scenes, wherein detail is severely diminished by the limitations of high-def camera in poor lighting. Thankfully, these moments are few.

LIONSGATE FILMS has provided a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix.  Why LIONSGATE, a company well known for providing DTS-HD MA 7.1 mixes when most others are only offering 5.1 at best, didn't offer a lossy mix for this film, is troubling. Still, the lack of a lossy mix doesn't prevent the standard mix from being effective. Dialogue-focused, "THE STONING OF SORAYA M" doesn't need to rely on surround effects to bring the viewer into its gripping drama. Ambient effects are utilized to create a 360 degree atmosphere, with temperance in mind. But, surrounds are primarily used to boost the film's powerful score and the pivotal stoning sequence, wherein discrete, LFE and surround effects do create an immersive experience that will surely disturb more viewers than please them.

LIONSGATE FILMS has provided some extras for this release.  In addition to the two, highly recommended commentaries(although both get a little tedious in spots)the theatrical trailer is included, along with a terrific documentary, comprised of three parts, offering nearly 45 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, and none of it is fluff. Really worth checking out!