Latest news with #Swordfish
Geek Vibes Nation
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Swordfish' Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review - Outlandish But Fun Cyber-Thriller Excess
The 90s saw an ever-growing number of action-thrillers based around computers and the internet as more and more people connected to the information superhighway. Fresh from the success of The Matrix, legendary producer Joel Silver (Road House, The Invasion) would ride the wave of this global phenomenon into the next millennium with high concept hit Swordfish. Former master hacker Stanley Jobson (Hugh Jackman) is on parole after getting caught infiltrating an FBI program. Even so much as glancing at a computer could send him straight back to prison, but Stanley's new offline life is interrupted when he's approached by the mysterious Gabriel Shear (John Travolta), who offers him $10 million for one last hacking job. Unable to resist the lure of the computer screen, Stanley accepts and finds himself caught in the middle of a complex web of intrigue involving several covert agencies and a nine billion-dollar government slush fund. Slick, stylish and action-packed, Swordfish is a nail-biting high-tech thriller from its explosive opening to its thrilling climax, with a great supporting cast including Halle Berry, Don Cheadle and Vinnie Jones. For thoughts on Swordfish, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: Video Quality Arrow Films presents Swordfish with a grand 2160p transfer in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 16-bit 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative in 4K HDR/Dolby Vision approved by director Dominic Sena. This is a very visually distinct film, and there are some technological drawbacks, but fans will find this to be a monumental improvement from the ancient VC-1 encoded Blu-Ray from 2006. One of the most obvious upgrades for this film is the implementation of Dolby Vision for expanded color output that captures the nuances of the cinematography of Paul Cameron. The new restoration brings out the bold colors of the filters with the proper complexity. Outfits and strong lighting choices likewise saturate the screen with incredible depth. Black levels are deep and nuanced with nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights are handled with care to avoid blooming. This new transfer features nothing in the way of lingering print damage. This refined presentation always appears natural with no digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or other such nuisances making an appearance. Fans waiting for this to be given a proper presentation are in for a treat. The picture retains a proper amount of natural film grain that relishes in the textural details of the settings. The grain is consistent without clumping or turning into noise. The textures on display in the costumes and high-tech production design are exquisite. This disc handles every locale with the same level of care. Some of the special effects in the beginning with the bullet time are quite dated, but that is not an issue with the transfer itself. This looks about as pleasing as one could hope. The enhanced detail and clarity will allow you to discern elements of the production design you may not have noticed before. Arrow Video has brought the standard level of quality they give to each release. Audio Quality This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with the original DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio surround sound track along with a stereo track which captures this film quite favorably. One of the prominent elements of this experience is the Paul Oakenfold score that gets you in a futuristic headspace as characters indulge in ridiculous hacking exercises. Every sound fills the speakers well and sets the tone that makes the movie pulse with energy. Even with its power, dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overshadowed by any sound effects or music. There is an ideal sense of directionality when it comes to deploying sounds from the appropriate channels. Even during the most chaotic moments, like the thrilling car chase shootout, elements stay firmly defined as the low end shows off. There are no issues with fidelity or damage to the tracks. This audio presentation is a winner on all fronts. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. Special Features The first pressing of the Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Swordfish includes a multi-page booklet featuring new writing on the film by film critic Priscilla Page and an article from American Cinematographer about the film's opening sequence. These works provide a great analysis of the film and the talent at large in a thoughtfully written style. This package also includes a double-sided poster. The on-disc special features are as follows: Audio Commentary: Director Dominic Sena provides an archival commentary track in which he recounts many great anecdotes about working with the performers, the shot composition, the structure of the narrative, the influences on various moments, and more. Soundtrack Hacker: A new nearly 13-minute interview with composer Paul Oakenfold in which he discusses his love of film, scoring a movie for the first time on this production, learning the process from other composers, guiding the energy of each scene, and more. How To Design A Tech Heist: A new nearly 21-minute interview with production designer Jeff Mann in which he discusses his background, early opportunities in features, finding a space for Swordfish , creating the aesthetic for the film, and more. HBO First Look – Swordfish: A 15-minute promotional piece that gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the film alongside interviews with the cast and creative team. Effects In Focus – The Flying Bus: An eight-minute archival look at how the team pulled off the exciting finale. Planet Rock Club Reel: A four-minute music video for the Paul Oakenfold tune. Swordfish – In Conversation: A 13-minute vintage collection of interviews in which the cast and creative team reveal interesting facts and amusing moments from the production. Alternate Endings: There are two alternate endings provided in upscaled standard definition with optional audio commentary from director Dominic Sena. Alternate Ending #1 (3:48) Alternate Ending #2 (2:08) Theatrical Trailer (2:12) Final Thoughts Swordfish is a patently outlandish film at times, yet there is no doubt that it provides a lot of unhinged fun that makes it a blast to watch. There is a practical sensibility to the production that many movies do not indulge in these days, but the tactile nature of what you are viewing on screen is part of what makes it so thrilling. Sure, John Travolta looks ridiculous and the plot is extremely over the top (and we won't get into the depiction of women). Nevertheless, you have some very charismatic performers going all in on a feature that delivers what it promises with some directorial flair. It's dumb fun, but it is indeed fun. Arrow Video has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a fantastic A/V presentation and a nice assortment of new and archival special features. If you are a fan of the film, don't miss this excellent release. Recommended Swordfish will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray on June 10, 2025. Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Arrow Video has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Seamec Ltd (BOM:526807) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Expansion Amid Revenue ...
Release Date: May 28, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Seamec Ltd (BOM:526807) has secured a long-term charter for the vessel Swordfish, effective from May 21, with a stable rate of $78,000 per day for 730 days. The company has acquired a new vessel, NPP Nusantara, for $23 million, financed through a mix of debt and internal resources, indicating strategic expansion. Seamec Ltd's wholly-owned subsidiary in Dubai has formed a joint venture, Pre India IFC Private Limited, to enhance its leasing, buying, and selling operations. The entire fleet is currently operational, which is a positive development for the company's utilization rates and revenue generation. The company is optimistic about the upcoming financial year, expecting it to be a year of results, delivery, and performance improvements. Seamec Ltd reported a 12% year-on-year decline in consolidated topline revenue for Q4 2025, reflecting challenges in maintaining revenue growth. The company experienced a decline in EBITDA and profit after tax due to unscheduled breakdowns and less deployment of certain vessels. There were significant losses on the consolidated business part, attributed to the development stage of the UK business and non-cash depreciation items. The vessel Swordfish was idle from March until May due to unforeseen circumstances, impacting potential revenue during that period. The company faces challenges in expanding into new geographical markets due to the lack of available vessels for new contracts. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with BOM:526807. Q: Given the increase in long-term debt, what strategies are in place to manage debt levels and ensure financial stability going forward? A: Vinay Agrawal, CFO, clarified that the company has not taken any additional debt in the last financial year and has been repaying existing debt. The company plans to use cash reserves for future acquisitions to minimize debt exposure. Q: What is the current order pipeline and how do you see that reflecting in revenue in the upcoming quarter? A: Vinay Agrawal, CFO, stated that all vessels are currently deployed, except for one that will be off-hired during the monsoon season. The rest are on long-term contracts, ensuring stable revenue. Q: Can you explain the reason for the consolidated business losses and when do you expect it to be profitable? A: Rajiv Goel, Non-Executive Director, explained that the losses are primarily due to depreciation and interest provisions. The Dubai subsidiary is already profitable, and the UK business is expected to be cash flow positive by FY 2026-27. Q: Why is there variability in tax liability across quarters? A: Vinay Agrawal, CFO, explained that tax liability varies due to the nature of vessel operations and the timing of profits. Some vessels are taxed at normal rates, while others have minimal tax due to their operational structure. Q: Are there any plans to expand operations into new geographical markets or sectors? A: Rajiv Goel, Non-Executive Director, mentioned that while there are no immediate plans for expansion into new markets, the company is acquiring new vessels with firm contracts, ensuring stable operations in existing markets. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hugh Jackman's best mate breaks his silence on Aussie actor's messy divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness
's best friend has broken his silence on the actor's messy divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness. Australian radio presenter Gus Worland, who went to primary school with Hugh, appeared on 2GB's Ben Fordham Live on Thursday and revealed how the Wolverine actor is doing amid the drama. 'No one wants anyone to go through what he is and he is going through it publicly because of his fame,' Gus began. 'One thing I have been really strict on is to let Hugh and Deborra-Lee do what they have had to do. I was over in New York with him last month and he is fine. He is going along well.' Gus said Hugh was moving his life in a positive direction and he wished the same for Deborra-Lee. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'He is moving on with his life. I hope Deb does as well. They were together for 30 years and have two beautiful kids together,' he said. 'I go to their kids and ask them what we can do to make sure they get through this as best as possible.' Gus has gone on many wild adventures with the famous actor, 56, including singing songs at Kirk Douglas' 100th, private jet rides, overseas birthdays and smoking Cuban cigars on the set of Hugh's 2001 thriller film Swordfish. In a 2021 interview with Stellar magazine, he revealed their friendship began at the young age of five in the early '70s. 'At age five at Pymble Public School, the teacher goes, "OK, grab someone by the hand." I get Wolverine,' he recalled. The pair have been inseparable since, enjoying a friendship for over five decades. His comments come after Hugh made a telling post as his ex-wife Deborra-Lee officially filed for divorce. The Greatest Showman star took to Instagram on Wednesday to post a clip of him nailing a skipping routine in his show Hugh Jackman Live From New York With Love, which he's performing at Radio City Music Hall. It comes after Deborra-Lee took a swipe at her estranged husband amid the flurry of rumours that he cheated on her with his current girlfriend Sutton Foster However, it was the clip's chosen background track - NSYNC's Bye Bye Bye - that raised eyebrows considering the recent divorce developments. The video, which was posted to his 34.1 million followers, is clearly a reference to Deadpool & Wolverine, the 2024 flick that he filmed with Ryan Reynolds which features the hit song. However the timing of the post - as well as its one word caption of 'Finally' - made it extremely cryptic. The video was posted the same day that Deborra-Lee took a swipe at her estranged husband amid the flurry of rumours he cheated on her with his current girlfriend Sutton Foster. Following her decision to officially file for divorce from the Les Miserables star two years after announcing their separation, the Australian actress, 69, addressed her heartbreak in an exclusive statement to 'My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,' she said. Their marriage started to fall apart during Covid, as previously reported by around the same time that Jackman struck up a friendship with Foster, his costar on the 2022 Broadway revival of The Music Man. Hugh and Deborra-Lee announced the end of their marriage in a shock statement in September 2023, telling fans that they were 'shifting' and as a result had decided to 'separate to pursue our individual growth.' They were married in Melbourne, Australia, in April 1996 before adopting their son Oscar, now 24, in 2000. Five years later they completed their family unit when they adopted daughter Ava, 19.
South China Morning Post
15-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong immigration officers arrest 43 in crackdown on illegal employment
Hong Kong immigration authorities have arrested 43 people, including domestic helpers, in an eight-day crackdown on illegal employment. Advertisement The 35 suspected illegal workers and eight alleged employers were apprehended after officers raided at least 58 targeted locations, including restaurants and canteens, the Immigration Department revealed on Tuesday. The operation, code-named 'Swordfish', was held between April 7 and 14. 'We urge employers not to arrange for or require foreign domestic helpers to be employed by any other person to perform any other duties to avoid being held criminally liable,' Senior Immigration Officer Fu Chit-ho said. 'We also call on employers to pay more attention to the behaviour of foreign domestic workers, such as observing whether they look tired when they come back from days off, or whether they wear clothes similar to work uniforms when they go out.' Advertisement The suspected illegal workers – eight men and 27 women – are aged between 20 and 60 and mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia. Most of them were arrested while they were washing dishes, handling meals or cleaning in canteens and restaurants, the department said.
