Hardcore Henry Blu-ray Review

Hardcore Henry's first-person POV necessitates the use of GoPro cameras resulting in a unique but constrained visual presentation. With an MPEG-4 AVC encoded 1080p resolution and 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this Blu-ray transfer captures the film's dynamic but muted aesthetic exceptionally well. The high bitrate encode ensures images are clean and relatively sharp, albeit intentionally softened due to the filming technique. Colors are balanced with deeply saturated primaries, but their vibrancy is subdued to align with the gritty atmosphere. Flesh tones appear natural, showcasing subtle textures and variations among cast members, although occasionally lacking full depth.

Dynamic range and black levels exhibit strong performance, presenting a solid shade of deep black without severe compression artifacts. However, some limitations are evident, including occasional noise, macroblocking, and aliasing, especially in whiter scenes such as the lab sequences. The unorthodox use of GoPro cameras inherently brings a certain degree of grain and visual softness that precludes the crispness and detail typical of higher-end cinematography equipment. Despite such intrinsic drawbacks, the depth perception and clarity in this transfer remain impressive given the film's style and structural demands.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Hardcore Henry" delivers an immersive and dynamic listening experience, even though it misses the mark by not offering a more advanced format like DTS:X or Dolby Atmos. Despite this, the track excels in creating a full and detailed soundscape that aligns perfectly with the movie's first-person perspective. The relentless action is backed by sharply mixed low-frequency effects, rendering bass with palpable authority. Surround channels are consistently engaged, heightening the experience with precise panning sweeps and atmospheric ambiance that provide a remarkable sense of envelopment. Dialog is clear and appropriately prioritized, managing to maintain discernible tonal character despite intense background activity.

Fronts and surrounds deliver a punched, dynamic performance that fits the high-octane nature of the film. The sound design ensures action sounds—such as gunfire and explosions—erupt vividly from every channel, enveloping the listener in a veritable sonic battlefield. Near-field sounds and instance-specific cues are accurately rendered, making the viewer feel close to the on-screen action. While the dialog can occasionally be slightly muddied, especially during heavy movement sequences or due to Copley's accent, it remains adequately delivered within the movie's structural parameters. Overall, this track proves its excellence within the constraints and provides an exciting auditory ride that complements the frenzied visuals seamlessly.

Although the absence of a 7.1 or overhead channel mix might leave audiophiles wishing for a bit more, the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track remains notably robust. The music is actively spaced with mild atmospherics, supplementing the adrenaline-fueled activities that dominate the film. The sound mix brings out every bone-crushing blow with deep, throbbing bass levels that keep the audience at the edge of their seats. This is an audio presentation that truly underscores the high-energy adventure of "Hardcore Henry," proving that with a passion for sound design, limitations are merely a minor obstacle.

The Blu-Ray of "Hardcore Henry" offers an engaging collection of extras that provide deep insights into the production and particular action-packed sequences that fans will appreciate. The two audio commentaries, one by director Ilya Naishuller and another featuring both Naishuller and star Sharlto Copley, delve into technical details, behind-the-scenes challenges, and personal anecdotes that enrich the viewing experience. Deleted scenes showcase additional action sequences, including an extended parking garage fight, that add excellent context to the film. The Fan Chat is a Q&A session where Naishuller and Copley answer fan questions, providing intriguing details about the filming process and safety on set. Each extra adds layers of depth and perspective enhancing appreciation of the film's production complexity.

Extras included in this disc:

• 4 Deleted Scenes: Additional action sequences including an extended parking garage fight.
• Fan Chat with Director Ilya Naishuller and Sharlto Copley: A 12-minute Q&A session discussing filmmaking insights.
• Feature Commentary with Director Ilya Naishuller: Solo commentary focusing on technical details and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Feature Commentary with Director Ilya Naishuller and Sharlto Copley: Joint commentary providing additional perspectives.
• Digital HD Copy: Voucher included for a digital copy of the film.

“Hardcore Henry” is an audacious attempt at translating the first-person shooter experience to film, resulting in a high-octane, kinetic thrill ride. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the movie offers a relentless barrage of action and violence, captured entirely from a first-person perspective. The film’s narrative follows Henry, a newly resurrected cyborg with no memory, as he navigates through Moscow's chaotic streets to rescue his kidnapped wife, Estelle. Sharlto Copley's portrayal of Jimmy—a character who takes on multiple personas—provides essential narrative breaks and adds layers of intrigue and humor, preventing the film from devolving into a monotonous action loop.

The novelty of “Hardcore Henry” lies in its video game-inspired visual style, which dominates the cinematic space. The use of a souped-up GoPro to achieve the first-person viewpoint creates an immersive and disorienting visual experience, echoing the fast-paced chaos of first-person shooters like "Doom" and "Wolfenstein." This stylistic choice delivers spectacular stunt work and seamless transitions but risks viewer fatigue due to its unrelenting pace and shaky-cam effect. While the movie trades emotional engagement for sensory assault, its technical brilliance and innovative stunt choreography stand out, providing a visceral viewing experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional action filmmaking.

Despite its thin plot, “Hardcore Henry” excels as a spectacle-focused piece that delivers relentless action and breathtaking stunts. The film is less about narrative depth and more about maintaining a high-energy momentum that keeps audiences on edge. However, its repetitive action sequences can feel tiresome over time. The film's strength lies in its ability to maintain visual chaos and kinetic energy while offering brief yet memorable performances, particularly by Copley. Viewers are encouraged to embrace the movie's novelty and surrender to its frenetic energy for an unparalleled cinematic ride.

"Hardcore Henry" delivers an exhilarating blend of kinetic energy and relentless action, appealing primarily to fans of first-person shooter video games. The movie's unique first-person perspective, although occasionally disorienting, effectively immerses viewers in its adrenaline-fueled stunts and rapid-paced sequences. While the narrative may not be its strongest suit, the film excels in delivering non-stop thrills and impressive technical feats. The comparison to video game titles such as Grand Theft Auto and Mirror's Edge is fitting, as the film captures a similar dynamic of high-octane gunplay and fluid parkour maneuvers.

Universal’s Blu-ray release of "Hardcore Henry" does justice to the film's visual and auditory demands. While the video transfer might not be groundbreaking, it remains lush and detailed, particularly effective on smaller screens. The audio quality shines with robust sound design that enhances the fast-paced action, making full use of surround sound systems. The included extras, although somewhat repetitive in their dual commentary tracks, provide valuable insights for those interested in the film's production intricacies.

In conclusion, "Hardcore Henry" stands out as a technical wonder and a must-watch for action enthusiasts and gamers alike. Its innovative use of perspective offers a fresh cinematic experience, and despite some narrative weaknesses, the movie is a triumphant showcase of modern action choreography and stunt work. Fans will find the Blu-ray edition a worthy addition to their collection, providing both a thrilling home viewing experience and a glimpse into the revolutionary filmmaking techniques behind this high-octane adventure. Recommended.