Stretch Blu-ray Review
Score: 81
from 1 reviewers
Review Date:
Stretch's true LA acting insights are blurred by craziness and a dull billionaire; fun post-lockdown watch. RECOMMENDED.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 91
Stretch's Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, with a 2.40:1 ratio, MPEG-4 AVC, 1080p, impresses in HD, showcasing excellent clarity, color balance, and stability in its 2014 footage, particularly in low-light scenes. Note: It's Region-A locked.
Audio: 91
This Blu-ray features English DTS-HD MA 5.1 & 2.0 audio with English SDH subtitles. The 5.1 offers an intense, dynamic experience despite occasional uneven dialogue, true to the original mix.
Extra: 56
Stretch's original trailer, Patrick Wilson's insights, and two commentaries delve into its humor, twisted reality, and production details, alongside trailers for other Kino Lorber films.
Movie: 66
Joe Carnahan's Stretch, a chaotic parody with a high-stakes, darkly comic LA tale of an actor-turned-limo driver, is released by Kino Lorber with rich extras.
Video: 91
Stretch" makes its Blu-ray debut with a visually striking presentation that's as sharp as the contours of Los Angeles by night, courtesy of Kino Lorber. The film is showcased in a widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio and benefits from a robust MPEG-4 AVC encoding with a radiant 1080p resolution. It's a testament to the quality of the original production and the meticulous transfer process that the darker scenes—so pivotal in conveying the movie’s mood—are rendered with such precision and depth. There's a wealth of detail to be appreciated here, from the nuanced textures of the city's underbelly to the vibrant hues that punctuate its narrative.
Crafted with care, this edition proves that even films produced in the not-so-distant 2014 can gain a new lease of life through high-quality Blu-ray releases. The work done by Universal Pictures and Kino Lorber ensures that every scene, whether it's bathed in the neon lights of a club or the stark darkness of the night, is delivered with exceptional clarity. The color palette is not only lush but also meticulously balanced, breathing life into every frame and ensuring that the visual storytelling complements the narrative seamlessly.
Moreover, the technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are impeccable. Image stability stands out, providing a solid foundation that allows the dynamic camera work—characterized by swift zooms and cuts—to truly shine without losing an ounce of fluidity or detail. For enthusiasts and Region-A collectors (given this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray), "Stretch" offers not just a movie, but a visually immersive experience that underscores the leap in quality Blu-ray can provide to modern cinema.
Audio: 91
The Blu-ray release of "Stretch" comes equipped with two superior standard audio tracks: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, catering to a broad range of home theater setups. Accompanying these tracks, optional English SDH subtitles are available to ensure accessibility for all viewers. The 5.1 surround sound option particularly stands out for its ability to harness and amplify the cinematic experience right in the comfort of your living room. With this track, expect to be immersed in a soundscape that brings the film's dynamic range and separation to life, making each scene leap out with a level of intensity that audio enthusiasts will appreciate.
However, while the 5.1 audio track promises an engaging auditory journey, it does stumble slightly when it comes to the consistency of dialogue levels. At times, the voice work can appear uneven, leading to instances where dialogue may not be as crisp or as clear as one might prefer, a trait that holds true to the film’s original soundtrack design. This minor hiccup does little to detract from the overall satisfaction but is a point worth noting for those who value dialogue clarity above all else.
In summary, the audio presentation of "Stretch" on Blu-ray presents a largely fulfilling acoustic experience, particularly for those set up for 5.1 surround sound. The meticulous attention to sound separation and dynamic range truly enhances the viewing experience, even if slight adjustments might be needed to catch every piece of dialogue perfectly. It's a testament to the dedication towards offering a versatile and immersive audio experience that complements the visual spectacle of the film.
Extras: 56
The Blu-ray presentation of "Stretch" offers an enticing array of extras that enhances the overall viewing experience by deep diving into the film's unique selling points. The original trailer sets the tone, while an exclusive interview with Patrick Wilson provides firsthand insights into the film's quirky humor and twisted reality. Two distinct audio commentaries offer a wealth of knowledge: one from film historian Eddy Von Mueller, who dissects Joe Carnahan’s directorial nuances and the thematic complexities of "Stretch," and the other from Carnahan himself, along with his children, providing personal reflections and in-depth discussions on the production process, shooting locales in LA, and the film's narrative inspirations. Additional trailers for other Kino Lorber releases add value for cinephiles. Professionals and enthusiasts alike will appreciate the technical fidelity (1080p resolution) and the opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes thoughts and motivations that shaped this unconventional film.
Extras included in this disc:
- Trailer: Original trailer for Stretch.
- Interview with Patrick Wilson: A new video interview discussing his contributions and perspectives on the film.
- Audio Commentary One: Insightful commentary by film historian Eddy Von Mueller.
- Audio Commentary Two: Director Joe Carnahan discusses Stretch alongside his children, focusing on production insights and narrative inspirations.
- Additional Trailers: Trailers for "The Veil," "Thursday," and "Hollywoodland" from Kino Lorber releases.
Movie: 66
Joe Carnahan's "Stretch" (2014) offers a vibrant yet chaotic portrayal of Hollywood's cutthroat underbelly, delivered through the eyes of a down-on-his-luck limo driver played with fervor by Patrick Wilson. Released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, the movie section of the disc includes pristine video quality that does justice to the film’s dynamic visual style, with optional English SDH subtitles enhancing accessibility for various audiences. While the Blu-ray boasts an array of supplementary features, the film itself navigates the gritty path from despair to the desperate clasp at success in Los Angeles with an aggressive pace that occasionally overwhelms.
The narrative accelerates as Stretch, entangled in a web of debt and dodgy dealings, finds himself on a frenetic quest to evade physical harm by courting high-profile clients - a journey peppered with bizarre encounters including whimsically meta performances from David Hasselhoff and Ray Liotta. As he maneuvers through the seedy vistas of LA, buoyed by an audacious screenplay that swings wildly between dark humor and stark nihilism, the film somewhat falters under its ambitious weight. The screenplay's inclination towards extravagance often overshadows more profound observations on the seductive lure and disillusionment endemic to Hollywood's fringes.
Technically, "Stretch" oscillates in presentation quality, melding slick, highly-stylized sequences with moments that feel unexpectedly subdued, contributing to a sense of unevenness that mirrors the protagonist's erratic journey. Despite its shortcomings in consistency and character depth – particularly in its portrayal of Chris Pine's eccentric billionaire – the film succeeds in capturing a raw snapshot of ambition and desperation. This Blu-ray release captures both the essence and excess of Carnahan’s vision, though a tighter narrative focus could have elevated the overall experience.
Total: 81
The Blu-ray release of "Stretch" encapsulates an intriguing yet chaotic venture into the struggles of acting and the pursuit of making ends meet in Los Angeles, as depicted in the film. While the narrative intends to shed light on this harsh reality, it is frequently overshadowed by the frenetic escapades of a coked-up billionaire, an element that arguably detracts from the film's core message. The script, praised by director Joe Carnahan, toggles swiftly into a high-octane mode, transitioning the film into what appears to be a deranged MTV-style parody. This shift is both abrupt and a bit too unwieldy, compromising the potential depth and realism that the storyline aims to portray.
On the technical front, Kino Lorber has delivered an exemplary Blu-ray presentation of "Stretch". The visual and audio quality are noteworthy, ensuring that viewers receive a premium experience that is both immersive and engaging. Despite the narrative hiccups and an occasionally overwhelming pace, the technical execution remains unblemished, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail that elevates the overall viewing experience. This aspect alone might make the film a suitable choice for casual viewing, especially in a relaxed environment post-lockdown, perhaps accompanied by drinks with friends.
In conclusion, while "Stretch" meanders through its narrative with an exuberance that sometimes clouds its deeper themes, its Blu-ray presentation by Kino Lorber stands out for its technical excellence. For aficionados of high-quality home cinema experiences, this release is recommended, bearing in mind the film's stylistic oddities. It represents a curious blend of Hollywood critique and over-the-top storytelling, suited for viewers seeking an unconventional film experience coupled with superior audiovisual quality.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 100
For example, there is quite a bit of darker nighttime and club footage that boasts exceptional depth and clarity, with terrific layers of smaller nuances that are exceptionally easy to recognize....
Audio: 100
There is a lot of footage with great separation and the type of dynamic spikes that modern films like to have when they go to work to impress....
Extras: 60
The bulk of the information that is shared addresses the production of Stretch (via Blumhouse), the shooting locations throughout LA and the sex scenes, the original story that inspired Mr. Carnahan to...
Movie: 70
As it is the screenplay routinely mishandles the many interesting truths that come of Stretch's mouth, and then quite often places the spotlight on the coked-up billionaire, who unfortunately operates...
Total: 70
Regardless, when the lockdowns are lifted, perhaps you might enjoy it while having a drink with a couple of your best pals....
Director: Joe Carnahan
Actors: Patrick Wilson, Ed Helms, James Badge Dale
PlotIn Los Angeles, a struggling limo driver with a gambling addiction is on the verge of hitting rock bottom. With his debt to a Mexican cartel escalating and his job on the line, he desperately needs a way out. He sees a glimmer of hope when he's assigned to chauffeur a mysterious billionaire with a propensity for danger and eccentricity. This job could not only pay off his debts but also provide a fresh start. The catch, however, is that the billionaire's requests are anything but ordinary, plunging the driver into a wild night of adventures, challenges, and unexpected encounters across the city's neon-lit landscape.
As the night progresses, the driver's mission quickly spirals into a series of unpredictable events, drawing him deeper into the city's underworld. He encounters a range of bizarre characters and finds himself in increasingly perilous situations, all while trying to satisfy his demanding client's whims. Amidst the chaos, he is forced to confront his own demons and make dire choices that could ultimately shape his destiny. Through this harrowing ordeal, the limo driver learns hard lessons about trust, redemption, and the price of survival in a city that never sleeps.
Writers: Joe Carnahan, Jerry Corley, Rob Rose
Release Date: 14 Oct 2014
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English