Getaway Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Getaway" offers a mixed bag of visual quality, shaped heavily by its distinct stylistic choices and digital cinematography. Featuring a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the image predominantly maintains a neutral, cooler color palette fitting with the film’s gritty tone. De-saturated neutral tones and limited complexional variation in flesh tones contribute to a filmic quality. However, the frequent use of low-light settings introduces inconsistencies in background details and delineation, creating a variable visual experience. While close-ups often showcase fine rendering and stable resolution, long-range visuals fall short, appearing two-dimensional without significant depth.

Technically, the video quality is influenced by the H.264 digital HD cameras and shaky-cam techniques, which result in several artifacts like macroblocking, banding, and aliasing. The contrast shows variability—some scenes feature rich, inky black levels with excellent shadow detail, while others suffer from elevated blacks, washing out portions of the image. This inconsistency extends to color rendering; primary colors can be bold and dramatic, yet several scenes appear cloudy or lifeless due to subpar contrast control. Despite these shortcomings, certain scenes manage to deliver crisp detailing and clean edge definition.

In terms of clarity and overall presentation, the action-oriented sequences—dominated by rapid movement and erratic point-of-view shifts—show stark quality dips. The editing style, intended to emulate a live-stream feel, contributes to the tumultuous visual integrity. Nevertheless, when stabilized, the transfer benefits from sharp textures and detailed visuals in clothing, buildings, and facial complexions. Although equipment-specific setups were not discussed, it’s clear that the video was meticulously designed to support the high-octane narrative, even if the execution varied from scene to scene. Ultimately, while "Getaway" has significant visual strengths during stationary scenes, its action sequences reveal pronounced weaknesses that detract from a uniformly impressive presentation.

"Getaway" boasts a high-octane DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that injects palpable energy into its action sequences. The dialogue remains crystal clear and well-prioritized, sitting prominently at the forefront of the mix. The film’s dynamic range is impressive, with a robust low end that shakes, rattles, and slams during the numerous car crashes and explosions, creating a viscerally immersive experience. The Shelby GT500 Super Snake’s growl is particularly noteworthy, adding authenticity and intensity to the high-speed chases. The implementation of spatial dimension and directional sounds is effectively done, ensuring that every vehicle maneuver and on-road collision resonates with precision.

The rear speakers provide an immersive backdrop, effectively capturing the vehicular chaos and wild in-car effects, even though they can sometimes feel overpowered in their execution—it suits the film’s frenetic pace. Mid-range frequencies are extensive and meticulously detailed, steering clear of distortion, while transitions between the front three channels are clean and convincing. The LFE output is substantial, a definite highlight that elevates the power station sequence to an almost tangible level, making it a must-hear for those with capable subwoofers. Surround effects are expertly diffused throughout the soundfield, adding subtle atmospheric layers that enhance immersion.

Overall, Warner Bros. has delivered an audio presentation that amplifies the cinematic experience. While the film itself may be polarizing, there's no denying the impact of its sound design. This DTS-HD Master Audio track is engineered to thrill, capturing every high-speed element of the action-packed narrative, offering an audio experience as loud and clear as the roaring engines themselves. For aficionados of automotive chaos and robust soundscapes, this Blu-ray audio presentation is a standout performer.

The Blu-ray release of "Getaway" features a selection of brief, high-definition featurettes that delve into the filmmaking process behind the intense car chase sequences. While each segment is concise, clocking in at just over a minute each, they collectively offer a glimpse into the movie's intricate stunts, practical effects, and on-set experiences. Each featurette impressively highlights the film's commitment to practical effects with minimal CGI, emphasizing real explosions and vehicular mayhem. Despite their brevity, these extras provide insight into the technical and creative efforts involved in producing "Getaway," including notable contributions from Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez.

Extras included in this disc:

• Crash Cams: Overview of using 18-42 cameras for each take to capture dynamic angles.
• Destroying a Custom Shelby: Insight into the custom-built Shelby used in the film.
• Metal & Asphalt: Discussion on the use and destruction of 130 cars without CGI.
• Selena Gomez on Set: Brief interview with Selena Gomez about her role and experience.
• The Train Set: Behind-the-scenes look at key action sequences with real explosions.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy

"Getaway," directed by Courtney Solomon, features former race car driver Brent Magna (Ethan Hawke) in a desperate attempt to save his kidnapped wife by following the commands of a mysterious villain, The Voice (Jon Voight), while driving a Shelby GT500 Super Snake. The movie is a high-octane, action-packed thriller with numerous car chases and explosive collisions. However, despite its promise of delivering an adrenaline-fueled experience, it ultimately falls short due to a shoddy script, incoherent editing, and implausible plot twists.

The narrative's inadequacies are glaring, from underdeveloped characters to mindless plotlines. Ethan Hawke, though talented, is underutilized, often overshadowed by the film's true star – the Shelby Mustang. Selena Gomez's portrayal of The Kid, a young carjacker with impressive hacking skills, fails to impress, her performance grating and unconvincing. The fast-paced action sequences, while thrilling at times, are hindered by rapid-fire editing, resulting in an incoherent mess that detracts from the enjoyment of any carefully choreographed stunts.

While some car enthusiasts may find solace in the relentless parade of high-speed chases and metal-on-metal violence, "Getaway" leaves much to be desired. The only saving grace is the use of real stunt actors and minimal CGI, which adds a touch of authenticity to the chaotic car crashes. Unfortunately, this is not enough to salvage a film bogged down by its lackluster narrative and poorly executed dialogue. Overall, "Getaway" is a misfire that squanders the potential of its cast and concept in a blur of uninspired storytelling and subpar execution.

"Getaway" attempts to deliver a high-adrenaline, fast-paced experience characterized by relentless vehicular chaos. However, its promise of high-octane thrills is undermined by subpar performances and a lackluster plot that fails to engage at a meaningful level. The film's narrative stumbles significantly, delivering moments of tension that are overshadowed by the pedestrian storyline. That being said, the Blu-ray release impresses with its near reference-quality video and immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, ensuring that the action sequences are delivered with an auditory punch.

Despite the film’s substantial storytelling and acting flaws, there remains a niche audience who appreciate its specific brand of action-packed mayhem. The Blu-ray presentation benefits from an excellent picture and sound quality, which could entice fans to overlook its shortcomings. The bonus features, however, leave much to be desired, consisting of a meager six-minute behind-the-scenes look. This lackluster supplemental package fails to add any substantial value to the purchase, making it a title best suited for rental rather than a must-have addition to one’s personal collection.

In conclusion, "Getaway" on Blu-ray strikes a balance between technical excellence and cinematic mediocrity. While the film itself may not appeal broadly due to its narrative limitations, the technical aspects of the Blu-ray release offer a visual and auditory experience worth noting. For those intrigued by high-speed chases and explosive car stunts, renting before committing to purchase might be the wise approach. This release stands as a testament to how technical prowess can sometimes elevate the presentation of even the most critically panned films.