Tracers Blu-ray Review

"Tracers" Blu-ray, presented by Lionsgate Films, showcases a commendable AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.40:1. Shot digitally using Red Epic cameras, the film maintains sharpness and detailed resolution throughout most of the presentation. Despite the frequent use of handheld camera techniques, fine details remain crisp, particularly in close-ups. The film employs a bifurcated color grading scheme, with alternating yellow and blue sequences that add a cinematic checkerboard effect. This approach, while somewhat repetitive, does not significantly detract from the visual clarity. However, there are minimal issues with shadow detail during some of the film's darkest moments which thankfully do not devolve into total crush. Overall, image stability is maintained without any notable compression artifacts.

The digitally shot stunt photography offers thrilling visuals but introduces some technical inconsistencies. Lower resolution cameras, likely GoPros, result in noticeable degradation during stunt sequences—showing softer images and increased motion blur that contrast sharply with the otherwise bright and detailed New York scenery. The color accuracy also varies; while static shots exhibit vibrant primary colors, handheld shots often appear washed out. Additionally, black levels and shadow details fluctuate markedly. Certain scenes exhibit rich, inky blacks and clear separation, while others suffer from crushed blacks and blown-out contrast. This inconsistency renders the visual experience somewhat erratic but still largely engaging.

Overall, "Tracers" on Blu-ray presents a visually mixed experience, where the digital capture yields moments of striking detail and depth, but intermittent lapses in resolution and color fidelity during high-action scenes prevent a uniformly stellar presentation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track in 'Tracers' offers an immersive and well-balanced experience, capturing the bustling atmosphere of Manhattan with commendable fidelity. The track excels in dynamic range and spatial placement, providing a vivid sense of surrounding, whether it’s the ambient traffic noises or the quick footsteps of characters navigating through various environments. Despite occasional moments that feel slightly crowded, the prioritization of sound effects is spot on, ensuring clarity and precision. Dialogue is presented clearly and cleanly throughout, maintaining high fidelity without distortion.

This audio presentation adeptly handles both the high-octane action sequences and quieter moments, maintaining a consistent level of quality that keeps viewers engaged. The imaging is particularly noteworthy; sounds seamlessly move through the channels, enhancing the dynamic nature of scenes. From the invigorating New York traffic scenes to thrilling rooftop chases, there’s an excellent sense of atmosphere without any need for constant adjustments to the volume. Overall, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track in 'Tracers' is a fantastic, problem-free audio experience that adds significant value to the viewing experience.

The extras provided for the Blu-ray of "Tracers" offer insightful and engaging behind-the-scenes content that enhances appreciation of the film's production. "The Art of Motion: The Making of Tracers" is a standout, providing a detailed look at the rigorous preparations for the action sequences, which adds depth to understanding the physical demands on the actors. This featurette is well-produced and above average in terms of quality. Additionally, the "Director's Pitch Reel" is presented in a faux documentary style, offering an intriguing vision of what the film could have been. These extras are both informative and entertaining, making them a valuable addition to the Blu-ray package.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Art of Motion: The Making of Tracers: Provides a fun and informative look at the preparations for filming action sequences.
• Director's Pitch Reel: A faux documentary that presents an engaging alternate vision for the film.

"Tracers," featuring Taylor Lautner as protagonist Cam, is an adrenaline-fueled ride through the urban jungle of New York City, blending the worlds of high-speed bike messaging and the daring athleticism of parkour. The movie opens with a nerve-wracking sequence that intercuts between Lautner navigating the treacherous streets of Manhattan and a group of parkour enthusiasts defying gravity across rooftops and alleyways. This high energy leads to an unfortunate collision, literally, between Cam and parkour practitioner Nikki (Marie Avgeropoulos), who inadvertently catalyzes Cam's deeper plunge into financial desperation and the illegal parkour underground.

From a technical perspective, "Tracers" is an impressive feat. Director Daniel Benmayor harnesses a variety of high-octane camerawork, including shaky cam techniques that elevate the breathless energy of parkour sequences. The physical choreography is executed with remarkable precision, and Lautner's commitment to performing many of his stunts himself is visually compelling. However, despite these strengths, the film falters as soon as the action pauses. The plot is riddled with inexplicable leaps in logic and dialogue scenes that do little to engage the viewer. This shortfall extends to the character development as well; Lautner's performance outside of the stunts comes off as lackluster and uninspired, lending a flatness to the overall narrative.

Ultimately, "Tracers" feels like an extended parkour video—thrilling at first but losing its edge when stretched to feature-length. The screenplay lacks depth, with characterization and stakes feeling undercooked. Comparisons to "Premium Rush" will be inevitable, but whereas "Premium Rush" pairs its action with a coherent and engaging story, "Tracers" struggles to balance its dazzling physicality with a compelling narrative. Despite its technical bravado and moments of intense thrills, "Tracers" disappoints due to its shallow storyline and weak character arcs.

"Tracers" is a frenetic, action-packed film that prominently features the impressive parkour skills of its lead actor, Taylor Lautner. The film revolves around a bike messenger entangled in a web of crime while trying to escape enemies and financial woes. Lautner's physical prowess and the well-executed stunt sequences dominate the screen, providing a high level of visual engagement for action aficionados. However, the plot development falls short, as it lacks depth and fails to support the action scenes effectively, making the narrative feel disjointed.

The technical aspects of the Blu-Ray release are commendable. The high-definition visuals capture the kinetic energy of the parkour sequences with vivid clarity, and the audio presentation ensures an immersive experience with well-balanced soundscapes. The Blu-Ray also includes a few fringe extras that add minimal value but are appreciated additions for those interested in behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, "Tracers" is a film that shines largely because of its stunning stunts and vivid A/V presentation but falters due to its weak storyline and characterization. Taylor Lautner delivers a noteworthy performance in action sequences, yet his acting range leaves much to be desired. While the film may appeal to parkour enthusiasts and Lautner fans, its overall chaotic narrative makes it more suited as a rental. The technical merits of the Blu-Ray are strong enough to be considered for purchase by action film collectors aiming to expand their library.

You can run but you can't hide from the fact that a film needs to be more than just a series of well-executed stunt scenes linked by feeble attempts to actually come up with a story to support them. Lautner's acting performance here is largely lamentable, but his action and stunt chops are first-rate. "Tracers" is a kind of chaotic mess overall, but those who like exciting parkour sequences and Lautner diehards may well want to check this out. Technical merits are very strong for those considering a purchase.