Speed Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Speed" presents a commendable 1080p, 2.35:1 image that, while not being Fox’s premier work, stands out impressively, especially considering the film's initial 1994 release. The high-definition enhancement significantly elevates the viewing experience over previous VHS and LaserDisc versions, and likely surpasses DVD quality as well. The image maintains a fine layer of natural film grain that's barely perceptible, contributing to a presentation that can be described as very good rather than exceptional. Details are moderately sharp; close-ups reveal sweat but miss finer textures possibly due to makeup or the film’s age. Colors are reproduced with natural and pleasing tones, from the bus’s exterior to the diverse interiors and clothing, all showing excellent fidelity. Flesh tones have a slight red hint but are largely accurate. Occasionally, minor softness and rare black spots appear, but these do not significantly detract from the overall quality.

Fox's cleanup for this Blu-ray version has resulted in a very clean source with almost no blemishes or dropouts, showcasing a surprising detail level and richness in colors that breathe new life into the film's visuals without overshooting saturation. Fleshtones are well-balanced, leaning towards a natural orange hue, and wide cityscape shots to intimate close-ups reveal a broad range of detail from the actors' expressions to the bustling environment of Los Angeles. Despite its age, “Speed” benefits from an image that is both sharp and three-dimensional, supported by excellent contrast levels across the grayscale, enhancing realism without exaggerating visual elements.

However, the transfer is not without its faults. Some scenes exhibit edge halos and minor wavering in print contrast, alongside occasional fuzziness. These issues, while few, prevent it from reaching the top tier of Blu-ray releases, yet it still impresses as a four-star transfer. The presence of slight grain throughout reminds viewers of the film’s original medium, offering an authentic cinematic feel. Overall, this Blu-ray release will satisfy fans of "Speed", maintaining a balance between preserving the film's original look and feel while offering a significant upgrade in visual quality.

The audio presentation of "Speed" on Blu-ray, featuring the DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 track, is a feast for the auditory senses, demonstrating a level of mastery over sound that is as thrilling as the film itself. The experience starts with an engaging action score by Mark Mancina that not only enhances the tension and excitement inherent in the movie’s narrative but also establishes an identifiable sonic footprint that is as much a character of the film as its human protagonists. From the very opening, the score and sound effects fill the room with an immersive quality, displaying a smooth yet powerful execution that commands attention. The mix’s ability to handle both the bombastic and the subtle with equal finesse - from the seamless integration of dialogue to the precise localization and definition of sound effects across channels - reflects a sophisticated understanding of audio presentation that significantly contributes to the overall viewing experience.

The adept handling of discrete effects and expert localization across the 5.1 channels injects a palpable sense of reality into the film, accentuating every scene with pinpoint accuracy whether it be the menacing growl of bus engines or the atmospheric buzz of city life. The soundtrack's dynamic range impressively balances intense sequences with quieter moments, ensuring clarity and depth without ever overwhelming the viewer. Bass response is potent without being overpowering, providing a satisfying oomph to action sequences while maintaining clarity for dialogue - even making Keanu Reeves’ often-muted tones perfectly intelligible.

Furthermore, the audio mix does an exceptional job of creating a cohesive and immersive soundscape that draws the listener into the heart of the action. The excellent dialogue reproduction maintains clarity amidst the high-octane sequences, ensuring that each word is as discernible as the meticulously crafted sound effects and score. The soundtrack demonstrates a level of craftsmanship that has rightly earned 'Speed' its accolades in sound design. Through its powerful, all-encompassing mix that manages to be both exuberant and precise, 'Speed's audio presentation on Blu-ray remains a benchmark for how action film soundtracks can significantly enhance the cinematic experience.

The high-definition release of "Speed" on Blu-ray offers a blend of carried-over features from its standard-definition counterpart while notably missing the plethora of featurettes and interviews, leaving something to be desired for a groundbreaking title. The cornerstone of the extras is undeniably the two audio commentary tracks; Director Jan De Bont provides an interesting if somewhat monotonous insight into the film's production and an intriguing perspective on action cinema post-9/11, offering chapter summaries for selective listening. Conversely, the livelier track from writer Graham Yost and producer Mark Gordon dives into the behind-the-scenes dynamics, sharing engaging anecdotes about casting, on-set chemistry, and the logistics of filming on a bus, enriching with every minute spent. The addition of a pop-up trivia track and the novel Search Content feature are thoughtful, enhancing the viewing experience. The Speed: Take Down Game and 1080p trailers add variety, though they may appeal more as brief diversions than substantial content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Jan De Bont: Insights from the director, with chapter summaries for selective listening.

• Audio Commentary with Graham Yost and Mark Gordon: Engaging anecdotes and behind-the-scenes trivia from the writer and producer.

• Pop-Up Trivia Track: Snippets of information about the movie as it plays.

• Search Content Feature: Allows viewers to jump to scenes based on Speed-related terms.

• Personal Scene Selections: Lets viewers bookmark and view selected scenes in any order.

• Speed: Take Down Game: A moderately entertaining game where players search for bombs.

• 1080p Trailers: Including trailers for Speed and other Fox titles.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Speed" offers a riveting movie experience, positioning it as arguably the hallmark action film of the 1990s, akin to "Commando" for the '80s. The film boasts impressive visuals and a dynamic audio track that brings the high-stakes action to life. Featuring Keanu Reeves and Jeff Daniels as intrepid bomb squad officers, "Speed" sets a new standard for action films by marrying high-tension scenarios with polished production values and a script that balances levity with intense thrills. Director Jan De Bont's efficient storytelling and tight direction keep the narrative moving at breakneck speed, ensuring not a moment is wasted.

"Speed" redefines the action hero archetype with Reeves' portrayal of Jack Traven, a character that juxtaposes the musclebound heroes of the '80s with a more relatable, adrenaline-fueled protagonist of the '90s. The movie's premise—an unstoppable city bus rigged to explode if it slows down—delivers relentless excitement and inventiveness in its execution. Sandra Bullock's performance as Annie, the impromptu bus driver, adds humanity and humor to the high-octane mix. Dennis Hopper’s role as the villain cements the film’s status with a compelling antagonist who is both menacing and cunning.

While "Speed" may not aspire to be high art, its brilliance lies in its unabashed embrace of being a heart-pounding thrill ride, offering no respite from its gripping suspense. Critics who dismiss Hollywood's penchant for "mindless entertainment" overlook the skillful craftsmanship and emotional investment that movies like "Speed" require to resonate with audiences. It masterfully combines action, character development, and technical prowess, resulting in a film that stands as endlessly rewatchable and exhilarating, epitomizing popcorn entertainment at its best.

The Blu-ray release of "Speed" revitalizes a quintessential action blockbuster from the 1990s, rendering it a must-have for both fans and newcomers to the film. Starring the dynamic duo of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, whose chemistry remains palpable, "Speed" is celebrated not only for its high-stakes thrills and impeccably paced narrative but also for its notable achievements in sound and effects, accolades which are beautifully showcased in this home video edition. Although the video quality is characterized as above average rather than exemplary, it presents the film in the best light seen thus far in the home market. Moreover, the audio quality of this Blu-ray edition is highlighted as superb, an expected feature given the film's Academy Awards for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing, and Best Sound, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Extras on this Blu-ray are somewhat sparse, with a lean offering that includes a few audio commentaries and an HD-exclusive trivia track – aspects that might leave aficionados longing for more comprehensive materials. Regardless, these additions, along with the main feature's stellar transfer and soundtrack, make this release a strong contender, albeit not the ultimate edition many may have hoped for. The fusion of nostalgic action-packed sequences with technical upgrades makes "Speed" on Blu-ray a compelling addition to any collection, providing a robust cinematic experience that highlights the movie's historical significance and enduring appeal.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray release of "Speed" may fall short of being the definitive version for die-hard enthusiasts seeking extensive extras, it certainly excels where it matters most: offering an impressive audio-visual treatment that pays homage to the film's legacy. The lack of comprehensive special features does little to diminish the overall value of this edition, which stands out as a highly recommended purchase for both longtime fans and new viewers alike. Its exceptional presentation ensures that "Speed" continues to exhilarate and entertain, reaffirming its status as a landmark action film of the 1990s.