Brick Blu-ray Review

Brick, arriving on Blu-ray in North America via distributor Kino Lorber, presents a stunning 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The Blu-ray release features a fresh 4K restoration supervised by writer-director Rian Johnson himself. The restoration elevates the film’s unique visual identity, rendering it with unparalleled clarity and richness. The cool blue tone that defines Brick's aesthetic is remarkably vivid, creating a striking contrast with its darker, foreboding scenes. This high-quality scan surpasses all previous international releases, delivering a definitive visual experience for fans of the film.

Maintaining Brick's signature cool-blue ambiance, the 1080p transfer provides remarkable detail and depth, which significantly enhances the film's overall visual impact. While there are minor age-related issues such as mild speckling and occasional crush in black levels, these moments are few and far between. Primaries and flesh tones remain active and healthy throughout, ensuring an overall robust and vibrant appearance. The cinematography shines through with heightened creativity, giving special attention to both sparse locales and opulent interior scenes. This meticulous 4K restoration solidifies Brick as a visually stellar representation of modern Film Noir, making it an essential addition for any enthusiast’s collection.

The Blu-ray release of "Brick" offers two exceptional audio options: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. Both options deliver high-fidelity sound, but the 5.1 mix truly shines for anyone with a surround-sound setup. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 is astonishingly immersive, exploiting the surround channels creatively to build a compelling audio landscape. This mix ensures that dialogue is crisp and distinct, even amid the engaging music score by Nathan Johnson, which enhances the film's evocative atmosphere. Optional English subtitles are also available for accessibility.

Despite "Brick" being a dialogue-centric film, the audio track doesn't shy away from highlighting key sound effects with precision. Scenes involving fights or chases come alive with meticulously crafted acoustics, such as echoes in enclosed spaces or the distinct shattering of glass and scattering shards. Subtle yet effective use of background sounds adds a layer of suspense and ambiance, seamlessly integrating with the film's neo-noir aesthetic. It's noteworthy that while the overall volume may run lower than typical Blu-rays, a slight volume adjustment can rectify this to provide a richer experience.

Choosing between the 5.1 and 2.0 tracks ultimately depends on your setup and preference, but both options uniformly maintain excellent audio quality. The surround-sound design in the 5.1 track offers a remarkable spatial experience, especially in outdoor scenes, giving the soundscape much-needed breathing room. On the other hand, the 2.0 stereo track is equally robust and well-balanced. Whether underscores of suspense in dialogue or ambient location sounds, both audio tracks elevate the viewing experience to a technically sophisticated level, befitting this indie film's unique character.

The Blu-ray release of "Brick" meticulously preserves all the supplemental materials previously available on the DVD, offering fans a comprehensive array of extras that deeply explore the film's production. Though no new features have been added, the included content remains substantial and engaging. The standout feature is the Audio Commentary, where writer/director Rian Johnson and key crew members provide amusing and insightful behind-the-scenes anecdotes, emphasizing the film's long journey from script to screen. Additionally, the Deleted and Extended Scenes, complemented by Johnson's detailed commentary, offer invaluable insights into the editing process. Even though some features like trailer galleries are standard inclusions, this collection is a treasure trove for dedicated fans and cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by writer/director Rian Johnson and core team.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: With commentary by Rian Johnson.
• The Inside Track: Casting the Roles of Laura and Dode: Behind-the-scenes audition footage.
• Theatrical Trailer
• KLSC Trailers Gallery

"Brick," a neo-noir thriller from writer/director Rian Johnson, is a compelling and innovative film set in a present-day California high school. Johnson ingeniously blends the stylized narrative techniques of classic Film Noir with his unique creative flair. The film's script, replete with antiquated colloquialisms and reminiscent of works by Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, instantly pulls viewers into its distinctive world. Johnson's directorial debut demonstrates his ability to craft a gripping story with complex characters and an engaging plot that taps into the dark underbelly of youth and crime. Produced on a budget of $450,000, the film’s resourcefulness is evident, utilizing nondescript locations to enhance its brooding atmosphere without the need for extravagant settings.

The story follows Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a loner high schooler thrust into action after receiving a panicked call from his ex-girlfriend Emily (Emilie de Ravin). Brendan's quest to uncover the truth behind Emily’s disappearance and subsequent death leads him into the dangerous world of underground crime, orchestrated by a young drug lord known as The Pin (Lukas Haas). Johnson's tight script and direction offer twists and turns that keep the audience on edge. The film’s effectiveness is amplified by the excellent performances of its cast—Gordon-Levitt's portrayal of Brendan is particularly noteworthy, providing both depth and charisma. Noah Fleiss as Tug, Nora Zehetner as Laura, and Meagan Good as Kara each bring their respective roles to life, adding layers to this intricate narrative.

Technically, "Brick" is masterful. Nathan Johnson’s original score enhances the film with its beautiful, melodic tones, creating a hypnotizing ambiance. Steve Yedlin’s cinematography employs serene blue hues that give the movie its surreal and unforgettable visual identity. The film’s unconventional approach to lighting and color sets it apart from traditional neo-noir offerings. "Brick" is a must-see for its unique storytelling, superb acting, and striking visual style—an exemplary showcase of Rian Johnson’s early genius and potential that has continued to flourish throughout his career.

Rian Johnson's "Brick" is an exceptional piece of independent cinema that masterfully fuses the gritty essence of film noir with the innovative sensibilities of modern filmmaking. Released in 2005, it both revived and redefined the detective genre for a new generation. Touted as a breakout indie darling, "Brick" firmly established Johnson’s prowess in crafting meticulous character-driven stories embedded in complex, intriguing mysteries. The recent Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber Studio Classics is nothing short of stunning, featuring a meticulously supervised 4K restoration by Johnson himself. This release offers an impeccable visual presentation that breathes new life into the film's unique cinematography and visual style.

Accompanying the remarkable video transfer are two robust audio tracks, ensuring that every line of dialogue and every nuance of Nathan Johnson's emotive score is delivered with crystal clarity. The Blu-ray also includes a collection of bonus features that provide valuable insights into the film's production process. Particularly noteworthy are the deleted and extended scenes introduced by Johnson, who offers enlightening commentary on the decision-making process behind certain cuts and additions. His reflection on the Sundance screening serves as a testament to his evolving vision for the film, emphasizing a balance between narrative clarity and atmospheric ambiguity.

In conclusion, "Brick" stands as one of the most accomplished independent films of the 2000s, showcasing Rian Johnson’s nascent but clearly formidable directorial talent. This Blu-ray release is an essential addition for fans and collectors, encapsulating an important milestone in contemporary cinema. The meticulous restoration and comprehensive bonus content make it a definitive edition that honors the film’s original impact while presenting it with newfound vibrancy. Highly recommended.