Going in Style Blu-ray Review

"Going in Style" Blu-ray video presentation, shot on Arri Alexa cameras and presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio at 1080p resolution, offers an exemplary visual experience commensurate with modern digital filmmaking standards. The transfer showcases superb sharpness and fine detail, particularly in close-ups, where every wrinkle and pore is visible. The cinematography captures New York City landscapes with lifelike textures and remarkable depth, enhanced by the 31.81 Mbps MPEG-4 AVC encoding, which ensures a high average bitrate for pristine image quality. Though there are occasional minor instances of aliasing and focus errors, they are overshadowed by the overall clarity and dimension, lending a three-dimensional quality to the visuals.

Color reproduction is rendered through a slightly muted palette with punchy primaries, maintaining energy without oversaturation. The film's color grading begins with a yellowish tinge that eventually transitions to more natural hues, save for certain scenes where yellow hints resurface. Skin tones are accurately portrayed in daylight but shift slightly towards magenta in darker settings. Black levels are robust, though not quite reaching the level of inky depth, and dim scenes retain detailed visibility without notable noise or artifacts. The Blu-ray's high contrast and vibrant colors make for an engaging and vivid viewing experience, continuing Warner's streak of delivering high-quality digital transfers.

The audio presentation of "Going in Style" on Blu-ray is encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), providing a clear and efficient listening experience consistent with the film's comedic nature. Dialogue reproduction is excellent, maintaining crispness and clarity throughout the movie. The soundtrack maintains a front-heavy focus, which suits the film’s predominantly dialogue-driven scenes. However, the mix reveals its depth during key sequences, such as the bank robbery scenes where gunshots are supported by substantial LFE, adding impact. Additionally, ambient noises and background sounds are carefully placed, enhancing the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the viewer.

While the dynamic range and immersive qualities may not rival those of high-octane action films, the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track manages to deliver an additively polished and professional sound output. The thematic score by Rob Simonsen and various urban settings like Brooklyn neighborhoods and carnival scenes are well represented within the soundstage, offering a pleasant auditory experience. Surround channels, though utilized subtly, help create a believable sound environment with elements such as children screaming in haunted houses or street sounds spreading naturally around the listener.

In terms of supplementary audio options, this Blu-ray includes Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in French, Spanish (Latin), Portuguese, and an English Descriptive Audio track. Subtitles are offered in English SDH, French, Spanish (Latin), and Portuguese. Overall, the audio mix is efficient, balancing clarity with a modest surround presence and ensuring that all sonic elements are well-integrated to enhance the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray of "Going in Style" offers a solid suite of extras that fans will appreciate. Zach Braff’s audio commentary stands out with its easygoing but insightful breakdowns of technical and logistical challenges faced during production. Although the commentary loses momentum towards the end, it remains informative. The deleted scenes provide additional humor and context, though they aren't selectable individually and must be viewed as a single 13-minute segment. Inclusion of a Bonus DVD and a Digital HD Copy further enhances the value, catering to various viewing preferences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Zach Braff: Informative insights on production, technical challenges, and logistics.
• Deleted Scenes: Eleven scenes providing extra humor and context, presented as a 13-minute continuous segment.
• Bonus DVD: Additional content for extended viewing.
• Digital HD Copy: Convenient access for digital streaming.

The 2017 remake of "Going in Style," directed by Zach Braff and starring Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin, revitalizes the original 1979 film with contemporary flair. This updated version presents a more engaging narrative, focusing on three lifelong friends who, upon losing their pensions due to corporate restructuring, decide to rob the very bank responsible for their financial woes. While the plot remains predictable, it benefits from Braff’s unique directorial touch and the effortless chemistry among the lead actors. Braff and screenwriter Theodore Melfi infuse the movie with situational humor and heartwarming moments, making it an enjoyable watch despite its formulaic approach.

The performances by Caine, Freeman, and Arkin are particularly commendable, showcasing their seasoned expertise and bringing depth to their characters. Caine plays the affable grandfather, Freeman the endearing family man with health issues, and Arkin the irate bachelor softened by newfound love. The film's humor is amplified by lively subplots and secondary characters, such as John Ortiz’s Jesus, who assists the trio in their heist planning, and Kenan Thompson’s hilarious supermarket manager. While "Going in Style" incorporates slapstick elements and age-based humor effectively, it doesn’t delve deeply into the harsh realities of aging, instead opting for a lighthearted tone that offers escapism and feel-good moments.

Despite the film's predictability and occasionally underwhelming script, it succeeds in delivering a delightful and empathetic experience. The heist sequence may lack the excitement one might expect, but the journey there is filled with charming interactions and clever comedic setups. Ultimately, "Going in Style" strikes a balance between humor and a critique of economic injustice faced by the elderly, making for a pleasant 90-minute escapade driven by its charismatic leads.

"Going in Style" harnesses the charm and chemistry of its formidable cast, featuring Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin. Directed by Zach Braff, the film delivers a light-hearted caper that's bolstered significantly by its leading trio's engaging performances. The screenplay, penned by Theodore Melfi, capitalizes on well-worn tropes but manages to infuse enough heart and humor to keep viewers entertained. Despite its predictability, the film's earnest approach to comedy ensures it achieves a feel-good atmosphere, making it an enjoyable experience for audiences of various ages.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presents the film with impressive clarity and sound. The 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio ensures a visually rich presentation, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track provides a robust auditory experience, balancing dialogue and soundtrack effectively. However, the disc's extras are scant, which might disappoint viewers seeking in-depth behind-the-scenes content or additional features. Nevertheless, the core visual and sound quality of the Blu-ray remains commendable, delivering the film in outstanding high definition.

In conclusion, "Going in Style" isn't a groundbreaking comedy, but it excels as a charming and heartwarming romp led by a stellar cast. While it won't be sweeping awards, the film succeeds in delivering a pleasant and amusing watch. The Blu-ray version comes highly recommended for its technical execution and for those who appreciate lighthearted narratives with happy endings. It's a solid addition to any collection if you're looking for an enjoyable movie night with some timeless acting talent.