Crank: High Voltage Blu-ray Review

"Crank: High Voltage" dazzles with a visually thrilling 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer that defies its low-budget origins. Shot entirely on consumer-grade digital cameras and camcorders, the film delivers an astonishing array of high-definition imagery that pushes the envelope of visual storytelling. Despite the shaky handheld shots, detail is remarkably clear—each pebble on a gravel-strewn alley, every bead of sweat, and every drop of blood stand out vividly, creating a visceral viewing experience. Close-ups reveal pores and facial hairs with almost clinical precision, offering a level of detail rarely seen outside of high-magnification mirrors.

The transfer also impresses with its color reproduction and depth. Whether it's the blue sky or the gray pavement, colors are rich and vibrant, adding tremendous visual appeal to the chaotic narrative. Skin tones appear natural, and blacks, though limited (as most of the action occurs in broad daylight), are deep and well-rendered. Motion handling is superb for the most part, even during scenes with extreme shakiness, caused by everything from handheld camera techniques to the rapid movements of the actors.

Despite minor technical issues like aliasing, jagged edges, and occasional anomalies such as burnt-out pixels in specific scenes (notably the 1970s talk show segment), these imperfections do little to detract from the overall quality. Such artifacts are easily overshadowed by the film's exceptional detail and visual splendor. Considering the unconventional and challenging filming methods, "Crank: High Voltage" manages to present an outrageously impressive video quality that fully capitalizes on the Blu-ray format's capabilities. This edition serves as a testament to innovative cinematography and effective post-production techniques, making it a must-watch for fans of high-octane visual experiences.

The audio presentation of “Crank: High Voltage” on Blu-ray is nothing short of exhilarating, courtesy of the DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack. Lionsgate showcases its exceptional competency in crafting action-packed soundscapes, placing this film’s audio track among the industry’s elite. The 7.1 configuration is masterfully leveraged, creating an immersive auditory assault that deserves to be experienced firsthand. Explosions, gunfire, and high-energy music explode from every speaker, enveloping the listener in a kinetic maelstrom of sound. The bass is robust and omnipresent, adding weight to every action sequence, while dialogue remains impeccably clear and precise. This is a nearly flawless sonic experience that stands tall as a modern reference standard for Blu-ray audio.

Remarkably, the soundtrack avoids overwhelming noise, striking the ideal balance between loudness and clarity. Every edit, camera zoom, and sound effect is delivered with eloquent precision. The intricate calibration of the 7.1 mix ensures that each atmospheric effect—from shattering glass to colossal explosions—is dynamically rendered without overshadowing critical audio elements. Even amidst the film’s chaos, dialogue—despite its many F-bombs—is consistently crisp and intelligible. The clever shifts in the soundtrack further enhance the experience, transitioning smoothly through various tonal changes, such as moving from an action scene to a Toho-style monster battle.

In addition to the primary English DTS-HD MA 7.1 track, the Blu-ray also includes a French Dolby Digital 5.1 track and subtitles in English SDH, English, and Spanish, providing accessibility and versatility for a wide audience. This exemplary audio package by Lionsgate not only supports the film’s frenetic tempo but also elevates it, ensuring a memorable and sensational listening experience that sets a high benchmark in Blu-ray audio presentations.

The Blu-ray extras for "Crank: High Voltage" deliver a high-energy, comprehensive behind-the-scenes look into the film's production. The standout feature is the "Crank’d Out Commentary," available in both Traditional and High Voltage modes, offering a picture-in-picture format with directors Neveldine and Taylor, along with behind-the-scenes footage. This commentary balances detailed discussions on technical aspects and lighthearted banter. The "Making of 'Crank 2'" documentary is an extensive look into the film’s production process, covering everything from the studio’s motivation for the sequel to interviews with the cast and crew. "Crank 2: Take 2" provides a brief but interesting peek into the guerilla-style shooting methods used, while the "Wrap Party Gag Reel" offers light-hearted moments from the set. Additionally, there are technological integrations like LG Live, which adds fun widgets to the menu screen.

Extras included in this disc:

• Crank’d Out Commentary: Dual-mode picture-in-picture commentary with directors and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Directors' Commentary: Audio-only version of the Crank'd Out Commentary.
• Making of 'Crank 2': In-depth look at the production including cast interviews and shooting locations.
• 'Crank 2' Take 2: A brief segment on guerilla-style shooting and on-set accidents.
• Wrap Party Gag Reel: Light-hearted on-set moments compilation.
• Trailer: Nearly three-minute promotional trailer for "Crank 2."
• LG Live integration: Widgets for news, weather, clocks, and social media on the menu screen.

Crank 2: High Voltage explodes onto the screen as a chaotic and boundary-pushing sequel to Crank, maintaining its predecessor's adrenaline-charged pace while cranking the insanity up several notches. Jason Statham returns as hitman Chev Chelios, who, despite having his heart surgically removed, uses an artificial heart requiring constant electrical stimulation to wreak havoc on those who wronged him. This film is a macabre and twisted journey that embraces vulgarity, graphic violence, and playful lunacy, all while delivering an unrelenting onslaught of action. It pushes the limits of taste and morality, offering a relentless stream of outrageous scenarios that keep audiences simultaneously cringing and entertained.

The plot of Crank 2: High Voltage is unapologetically straightforward: Chelios must stay electrically charged while navigating through a surreal and brutal Los Angeles to retrieve his stolen heart. The film excels in its depiction of over-the-top action sequences; one standout being the strip club shootout, which perfectly encapsulates the movie's blend of violence and humor. Numerous characters from the first film make reappearances, but they are caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out characters, contributing to the film's cartoonish atmosphere. The filmmakers, Neveldine and Taylor, employ rapid handheld camera work that creates a dizzying, immersive experience, though it may be nauseating for some viewers.

While Crank 2 memorably ups the ante in terms of sheer absurdity, it suffers from a lack of substantive content, relying heavily on shock and spectacle. The movie veers into surreal territory with bizarre detours like Toho-style monster battles and scenes reminiscent of 1970s talk shows. There are moments where outrageousness overshadows coherence and effectiveness, such as characters exhibiting full-body turrets or offensive racial stereotypes. Despite its flaws and politically incorrect humor, Crank 2: High Voltage delivers a unique form of insanely stylized escapism that is undeniably entertaining for viewers seeking a high-energy trip down the lane of cinematic madness.

"Crank: High Voltage" is an exhilarating rollercoaster of an action movie that pushes the limits of taste and decency while delivering an electrifying experience. While it certainly doesn't aim for Oscar acclaim, it confidently hits its target of providing unabashed, adrenaline-fueled fun. From frenetic camera work to Michael Bay-worthy explosions, every scene is crafted to shock and entertain. The film thrives on its zany premise and absurd action sequences, making it a unique entry in the genre. It's morally outrageous and unapologetically wild, ensuring that it's an experience fans of explosive cinema won't soon forget.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "Crank: High Voltage" is a tour de force. The video presentation is reference-grade, boasting razor-sharp clarity, vibrant colors, and impeccable detail that make every buzzing moment leap off the screen. The audio matches this excellence with bombastic, immersive soundscapes that envelop the viewer in chaotic joy. The engineering prowess behind the Blu-ray results in a superior viewing and listening experience that demands praise. Although the disc doesn't offer a comprehensive array of special features, the inclusion of a select few provides additional depth for enthusiasts.

As far as movies like this go, "Crank: High Voltage" delivers a complete experience. Oscar fodder, this is not, but taken in the proper context, it's hard not to love the ridiculousness of every frame. Rarely does a movie shoot for the lowest common denominator and score so easily as "Crank: High Voltage". Completely tasteless and morally repugnant, but an absolute blast to watch, genre fans looking for a shock to the system shouldn't hesitate to strap in and juice up for this unparalleled-in-depravity experience. Blu-ray discs like "Crank: High Voltage" make being a reviewer easy. It's a technical knockout, serving up reference-grade video and audio presentations that need no introduction or description and simply demand to be seen and heard. Though the disc falls short of offering a complete supplemental package, "Crank: High Voltage" comes with a strong recommendation for mature audiences that can handle the film's extremely over-the-top antics and wish to enjoy a top-flight technical presentation at the same time.