The Taking of Pelham 123 Blu-ray Review

"The Taking of Pelham 123" boasts a visually stunning Blu-ray presentation that vividly demonstrates the prowess of high-definition technology, courtesy of Sony's meticulous transfer. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 (2.39:1 and 2.40:1 aspect ratios) showcases director Tony Scott's signature over-saturated, high-contrast style with an exuberance that commands attention. Viewers can expect to see an array of fine details, from the nuanced textures of the actors' faces—revealing every pore, stubble, and imperfection—to the expansive overhead shots of New York City that maintain their clarity and sharpness, regardless of the viewing distance. The film's diverse color palette ranges from the murky greens of subway car interiors to the vibrant hues of the cityscape above, all rendered with precision and accuracy.

The Blu-ray transfer retains the film's natural grain structure, enhancing its cinematic quality without succumbing to artificial manipulation. Scenes are free from blemishes, dirt, or artifacts, ensuring a pristine viewing experience that highlights the intricate details of both the dingy subway tunnels and the gleaming urban environment. Black levels are exceptionally well-rendered, achieving deep and inky shadows without loss of detail in darker scenes. Despite occasional blurring due to rapid motion—a deliberate choice in Scott's dynamic filming style—the video quality remains sharp and nearly flawless throughout.

The careful balance between preserving the film's original visual intent and optimizing it for high-definition display is evident. Colors, while sometimes intentionally subdued, pop where necessary, and contrast levels are deliberately high, adding a dramatic effect that enhances the movie's intense narrative. Sony's release of "The Taking of Pelham 123" on Blu-ray exemplifies what fans and enthusiasts love about the format, providing a reference-quality visual feast that elevates the viewing experience to impressive new heights.

The audio presentation of "The Taking of Pelham 123" on Blu-ray shines with its DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, delivering an aural experience that is both dynamic and immersive. Particularly notable is how the mix prioritizes dialogue clarity in this largely conversational thriller, ensuring that every word is heard without being overshadowed by the film's more intense action sequences or its distinct, abrasive rock-twinged techno score. Ambient sounds, such as the rumble and screech of subway trains, the bustling traffic of New York, and the omnipresent whipping of helicopter blades overhead, are rendered with acute precision. The bass response during explosive moments - gunshots, crashes, and the powerful momentum of subway cars - is undeniably gripping, making for a room-shaking experience that complements the movie's high-definition visuals impressively.

The soundtrack's technical prowess extends beyond its spectacular sound effects and dialogue clarity. The expansive soundstage utilizes rear channels effectively, creating a palpable sense of depth and ambiance that enhances the film's two primary locations: inside the subway car and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) control center. These elements combine to draw the listener deeply into the film's environment, with seamlessly executed pans and a dynamic range that adds a robust layer to action scenes while still maintaining a detailed atmospheric backdrop during quieter moments.

Additionally, this Blu-ray release includes three DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks in English, French, and Spanish, along with a Catalan Dolby Digital 5.1 option, catering to a diverse audience with varied language preferences. Subtitles are available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility. The soundfield's design showcases powerful bass that gives life to the moving train's presence, lends an extra punch to the hard-driving music, and provides gunshots with distinct heft. Dialogue remains crisp and forefront regardless of background activity, allowing for an uncompromised listening experience throughout the film. This superior audio mix perfectly encapsulates the intensity and thrill of "The Taking of Pelham 123," making for an exemplary home theater presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "The Taking of Pelham 123" incorporates a comprehensive suite of extras, effectively enhancing the film experience. With two engaging audio commentaries, the first with Director Tony Scott provides unique insights into the filmmaking process, casting nuances, and the challenges overcome. The second, a collaboration between writer Brian Helgeland and producer Todd Black, explores the screenplay's differentiation from its predecessor, alongside production qualities. The HD featurettes, such as "No Time to Lose: The Making of Pelham 123" and "The Third Rail: New York Underground," delve deeply into the film's creation, updating its classic essence for contemporary audiences, and detailing the complexities of filming in New York's subway system. Despite a seemingly misplaced featurette on cast hair styling and redundant promotional content, the inclusion of a digital copy and BD-Live functionalities like cineChat and MovieIQ provides an enriched viewer interaction. This collection offers both technical depth and practical insight, making it a valuable addition for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Tony Scott: Insights into the filmmaking process, challenges, and casting.
• Commentary with Writer Brian Helgeland and Producer Todd Black: A deeper look into screenplay adaptation and production highlights.
• No Time to Lose: The Making of Pelham 123 (HD): A comprehensive making-of featurette covering various production aspects.
• The Third Rail: New York Underground (HD): An exploration of filming in the New York subway system.
• Marketing Pelham (HD): Trailers and promotional content for the film.
• cineChat (BD-Live): An interactive feature allowing real-time discussion between viewers.
• From the Top Down: Stylizing Character: Focus on character hair styling.
• Digital Copy: A portable version of the film for on-the-go viewing.

The 2009 remake of "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," directed by Tony Scott and showcasing the remarkable talents of Denzel Washington and John Travolta, offers a contemporary retake on the classic 1970s thriller. In this version, Washington plays Walter Garber, a mild-mannered New York City subway dispatcher whose day is upended by a brazen act of terrorism: the hijacking of a subway train led by Ryder, portrayed with a blend of menace and mirth by Travolta. The film balances on the razor's edge between high-stakes drama and a deep dive into the psyches of its central characters, crafting a narrative that, while grounded in a premise that might seem familiar to aficionados of the genre, manages to feel both fresh and engaging.

The dynamic between Garber and Ryder serves as the film's central axis, around which a story of tension, moral ambiguity, and raw human emotion unfolds. Scott's directorial style injects life into potentially static settings—a subway car and dispatcher's office—using his signature quick cuts, mixed motion techniques, and an ability to manufacture tension through dialogue alone. Despite the predictable nature of its plot, the film stands out due to the strong performances delivered by its leads, supported ably by James Gandolfini and John Turturro, who add depth to the ensemble. However, some critics note that Scott's liberal use of frenetic camera work might detract from the narrative, arguing that the film occasionally sacrifices substance for style.

While the film navigates the pitfalls of remakes with commendable skill, offering viewers a visually compelling and emotionally stirring experience, it simultaneously sparks debate regarding the necessity and execution of modern reinterpretations of classic stories. The dialogue-driven engagement between Garber and Ryder elevates "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" beyond a mere action thriller to a compelling study of character under pressure. This Blu-ray release captures not only the high-definition visual flair that Scott is known for but also preserves the intense, claustrophobic atmosphere that defines this gripping remake.

The Taking of Pelham 123, while not without its flaws, manages to deliver a cinematic experience that is more engaging than one might initially expect. This is largely due to the combined efforts of a stellar cast and crew, including the likes of Denzel Washington and John Travolta, whose performances elevate the material above its otherwise predictable plot. Director Tony Scott brings his signature style to the film, albeit with a heavy hand, layering on stylistic elements that sometimes overshadow the substance of the story. Despite these creative decisions, the Blu-ray release shines, offering exceptional audio and video quality that showcases the technical capabilities of home cinema systems.

Critics argue that the film underperforms in terms of storytelling, describing it as a near-miss that somehow both benefits and suffers from its high-caliber collaboration. The narrative, criticized for its lack of originality and depth, is a basic hostage scenario with an unsurprising good-versus-evil dynamic. However, the technical presentation of the Blu-ray is unanimously praised. Sony's release boasts nearly reference-quality visuals and audio, along with a respectable assortment of extras. This level of quality makes the Blu-ray a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts, even if the film itself may not invite repeated viewings.

In conclusion, The Taking of Pelham 123 Blu-ray presents a paradox where the strength of its technical presentation starkly contrasts with the movie's narrative and stylistic shortcomings. It demonstrates how superior audiovisual quality can enhance the home viewing experience, making it a recommended purchase for those who prioritize AV performance over film content. While it may not find a place among the classics, it stands as a testament to how technology can elevate a movie's home release to something noteworthy.