Push Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Push" stands out with its vibrant High Definition rendition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The transfer showcases strong details from close-ups to wide-angle shots, ensuring that every aspect of the film—from the granular texture of the tiles in Nick’s apartment to the detailed portrayal of Hong Kong’s worn locations—delivers a lifelike appearance. A mild sheen of grain is noticeable, especially during flashback and vision sequences where it becomes more pronounced, enhancing the film's stylistic approach. However, this grain never detracts from the visual experience, maintaining the intended cinematic look. The depth of field is particularly remarkable, with background images appearing well-defined and realistic.

Color reproduction on this Blu-ray is exceptional, with an almost comic-book-like vibrancy that truly brings the movie to life. The palette is extensive, with fluorescent greens, reds, blues, and deep, inky blacks that facilitate superb night sequences and shadowing. The film's many hues are particularly impressive during nighttime scenes in Hong Kong, where neon signs illuminate the urban landscape in a visually stimulating display. Despite a few instances of dirt speckles and a couple of questionable vision effects, the transfer remains technically strong. The high contrast and robust blacks are consistently effective throughout the film, presenting a rich and dynamic visual experience.

In summary, "Push" on Blu-ray offers a high-quality 1080p AV experience that will be a visual delight for viewers. The color spectrum is used to its fullest extent, paired with excellent detail and dimensionality, making this release a standout in high-definition presentations.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Push" delivers an exceptional auditory experience, anchored by a reference-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Dialogue is impeccably clear and dominates the front and center channels, maintaining coherence throughout. The score by Neil Davidge, while somewhat generic, offers hard-driving bass that fills the soundstage effectively. The diverse musical tracks, featuring artists like Unkle and The Kills, integrate flawlessly with the narrative, amplifying the film's emotive and frenetic moments.

The audio effects of "Push" are particularly notable for their directionality and precision. Each superpower action, whether it's a smashing body blow or a wailing scream, is distinct, lending a compelling Star Trek-like quality to the film. The crowded streets of Hong Kong come alive with a plethora of ambient sounds, enveloping the listener in a rich tapestry of background noises, from street chatter to passing cars. Epic action sequences, especially during moments of high tension such as the climactic battles, showcase foundation-rattling bass and high-pitched effects that can shatter glass and pop fish.

Moreover, the soundtrack’s ability to animate the soundstage with lifelike precision and volume is commendable. Every element, from gunshots to night club beats, reverberates crisply through each speaker, creating an immersive auditory environment. This lossless audio track not only enhances the vividness of the film but also establishes "Push" as a benchmark for sound quality in Blu-ray releases. The inclusion of a Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack and optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles further broadens its accessibility.

The Extras section of the "Push" Blu-ray provides a modest yet engaging package for fans of the film. The Audio Commentary features Director Paul McGuigan alongside actors Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning, offering a balanced blend of technical insights and light-hearted set anecdotes. McGuigan details filmmaking techniques and set design, while Evans and Fanning share their experiences. The supplement also includes a collection of four Deleted Scenes, accompanied by optional commentary from McGuigan, though these scenes don't necessarily add depth to the plot. Finally, The Science Behind the Fiction offers a brief but intriguing exploration of post-war psychic experimentation, relating real-world events loosely to the film’s narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by Director Paul McGuigan with actors Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning.
• Deleted Scenes: Four additional scenes with optional commentary.
• The Science Behind the Fiction: Examination of real-world psychic experimentation and its movie adaptation.

"Push," despite existing in the shadow of superhero franchises like "X-Men" and TV shows like "Heroes," manages to offer an entertaining, albeit convoluted, narrative. Set in a vibrant Hong Kong, the film introduces a world where individuals possess extraordinary psychic abilities, from telekinesis to future-sight. The plot follows Nick (Chris Evans) and Cassie (Dakota Fanning) as they navigate a complex web of government agencies, notably the sinister Division, and other super-powered beings, in their quest to find Kira (Camilla Belle), who has survived an experimental drug. The film's indie soundtrack and high-stakes action sequences add a unique charm, enhancing the tension and dynamism of the story.

However, "Push" struggles with its own complexity. Rapid-fire introductions of characters and abilities overwhelm rather than engage, creating an overbearing narrative. Important developments occur abruptly without clear explanation, leading to confusion and unanswered questions. Plot devices such as Nick’s memory-wiping letters are inadequately explained, contributing to the film’s disjointed feel. The jerky cinematography and fast-paced editing further exacerbate this, making it difficult to fully absorb the story's depth and nuance.

Despite its flaws, "Push" delivers visually and technically. The special effects impress with their understated integration into the film, providing a natural sense of realism. Action scenes, such as the floating gun shootout, are inventive and well-executed, maintaining audience interest amidst the chaotic plot. Unfortunately, character development suffers due to the fast narrative pace, leaving protagonists feeling more like plot devices than fully fleshed out individuals. While the acting is competent given the context, more coherent storytelling would have allowed for richer performances. Ultimately, "Push" showcases potential through concept and execution but is hampered by a muddled storyline that detracts from what could have been a standout entry in the superhero genre.

Push is a film brimming with intriguing ideas and an ambitious narrative, yet it ultimately falls short due to its convoluted plot and lack of coherence. The overcomplicated story and hyperkinetic pacing make it a frenetic watch that is more exhausting than exhilarating. While the film presents a unique take on superpowers in a gritty urban setting, the narrative’s inability to weave its elements into a cohesive whole outweighs any potential it might have had.

Summit Entertainment’s Blu-ray release of Push, however, excels technically. The picture quality is nothing short of stunning, with sharp detail and vibrant colors that bring the urban landscape to life with remarkable clarity. The audio presentation is equally impressive, boasting a system-selling soundtrack that delivers crisp dialogue and powerful, immersive action sequences. Unfortunately, despite these technical triumphs, the film itself struggles, weighed down by its cumbersome storytelling, thus making the visual and auditory excellence feel somewhat wasted.

Adding to its woes, the Blu-ray offers only a scant assortment of extras, doing little to enhance the overall package. The lack of substantial supplementary material is disappointing, especially in an era where behind-the-scenes content and in-depth features can significantly elevate a home viewing experience.

In conclusion, while 'Push' showcases high-quality video and audio that might appeal to tech enthusiasts looking to test their home theater systems, the film’s flawed execution and meager bonus content make it a tough recommendation. It falls short of the mark as both an engaging cinematic experience and a compelling Blu-ray package. Considering its unfulfilled potential and the myriad of superior options available, 'Push' is best suited for a brief rental rather than a permanent spot on your shelf.