Stealth Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Stealth" offers a solid 1080p transfer with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. While it may not be the pinnacle of high-definition transfers, it stands out in the context of early Blu-ray releases. The video quality shines during action sequences, providing crisp detail in the depictions of planes, cockpits, and special effects. Colors are vivid and well-represented, especially the bright blues of the skies and the earthy hues of terrestrial scenes. The dense forest visuals, representing North Korea in the film, are particularly impressive, showcasing detailed canopy views from above and natural elements at ground level. Explosions also exhibit fine depth, even when the CGI is evident. Black levels and flesh tones are consistent and reliable, indicating a proficient level of mastering. However, certain non-action scenes do suffer from a softer appearance, diminishing the attention to detail.

In comparison to other early Blu-ray releases from studios like Sony and Lionsgate, "Stealth" emerges as a notable improvement. The transfer reflects the modern trend in filmmaking where heavy digital enhancement creates a polished, glossy look that was previously unattainable without digital technology. The source material is pristine, free from dirt and blemishes, and practically devoid of grain—likely due to extensive digital airbrushing. The excellent black levels and contrast contribute to an eye-popping visual experience with a commendable sense of depth and detail. The transfer is also free from edge enhancement and noise artifacts, which have plagued some older Sony titles. However, some viewers might find the colors somewhat artificial, with occasional inconsistencies in fleshtones. Outdoor scenes sometimes appear overly dark or as if they were filmed under overcast conditions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the video's overall quality is immensely satisfying and arguably one of the strongest early Blu-ray presentations available.

The audio presentation of "Stealth" on Blu-ray is nothing short of extraordinary. Utilizing an uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround mix, this disc represents one of the loudest and most dynamically engaging tracks available in home theater environments. The soundtrack is restless and vigorously utilizes all channels, predominantly during high-octane sequences where jet fighters fly through your living room, missiles burst with brutal precision, and heavy artillery resonates with intense realism. The surround channels remain active throughout, offering a compelling auditory journey where sounds transition seamlessly from one speaker to another, enveloping the listener in an almost tangible sonic landscape.

Dialogue reproduction is exceptionally clear and well-balanced, avoiding the common pitfall of being overshadowed by the more bombastic effects and score. The fidelity of sound across the frequency spectrum is superb, with distinct, crisp highs and earth-shattering low frequencies that will challenge any high-end system. Even in quieter scenes, such as a bustling Thai café or a nightclub sequence, the audio remains immersive and richly detailed, emphasizing subtle directional nuances that enhance the film's atmosphere. Dynamic range is top-tier, ensuring that the sheer power of jets landing on aircraft carriers and other environmental sounds hit with compelling authenticity.

Overall, "Stealth" offers an unparalleled auditory experience that maintains clarity and precision even amidst its louder moments. This impeccable balance between explosive action soundscapes and quiet dialog-driven scenes ensures a consistently impressive performance throughout the film. The attention to detail in sound design, combined with seamless channel integration and a robust frequency response, makes this Blu-ray a must-have for audiophiles looking to push their sound systems to the limit.

Despite initial expectations for a feature-packed Blu-ray edition of "Stealth," Sony's release comes disappointingly light on extras. The disc includes only Introduction to Blu-ray with 'Stealth' Director Rob Cohen, which, despite its somewhat misleading title, features premiere clips, movie excerpts, and unrelated visuals like surfers and battleships—all in high definition. The main menu is creatively designed, immersing viewers in a fighter cockpit experience with the film's action music.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction to Blu-ray with 'Stealth' Director Rob Cohen: Premiere clips, movie excerpts, and various unrelated visuals in high definition.

"Stealth" is a film designed to thrill with its high-flying, explosive action sequences but ultimately falls short due to its shallow plot and over-the-top editing. Set in the near future, the film introduces a new aerial weapon developed to combat terrorists. The narrative follows three elite Navy pilots, portrayed by Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel, and Josh Lucas, who are assigned to integrate an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) into their team. However, the story quickly deviates into chaotic territory when the UCAV gains a heightened awareness after being struck by lightning, turning an already unlikely scenario into a convoluted mess riddled with plot holes.

Technical aspects of "Stealth" are both its strength and weakness. The movie's special effects push the boundaries of visual spectacle, featuring rapid-fire edits and highly detailed CGI dogfights that promise adrenaline-pumping excitement. However, these quickly become overwhelming due to incessant split-second shots and shaky camera work that make it hard to follow the action. This disorienting visual style is more reminiscent of an overstimulating video game than a coherent cinematic experience, sacrificing substance for spectacle. The result is a bombardment of noise and hyperactivity that ultimately feels tiresome over the film’s two-hour runtime.

Despite its star-studded cast, "Stealth" struggles to deliver compelling performances. Jessica Biel's role as a future Navy pilot lacks credibility, and neither Foxx nor Lucas manage to bring depth to their characters. Sam Shepard and Joe Morton’s brief appearances provide some relief, but they are far from enough to salvage the film. Directed by Rob Cohen, known for his action-packed but often superficial style, "Stealth" ends up as an insipid display of hollow glamor rather than a substantial narrative, making it a forgettable entry in the action genre despite its ambitious attempts at grandeur.

"Stealth" is a polarizing film where, despite its narrative shortcomings, the Blu-ray release exhibits notable technical excellence. Directed by Rob Cohen, known for action-packed films such as "The Fast and the Furious," this movie might not captivate all viewers. The plot, while potentially engaging on paper, suffers from mediocre execution and uninspired character development. Cohen's direction falters during the aerial dogfight sequences, which devolve into confusing flashes and blurs, leaving the audience bewildered rather than thrilled.

Technically, however, Sony's release stands out. The transfer quality is exceptional, presenting a crisp and vibrant visual experience that showcases the high-definition medium's capabilities. Every intricate detail, from the futuristic jets to the vast landscapes, is rendered with remarkable clarity. The audio quality is another highlight, providing an immersive soundscape that leverages the full potential of high-definition Blu-ray. Each explosion and engine roar is delivered with mind-boggling precision, making it a formidable piece for audio demonstration purposes.

Nevertheless, the lack of supplementary materials on this Blu-ray disc does diminish its overall value. For those seeking extras such as behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or additional footage, this release falls short.

I cannot get the image of Peter Gibbons telling the Bobs that he just doesn't care out of my mind (that's from the 1999 comedy Office Space if you don't know, and may I suggest renting that instead of Stealth). I feel the same way about this movie. After the first act, I found I had absolutely no cheering interest in the characters, the story, anything, except in cheering on the counter on the front of my BD-30 to inch ever-so-closer to that magical point in the movie where black background meets scrolling white text. Frankly, I'm a bit surprised I didn't enjoy the movie more; it's plot once was, and mostly still is, right up my alley, but the execution from Rob Cohen (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Dragonheart, The Fast and the Furious), a director whose work I generally enjoy, completely ruined the movie for me.
Aerial dogfights can be a thing of beauty (just watch the recently released Battle of Britain or even Star Wars: Episode IV), but in Stealth, they become a haphazard jumble of flashes and blurs that never allow the audience to truly focus on what's going on. If you're looking for Top Gun meets 2001 meets Short Circuit meets Behind Enemy Lines, you still may want to look elsewhere (or just watch those four movies instead if time permits), even though Stealth borrows the main themes or premises of each of those films. As usual, however, Sony has released a first-rate disc sans supplements. With a solid video quality and mind-boggling audio experience, this Blu-ray disc may very well worth be adding to your collection if for no other reason than for audio demonstration purposes.