Stand Up Guys Blu-ray Review

"Stand Up Guys" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The Red Epic shot feature showcases superb contrast, significantly enhancing the many nighttime scenes that dominate the film. Details are often astoundingly clear, particularly in close-ups, where every crag and chin hair on Walken and Pacino's faces are discernible. Arkin, with his shorter screen time and fewer extreme close-ups, is slightly less detailed. The film's contrast remains strong throughout, preserving excellent shadow detail and natural-looking colors that provide a clear and precise image.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer offers remarkable sharpness and impressive dimensionality. The digital source is virtually immaculate, although some minor noise and fleeting instances of background shimmering are noted. Fine details are expertly rendered, revealing intricate textures and patterns, with the stars' weathered faces particularly striking. A nostalgic golden glaze and frequent orange/teal push enrich the colors with a stylized yet rich appearance, especially during a dance scene set in a bar, where bold yellow and purple hues standout. High contrast provides bright whites and deep blacks without disruption, maintaining a well-balanced visual experience in line with modern style while evoking a classic 70s cinema feel.

The "Stand Up Guys" Blu-ray features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and a Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 track, with optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles. The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 provides notable oomph, especially during the film’s livelier set pieces such as a boisterous car chase and a fun joyride that sends revving engines and squealing tires with natural directionality and deep bass. Surround activity is fairly consistent, although it primarily becomes noticeable during these intense sequences. Bullets also deliver a palpable bang, engaging the surrounds with whizzing gunfire and the sound of breaking glass. Music selections, including original tracks by Bon Jovi, are exquisitely spread around the soundstage, coming through with crisp fidelity and a surprisingly wide dynamic range.

Dialogue-driven scenes, often heart-to-hearts between Val and Doc, are anchored front and center, delivering full-bodied and clean speech even if Al Pacino's grizzly voice might seem soft spoken. These quieter moments, however, sometimes lack atmospheric depth, offering little ambiance which may slightly detract from the immersion. Yet, the restraint in these sections aligns well with the film's tone, producing a more gentle and intimate feel. All audio elements, from the spirited source cues to subtle foley effects, are balanced harmoniously without any technical issues. While the lack of atmosphere during dialogue-heavy segments might be disappointing to some, the bursts of auditory excitement in key sequences more than compensate, ensuring an overall satisfying auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "Stand Up Guys" provide a comprehensive look behind the scenes with insightful commentary and engaging featurettes. The Director's Commentary by Fisher Stevens stands out as he elaborates on the production process, casting, and his intention to capture the essence of 70s cinema, sprinkled with trivia and anecdotes. The Lowdown on Making Stand Up Guys offers a mix of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage providing rich details about the film's creation and character dynamics. The Stand Up Songs of Jon Bon Jovi dives into Bon Jovi’s musical contributions, while American Muscle focuses on the logistics of executing a challenging car chase sequence. Additionally, a brief segment of Deleted Scenes adds a bit more charm to the package, though it doesn't introduce significant new elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director Commentary: Fisher Stevens discusses production details and shares set anecdotes.
• The Lowdown on Making Stand Up Guys: Featurette with cast & crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• The Stand Up Songs of Jon Bon Jovi: Bon Jovi speaks about his involvement and song inspirations.
• American Muscle: The Stand Up Stunt Driving Scenes: Breakdown of the film's car chase sequence.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes two cut scenes with running timecodes.

Fisher Stevens’ "Stand Up Guys" assembles a stellar cast, featuring Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin, but unfortunately falters due to a disjointed screenplay. Val (Pacino), having spent 28 years in prison, is welcomed back by his old partner Doc (Walken), who is coerced into the unenviable task of murdering Val on orders from local crime boss Claphands (Mark Margolis). As the duo, later joined by their ailing comrade Hirsch (Arkin), embark on a frenetic, wholly improbable night of misadventures, the film toggles awkwardly between a contemplative exploration of aging criminals and a slapstick comedy riddled with outlandish scenarios and age-related humor.

This tonality inconsistency is further compounded by implausible narrative turns such as pharmacy break-ins for Viagra and prescription meds, wild car chases, and heart-string-tugging subplots involving characters' families. The film stumbles in its attempt to weave humorous exploits, like Pacino's character overdosing on Viagra, with heartfelt moments of nostalgia and regret. Such scenes highlight glaring plot holes and lack of logical coherence, detracting from the potential emotional resonance.

The film nevertheless benefits substantially from its leading men. Pacino injects Val with a palpable zest for life, finding an anchor in Walken's tender portrayal of Doc's moral dilemma. While Arkin’s character is underdeveloped, his interactions add value to the narrative. Addison Timlin’s performance as a diner waitress offers one of the rare genuinely touching scenes. Despite the true potential buried within themes of loyalty and companionship among old friends, the script lumbers through clichéd and predictable moments, leaving "Stand Up Guys" as a missed opportunity that leans too heavily on cheap laughs instead of meaningful storytelling.

"Stand Up Guys" initially sets the stage for a compelling character study of two aging criminals, buoyed by the legendary performances of Al Pacino and Christopher Walken. However, as the narrative progresses, it devolves into an inconsistent mishmash when elements akin to a Farrelly brothers’ comedy encroach on the plot. While the blend of dark humor and criminal misadventures holds promise, the film ultimately falters due to its scattered focus and tonal instability.

Despite the script's shortcomings and a direction that borders on formulaic, the film's saving grace lies in the chemistry between its venerable stars. The interactions between Walken and Pacino inject warmth and authenticity that momentarily elevate the somewhat uninspired material. The story's bittersweet themes manage to extract intermittent moments of genuine heart amidst the lazy comedic setups. The narrative, albeit predictable and uneven, benefits from the palpable camaraderie and charisma of its central duo.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray release impresses with an exceptional video transfer that captures the intricate nuances of the film's visual aesthetic. The audio mix is robust, providing a strong auditory experience that complements the on-screen action. Although the disc is not brimming with extras, it features a notable commentary track and several insightful featurettes that delve into production trivia. These enhancements, while modest, add value for fans seeking behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, "Stand Up Guys" offers moments of engaging performance but doesn’t quite live up to its potential. While it may not be counted among the best works of Walken or Pacino, it is worth a rental for those who appreciate their craft. The technical prowess of the Blu-ray edition provides a commendable viewing experience despite the film’s narrative flaws.