Pusher Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original cinematic aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and encoded with an MPEG-4 AVC codec, the Blu-ray release of "Pusher" by Luis Prieto is a technical marvel that showcases the strengths of high-definition media. Distributed by Momentum Pictures in a stunning 1080p transfer, this cinematic experience is elevated to new heights, courtesy of the Red One MX camera technology utilized during its production. The film's visual presentation on Blu-ray is nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating exceptional depth, clarity, and sharpness across the board. Notably, the vividness and range of colors displayed are striking—blues, yellows, greens, browns, and blacks are reproduced with a level of vibrancy and detail that could rival digital photographs, as particularly evident in select close-up shots.

The attention to detail in the video quality extends to the compression techniques employed, ensuring that the Blu-ray transfer is free from common anomalies such as banding and aliasing, which can detract from the viewing experience. Moreover, stability issues are notably absent, attesting to the meticulous care taken in producing this release. This iteration of "Pusher" solidifies its position as one of the most visually impressive titles in Momentum Pictures' Blu-ray catalog. The absence of any transfer-specific flaws further underscores the technical prowess behind this release.

However, it's important to note that this is a Region-B locked Blu-ray release. Potential viewers will need a native Region-B or Region-Free player to access its content. This small caveat aside, "Pusher" on Blu-ray sets a high benchmark for visual presentation, affirming Momentum Pictures' commitment to delivering superior quality releases. Whether it's the remarkable sharpness, dynamic range of colors, or flawless stability, this version of "Pusher" stands out as a paragon of how film transfers should be executed.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray edition of "Pusher" boasts a solitary but high-caliber English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, alongside an auxiliary offering for the visually impaired, formatted in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This release is enhanced with optional English SDH subtitles which are thoughtfully implemented to avoid disrupting the visual experience, neatly dividing between the image frame and the black bar beneath, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Momentum Pictures has rigorously ensured that both essential dialogues and the optional subtitles coexist without hindering the cinematic experience.

The auditory experience is catapulted into excellence by an exceptional soundtrack, masterminded by the iconic British electronic dance music duo Orbital, with notable contributions from Lloyd Perrin, Marcus Marr, and Austra. This carefully curated blend of auditory sensations does not merely accompany the film but elevates it, providing a significant enhancement to the visual narrative. The dynamic range is particularly remarkable during sequences featuring gunshots, where clarity merget with an impressive dynamic intensity, enveloping the viewer in a crisply defined soundstage that brings every scene to vivid life.

Clarity and precision define the dialogue delivery throughout "Pusher," guaranteeing that every word and nuance is effortlessly intelligible, a testament to the meticulous audio mixing that eschews dropouts and distortions. This unblemished clarity, combined with the dynamically rich soundtrack, ensures that viewers are treated to an immersive audio experience. The technical execution here adheres strictly to providing an unobtrusive yet enriching soundscape, underscoring the narrative and emotional undercurrents of the film with deftness and subtlety.

The extras included on the "Pusher" Blu-ray enhance the viewing experience substantially by offering insightful glimpses behind the scenes, rounding out one's understanding of the film's creation and reception. The original theatrical trailer gives an immediate feel of the movie's tone and pacing, serving as a succinct introduction. In contrast, "The Making of Pusher" dives deep into the production process, offering unguarded moments on set and candid interviews with the cast and crew, providing a comprehensive look at the nuts and bolts of filmmaking. The Q&A session further enriches this package, with key figures such as executive producer Nicolas Winding Refn and lead actors sharing their perspectives on the project's challenges and triumphs. While all content is engagingly presented in high definition, the absence of subtitles may pose a slight inconvenience for some viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for Pusher.
• The Making of Pusher: Featurette including raw footage from filming and comments by the cast and crew.
• Q&A: Footage from the Q&A session following the premiere, featuring discussions by Nicolas Winding Refn and others.

Luis Prieto's 2012 adaptation of "Pusher," presented on Blu-ray by Momentum Pictures, delivers a neon-lit journey through London’s underbelly, diverging significantly from Nicolas Winding Refn's original 1996 Copenhagen-set narrative. The remake trades the dank, gritty atmosphere for the polished interiors of high-end bars and clubs, drawing a crowd that finds a savior in Frank (Richard Coyle), the film’s drug-peddling protagonist. Despite this glossy exterior, the film avoids falling into the trap of style over substance. Avoiding the snappy one-liners typical of Guy Ritchie's oeuvre, "Pusher" instead opts for bursts of dark humor that keep it tethered to a harsh reality, rendering Frank's perilous life convincingly. The editing by Kim Gaster introduces a balanced pace to the narrative, eschewing the frantic, jittery cuts common in contemporary British crime films for a more measured visual storytelling approach.

The cinema photography, benefited from the Red One MX camera, ensures that "Pusher" is a visually stunning piece, with nightclub scenes and close-ups that boast remarkable vibrancy and depth despite their dimly lit settings. This visual feast is aptly complemented by a pulsating soundtrack featuring tracks from Orbital and other notable artists, infusing the film with an energy that elevates its tense narrative. The dynamic between Frank and his limited but impactful support cast, including a memorable Serbian crime boss Milo (Zlatko Buric) and a sympathetic stripper (Agyness Deyn), enriches the film’s human dimension against its urban crime backdrop.

Notably showcased at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes and Edinburgh, where it was nominated for The Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film, "Pusher" stands out not just for its technical excellence but for its ability to convey a gripping story without succumbing to genre clichés. This Blu-ray presentation underscores the film’s achievements in both narrative and cinematic quality, ensuring that viewers are treated to an experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally engaging.

Luis Prieto's iteration of "Pusher" emerges as a commendably executed remake of the 1996 Danish thriller by Nicolas Winding Refn, defying expectations by steering clear of the clichés that tend to mire contemporary British gangster narratives. The film showcases a fusion of style and substance, buoyed by performances that propel its storyline with notable finesse. Its divergence from the conventional path is underscored by the fact that even Nicolas Winding Refn, the original creator, lent his expertise as an executive producer, suggesting a remake that respects and revitalizes the core essence of its source material.

The Blu-ray presentation by Momentum Pictures is nothing short of remarkable, presenting "Pusher" in a manner that enhances the viewing experience. The attention to technical detail is meticulous, ensuring that the visual and auditory elements of the film are delivered with clarity and precision. This commitment to quality not only respects the dynamic ambiance of Prieto's direction but also serves as a testament to Momentum Pictures’ dedication to preserving the film’s gritty aesthetic and atmospheric tension.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Pusher" by Momentum Pictures is a compelling package that deserves recognition not only for its cinematic merits but also for its technical prowess. Whether you're a newcomer to the narrative or a devotee of Refn's original masterpiece wary of remakes, this rendition offers a fresh yet faithful perspective worth exploring. With outstanding acting, a departure from genre clichés, and a superior presentation quality, "Pusher" stands out as a significant contribution to the British gangster film landscape. Recommended for enthusiasts eager for a substantive crime thriller experience.