Nighthawks Blu-ray Review

"Nighthawks" presents an impressive video performance on Blu-ray, courtesy of FilmRise and MVD Visual. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio showcases remarkably sharp and detailed imagery, capitalizing on the ARRI Alexa’s capabilities. The meticulous cinematography effortlessly navigates the diverse lighting and grading choices, maintaining high levels of detail and vibrant shadow definition. Noteworthy is the intentional haziness in some club scenes, offering a psychedelic aura while retaining substantial detail fidelity. One minor drawback is a certain murkiness in the darkest sequences, which slightly detracts from the otherwise stellar performance.

The transfer's high-quality digital intermediate likely contributes significantly to its pristine definition and overall clarity. The color palette is particularly striking, delivering both naturalistic and highly stylized hues reminiscent of "John Wick" with an array of purples and teals. However, the presentation is not without flaws, as noticeable AVC banding issues arise in select scenes. These issues stem from the sub-par AVC bitrates used, which poorly compresses the moodily lit sequences, thereby affecting the overall consistency. Yet, for the most part, "Nighthawks" presents a visually engaging and technically proficient viewing experience that shines on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Nighthawks" offers impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 mixes, adeptly handling the soundtrack's varying demands. The film, heavily reliant on Kiley Norton’s synthesizer-driven score, leverages the midrange and low end to emphasize its thumping club music. This is especially noticeable during party scenes, where ambient noise and musical elements are seamlessly integrated into the side and rear channels. Importantly, dialogue is consistently clear and clean, maintaining perfect balance even when the soundtrack intensifies.

Despite being primarily a dialogue-centric film, "Nighthawks" benefits from discrete activity in the front soundstage, enriching the overall auditory experience without overwhelming the audience. Optional English SDH subtitles are consistently displayed in a white font within the scope presentation. While the 5.1 mix effectively utilizes ambient sounds to enhance specific scenes, the included 2.0 DTS-HD MA stereo track mirrors these characteristics with just slightly less spatial depth.

Overall, the audio presentation of "Nighthawks" delivers a robust and immersive soundscape that supports both the nuanced dialogue and the film’s dynamic score.

The Blu-ray extras for "Nighthawks" offer limited but intriguing additional content. The Photo Gallery is presented in 1080i resolution and includes around 36 production stills. It lacks a timecode but advances quickly, requiring the viewer to manually pause if they wish to linger on specific images. The Theatrical Trailer is included in 1080p and runs for 1:39. While this release is labeled as a "Special Edition," it essentially reissues previous content with little supplemental material, which may disappoint those seeking more in-depth extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Photo Gallery: A selection of production stills in HD, advancing automatically.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original trailer, presented in high definition.

"Nighthawks," directed by Grant S. Johnson, attempts to deliver a contemporary critique of Millennial culture, but the effort often falls short due to an incoherent narrative and an overreliance on clichés. The film stars Chace Crawford as Stan, an aspiring writer from Middle America, who relocates to New York City and gets drawn into a night of bizarre escapades alongside Chad (Kevin Zegers), a stereotypical player. The narrative is initially intriguing, featuring a hallucinatory setup that hints at occult or pagan themes. However, this promising start quickly devolves into a convoluted quest for vengeance, undermining any deeper social commentary Johnson may have intended.

Technically, "Nighthawks" boasts a slick visual style and a pulsating EDM score that adds energy to the proceedings. Cinematographer Matthew Quinn’s sleek visuals and the film's meticulous set design create an engaging atmosphere that unfortunately does little to salvage the muddled plot. The performances, notably from Crawford and Janet Montgomery, are commendable but ultimately wasted on poorly developed characters and a script that oscillates between the absurd and the pedestrian. The narrative's attempt to blend noir elements with a critique of modern hookup culture results in awkward dialogue and unconvincing twists.

The film's strongest moments emerge in its initial setup, where Stan experiences surreal nightlife flashes, creating an almost "Eyes Wide Shut" ambiance. However, these moments are short-lived, as the plot soon reveals its true overly literal intentions, forfeiting the initial metaphysical allure. As Stan is ensnared by an enigmatic group called the Nighthawks, led by the menacing yet ineffectual Kentavious (Blue Kimble), prolonged confrontations and hollow threats strip away any remaining intrigue. Despite its potential, "Nighthawks" stumbles over its heavy-handed attempts at profundity, resulting in a film that is stylishly shot but narratively flawed.

The Blu-ray release of "Nighthawks" delivers a mixed viewing experience with a particularly strong emphasis on technical presentation. The visual aesthetic is commendable, featuring crisp detail and vibrant color reproduction that elevates the film’s urban settings. Notably, the audio quality is equally impressive, with a well-balanced sound design that enhances the overall immersion. Fans of the cast will appreciate the performance clarity, even if the narrative pacing occasionally falters. However, it’s necessary to acknowledge that the film's ambition doesn’t consistently translate into a compelling storyline.

Narratively, "Nighthawks" begins with an intriguing premise that hints at a mind-bending structure, potentially leading viewers through a labyrinthine plot. Unfortunately, this promise diminishes as the film progresses into more conventional territory. The plot evolves into a somewhat predictable and mundane tale focusing on vengeance and interpersonal strife, leaving little room for the innovative twists initially suggested. This shift may disappoint those expecting a more complex or thought-provoking experience, as it ultimately caters to a simpler, albeit somewhat engaging, narrative style.

In conclusion, "Nighthawks" presents a fusion of solid technical merits with a narrative that doesn’t entirely fulfill its initial promise. While the visual and auditory elements are executed with professional precision, the storyline may leave some viewers desiring more depth and originality. Despite its narrative shortcomings, fans of the cast and genre may find enough stylistic and performative elements to appreciate in this Blu-ray presentation.