The Crow: City of Angels Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Crow: City of Angels" presents a mixed bag regarding video quality. With a 1080i transfer that retains the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, it provides a semblance of authenticity, avoiding unnecessary cropping. However, the visual presentation struggles to surpass the standards of a decent DVD up-convert. The image frequently lacks fine detailing, and while a few close-ups, such as the detailing on Ashe's face, offer glimpses of high definition, the majority falls short. The color palette—replete with bland reds, oranges, and yellows amid pervasive gray and black backgrounds—fails to captivate, and the blacks are notably subpar.

The encode, utilizing AVC MPEG-4 but settling for 1080i, feels insufficient. Scenes often exhibit a noticeable haze with an orange tinge, detracting from the visual experience. Skin tones appear unnatural, and contrast levels remain inconsistent. Detail loss is evident across various sequences, resulting in a soft image that rarely impresses. Closeups are disappointingly indistinct, with only sporadic moments of clarity that are fleeting and unsatisfactory. Additionally, the release suffers from several technical issues, including heavy banding, blocking in darker settings, and occasional speckles throughout.

Overall stability of the image makes it watchable, but this Blu-ray lacks the sharpness and vividness expected from high-definition media. Viewers hoping for a visually compelling experience may find themselves disappointed by the erratic and often underwhelming video quality.

The Blu-ray release of "The Crow: City of Angels" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack that is considerably underwhelming for a film of this nature. The decision to include only a stereo mix, despite the availability of prior 5.1 channel options, significantly diminishes the auditory experience. The soundtrack's delivery of background ambience is narrow, limited primarily to the center channel, with rock music that feels flat and lacks the dynamism one would expect. Explosions and other low-end effects come through with moderate power but suffer from a lack of definition and tightness.

Numerous technical deficiencies plague this audio presentation. Separation is notably poor, sometimes giving the impression of an even lower quality 1.0 mono track. The dialogue and sound effects often come across as hollow and lifeless, failing to engage. High-frequency sounds and busy sequences are disappointingly weak, with anemic execution that distorts the intended intensity of pivotal moments. Additionally, there are noticeable issues with lip sync, further detracting from the overall coherence and immersion of the audio experience.

In conclusion, Echo Bridge’s audio offering for "The Crow: City of Angels" is a letdown. Despite being a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, it misses the mark on several fronts, delivering a lackluster and unengaging auditory experience that does not do justice to the potential of the film’s dynamic action scenes and atmospheric soundtrack. This release is emblematic of missed opportunities in providing a more robust, multi-channel audio experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Crow: City of Angels" offers an intriguing selection of extras that delve into the production and legacy of this cult classic. The standout feature is the comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary, which provides a fascinating look at the challenges faced during filming and the creative process behind the movie's dark aesthetic. Interviews with the cast and crew offer deep insight into their experiences and the film's impact on their careers. Additionally, the commentary track by the director provides valuable context and adds depth to key scenes. Fans of the film will also appreciate the inclusion of concept art and storyboards, which showcase the meticulous planning that went into crafting the film's visually striking world. Overall, the extras on this disc significantly enhance the viewing experience, making it a must-have for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind-the-Scenes Documentary: In-depth look at production challenges and creative processes.
• Director’s Commentary: Provides context and depth to key scenes.
• Cast and Crew Interviews: Offer insights into their experiences and career impacts.
• Concept Art and Storyboards: Showcase detailed planning of the film's visual design.

The Crow: City of Angels, released two years after the successful and tragic original, struggles to find its footing without the late Brandon Lee and director Alex Proyas. The film attempts to recreate the dark, atmospheric aesthetic that defined its predecessor but falls short with a weak script and a rushed production feel. The plot centers around Ashe Corven (Vincent Perez), who is resurrected by a crow to exact revenge on the gang that murdered him and his son. Although Vincent Perez, Iggy Pop, and Richard Brooks put forth commendable performances, their efforts are undermined by underdeveloped characters and a storyline lacking depth.

Set against a grim and gritty Los Angeles, ruled by drug kingpin Judah Earl (Richard Brooks), the film's visual style often feels more akin to a Hellraiser movie than a superhero sequel. The movie's relentless dark tone is emphasized by a near-monochromatic palette of dull reds, oranges, and golds, reinforcing the desolate setting. Director Tim Pope's heavy-handed approach lacks the finesse required to balance the film's supernatural elements with its revenge narrative, resulting in a one-dimensional portrayal of good and evil.

Although the movie attempts to build on the original's legacy, it fails to introduce anything new or compelling. The villains appear cartoonish, and their actions often border on the absurd. Perez’s overacting makes his character less sympathetic and more irritating, while the supporting cast is confined to superficial personas. The film's reliance on a familiar formula—inhospitable visuals, dark themes, and a supernatural revenge quest—results in a disheartening experience for fans hoping for a worthy sequel. The Crow: City of Angels ultimately flounders, its potential buried beneath an oppressive atmosphere and uninspired execution.

The Crow: City of Angels presents itself as a sequel to the cult classic "The Crow," yet it falls short on nearly every front. The film heads downhill due to a weak and predictable script coupled with subpar special effects. Visually, the movie is unremarkably bleak. Although this aligns with the film’s dark themes, the story is so linear and simplistic that the visual darkness feels more obligatory than inspired. The lead performance is substandard, contributing little depth to an already mediocre revenge narrative.

Echo Bridge's Blu-ray release further compounds the film’s shortcomings. The 1080i transfer is scarcely adequate, failing to deliver the crispness and detail expected from modern Blu-ray presentations, while the two-channel lossless soundtrack lacks the richness of a proper 5.1 surround mix. The absence of any extras reinforces the apparent lack of effort invested in this release. For fans of the original “The Crow,” this Blu-ray edition is likely to be a disappointment rather than a collectible item.

In conclusion, The Crow: City of Angels is, at best, a superfluous picture, heavily overshadowed by its predecessor. Its uninspired script and one-dimensional characters fail to establish their own identity within the genre. Echo Bridge's Blu-ray release does little to enhance its appeal, delivering a mediocre audiovisual experience with no supplemental content to entice collectors. Most viewers would be better off renting this release or simply re-watching the original classic.