RED Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "RED" delivers a strong 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer framed in a 2.40:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Visually, it impresses with vibrant colors and deep blacks, especially in nighttime shots and explosive scenes. The image is incredibly clean—perhaps too clean for those who prefer a more filmic texture, as the slight grain is almost imperceptible. Close-ups reveal stunning detail, capturing every wrinkle, pore, and age spot with uncompromising clarity. Shadows exhibit excellent detail, and whites are controlled well with no blooming, showcased effectively in costumes like Helen Mirren's evening gown.

While the presentation is close to flawless with rich black levels and well-balanced colors, certain elements might feel digitally artificial to purists. Interior scenes, such as the library shots in chapter five, offer an impressive sense of depth for a 2D experience. However, some minor issues such as slightly orange flesh tones and occasional soft shots can be noticed but do not detract significantly from the overall quality. The absence of imperfections like edge enhancement, noise, or banding ensures that this transfer stands out among contemporary high-definition releases.

In summary, Summit's Blu-ray of "RED" delivers an above-average visual presentation that balances clarity and color accuracy skillfully. Although it may lack that certain organic filmic quality that some viewers crave, it remains a visually robust transfer that serves the film well. It handles textures—from regal attire to everyday elements like pavement and brickwork—with commendable precision, solidifying its place as a high-quality home video release.

The Blu-Ray of "RED" boasts an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that significantly enhances the overall viewing experience. This reference-grade track ensures dynamic range and depth, delivering crystal clear dialogue amidst a background of heart-pounding action sequences. Explosions possess a visceral 'crump' that is palpable, bolstered by impressive subwoofer action. Gunfire is crisp and sharp, with each shot meticulously rendered to provide an immersive experience. Front channel stereo separation is superb, with discrete effects and robust music scoring from Christopher Beck enveloping the audience. Notably, the meticulous sound effects, from subtle thuds to pronounced ricochets, contribute to the track's precision and engagement.

Action sequences in "RED" leverage the full potential of the lossless soundtrack. The assault on Moses's house, for instance, stands out as an audio spectacle, with gunfire and explosions demonstrating fine-tuned sonic power without becoming overwhelming. Bass levels are tight and aggressive, ensuring that explosions are impactful yet controlled. Ambient sounds, such as police sirens, are intricately positioned within the soundstage, underscoring the professional mixing and pinpoint imaging of the track.

Dialogues remain perfectly centered and clear throughout, never competing with high-octane sound effects. The score dynamically ejects from the front channels and is supported by surround effects that enrich the auditory experience. The balanced mix adeptly handles overlapping audio elements with ease, making every aspect of the soundtrack feel deliberate and well-crafted. This soundtrack encourages higher volume levels to fully appreciate its range and power, inviting viewers to immerse themselves entirely in the film's auditory landscape.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "RED" provide a depth of insight and entertainment that will appeal to both fans of the movie and espionage enthusiasts. Headlining these features is an Audio Commentary by retired CIA field officer Robert Baer, who served as an advisor on the film. Baer's commentary is steeped in authenticity, shedding light on the real-world operations of the CIA, complete with tips on spying, use of disguises, gadgets, field experiences, and the evolution of roles within the agency. For an interactive experience, the "Access: Red" feature offers Picture-in-Picture content packed with trivia, behind-the-scenes footage, and mini-featurettes on various film and CIA-related topics. The package also includes a set of ten Deleted and Extended Scenes that, while not groundbreaking, provide some optional comedic and action elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from retired CIA officer Robert Baer.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: Ten scenes with optional action and comedy.
• Access: Red: Interactive PiP feature with trivia, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.

"RED" makes a lively entry into the Blu-ray market with a commendable 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 encoded transfer, confined to a widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The visuals boast vibrant colors, robust blacks, and a healthy contrast that underscores the sharpness of this clean print. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio output, however, surpasses the visual experience, delivering an immersive auditory scene where gunfire and explosions create an all-encompassing impact. This engaging mix truly places the viewer in the midst of the action, accentuated by an audio commentary from a retired CIA advisor, deleted scenes, and an interactive feature included as bonus materials.

At its core, "RED" tells the tale of retired CIA analyst Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), who is abruptly thrust back into action as he becomes a target for assassination. Forced to protect Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker), a government pension clerk, Frank enlists his former team - Joe Matheson (Morgan Freeman), Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren) - to uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy. With performances from a stellar cast that includes Richard Dreyfuss and Ernest Borgnine in supporting roles, the film balances high-octane action with humor. Mirren's portrayal of an elegant-yet-dangerous former assassin and Malkovich’s eccentric conspiracy theorist stand out, making the ensemble cast remarkably cohesive and engaging.

Though "RED" thrives on its unique premise of aged operatives re-entering the fray and its humorous overtones, it does have pacing issues. The story takes its time to introduce all principal characters and develop the plot, resulting in a slower middle act. Director Robert Schwentke strikes an overall breezy tone, though occasionally the light-heartedness seems excessive. While the plot may appear convoluted at times, the film remains an entertaining amalgamation of action-packed sequences and comedic elements, providing audiences with an enjoyable ride fueled by the undeniable chemistry among its veteran cast.

"RED," starring a powerhouse ensemble cast, delivers a high-octane blend of action and humor that epitomizes entertainment. This film strikes the perfect balance between thrilling set pieces and sharp comedic moments, thanks to its seasoned actors who masterfully navigate the snappy dialogue and intense action scenes. Summit Entertainment's Blu-ray release accentuates the movie's strengths with a near-flawless technical presentation. The video quality is superb, offering crisp visuals that bring the film's dynamic scenes to life, while the audio track ensures an immersive experience.

In terms of extras, the special edition Blu-ray includes a small but high-quality selection of bonus materials. Although some might find these additional features somewhat limited in quantity, their quality largely compensates for this. Those considering a purchase should note the distinction between the special edition and the more affordable movie-only disc, which features lossy audio—a significant drawback for audiophiles. Nevertheless, the added features on the special edition make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated fans.

In conclusion, "Red" is all about fun. The movie wears that three-letter descriptor on its sleeve throughout and does not get any less pretentious than this. "Red" earns high points not only for its honesty but also for its ability to find that perfect balance between action and humor and, more importantly, ensure that its well-seasoned cast plays perfectly into the freshly minted action scenes to make them as spectacular as they need to be. Summit Entertainment might not release all that many titles, but the studio certainly has this Blu-ray thing down pat. A great movie is supported by a nearly flawless technical presentation and a nice little array of extra goodies that might be small in quantity but are high in quality. Highly recommended.