Kidnap Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Kidnap" boasts an impressive video quality that underscores the film's high-definition roots. The 1080p transfer, formatted in a 2.40:1 theatrical aspect ratio via the AVC codec, provides a glossy and detailed visual experience. Close-up shots effectively reveal subtleties in facial features and textures, while mid-level camera pans offer significant depth and dimension. Colors are warmly saturated with punchy primaries and natural rendering, particularly in vivid environments. Skin tones are lifelike and pleasing, and black levels are notably deep, providing excellent contrast in the mix of light and dark scenes.

However, the digitally photographed film does display some inconsistencies. Noise is sporadically present, becoming prominent during darker scenes and shots with tricky angles, such as a tunnel sequence where compression artifacts momentarily overwhelm the screen. Additionally, lower resolution cameras are employed occasionally for challenging shots, leading to variations in detail. Despite these issues, the disc manages to deliver fine detail in facial expressions and scenic shots of Louisiana’s winding freeways. An older production timeline does show its limitations in digital filmmaking advancements, but the effective color grading compensates by imbuing the imagery with strong, appealing hues.

Overall, while "Kidnap" exhibits moments of rough encoding and fluctuating smoothness—particularly with chroma noise in specific scenes—the presentation remains stable and engaging. Environmental details and backgrounds hold their own, showcasing shapes and structures even in uneven lighting. This amalgamation of high refinements and minor technical setbacks makes for a captivating visual journey that is generally well-executed for a 1080p Blu-ray release.

"Kidnap" features a highly dynamic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that ensures an engaging and immersive experience. The film's numerous action sequences, particularly the high-intensity car chases, are delivered with remarkable precision and aggression. The soundstage is active and involving, enveloping the listener in a cacophony of metal crunches, vehicle collisions, and roaring engines. Bass response is robust and balanced, delivering impressive depth and impact, especially during the numerous high-speed crashes and the potent shotgun blasts later in the film. The carnival scene at the beginning is authentically lively, with excellent stage saturation that brings every sound to life.

Dialogue coherence remains impeccable throughout the chaos, firmly anchored in the front-center channel, ensuring clear comprehension even amidst the pandemonium. Although some atmospheric sounds are more concentrated in the front channels, the rear channels are effectively employed during tense moments on the road, enhancing directional audio cues. The balance does occasionally favor the musical score, which features a substantial and immersive low-frequency presence that complements the intense sequences adeptly. Overall, the sound mix delivers a visceral auditory experience that keeps the audience engaged and invested in the film’s high-octane narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "Kidnap" delivers a modest selection of extras centered around a brief behind-the-scenes featurette. The primary bonus is "A Look Inside Kidnap," which is a short, 3-minute featurette presented in 1080p HD. It includes quick insights from director Luis Prieto, second unit director Steven Ritzi, and star Halle Berry, focusing on the film's storyline and the production challenges. Additionally, the Blu-ray package contains a DVD copy of the film and a digital HD copy code redeemable on UV/iTunes. Prominent promo trailers for "Girls Trip," "Atomic Blonde," and "The Beguiled" are also included.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Look Inside Kidnap: A short featurette where key crew and cast discuss the story and production challenges.
• Promo Trailers: Trailers for "Girls Trip," "Atomic Blonde," and "The Beguiled."
• DVD/Digital Copy: A physical DVD and a digital HD copy code.

"Kidnap," directed by Luis Prieto and starring Halle Berry, is a straightforward, lean Action-Thriller that excels in delivering constant tension and non-stop action over its brisk 82-minute runtime. The film showcases Berry as Karla Dyson, a single mother who embarks on a relentless high-speed pursuit after her son Frankie (Sage Correa) is abducted from a carnival. With minimal reliance on plot twists or deep character exploration, "Kidnap" offers a no-frills, edge-of-your-seat experience. Berry's performance grounds the film with palpable ferocity and determination as she tackles numerous obstacles and dangerous confrontations with her pursuers.

Technically, the film demonstrates solid second unit direction and stunt coordination. The car chases across highways and through crowded urban areas are staged with kinetic energy, effectively maintaining suspense and tension. However, the editing does show signs of rushed post-production, likely due to the film's delayed release from 2015 to its eventual launch. Noticeable continuity errors, particularly during a tunnel fight scene, and abrupt blackout edits, somewhat disrupt the viewing experience.

The narrative simplicity of "Kidnap" delivers effective escapism but at the expense of deeper character development and plausible realism. The actions of the police are portrayed as conveniently inefficient, allowing the chase to proceed unchallenged for dramatic effect. Nevertheless, Berry's compelling screen presence and the relentless pacing keep the audience engaged. The antagonists, played by Chris McGinn and Lew Temple, are presented with enough menace to sustain the story's tension despite their somewhat stereotypical depiction. Ultimately, "Kidnap" thrives on its primal narrative thrust and Berry's dynamic portrayal, making it an efficiently entertaining action piece.

"Kidnap" is a high-energy thriller starring Halle Berry, who delivers a compelling performance as a mother on a relentless quest to rescue her abducted son. The movie's straightforward plot echoes elements of classics like "Duel" and "Breakdown," providing a fast-paced, engaging experience. While it doesn't break new ground in the genre, it stands out for its tension-filled sequences, including car chases that keep the audience on edge. The film maintains an engaging tempo, making it an effective time-killer for those in search of quick thrills.

The Universal Blu-ray release of "Kidnap" presents a commendable technical package. The video quality is adequate, capturing the fast-moving scenes with clarity, though it falls short of reference quality. However, it's the audio that truly shines. The sound design is outstanding, delivering an intense and immersive auditory experience that enhances the film's adrenaline-pumping moments. Although the disc includes a single brief extra feature, it's worth noting for its contribution to understanding the film’s production.

In conclusion, "Kidnap" might not be groundbreaking cinema, but its efficient storytelling and Halle Berry's credible performance make it a worthwhile view. As a pure popcorn thriller, it offers an intense, albeit fleeting, adrenaline rush for fans of the genre. The Universal Blu-ray release, with its very good picture and exceptional sound quality, compensates for some narrative shortcomings, making it an appealing rental option.