Baby Driver Blu-ray Review

"Baby Driver" on Blu-ray presents a 1080p transfer that, while not groundbreaking, faithfully adheres to Edgar Wright’s vision. The film, shot using a combination of 35mm film and Arri Alexa digital cameras, was completed with a 2K Digital Intermediate (DI). The resulting image tends to look slightly soft, reminiscent of the theatrical experience. Despite this softness, fine details such as peach fuzz on Baby’s face, intricate textures in clothing, and the defined creases on Jamie Foxx’s face are commendably preserved. The color palette is dynamic, featuring vivid hues like the bright red of the cherry car and the glittery pink of Baby’s iPod case. However, there are instances where colors appear slightly oversaturated or washed out. The contrast is generally balanced, though night-time scenes exhibit occasional banding and murky shadows.

The technical presentation features an MPEG-4 AVC encoding with a resolution of 1080p and an aspect ratio of 2.39:1. While clarity and detail are present, they sometimes lack the depth and nuance expected from newer releases. Environmental objects such as cars and building facades show limited high-yield detailing. Black levels could be stronger; they occasionally appear murky or with a purple tint, leading to some loss of detail during darker scenes. This is particularly noted around the film's 44-minute mark during a dinner date scene. On the upside, daylight sequences shine with precise contrast and sharp brightness levels, offering excellent visibility and dimensionality.

Overall, the Blu-ray's video quality is a mixed bag. Dreamy cinematography involving diffusion filters adds an artistic touch but also contributes to the soft presentation. There’s mild noise throughout but nothing overly distracting. The depth factor is decent, with well-spaced scenes that avoid flatness. Despite some shortcomings in brightness levels and black depths, the color reproduction, especially during daylight scenes and character close-ups, keeps the visual experience engaging. This disc serves those looking for a faithful home replication of their theatrical viewing, although it doesn’t quite reach reference quality standing.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Baby Driver" features a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that is masterfully crafted to enhance the film's music-driven narrative. The soundtrack, which eschews a traditional score in favor of a rich tapestry of genre songs ranging from Queen to James Brown, seamlessly integrates with the film’s action and dramatic sequences. Each scene fluidly transitions between musical tracks and sound effects, utilizing all six speakers effectively to create an immersive auditory experience. The Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel receives significant attention, especially in the high-octane opening heist, where mid-bass frequencies contribute to a visceral, rib-cracking impact. Although the mix tends to be front-heavy during quieter, dialogue-driven scenes, ambient noises and surround channels maintain engagement and immersion.

Sony provides a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack on the Blu-ray, while the UHD release secures a Dolby Atmos arrangement, yielding distinct differences. The 5.1 track offers a robust and quality listen, with music engaging all speakers, creating a harmonious and immersive soundstage. Gunshots and other action sounds present satisfying depth and clarity, whether distant or close-up. The final act amplifies bass and intensity significantly more than earlier scenes, enhancing the auditory experience. While this track delivers clear and well-prioritized dialogue throughout, it falls short compared to the additional precision and fullness available in the Dolby Atmos mix found on the UHD release.

"Baby Driver's" DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track succeeds in creating an enthralling soundscape that matches Edgar Wright's frenetic visual style. The mix meticulously pans effects into the surrounds during action scenes, enveloping the listener in audio elements like city traffic and helicopter noises. Nevertheless, much of the activity remains on the front soundstage, maintaining clarity and off-screen realism. Mid-range frequencies offer excellent distinction and warmth, benefiting the film's dynamic score by Steven Price. Though the bass might not always meet expectations visually, it is palpable and responsive, giving both music and action scenes substantial weight and presence. Vocal clarity is consistently maintained, ensuring dialogue remains comprehensible amid the mayhem.

The Blu-ray release of Edgar Wright’s "Baby Driver" offers an extensive array of extras that provide deep dives into the film’s production, music, and choreography. Featuring two detailed audio commentary tracks amongst many featurettes, the bonus content extensively covers various facets ranging from the film’s inception to its unique stunts. Wright’s commentaries, both solo and with cinematographer Bill Pope, are engaging and informative, balancing humor with technical insights. Viewers will appreciate the deleted scenes and comprehensive behind-the-scenes featurettes which enrich our understanding of the creative process behind this stylized action-musical.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Edgar Wright: Insights into the story's genesis, humorously explained.
• Audio Commentary with Edgar Wright and Cinematographer Bill Pope: Detailed technical discussion about production.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Various scenes that didn't make the final cut.
• That's My Baby: Edgar Wright: A look at the director's vision and project origins.
• Mozart In A Go-Kart: Ansel Drives: Behind-the-scenes of Ansel Elgort's stunt training.
• I Need A Killer Track: The Music: Exploration of the film's soundtrack and its influence.
• Meet Your New Crew: Doc’s Gang: Examination of the supporting cast and their role.
• Find Something Funky On There: The Choreography: How film choreography was aligned with music.
• Devil Behind The Wheel: The Car Chases: Insights on planning and executing car stunts.
• Selected Scene Animatics: Pre-visualized sequences for key scenes.
• Rehearsals & Pre-Production: Auditions and initial choreography tests.
• Mint Royale – Blue Song Music Video: Edgar Wright-directed video showcasing early film concepts.
• Complete Storyboard Gallery: Extensive storyboards used in film development.
• Promos and More: Trailers and marketing spots for the film.

Edgar Wright's Baby Driver effortlessly redefines the heist movie genre with a uniquely engaging blend of music and action, making it an unparalleled cinematic experience. The narrative centers around Baby (Ansel Elgort), an exceptionally talented young getaway driver who navigates his criminal obligations under the rule of crime lord Doc (Kevin Spacey). Baby's life appears set for a fresh start as he settles debts and kindles a romance with waitress Debora (Lily James). However, the allure and demands of his past life relentlessly pull him back in. The film's ingenuity stems from Wright's creation of music as a living, breathing character. Each carefully selected track seamlessly narrates the action, syncing flawlessly with Baby's high-octane driving sequences, characterized by breathtaking stunts and realistically depicted car chases, mostly void of CGI.

The ensemble cast delivers standout performances that enrich the film's layered narrative. Jamie Foxx's portrayal of the volatile Bats, Jon Hamm's complex Buddy, and Kevin Spacey's menacing yet charismatic Doc add depth and color to the story. Ansel Elgort's Baby, driven by the beat of his music to overcome tinnitus from a past accident, is a compelling character whose every move feels tightly synchronized with his playlist. This musical synchronization extends beyond mere accompaniment, turning each scene into a choreographed dance of sound and motion. Wright’s masterful direction ensures that the film maintains a kinetic pace while preserving moments for poignant character development and emotional sincerity.

From the thrilling opening chase set to John Spencer Blues Explosion's "Bellbottoms" to the climactic final heist accompanied by Focus's "Hocus Pocus," Baby Driver is a feat of exhilarating craftsmanship. Wright's ability to combine heart-pounding action with an evocative soundtrack that narrates and enhances the plot sets a new standard in the genre. The meticulous editing and perfectly timed diegetic music breathe life into each sequence, making for an enthralling film that stays true to its musical roots while delivering relentless action and depth.

Edgar Wright’s "Baby Driver" is a remarkable departure from his previous works, offering a fresh yet distinctively Wright-driven narrative that balances thrilling action with innovative storytelling. The movie seamlessly integrates its groovy soundtrack and choreographed sequences into the core narrative, delivering a unique blend of style and substance. The Blu-ray presentation stands as an excellent representation of this compelling experience, with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 AVC and an exquisitely immersive DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track in English, French, Spanish, and Thai.

However, while the Blu-ray’s video quality is generally solid, it falls short compared to its UHD counterpart, lacking the superior Dolby Atmos track that enhances the aural experience. Despite this shortcoming, the treasure trove of bonus content included with the Blu-ray is extensive and satisfying, featuring behind-the-scenes glimpses, making it an appealing package for collectors and fans alike. The runtime of 113 minutes is well-paced and packed with practical car stunts synced to specific musical rhythms, adding to the film's vibrant atmosphere and engaging narrative flow.

In conclusion, "Baby Driver" on Blu-ray emerges as a must-watch for 2017. Its engaging fusion of music and action, combined with an ample selection of extras, provides a compelling home viewing experience despite some video and audio compromises. For those seeking the definitive experience, the UHD version may be preferable, but the Blu-ray remains a highly recommended addition to any film enthusiast’s collection.