21 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray for "21" showcases the exceptional capabilities of the Panavision Genesis Digital Cameras used for the film's production. The 1080p MPEG-4 transfer, framed at 2.40:1, is nearly flawless, offering an exceptionally clean and pristine image free from any dirt, blemishes, or grain. Shadow details are particularly impressive, with dark scenes, such as those featuring Fishbourne's character in the casino's dimly lit security room, delivering incredible clarity and definition. Colours are vibrant and dynamic, with a noticeable contrast between the muted tones of scenes set at MIT and the vivid saturation of the Las Vegas sequences. Blacks are rich with excellent dynamic range, making nighttime sequences in Las Vegas look especially striking.

Colors remain well within their borders without any bleeding or enhancement issues, displaying a high level of precision and fidelity. Skin tones are always lifelike, and the whites are pristine, illustrated perfectly in the snowy scenes between Ben and Professor Rosa. The level of detail is impressive throughout, with finer details such as the texture of playing cards and the nuanced bricks outside the men's clothing shop appearing vividly lifelike. However, some minor fluctuations in detail are present in a few wide-angle shots, giving them a smoother texture that slightly compromises the finest details. Additionally, there is a minor instance of blooming during a sky shot at MIT, but this does not detract significantly from the overall quality.

Overall, the digital production ensures there are no artefacts or unwanted visual anomalies, providing a distortion-free and nearly perfect visual experience. The contrast is generally well managed but occasionally elevated to a point that it washes out white details in bright scenes. Despite these few minor drawbacks, "21" delivers a stunning video presentation that is both visually impressive and technically sound, making it an excellent reference-quality Blu-ray transfer suitable for demonstration purposes.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for “21” is delivered through Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround tracks in English, French, and Portuguese (all 48kHz/24-bit), as well as Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in Spanish and Thai (640kbps). The English TrueHD track, reviewed primarily here, offers a robust experience, clearly delineating between the quieter academic world of M.I.T. and the bustling, dynamic environment of Las Vegas. The musical components are richly detailed, with a standout instance being MGMT's “Time to Pretend,” whose high keyboard tones and low drum beats vibrantly fill the room. Dialogue is consistently strong and clear across various scenes, perfectly placed within the soundstage to ensure nothing is missed even during high-energy sequences.

This film's soundtrack truly comes to life once the setting shifts to Las Vegas. The surround sound becomes fully immersive, with discrete effects that capture the vibrant atmosphere of casinos, chatter, and ambient noises from card tables and busy streets. The dynamic range is excellent, effectively contrasting the subdued ambiance at M.I.T. with the heightened activity in Las Vegas. Specific sequences, such as Laurence Fishburne’s entrance, benefit from well-implemented rear-channel presence that adds depth and intensity to the atmosphere. The sound design also ensures that higher tones, such as chips rattling or ice clinking in glasses, are never lost despite heavy LFE use that enriches the score and action scenes.

While the soundtrack is generally impeccable, it occasionally suffers from a slight imbalance where music overshadows dialogue, particularly in louder scenes. The bass is strong yet not overwhelming, providing an all-encompassing effect without regularly shaking your home theatre setup. Despite these minor issues, the Dolby TrueHD audio mix is a compelling blend of precision and energy that amplifies the film’s engaging narrative and gripping casino action.

The Blu-ray extras for "21" offer a robust and engaging supplemental package, providing a deep dive into both the film's production and its connections to real-life events. The Filmmaker Commentary is particularly noteworthy, featuring an animated discussion between director Robert Luketic and producers Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca, covering everything from Vegas shooting locations to personal anecdotes about wins and losses during filming. While certain featurettes like Basic Strategy: A Complete Film Journal provide a technical overview of the film's journey from book to screen and the challenges of shooting in a live casino, others like Money Plays: A Tour of the Good Life delve into the contrasting production designs of Boston and Las Vegas. The 21 Virtual Blackjack game adds an interactive element, although it may not appeal to everyone. Trailers for various other titles and BD-Live functionality round out the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Commentary: An engaging commentary by the director and producers.
• The Advantage Player: A featurette on the history and strategy of Blackjack.
• Basic Strategy: A Complete Film Journal: A detailed making-of featurette.
• Money Plays: A Tour of the Good Life: Insight into the production design.
• 21 Virtual Blackjack: An interactive Blackjack game.
• Trailers: Previews for various films.

"21" takes viewers on an exhilarating yet flawed journey through the high-stakes world of card counting. Inspired by the real-life exploits of MIT students who transformed themselves into blackjack prodigies, the film traces protagonist Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) as he navigates from a cash-strapped undergraduate dreaming of Harvard Medical School to a polished card-counter under the tutelage of his charismatic professor, Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey). The initiation into this clandestine group brings a thrilling mixture of success, deception, and moral compromise. The allure of easy money and the adrenaline of beating the Vegas casinos paint a vibrant tapestry but also unveil inherent risks and escalating tensions.

The initial scenes excel in establishing the narrative and characters. Jim Sturgess's portrayal of Ben effectively captures the duality of an impressionable genius ensnared by the lure of quick riches. The film’s Boston locations resonate authenticity, providing a stark contrast to the glitzy, frenetic atmosphere of Las Vegas. Early exchanges between Ben and Professor Rosa brim with intellectual allure and thematic depth, elevating the plot beyond its commercial core. However, as the team’s exploits in Sin City dominate the storyline, "21" shifts to a visually enticing but substantively light second half. Director Robert Luketic's penchant for slick montages and dynamic camera movements results in an overextended music video feel, diluting the story’s initial promise.

Despite its energetic pacing and eye-catching visuals, "21" stumbles with predictability and superficial character arcs. Kevin Spacey’s transformation from a nuanced mentor to an exaggerated antagonist, coupled with Kate Bosworth’s formulaic love interest role, contributes to an eventual narrative sell-out. Laurence Fishburne’s role as a vigilant casino security head adds tension but also feels like a throwback to conventional Hollywood thrillers. In sum, "21" entertains with its rollercoaster appeal and occasional bursts of intelligence but never fully transcends its glossy facade to deliver a truly compelling cinematic experience.

"21" presents a thrilling and stylish adaptation of the real-life exploits of MIT students who took Las Vegas for a ride by card counting. The film's edge-of-your-seat tension is palpable, brought to life by a strong ensemble cast featuring standout performances from Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, and Aaron Yoo. Director Robert Luketic combines the allure of Sin City's high stakes with a narrative that, while predictable at times, still captivates through sheer entertainment value and grandiose visuals.

Technically, this Blu-ray release excels with pristine high-definition video that showcases Las Vegas in all its glory, capturing the dazzling lights and opulent scenes with remarkable clarity. The lossless audio track complements this visual feast with immersive soundscapes, enhancing the viewing experience significantly. The supplementary materials, although somewhat sparse, include an engaging commentary track that is both humorous and insightful. However, some of the additional features do feel lackluster and may not warrant repeated viewings.

Overall, "21" is a worthy addition to any film collection. While it may draw comparisons to "Risky Business" and follow a well-tread plot structure, its high production values and engaging performances make it a film that holds its own. Recommended for both its entertainment value and technical prowess on Blu-ray.