Gundala Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Gundala" by Well Go USA is strikingly impressive, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The film, likely shot on high-end digital cameras such as RED or Arri Alexa, boasts excellent detail and visual quality. The higher budget visuals are complemented by a heavy yellow and blue color grading that is characteristic of Asian cinema. Fine detail abounds, particularly in the costumes and cityscapes of Jakarta, despite minor instances of banding in some night-time shots.

What sets this presentation apart is the combination of punchy blacks, enriching contrast, and a well-balanced color palette. Low lighting and darkened areas maintain excellent visual depth, with blacks appearing inky and devoid of distracting artifacts. Daytime scenes are vivid, and even the yellow-brown or orangish grading of certain nighttime scenes preserves intricate details, down to the grime on Sancaka's hands. However, some CGI elements, such as the smog-producing plant, appear slightly soft, though this is a common occurrence in lower-budget productions.

The presentation achieves a commendable level of quality, with excellent black levels, balanced contrasts, and natural colors without overdone digital correction. While it may not reach reference standards available on Blu-ray, "Gundala" offers a superior viewing experience with its pristine digital footage. The transparent AVC encode adeptly handles the sharp and clean imagery, maintaining the integrity and precision of the original source material throughout the two-hour runtime on a BD-50. This makes it one of Well Go USA’s standout releases in terms of video quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Gundala" offers audio in both Indonesian and English 5.1 DTS-HD MA tracks, with a noteworthy recommendation for the Indonesian native track. The English dubbing suffers significantly from poor synchronization and comically mismatched voices, akin to vintage 1960s Shaw Brothers films, diminishing the overall audio experience. In contrast, the Indonesian track excels with clear vocals and impressive surround sound usage, particularly enhancing action sequences. The dynamic range effectively captures both low-level environmental sounds and powerful, punchy action effects, further emphasized by a sweeping score that incorporates robust bass elements.

The lossless DTS-HD MA soundtracks are implemented with precision, presenting the film's source audio with clarity and balance. Vocal reproduction on the Indonesian track remains pristine and tonally consistent throughout, ensuring no sacrifice in dialogue intelligibility. Dynamic range is noteworthy, adding subtlety to quieter moments and significant impact during more intense scenes. The film’s urban atmosphere is well-paired with its sound design, leveraging ambient environmental sounds to create a fully immersive experience. Distinctive storm effects, lightning crackles, and Sancaka's affliction-induced high-frequency tones contribute to an engaging and varied auditory landscape.

Attention to detail is evident across all audio tracks. Both the 5.1 DTS-HD MA and 2.0 Dolby Digital options for the Indonesian soundtrack deliver clean dialogue without notable distortions or dropouts, further complemented by appropriately placed ambient noise. The aggressive LFE presence and constant immersive qualities ensure that "Gundala" delivers a potent and energetic audio experience, making the original Indonesian audio track the optimal choice for viewers seeking an authentic and superior sound presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Gundala" offers a robust selection of extras, delivering a comprehensive look behind the scenes and into the production process. The behind-the-scenes featurettes, divided into four parts, provide candid footage showcasing diverse aspects such as casting, stunt work, and on-set dynamics, with all segments accompanied by English subtitles. Additionally, short production vlogs bring viewers closer to the moment-to-moment nuances of the film's creation. Two trailers, both the international and U.S. versions, are included in pristine HD quality. Notably, the Blu-ray is designed for seamless play; starting with any part of the extras leads to an automatic continuation of subsequent features, enhancing the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

Behind the Scenes: Four in-depth featurettes covering various aspects of the film’s production. Production Vlogs: Three short clips offering quick insights into the filming process. International Trailer: Trailer for the global audience. U.S. Trailer: Trailer tailored for the American market.

"Gundala" marks an ambitious entry for Indonesian cinema into the superhero genre, helmed by director Joko Anwar. The film, based on a beloved local comic character, follows Sancaka (Abimana Aryasaya), an orphan who evolves into the titular hero after a traumatic childhood marked by violence and abandonment. As an adult, Sancaka grapples with his latent powers—which include the ability to attract and channel lightning—while confronting a corrupt political system and battling the malevolent mob boss Pengkor (Bront Palarae).

Anwar’s approach envelops viewers in a gritty, corruption-laden Jakarta, reminiscent of the oppressive urban decay seen in Christopher Nolan’s "Dark Knight" series. The narrative does bear hallmarks of classic Western superhero cinema, with parallels to Batman's origin story and a shadowy atmosphere that elevates its darker tones. However, the fight choreography, heavily influenced by the indigenous martial art Silat, while engaging, doesn't quite reach the high-octane thrills of other Indonesian action epics like "The Raid". Despite this, the film’s visual narrative shows promise, punctuated by stark, visceral street brawls that serve as a tough reminder of the character’s harsh environment.

The movie is dense with subplots, which may prove daunting for audiences unfamiliar with the source material. The fan service—including cameos and hints at future characters of the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe—adds layers that enthusiasts will appreciate but could bewilder newcomers. Though the production values surpass prior Indonesian superhero attempts, some sequences reveal budget constraints, particularly in CGI and costume design. Nevertheless, "Gundala" remains an engaging journey with Anwar's keen visual style serving as a harbinger of more structured endeavors in the burgeoning BCU.

"Gundala: Rise of a Hero" is a commendable entry into the superhero genre, hailing from Indonesia. It breathes new life into a relatively untapped reservoir of local comic lore, effectively bridging cultural divides. Directed by Joko Anwar, the film showcases solid technical execution with a crisp 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and robust audio tracks including Indonesian DTS-HD MA 5.1 and English DTS-HD MA 5.1. The Blu-ray release deserves praise for its visual clarity and immersive sound design, making it an enjoyable ride for both aficionados of Indonesian comics and general superhero enthusiasts.

Though "Gundala" borrows elements from Hollywood juggernauts like "The Dark Knight," it retains a unique flair intrinsic to Indonesian storytelling. The film's narrative pacing might appear dense and underdeveloped at times, taking close to three quarters of its runtime to establish the hero's rise. However, patient viewers are rewarded with a visually and aurally satisfying experience. Abimana Aryasatya leads a competent cast, supported by Tara Basro and Bront Palarae, delivering performances that resonate even if you go in blind to the lore.

Long story short, "Gundala: Rise of a Hero" will not beat out multi-billion dollar Hollywood superhero films, but it is lightyears better than what we’ve seen from Indonesia in the past. This film marks a promising start for the nation’s vibrant comic book reservoir being brought to cinematic life successfully. While newcomers might need some background research to fully appreciate the story, the film remains engaging and comprehensible on its own. The Blu-ray edition is technically solid, making it a fun watch for those inclined to broaden their superhero horizons.