Collide Blu-ray Review

Universal's Blu-ray presentation of "Collide" is an exemplary showcase of digital cinematography, bolstered by a top-tier 1080p transfer utilizing the AVC codec that remains faithful to the film’s theatrical 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The result is a visually appealing presentation with film-like texturing that avoids the pitfalls of digital glossiness, maintaining a consistent complexity and textural accuracy throughout. Razor-sharp detailing highlights every pore, line, and stubble on characters' faces, while the various environments, from diners to bars, offer pristine clarity. Color saturation is skillfully managed: bright blue eyes, red blood, and the colorful cars all pop vividly without tilting towards excess. Particularly noteworthy is Anthony Hopkins' baby blue jacket, which stands out as authentically rendered and visually striking.

The black levels are impressively deep and nuanced, avoiding any sign of crush while rendering flesh tones with true-to-life accuracy. Excellent shadow detail ensures that both brightly lit exteriors and darker scenes retain their visual integrity without becoming overly aggressive or too dull. Occasionally, viewers might notice a sprinkling of light noise and a hint of aliasing in select shots—most notably, a car grill outside a gas station at the 64-minute mark. However, these minor imperfections do not detract from the overall strong image quality. The Blu-ray's division into 20 chapters further enhances the viewing experience by allowing for easy navigation. On the whole, Universal delivers a superb visual presentation that stands out for its sharpness, color fidelity, and comprehensive detailing.

Collide's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack delivers a robust audio experience, particularly shining during the film's high-octane car chases. These sequences are filled with realistic tire squeals, zip through traffic, and the overall tumult of high-speed madness. The low end is impressively potent and evenly balanced, especially when the car engines are pushed to their limits, adding natural thunder that echoes through the room. Gunfights are depicted with authoritative force, such as the intense convenience store shootout showcasing both pistol and shotgun fire, effectively immersing the audience in the action. Background music is also well supported, with an early bar sequence providing a pulsating low end that spreads smoothly through the listening area. Various ambient sounds further enhance the atmosphere, with a restaurant scene in chapter four offering a notable example.

Despite its strengths, the sound mix of "Collide" doesn't quite reach the heights of other action thrillers in terms of complexity. There is a noticeable scarcity of pans across and through the soundfield during chase scenes, which slightly diminishes the immersive experience. However, the crashes compensate with substantial impact in the LFE channel. Ilan Eshkeri’s score is given ample space within the front and rear channels, providing a full musical backdrop to the action on screen. Dialogue remains impressively clear throughout, consistently centered and well-prioritized above other audio elements even in the midst of chaotic action scenes. This ensures viewers can always follow the story without straining to hear conversations amidst the noise.

The Blu-ray release of "Collide" includes minimal additional content beyond the movie itself. Accompanying materials consist mainly of assorted promotional trailers for other Universal titles, which come in high-definition format. Buyers will also find a DVD copy and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy enclosed within the packaging. While the inclusion of these items may add some value for physical media collectors, the absence of more substantial behind-the-scenes footage or featurettes is notable.

Extras included in this disc:

• Promo Trailers: Sleepless, Split, Before I Fall, Get Out
• DVD/Digital Copy/Ultraviolet: Disc and code sheet enclosed

Eran Creevy's "Collide" presents a surprising amalgamation of genre staples, invigorating what could have been a recycled plotline with high-octane energy and robust performances. Featuring drugs, car chases, gunfights, and large sums of money against the backdrop of a love story involving a girl in peril, the film encapsulates its narrative with lean, relentless pacing. Nicholas Hoult, playing expatriate Casey Stein, stands out with a performance that balances emotional depth and relentless determination to save his love interest, Juliette Marne (Felicity Jones). The chemistry between Hoult and Jones contributes foundationally to the plot, although Jones' role remains relatively insubstantial.

The film truly shines through its visceral action sequences, finely tuned to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The car chases and gunfights maintain a gritty realism that avoids veering into sheer absurdity. Despite occasional lapses in believability—such as improbable survival from catastrophic crashes—these sequences are expertly executed, offering high-skill stunts and intense showdowns. Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley provide stellar support, delivering compelling portrayals as rival drug kingpins. Their scenes together elevate the film, thanks to a well-crafted script that facilitates their dynamic confrontations.

Overall, "Collide" succeeds in mixing flash and substance, balancing thrilling action with solid characterization. Though the screenplay by F. Scott Frazier and Creevy doesn't break new ground, it ensures entertainment through its frenetic energy and careful orchestration of chaos. The movie's approach to adrenaline-pumping experiences more than compensates for its narrative conventionality, making it an enjoyable watch for those seeking a high-speed action fix.

"Collide" surprisingly outshines initial impressions, delivering a well-balanced mix of dynamic car chases, intense gun play, and engaging characterization. While the plot isn't groundbreaking and remains within familiar action genre frameworks, the film manages to captivate by executing its components with precision. Despite its generic elements, "Collide" successfully blends them into an adrenaline-pumping experience that holds viewer interest throughout. It’s a contemporary action flick that, albeit not revolutionary, hits the right notes for a thrilling watch.

On the technical front, Universal's Blu-ray release of "Collide" stands out with exceptional video and audio quality, significantly enhancing the viewing experience. The high-definition video display is crisp and clear, showcasing the high-paced action sequences with clarity and vibrancy. The audio component is equally impressive, providing immersive, impactful sound that complements the visual intensity. However, the Blu-ray version is somewhat let down by its lack of special features. For those who appreciate bonus content, this omission might be disappointing.

In conclusion, "Collide" is an adrenaline-fueled action movie that exceeds basic genre expectations through its perfectly balanced execution of action-packed scenes and engaging storytelling. The Blu-ray offers top-notch video and audio quality, ensuring a satisfying home-viewing experience despite the absence of supplementary features. Recommended primarily for action enthusiasts looking for an exciting, visually and sonically rich film to enjoy.