BuyBust Blu-ray Review
Score: 58
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
BuyBust pairs explosive action and sociopolitical depth, though uneven choreography and sparseness in extras suggest it's best suited for a rental.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 70
BuyBust's 2.35:1 AVC encoded transfer on Blu-ray showcases a sharp digital capture with a distinct yellowish hue and earth tones. Despite erratic visuals marked by noise and occasional banding, the film maintains commendable detail and clarity in close-ups, with vibrant scenes occasionally disrupted by chromatic noise and lighting anomalies.
Audio: 57
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix in 'BuyBust' is aggressively immersive but flawed, with extreme LFE levels and uneven dialogue volume, while the Filipino 2.0 track provides a more balanced yet less dynamic alternative. Both tracks exhibit raw on-set audio issues, affecting overall clarity.
Extra: 40
BuyBust's Blu-ray extras feature a comprehensive 30-minute making-of documentary and an engaging 27-minute Comic Con panel, offering considerable behind-the-scenes insight and interviews, complemented by a selection of original trailers.
Movie: 60
"BuyBust" delivers a gritty critique of the Philippines' drug war, mixing political commentary with intense, visceral action. While its sluggish pacing and basic choreography pale compared to "The Raid," the film excels in mood-setting and long-take action sequences amidst a violent, chaotic urban backdrop.
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Video: 70
The Blu-ray presentation of "BuyBust," encoded in AVC and presented in 1080p with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, yields a visually contentious experience. The film's nocturnal scenes captured digitally with ambient yellow street lighting present a yellowish hue with interspersed black and earth tones. Although clarity is commendable, highlighting the gritty realism of blood, grime, and torn flesh, black levels often appear washed out due to this yellow hue. There is minimal banding, and despite some inconsistencies in detail, the overall image quality remains agreeable.
In terms of color grading, "BuyBust" exhibits sequences bathed in green, red, and blue tones that enhance its psychedelic aesthetic. This, combined with the shaky cam technique, occasionally results in a loss of fine detail. Nonetheless, stable camera moments reveal improvements even under inadequate lighting conditions. Outdoor scenes pop despite their slate gray grading. The film features graphic close-ups and an interstitial countdown clock between scenes. While devoid of significant banding issues typically seen in Well Go USA releases, the final product sometimes suffers from inconsistencies.
Descriptively erratic, the visual quality of "BuyBust" includes noise, inconsistent black levels, and detail variability. At its best, the Blu-ray demonstrates the disc's capacity for high-quality broadcast material. However, some primary color splashes break through, especially as LED string lights reflect off rain-soaked surfaces. The majority of the presentation remains murky and digitally gritty. A notable anomaly occurs at the 21-minute mark with horizontal lines on the left frame edge, and during the finale, the screen displays issues akin to a low refresh rate CRT. Despite these shortcomings, close-ups occasionally achieve noticeable definition amidst the otherwise turbulent visual fidelity.
Audio: 57
Well Go USA presents "BuyBust" with intriguing audio design choices that showcase both English and Filipino DTS-HD MA 5.1 tracks, each bringing a distinct auditory experience. The Filipino track, intermittently lapsing into English, stands out with an intensely aggressive mix. The LFE channel is notably forceful, bordering on overwhelming, with midbass levels that dominate the soundscape. This hyperactive bass presence can often overshadow other elements within the mix. Dialog clarity suffers due to its erratic capture, fluctuating in volume based on the tightly cramped locations. The surrounds, while delivering immersive effects, sometimes match the mains in volume, leading to potential distractions with overemphasized ambient sounds.
The English track, in comparison, feels slightly subdued in its low-frequency effects, but both tracks share issues with balance and range. Ambient noises and raw audio from the set can intrude at times, introducing unwanted static and muffling dialog. Noteworthy too is the Filipino Dolby Digital 2.0 track available, which offers a different dynamic yet similar balance inconsistencies. Despite these flaws, the soundstage remains impressively active, particularly during chaotic sequences within the slums, with notable use of surrounds and effective directional panning. Nonetheless, the mix's unrefined nature detracts from its overall potential.
In conclusion, while "BuyBust" strives for an impactful audio presentation with its DTS-HD MA tracks and a plethora of surround activities, it stumbles due to its uneven audio balance and fluctuating dialog levels. The overemphasized low frequencies and inconsistencies across different sections make for a mixed auditory experience that might be engaging for some but ultimately points to a need for more refined sound design.
Extras: 40
The Blu-ray release of "BuyBust" includes a robust selection of bonus features that provide an in-depth look into the movie's production. Notably, the "Making of" featurette spans 30 minutes, offering extensive behind-the-scenes footage and numerous interviews. The interviews are subtitled in English which is helpful for clear understanding despite some accents. The Comic-Con 2018 panel runs for 27 minutes and features key figures such as Brandon Vera and Erik Matta, amidst other personalities not directly tied to BuyBust. Additionally, various trailers offer a succinct promotional overview. The disc automatically streams from the movie's trailers to other Well Go USA trailers, offering seamless access to additional content upon startup.
Extras included in this disc:
- Making of Featurette: In-depth behind-the-scenes and interviews.
- Comic Con Panel 2018: Discussions with Brandon Vera, Erik Matta, and others.
- Original U.S. Trailer: Promotional content.
- Teaser Trailer: Brief promotional preview.
- International Trailer: Extended promotional content.
Movie: 60
"BuyBust," directed by Erik Matti, is a high-octane action thriller set against the backdrop of the Philippines' brutal war on drugs. The narrative centers on Nina Manigan (Anne Curtis), a hard-nosed Philippine DEA agent assigned to capture a notorious drug dealer named Biggie Chen (Arjo Atayde). As her team navigates through a labyrinthine shantytown, they face relentless attacks from both drug dealers and agitated civilians. The setting is grim, highlighted by the tin-roofed alleys and destitute living conditions, which exacerbate the film's sense of entrapment and chaos.
Action sequences are plentiful, marked by visceral, often gruesome, choreography that depicts beheadings, stabbings, and mass brawls in disturbingly clear detail. However, the sheer brutality seems intended as a political statement against President Rodrigo Duterte’s heavy-handed war on drugs. Despite the film's frequent comparisons to "The Raid" or "Dredd," Matti’s direction lacks the kinetic energy and choreography finesse of these predecessors. Fight scenes appear sluggish, with telegraphed movements that dilute their impact. Quick cuts and awkward long-angle shots further impede the choreography’s effectiveness, neglecting the opportunity for more fluid, engaging action sequences.
Of particular note is the film's innovative use of music to underscore its narrative momentum. Matti employs an eclectic mix ranging from Baroque to Spaghetti Western to rock, each genre tailored precisely to heighten the scene's emotional or situational impact. The score works in tandem with well-executed long takes to provide moments of gripping tension. For example, a two-minute rooftop chase sequence in the rain showcases impressive coordination of up to 50 individuals, achieving a rawer sense of exhaustion and struggle.
"BuyBust" leverages its chaotic energy to probe deeper social issues, questioning the efficacy of violent law enforcement and exposing systemic corruption. The film bluntly portrays a society where distinctions between law enforcers and criminals blur, leaving civilians caught in an endless cycle of violence. Though it sometimes falters in choreography and pacing, its audacious political commentary and innovative auditory elements offer much to dissect for fans of action cinema with a critical edge.
Total: 58
"BuyBust" offers a compelling, albeit uneven, viewing experience heavily influenced by its political commentary and high-octane action sequences reminiscent of films like "Dredd" and "The Raid." The film attempts to marry intense hand-to-hand combat and gunfights with a socially conscious narrative, making for several engaging moments. However, it occasionally falters due to inconsistent choreography and several pacing issues that create noticeable lulls.
From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release of "BuyBust" presents strong visual quality, framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, ensuring a clear and immersive viewing experience. The audio mix, featuring both DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DD 2.0 options in English and Filipino, is somewhat inconsistent and distracting at times, diminishing the otherwise gripping ambiance of the action scenes. Additionally, the Blu-ray release date is notable as October 16th, 2018, and unfortunately, it comes with sparse extras, which is a common shortfall in many of Well Go USA’s Asian film releases.
Despite its flaws, "BuyBust" is a bold take on the action thriller genre with a unique Filipino perspective on the global drug war. While it may not earn an unqualified recommendation due to its uneven narrative and peculiar audio mix, its visceral action and sociopolitical undertones offer a compelling reason to rent it first. This gives potential viewers the opportunity to assess their appreciation of the film before deciding on a full purchase.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 80
There’s a yellowish hue to the color grading, with hints of black and earth tones thrown into the bunch, but clarity is really good, as we’re privy to see every bit of blood, grime and torn flesh that...
Audio: 70
This lends to some really neat surround effects when the agents try to escape, but it can also be a distracting as you can literally hear voices coming out of the surrounds that are at the same level as...
Extras: 30
...
Movie: 60
The film itself may not come out and say it straight up, but the violence and actions of the poorer folks in the shantytown is a political middle finger to Duterte and the violence that he brings to the...
Total: 70
The political commentary and hyper action violence ala Dredd and The Raid make for some fun action sequences, but the lack of really good choreography and several dead spots throughout the film create...
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 80
Those choices, combined with the aforementioned "shaky cam" aesthetic, can lead to a loss of fine detail at times, though commendably when cameras are a bit more stable even in less than optimal lighting...
Audio: 90
The film is awash in LFE, both courtesy of sound effects and some washes of what sounds like synth pads, and there are some extremely effective pans with regard to these elements....
Extras: 40
Comic Con Panel (1080i; 27:09) includes Brandon Vera and Erik Matta, along with a bunch of other folks who don't seem to have anything to do with BuyBust....
Movie: 70
One team is almost immediately wiped out, with one notable exception, while Nina and her cohorts attempt to deal with a populace that is sick of both the illicit drug trade afflicting their already downtrodden...
Total: 70
The story is downright disturbing, and often graphically violent, but for those willing to wade through the morass of gunshots and hand to hand combat, the underlying issues are provocative and well handled....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
During the finale, the screen crawls as if displayed on a low refresh rate CRT.Cut away through most of those problems and what’s here is generally tolerable HD video....
Audio: 40
At times, the raw audio from the set sounds to be in use, which includes scratchy static from clothes rubbing against a hidden mic....
Extras: 60
For an additional 16 BuyBust screenshots, early access to all screens (plus the 15,000+ already in our library), 50+ exclusive 4K UHD reviews, and more, support us on Patreon....
Movie: 60
Armed with guns worth more than any resident sees in their impoverished lives, the police seek the supposed source of the poverty, rather than a government seeking a more curative solution....
Total: 60
A Filipino take on The Raid, BuyBust uses an eclectic action style to show the overreaching impact of an international drug war....
Director: Erik Matti
Actors: Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera, Victor Neri
PlotAn anti-narcotics squad is dispatched to raid a drug den in the slums of Manila, aiming to capture a notorious drug lord. The team, led by a tenacious and determined officer, is confident and well-prepared. However, things quickly go awry when they discover that they have been set up. Trapped deep within enemy territory and realizing they've been double-crossed, the squad finds themselves under relentless attack from both the drug dealers and the local community, which has grown hostile due to years of neglect and abuse by the authorities.
As the night progresses, the squad must navigate through a labyrinth of narrow alleys and shanties, fending off brutal assaults from all sides. Trust within the team begins to fray as their numbers dwindle and the pressure mounts. They must use every ounce of their training and resourcefulness to survive, fighting wave after wave of adversaries. The team's primary focus shifts from completing their mission to simply making it out alive.
Writers: Anton Santamaria, Erik Matti
Release Date: 10 Aug 2018
Runtime: 127 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Philippines
Language: Filipino, Tagalog