Fury Blu-ray Review

Fury’s Blu-ray video presentation, mastered in 4K and delivered in 1080p, is superbly crafted. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio frames the bleak, war-torn scenery with meticulous clarity, revealing intricate textures on everything from the battered tank exteriors to the grimy faces of soldiers. The color palette is predominantly muted, aligning with the film’s somber tone, but bursts of livelier primaries emerge during scenes of human interaction, adding a touch of vibrancy. Black levels are generally impressive, remaining deep and free from compression artifacts, save for an occasional struggle in depth during a few shots. Flesh tones are accurate and reflective of ambient light, while fine grain present in the image enhances its lifelike feel without any major compression issues.

Technically, Sony excels in every regard. The AVC MPEG-4 encoding on a 50GB dual-layer disc ensures superior contrast and detail, making every battle scar and weathered surface starkly perceptible. Shadow delineation is effective, avoiding crush in even the darkest scenes and maintaining discernibility of background elements. Despite the inherent grain from being shot on film, the picture remains sharp without visible noise, banding, or digital enhancements such as edge sharpening or DNR. This level of precision allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the harrowing WWII environment. The visual presentation of Fury on Blu-ray delivers an incredibly immersive and captivating experience, demonstrating Sony's mastery in high-definition home media.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on the Blu-ray of "Fury" is an exemplary piece of audio engineering. This lossless surround mix affords high resolution and remarkable fidelity, immersing viewers deeply into the chaotic world of war. From the opening moments of light radio chatter to the intense combat sequences, the dynamic range is noteworthy, providing both subtle nuances and defining impact with great energy. Imaging across the soundstage is executed with precision, allowing sounds to maneuver seamlessly through the channels while maintaining clarity and balance. Explosive scenes are particularly impressive, with bullets and artillery effects rendered with striking naturalism and precision movement. The low-frequency extension works overtime, accentuating bombings and cannon fire with a rich, deep bass that truly emphasizes the devastation portrayed on screen.

Dialogue is reproduced with crystal-clear fidelity, though some regional accents and background noise occasionally challenge comprehension in certain moments. Nevertheless, most exchanges remain discernible and well-integrated within the overall sound design. Steven Price’s music score adds another layer of immersion, characterized by airy, warm tones that enhance the emotional backdrop of the film. Surround sound activities, from distant gunfire to the ambient atmosphere within the tank, further enhance realism and listener involvement. The sound mix intelligently utilizes all channels without distortion or muddling, effectively placing the audience in the thick of the action.

Overall, the "Fury" Blu-ray audio presentation is high-caliber material that nearly reaches reference quality status. Its robust dynamic scale handles explosions and gunfire adeptly, providing a heart-pounding audio experience that will satisfy discerning audiophiles and casual viewers alike. Exceptional stereo separation and a weighty LFE channel contribute to an enveloping and powerful auditory landscape that pairs perfectly with the film's intense visuals.

The Blu-ray release of "Fury" is commendable for its extensive selection of extras dedicated to enhancing viewers' appreciation of this war film. The disc features over 50 minutes of deleted and extended scenes, providing intriguing alternate and additional content that fans will enjoy. Featurettes cover a range of topics from the authenticity of the film to behind-the-scenes glimpses at the rigorous training and experiences of both the cast and veterans who served in World War II tanks. David Ayer’s "Director’s Combat Journal" is particularly insightful, giving a detailed look into the demanding process of bringing the film's intense battle sequences to life. All extras are presented in high definition, ensuring excellent visual and audio quality that complements the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted/Extended Scenes: A selection of 16 scenes cut or altered for the final film.
• Photo Gallery: High-definition images of the cast, crew, and tanks.
• Director’s Combat Journal: An in-depth 17-minute featurette on the film’s production.
• Armored Warriors: The real men inside the Shermans: A 12-minute piece on World War II veterans.
• Taming the Beast: How to drive, fire, & shoot inside a 30-ton tank: A 12-minute look at using real tanks.
• Blood Brothers: An 11-minute featurette on the cast’s preparation and camaraderie.
• Digital HD Copy: Includes a digital copy of the film.

David Ayer's "Fury" is an intense and visceral examination of World War II's brutalities as experienced by a Sherman tank crew led by the battle-hardened Wardaddy (Brad Pitt). Set in April 1945, during the Allies' final push into Nazi Germany, the film delves deep into the psychological and physical strains on the soldiers. Ayer’s direction infuses a raw, gritty realism that immerses viewers in the hellish landscape of war, mirroring modern conflicts' chaotic and harrowing nature. The story centers around Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman), a fresh recruit whose naïveté faces immediate baptism by fire alongside grimly desensitized veterans Boyd Swan (Shia LaBeouf), Trini Garcia (Michael Peña), and Grady Travis (Jon Bernthal).

The narrative of "Fury" is straightforward yet powerful, framing its story through the experiences of its characters rather than relying on an intricate plot. This approach emphasizes war's dehumanizing effects, stripping away the soldiers' humanity until survival itself requires a form of death—moral death. The confined quarters of the Sherman tank augment the film's claustrophobic tension, presenting a microcosm of wartime camaraderie and conflict. The actors' performances are critical to this portrayal, with Brad Pitt delivering a complex performance that balances ruthlessness and residual traits of leadership and humanity. Lerman's portrayal of Norman's transformation from innocence to hardened soldier is pivotal, showcasing his evolution under relentless pressure and trauma.

Technically, "Fury" is a marvel. The film employs practical effects extensively, utilizing authentic World War II tanks—supplemented by minimal digital augmentation for combat scenes. This dedication to authentic portrayal significantly enhances the on-screen realism, making the combat sequences tangibly intense. Cinematography captures both the expansive and constrictive aspects of war, from open battlegrounds to the stifling interiors of the tank. Ayer’s commitment to an unromantic, unsparing depiction of warfare provides a compelling and immersive cinematic experience that conveys the relentless horrors and brotherhood forged in combat. Despite criticisms regarding the film's perceived lack of emotional depth or innovative narrative, "Fury" stands out as a raw, unfiltered depiction of wartime existence, eschewing jingoism for an authentic look at WWII's gritty front lines.

"Fury" is a visceral and emotionally charged war film that delves deeply into the horrors of World War II. The narrative is tight, emotionally gripping, and captures the moral degradation of its characters amidst intense combat situations. While the plot offers a bleak portrayal of war, the performances of Brad Pitt and Logan Lerman stand out, providing the film with its anchor despite some criticisms of lacking depth in character development. The visual and sound design is notably remarkable, enhancing the viewing experience with immersive battle sequences that starkly portray the chaos and brutality of war.

Sony’s Blu-ray release of "Fury" excels on a technical front, presenting a stellar video transfer and reference-quality audio that puts the viewer right in the heart of the action. The Blu-ray’s high-definition visuals are crisp and detailed, and the audio engineering is exceptional, offering a dynamic soundscape that effectively captures the film's intense combat scenes. The supplemental materials, while extensive and featuring worthy inclusions like historical interviews, fall short of their potential due to the absence of commentary tracks which could have provided deeper insights into the film's production and themes.

In conclusion, "Fury" may not reach the emotional heights of war classics like "Saving Private Ryan," but it remains a visually and aurally impressive film that showcases the harrowing reality of war through a powerful cinematic lens. Despite its narrative shortcomings, the Blu-ray release stands out as one of the best of 2015 thanks to its high-quality picture, top-notch sound design, and comprehensive extras. War movie enthusiasts and Blu-ray collectors alike will find much to appreciate in this release. Highly recommended.