The Wolverine Blu-ray Review

"The Wolverine" on Blu-ray delivers exceptional video quality through its AVC (2D) and MVC (3D) 1080p transfers, presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing the Arri Alexa, the film boasts a sleek, highly detailed image with notable fine detail. Facial pores, beads of sweat, and individual hair strands are crisply rendered, adding texture to scenes like Mariko's kimono and Yukio's hair. The color palette, although occasionally aggressively graded, usually appears natural and well-saturated. Notable sequences include an amber-tinted Nagasaki and cool blue Yukon scenes. Shadow detail can be a minor issue in dark scenes, notably the mountaintop fortress climax. A brief motion judder is observed during a funeral scene pan at 35:46, otherwise, the presentation is problem-free.

The 3D conversion is largely effective, offering significant dimensionality in subtler moments like traditional Japanese interiors and metal railings in the funeral scene. While some expected highlights, such as Logan's prison tube and the nuclear blast, appear compressed, many scenes benefit from discrete depth cues and immersive environments. Darkness in the film’s latter sections slightly undermines depth and dimensionality, especially during climactic set pieces designed for 3D impact. Dynamic sequences with rain and snow display varied effectiveness; rain appears uniform in the foreground, whereas snowy scenes provide a more natural, layered look. Despite minor pop-up effects that occasionally give a “pop-up book” feel, the overall 3D experience remains engaging and visually satisfying.

The Blu-ray release of "The Wolverine" is distinguished by its exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix, exemplifying both forceful and subtle soundscapes. The mix offers a total immersion experience, most notably during intense scenes such as the Nagasaki bomb sequence, where a building low-frequency rumble crescendos to engulf the listener. Equally impressive are the intricate details, such as the caws of crows and the crunch of footsteps in the Yukon woods, highlighting a superbly engineered sound environment. The precision with which these effects are placed around the soundfield enhances the realism, making scenes vibrantly alive.

Continually active in all channels, the 7.1 mix excels in creating atmospheric depth throughout the film. Environmental sounds like rain falling on various surfaces during Logan's walk through a rainstorm or lightning-caused rumbles during Tokyo's storms envelop the listener in a richly dynamic audio landscape. Effective imaging, such as jeeps in the rear channels or arrows whooshing across the soundstage, provides additional layers of auditory engagement. The metallic foley effects for Logan's adamantium claws and Yukio's katana are particularly striking, adding to the movie's immersive quality.

Dialogue is flawlessly integrated with effects and Marco Beltrami's score, ensuring clear and perfectly audible lines, though at times clarity is challenged by thick Japanese accents. Nonetheless, optional subtitles are available to assist with comprehension. Beltrami's score is aptly supportive without being intrusive, balancing character-driven climaxes seamlessly. The mix even superbly handles scenes devoid of musical accompaniment, like the dynamic train fight sequence, underscoring the tension purely through ambient sound effects. Altogether, "The Wolverine" offers an impressively immersive and technically accomplished audio experience that holds up as a reference-quality home theater presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Wolverine" offer a comprehensive exploration of the film's various facets, appealing to both casual viewers and die-hard fans. The extended version adds more depth to Logan's relationships and more graphic action sequences, as explained by director James Mangold in the commentary. Mangold provides valuable insights into production choices, character development, and set designs, enhancing one's appreciation of the film. The Second Screen App expands the experience to mobile devices, offering additional content that complements the viewing experience. Highlights include "The Path of a Ronin," a thorough feature on the samurai-ninja influences, and exclusive previews like the X-Men: Days of Future Past Set Tour.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director James Mangold: Informative insights into the film’s production.
• Second Screen App: Mobile access to additional bonus content.
• The Path of a Ronin: Exploration of the story’s samurai-ninja aspect and its comic origins.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material.
• Alternate Ending: An alternative conclusion to the film.
• X-Men: Days of Future Past Set Tour: Sneak peek into the next franchise installment.

"The Wolverine" offers a refreshing transformation for its titular character, Logan, shedding the disappointment of "X-Men Origins" and diving deep into a more introspective narrative. Set after the events of "X-Men: The Last Stand," the film weaves a complex story that intertwines Logan's deep-seated torment over the loss of Jean Grey with a convoluted backstory involving his imprisonment in a Japanese concentration camp during World War II. Through intense psychological scrutiny, Logan's struggle with his immortality and personal demons is accentuated, making him a more compelling figure than typical superhero fare. Hugh Jackman's portrayal of Logan is drenched in world-weariness, effectively capturing the character's internal and external scars.

Director James Mangold skillfully navigates this intricate landscape, balancing poignant character development with exhilarating action sequences. The film's restrained use of set pieces amplifies their impact—especially the breath-taking bullet train battle and the explosive opening sequence during the Nagasaki bombing. Mangold's ability to infuse these moments with exhilarating tension ensures they resonate deeply. Notably, the inclusion of Yukio (Rila Fukushima), a red-haired katana wielder, and Dr. Green (Svetlana Khodchenkova) adds layers of intrigue and fresh energy to the narrative, though some elements, such as the finale's samurai mecha clash, verge toward self-parody.

"The Wolverine" is remarkably distinct in its reliance on Japanese mythologies, bridging Marvel's source material with cinematic flair while avoiding clichés associated with genre pieces. Jackman's raw performance, coupled with Mangold's visionary direction, revitalizes the character arc, making Logan's journey both gripping and introspective. While some derivative components and periodic lapses into hyperbolic territory are present, "The Wolverine" delivers an engrossing blend of soulful narrative and spectacular action, setting a robust foundation for Logan’s future reentries into the superhero realm.

"The Wolverine" continues the "X-Men" franchise's steady resurgence following the mixed reception of "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." Directed by James Mangold, the film rejuvenates the character by stripping away many of the overtly comic elements, allowing for a more subdued yet potent portrayal of Logan. This approach results in a film with a unique blend of action and depth, highlighted by a visceral and unforgettable bullet train sequence. While some action enthusiasts might find the pace uneven at times, the stellar performances and coherent narrative make it a compelling watch.

The Blu-ray release of "The Wolverine," particularly the Unleashed Extended Edition, sets a high bar for home media. This edition includes both 3D and 2D versions, along with an extended 12-minute unrated cut that adds layers to the storyline. The video quality is impeccable, with near-perfect 3D visuals and flawless 2D presentation. The audio mix, delivered in crisp 7.1 surround sound, enhances the immersive experience. The supplementary content is equally impressive, featuring a comprehensive hour-long making-of documentary, insightful director’s commentary on the extended cut, an intriguing alternate ending, and a behind-the-scenes tour of "X-Men: Days of Future Past."

Say goodbye to the cigar-chomping, quipster Wolverine in "The Wolverine". This is a much more tamped-down enterprise, for better or worse. Action fans may come away from this film (in any of its versions) wondering if there was enough there there, but the film, while patently odd at times, benefits from strong, sure performances and one incredibly visceral thrill ride on top of a speeding bullet train. The Wolverine may ultimately be seen as a kind of cinematic placeholder, a virtual calm (more or less, anyway) before what may be the storm of X-Men: Days of Future Past. That aspect may wear on some fans' patience, but the good news is it seems Logan is poised for battle once again by the end of this film. This Blu-ray sports exceptional video and audio. The presentation in the combo pack is a bit problematic, with different supplements adorning different versions (with no supplements adorning the 3D version), but otherwise this release comes Recommended.