Smokin' Aces Blu-ray Review

Universal's 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer of "Smokin' Aces" on Blu-ray is a faithful representation of the film's original visual style as intended by director Joe Carnahan and cinematographer Mauro Fiore. The transfer excels in preserving the unique, aggressive palette, characterized by pronounced greens, oranges, and steely blues that fill the screen with intensity. This heightened color palette mirrors the film's theatrical experience, delivering bold contrast and inky blacks that add significant depth and dimension to the image. Though skintones may flare and fade quickly due to Carnahan's rapid edits, details remain sharp and refined, with fine textures crisply delineated. Notably, there is no evidence of digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement, ensuring the integrity of the source material.

The visual presentation does carry some quirks that align with the film’s stylistic choices. Whites bloom and colors burst, often running hot with blown-out highlights that can be glaringly distracting in some scenes. Despite this, the overall picture quality remains excellent; visibility and definition of items and clothing are impressively clear. Blacks are profoundly deep, although some dark shadows may obscure finer details at times. The transfer handles these challenges deftly, avoiding significant macroblocking, aliasing, or other digital artifacts. The result is a strikingly true-to-form Blu-ray release that delivers Carnahan's gritty, hyper-stylized vision with confidence and poise. Fans of "Smokin' Aces" will appreciate this meticulously crafted visual presentation that captures the chaotic beauty of the film.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Smokin' Aces" offers a formidable and immersive auditory experience. Dialogue is crisply rendered, naturally anchored in the center channel amidst the film's chaotic soundscape. The LFE output delivers a weighty punch, adding raw power to every explosion and gunshot, ensuring the low-frequency effects are both forceful and precise. The mid-range frequencies are clean, with an expansive soundstage and persuasive channel separation. Clint Mansell's score complements the action seamlessly, enhancing the overall intensity of Joe Carnahan's directorial style.

The rear speaker activity is heightened and brisk, utilizing ambient noises and lively acoustics to create a surprisingly immersive environment. The directionality is meticulously crafted, with polished pans ensuring bullets and sniper shots traverse the soundfield effectively. The crowded casino scenes in Lake Tahoe are laced with distant explosions, adding to the dynamic mix. Though not the most subtle or realistic, the audio presentation embodies the film's intense and surreal nature.

Discreet effects are managed with near-transparent directionality, enveloping the listener in a sonic storm that heightens the film's unbridled violence and anarchy. Even during the loudest segments, dialogue reproduction does not falter, maintaining distinct clarity. Channel separation in the front soundstage is expansive and imaging is wide and persuasive. Opting for the DTS-HD Master Audio track over its Dolby Digital Plus counterpart undoubtedly provides the premium experience, capturing the full spectrum of audio intricacies that "Smokin' Aces" has to offer.

The Blu-ray edition of "Smokin' Aces" is rich with special features, although many are presented in standard definition. Notable inclusions are two audio commentaries: the first by director Joe Carnahan and editor Robert Frazen offers a thorough technical analysis and enjoyable anecdotes, while the second features Carnahan alongside actors Common, Christopher Holley, and Zach Cumer, albeit with less engaging banter. The U-Control Picture-in-Picture track provides insightful behind-the-scenes interviews and on-set footage, overshadowing the lackluster Assassin Tracker feature. Additional content includes various featurettes, deleted scenes, outtakes, an alternate ending, BD-Live functionality, and My Scenes Bookmarking.

Extras included in this disc:

• U-Control Picture-in-Picture: Blunt behind-the-scenes interviews and on-set footage.
• Audio Commentaries:
  • Technical dissection by director Joe Carnahan and editor Robert Frazen.
  • Casual discussion with actors Common, Christopher Holley, and Zach Cumer.
• The Lineup: Short bios on main characters.
• The Big Gun: Revelatory interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Shoot 'Em Up: Stunts & effects training insights.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Four scenes not in the final cut.
• Outtakes: Amusing collection of bloopers.
• Cowboy Ending: An alternate ending.

"Smokin' Aces," Joe Carnahan’s third feature film, presents a frenetic and chaotic narrative centered around the beleaguered magician-turned-informant, Buddy "Aces" Israel. Played by Jeremy Piven, Israel finds himself under FBI protection in a Lake Tahoe hotel, simultaneously pursued by a cadre of assassins lured by a million-dollar bounty. The hitmen range from master of disguise Lazlo Soot (Tommy Flanagan) to the neo-Nazi Tremor brothers, contributing to an explosive and varied ensemble cast. The film interlaces multiple storylines, frenzied character interactions, and high-octane action sequences.

Contrasted with Carnahan's earlier work "Narc," known for its methodical pacing and character depth, "Smokin' Aces" veers towards an energetic spectacle of gunplay and anarchy. The movie’s schizophrenic structure and flamboyant style highlight its emphasis on visual flair over substantial narrative development. Characters are vibrantly portrayed but scarcely delved into, with performances from Ryan Reynolds, Ray Liotta, and Alicia Keys standing out amid the disorder. The film's tonal oscillations, rapid scene transitions, and barrage of violent set pieces contribute to a perceptible sense of unpredictability and dark humor.

While divisive, "Smokin' Aces" has cultivated a cult following appreciative of its audacious blend of splatterpunk violence and grindhouse aesthetic. Cinematographer Mauro Fiore’s distinctive gloss melded with gritty undertones enhances the film’s unpredictable ambiance. However, its lack of cohesive storytelling and character development may alienate some viewers. Ultimately, the film delivers a spirited and unrestrained ride that honors the exploitation genres of the '70s with gory gusto, even if it sacrifices depth for spectacle.

Joe Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces" is a high-octane action thriller that draws inspiration from gritty 70s low-budget flicks. Its audacious storytelling, coupled with sleek visual design and fancy photography, accumulates into an ultraviolent spectacle. Universal's Blu-ray release notably enhances the film's presentation, featuring a striking video transfer that vividly captures the movie's stylistic choices. The Blu-ray also boasts a powerful DTS-HD Master Audio track, ensuring every gunshot and explosion reverberates with impactful clarity.

The Blu-ray edition is further enhanced by a substantial array of supplemental features, including two insightful commentaries and a Picture-in-Picture experience, providing fans with a deeper dive into the film's intricate construction. The overall A/V presentation is impeccable, designed to meet and exceed the expectations of enthusiasts. However, those who already own the HD DVD version may find the upgrade relatively unnecessary unless they seek the added bonus materials.

In conclusion, Joe Carnahan’s "Smokin' Aces" might not be for everyone, its outlandish approach pushing some viewers to their limits. Yet, with repeat viewings, the deliberate madness behind its chaotic narrative becomes more recognizable, cementing its status as an ultraviolent cult favorite. Thanks to Universal's comprehensive Blu-ray release, newcomers have a chance to appreciate this vibrant piece of cinema in its ideal form, while long-time fans will find the package fulfilling their desires at a low cost. Potential buyers are advised to rent before purchasing to ensure it aligns with their taste.