Connected Blu-ray Review

Benny Chan's "Connected" is presented in its original widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio with MPEG-4 AVC encoding, a setup common to releases by both US-based Tai Seng Entertainment and Joy Sales in Hong Kong. The image transfer has drawn mixed reactions, notable for its inconsistent color schemes and a quality that many wouldn't expect from a release of its time. Particularly troubling is the film's often washed-out appearance, alongside an over-saturation that leads to a disjointed video presentation. The color temperature fluctuates markedly, with notable instances where elements such as Tong's hair shift from grey/black to silver/purple, indicating an unclear decision-making process in post-production regarding visual temperature. Furthermore, there are technical issues such as compression problems, mild aliasing, and edge enhancement, which, while minor, detract from the overall clarity and immersion of the viewing experience.

Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray's video presentation does have its merits. Close-ups reveal a significant level of detail, from the intricate textures of faces to the environmental decay surrounding the characters. Scenes featuring facial detail are particularly well-executed, providing a stark contrast to the otherwise inconsistent sharpness across different shots. The transfer captures the gritty realism of the film's aesthetic through its organic grain presence, which adds rather than detracts from the cinematic experience. Although the film struggles with depth and lacks the "3D pop" found in other Blu-ray releases, occasional scenes deliver a convincing sense of space and immersion.

In summary, while "Connected" suffers from an array of technical and aesthetic issues that prevent its Blu-ray presentation from reaching the high standards expected of contemporary releases, it nonetheless offers moments of visual finesse. The inconsistent color scheme, occasional softness in longer shots, and artificial shadow detail might frustrate viewers looking for a uniformly crisp and immersive experience. However, the organic grain and detailed close-ups provide a level of engagement that, albeit barely, tips this release into the recommended category for those willing to overlook its more jarring inconsistencies for its moments of clarity and detail.

The audio experience of "Connected" on Blu-ray, especially via its lauded 5.1 LPCM surround track, presents an aurally dynamic landscape that is as immersive as it is precise. This film's action-packed narrative, rich with high-speed chases and intense confrontations, is splendidly complemented by an audio mix that expertly uses the surround channels to envelop the audience. Notably, the cacophony of a chase sequence—complete with beeping horns, the rush of vehicles, and the dramatic collapse of a building—demonstrates the meticulous engineering behind this mix. Moreover, the subtle ambient sounds, such as multiple mobile phones ringing and hospital background noise, contribute to a robust soundstage that enriches the viewing experience. The impact scenes are particularly enhanced by a deep, resonant “whump” from the subwoofer, adding a palpable tension that elevates the film’s most thrilling moments.

Dialogue clarity is another standout feature of this audio presentation. Every line, from Grace's panicked screams to Tong's menacing growl, is rendered with striking clarity, ensuring that the narrative’s emotional depth is fully conveyed. The film’s score, with its diverse range—from sinister overtones to action-driving beats—flows seamlessly within the mix, showcasing an exemplary balance where music enhances without overwhelming. The strategic placement of musical cues not only underscores the on-screen action but also heightens the emotional stakes during quieter moments, demonstrating a harmonious interplay between score and visuals.

The audio tracks available on this release, including the Cantonese LPCM 5.1 and Dolby Digital options, maintain a high standard of quality across languages, free from any distortions such as pops or crackling. The inclusion of a comprehensive subtitle selection ensures accessibility for a wide audience. Collectively, these audio attributes underscore "Connected" as a prime example of audio engineering excellence in home entertainment, with a surround track that pushes the boundaries of immersive audio experiences.

The extra presentation of "Connected" on Blu-ray is accompanied by a second DVD disc packed with a range of special features, primarily in standard definition, catering mainly to the enthusiasts looking for an immersive behind-the-scenes experience but slightly misses the mark for English-speaking Asian movie fans due to limited English subtitles. Among the highlights are seventeen deleted scenes and eight alternative scenes, offering extensions and variations of the movie's pivotal moments, although they lack English subtitles, posing a challenge for a wider audience's understanding. The "Making Of" feature is a significant inclusion, presented in a stylized manner akin to the film itself, featuring interviews, behind-the-scenes footage including stunt sequences, and expanding on the movie's action scenes, characters, and plot. Additionally, there's an extensive "Behind the Scenes" segment, bringing an up-close look at the actors and the stunt sequences' preparations but could benefit from tighter editing. The package is rounded off with trailers that are, fortunately, subtitled in English. Unfortunately, the director's commentary on the Blu-ray disc is not subtitled, which could have added valuable insights for non-Cantonese speakers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: A collection of seventeen scenes offering extensions and alternative dialogues to the movie's plot.
• Alternative Scenes: Another eight scenes providing different takes and potentially alternative dialogues on key moments.
• Making Of: A detailed 20-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie including interviews and stunt sequences.
• Behind the Scenes: An extensive 38-minute featurette showing the actors off-camera and detailing the preparations of stunt sequences.
• Trailers: Four trailers of the feature presentation, all equipped with English subtitles for wider audience accessibility.

Benny Chan's "Connected," a thrilling remake of the 2004 David R. Ellis film "Cellular," does an admirable job of elevating the action-packed narrative to new heights, through the bustling streets and vast open landscapes of Hong Kong. Featuring Louis Koo as Bob, a debt collector embroiled in a high-stakes chase after receiving a distressing call from Grace (Barbie Hsu), a woman kidnapped by drug dealers. The film masterfully intertwines a frantic pace with well-crafted editing by Hong Kong veteran Yau Chi Wai, ensuring the storyline maintains its momentum without losing the audience's interest. This is a testament to Chan's ability to push the action genre's limits, promising an entertainment-packed viewing that demands a certain suspension of disbelief, but remains highly enjoyable and engaging throughout.

"Connected" distinguishes itself from its Hollywood counterpart by stripping away unnecessary melodrama, focusing instead on a clear, melodrama-free narrative and breathtaking chase sequences that keep viewers glued to the screen. Despite its structural similarities to "Cellular," the film improves upon the original by enhancing its visual storytelling and pacing, credited largely to the dynamic editing and direction that allow the action sequences to unfold with natural urgency. The performances, particularly from a mostly unfamiliar cast to international audiences, add an element of unpredictability that enriches the viewing experience, making "Connected" not just a mere remake but a standalone masterpiece that breathes new life into its Hollywood-originated storyline.

In essence, "Connected" by Benny Chan emerges as an exceptional piece within the realm of action cinema, successfully merging high-octane excitement with a coherent and engaging plot. Its ability to refine and amplify the core elements of its predecessor, "Cellular," while maintaining its original essence, places it a notch above in terms of entertainment value and cinematic achievement. The film not only pays homage to the fast-paced thrillers of Hollywood but also showcases Chan's prowess in crafting action sequences that are both visually arresting and emotionally compelling, making it a must-watch for aficionados of action-packed cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Connected" by Tai Seng Entertainment, originally distributed in Hong Kong by Joy Sales, offers a similar package in both markets with distinctive cover work and disc art being the main differentiators. Price-wise, the US version presents a more accessible option, often retailing for less than twenty dollars, making it an attractive buy for stateside fans. The video quality of this release, however, is uneven; some scenes display a softness and a lack of vibrancy that detracts from the overall visual impact. While the level of detail in many of the shots is commendable, it falls short of being considered reference-quality material. On the contrary, the audio experience is robust, featuring a 5.1 LPCM surround track that excellently complements the film's action-heavy sequences with ample use of surround channels and the subwoofer to immerse viewers.

Supplemental materials on the disc are a mixed offering. A notable inclusion is the “Making Of” featurette, yet it's marred by a lack of English subtitles - a common issue across the extras which limits accessibility for an international audience. For fans looking to dive deeper into the making and thematic exploration of "Connected," this may prove to be a significant drawback unless fluent in the original language or until additional resources are sought out.

Conclusively, the Blu-ray presentation of "Connected" is something of a conundrum. It is an essential purchase for die-hard fans of Benny Chan or collectors aiming to complete their library with an affordable international cinema piece. While the audiovisual presentation has its merits, particularly in its dynamic audio track, the inconsistency in video quality and the inaccessible extra content hold it back from being universally recommended. It shines in parts but does not consistently reach the heights that aficionados of high-definition cinema might expect.