Charlie's Angels Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Charlie's Angels" is a visual treat, offering a remarkably glossy and sharp picture that aligns closely with modern digital filmmaking standards. Although shot on Arri Alexa and RED cameras and finished at 2K for this release, the transfer retains an impressive level of detail and clarity, with facial textures, costume intricacies, and environmental details exhibited with precision. The widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio is maintained, providing a cinematic experience enhanced by well-saturated colors and robust black levels. Despite some minor issues, such as occasional softness in CGI-heavy scenes and slight banding, the overall image quality is stunning.

An in-depth analysis reveals the high-definition image is rich with striking primaries and neons, ensuring vibrant and lively visuals throughout. Scenes are illuminated with balanced contrast and depth, making the most of the ultra-glossy production style. Detail is immaculate, revealing every line, pore, and thread with exceptional clarity. Black levels remain consistently deep and true, contributing to the picture's superior dimensionality. Although some background noise and compression artifacts are intermittently visible, they are minimal distractions in an otherwise pristine presentation.

Overall, the Blu-ray offers a near-reference quality image with few flaws. The nuanced skin tones, solid blacks, and striking colors come together to form a visually engaging experience. The slightly subdued color approach by cinematographer Bill Pope still allows secondary hues like pinks and purples to stand out vividly, adding dynamic pops where needed. This presentation of "Charlie's Angels" serves as a testament to the high quality achievable on Blu-ray, delivering a shiny, demo-worthy visual feast deserving of appreciation by home theater enthusiasts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray of "Charlie's Angels" delivers an exhilarating audio experience despite not matching the immersive DTS:X mix found on the 4K release. The soundtrack remains clear and coherent, with dialogue dominating the frontal array and effects disseminating effectively over the surrounds. The sound mix is both bracing and engaging, enhancing boisterous action sequences and providing a rich auditory backdrop for gunfights, chases, and combat scenes. Though the audio mix is not particularly large in scale, the energetic vibe and well-managed dissemination keep it from feeling lackluster.

Action sequences are the highlight of this track, with gunfire portrayed crisply and accurately. The dynamic soundfield contributes to a lively viewing experience, complemented by a score that maintains clarity, warmth, and excellent mid-range definition. Sound effects, such as moving vehicles and combat sounds, pan smoothly between surround channels, bringing scenes to life and adding depth to the visual spectacle. However, while the bass delivers a punchy performance when needed, it lacks the heft some might expect during intense moments. The dynamic range could feel slightly squashed at times but is robust enough to elevate explosive scenes unmistakably.

In conclusion, Sony delivers a highly satisfying DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for the Blu-ray edition of "Charlie's Angels." The soundtrack is vibrant and well-balanced, with a clear emphasis on action-driven crescendos. While it may not rival the fullness of a DTS:X presentation, it certainly adds a stimulating complement to the visual output and brings the high-energy escapades of the Angels to the forefront.

The Blu-ray release of "Charlie's Angels" features a comprehensive array of extras that offer a deeper dive into the making of the film. While nothing groundbreaking, this collection provides an engaging glimpse behind the scenes. The disc includes four featurettes that cover the formation of the Angels' sisterhood, Elizabeth Banks' multifaceted role in the production, a behind-the-scenes look at the action sequences, and an exploration of the film's glamorous costume design. Additionally, viewers can enjoy a set of deleted and extended scenes, a humorous gag reel, and the music video for "Don't Call Me Angel" featuring top artists.

Extras included in this disc:

• Stronger Together: The Sisterhood of Angels: The cast's experiences working together.
• Elizabeth Banks: As BOSSley: Insight into Banks' direction and role.
• Warriors on Set: Angels in Action: Behind-the-scenes of action scenes.
• Tailored for Danger: Styling the Angels: Exploration of costumes and makeup.
• Deleted Scenes: Unseen segments cut from the film.
• Gag Reel: Collection of bloopers.
• Don't Call Me Angel Music Video: Featuring Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus & Lana Del Rey.

Charlie's Angels (2019) fails to capture the spirit of its predecessors, with a disappointingly rote storyline and uninspired action sequences. Directed, written, and starred by Elizabeth Banks, this iteration shifts away from the overt sex appeal of the original TV series and the McG films, opting instead for a heavy-handed feminist message that often feels forced and didactic. Kristen Stewart stands out with her eccentric and humorous performance as Sabina, bringing a much-needed spark to the film. However, her co-stars Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska struggle to leave a lasting impression, resulting in a lackluster dynamic among the Angels.

The plot follows a whistleblower (Naomi Scott) attempting to expose a fatal flaw in a new clean-energy technology, Calisto. The narrative moves predictably from action scene to action scene, driven more by plot mechanics than any organic character development or genuine stakes. The film's villains fail to impress, with Sam Claflin's performance verging on caricature and Jonathan Tucker's menacing presence being woefully underutilized. The overall result is a serviceable yet forgettable movie sorely lacking in creativity and depth.

Banks' attempt at rejuvenating the franchise with modern sensibilities backfires due to subpar scriptwriting and direction. The action sequences suffer from poor editing, and what humor exists falls flat. By prioritizing its social message over crafting a compelling story, this reboot becomes an exercise in missed opportunities. The baseline entertainment it delivers does little to offset its pervasive lack of originality and substance. Despite a talented cast, Charlie's Angels (2019) feels like a disjointed ensemble rather than a cohesive movie experience designed to bring something fresh to the table.

Elizabeth Banks’ 2019 reboot of "Charlie's Angels" is a mixed bag, presenting a modernized take that aims for a politically correct sensibility but loses touch with the franchise's original essence. Despite solid performances, especially Kristen Stewart's engaging turn, the film fails to energize or captivate, often coming off as a "woke" borefest that lacks the pulpy charm of its predecessors. The screenplay, penned by Banks, is laden with contemporary tropes and struggles to create excitement or fun in the action sequences. Fans of the original series or the early 2000s films may find little resemblance to the franchise's characteristic glamour and humor.

Technically, Sony’s Blu-ray treatment of "Charlie's Angels" is commendable, offering superb video and audio quality that elevate the viewing experience. The package includes a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack in multiple languages. Additional content such as English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles enhance accessibility. The supplementary materials, while standard, provide decent behind-the-scenes insights. However, the lack of a UK 4K release, contrasted with its availability in the US, may prompt some enthusiasts to seek imports for a more enriched home-viewing experience.

In conclusion, while "Charlie's Angels" (2019) is unlikely to exceed modest expectations or be particularly memorable, Kristen Stewart's performance keeps it from being entirely unpleasant. The Blu-ray edition is technically sound, making it a reasonable acquisition for those who appreciate high-quality video and audio presentations. Still, for fans seeking substantial and engaging content, it might be worth considering other options or even importing the 4K version for an enhanced experience.