21 Bridges Blu-ray Review

"21 Bridges" presents an engaging and commendable visual experience on Blu-ray, especially considering its predominantly nocturnal setting. Shot with Arri Alexa XT M and Sony CineAlta Venice cameras and finalized as a 2K digital intermediate, the film primarily unfolds over one night, set against the urban backdrop of Manhattan. The MPEG 4/AVC encoding at 1080p resolution captures remarkable clarity and detail throughout the runtime, which is particularly impressive given the low-light conditions featured in the film. This is evident in the sharp textures and vividly lifelike facial details, from the individual beard hairs on Andre's face to the nuanced clothing details. Although occasional mosquito noise appears, it does little to detract from the overall quality. Contrast is dynamic, providing deep shadow detail without overpowering the scenes, and black levels are consistent, only slightly washed out in rare instances.

The Blu-ray's color reproduction is particularly noteworthy, balancing natural hues with pops of vibrant color in key scenes such as daytime shots or the vividly detailed interiors of Captain McKenna's house. The palette, dominated by darker tones like blues and browns, remains authentic and well-saturated, enhancing the gritty realism of late-night Manhattan. Flesh tones appear true and organic, adding to the film's immersive quality. Technical precision extends to the depth provided by the high-definition presentation; interior and exterior scenes alike showcase a tactile complexity and stability in sharpness that seldom wavers. Occasional noise in lower light shots is minimal and does not interfere with viewing pleasure. No significant encoding artifacts mar the Blu-ray, further affirming Universal's adept handling of this release. Overall, "21 Bridges" delivers a top-tier video performance that caters perfectly to its cinematic intent.

The audio presentation of "21 Bridges" on Blu-ray exhibits a strong, well-executed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that elevates the viewing experience significantly. The sound stage is notably expansive, contrary to the film's often claustrophobic setting, with highly active surround channels filled with police sirens and city traffic, contributing to a palpable urban atmosphere. Vocals are crystal clear, consistently maintaining a clean and crisp quality. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are precise and pack a punch during action sequences. Although more bass presence could enhance some scenes, the existing LFE remains potent and effective.

This 5.1 mix excels in creating a dynamic audio landscape, which is essential in the film's numerous frenetic action scenes. The music score extends impressively across the stage, providing immersive audio that enhances the viewing experience. Gunfire is reproduced with detailed clarity, placing the audience amidst the chaos and tension of explosive shootouts. Ambient city sounds are expertly captured, adding a layer of lifelike realism that fluidly complements the onscreen action. While dialogue remains centered and clear, there is a noticeable need to occasionally adjust the volume to balance speech against the sometimes overwhelming action sound effects.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track for "21 Bridges" delivers an engaging and immersive audio performance. It commands attention with its detailed soundscape, from dynamic action sequences to subtle ambient noise, maintaining clarity and precision throughout. This mix positions the viewer right at the heart of the chaos while ensuring that dialogue remains intelligible and well-prioritized within the sound layer, albeit with some need for manual volume adjustments during quieter dialogue moments.

"21 Bridges" Blu-ray extras offer a competent range of additional content that enhances the viewing experience, though the selections remain relatively modest. This release includes a feature commentary by Director Brian Kirk and Editor Tim Murrell that delves deeply into the film's production. Also included are deleted scenes, which, while brief, provide additional context to the narrative. The disc features full-resolution trailers and complementary copies in various formats, including a DVD and a digital redemption code. The combination of these features provides a well-rounded although limited supplemental experience for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Additional footage providing context missing from the final cut.
• Feature Commentary with Director Brian Kirk: Insights into the filmmaking process.
• Trailers: Promotional videos for the film.
• DVD Copy: Standard definition copy with all special features.
• Digital Code: Digital copy redeemable on Apple TV.

"21 Bridges" is a competent action-thriller that leverages its intense pacing and solid performances to deliver an engaging, if somewhat predictable, narrative. Chadwick Boseman stars as Andre Davis, an NYPD detective driven by the traumatic loss of his father, also an officer, to bring justice to the city. The film follows Davis and his partner, detective Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller), as they are thrust into a manhunt for two criminals who inadvertently spark a brutal conspiracy after a drug heist goes violently wrong. The decision to close all 21 bridges of Manhattan in order to catch the criminals adds a unique dimension to the chase, creating a sense of urgency and encapsulation that fuels the plot’s momentum.

Despite containing several predictable elements and cop thriller clichés, "21 Bridges" benefits from strong technical execution. Brian Kirk's direction maintains a brisk pace, enhanced by tight editing and great cinematography that captures the gritty essence of New York City. The film is grounded by Boseman’s nuanced portrayal of Davis as a calculated yet emotionally driven detective, lending the character a balanced mix of aggression and intelligence. Sienna Miller delivers a more subdued performance as Burns, while J.K. Simmons and Stephan James contribute solid backup roles. The interactions between the characters, particularly the dynamic scenes involving Boseman and James, stand out significantly.

However, the film's primary flaw lies in its lack of originality. While the intense action sequences and dramatic confrontations are well-executed, the plot unfolds quite predictably, culminating in an abrupt and neatly tied-up ending that leaves little room for surprise. The screenplay, co-written by Matthew Michael Carnahan, tackles familiar themes and setups, missing opportunities for deeper innovation or exploration. Yet, for those seeking a straightforward and action-packed police thriller, "21 Bridges" manages to deliver an entertaining experience bolstered by its technical merits and strong performances.

"21 Bridges" delivers a competent performance but falls short of achieving lasting impact or cinematic innovation. The film stars Chadwick Boseman as Andre Davis, a detective embroiled in a tense and morally complex manhunt against Stephan James. At its heart, "21 Bridges" is a cop thriller that thrives on its character interactions and cat-and-mouse dynamics. Directed by Brian Kirk and penned by Adam Mervis and Matthew Michael Carnahan, the narrative is straightforward, favoring familiar crime drama elements over groundbreaking storytelling twists. While the plot might lack originality, the strong performances by Boseman and James keep viewers engaged throughout its 103-minute runtime.

The Blu-ray presentation elevates the experience with technical prowess. Universal's release features a 1.78:1 AVC aspect ratio and an English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish, ensuring inclusivity for diverse audiences. The video quality is near reference standard, providing sharp, clean visuals that maintain high levels of detail even in darker scenes. The audio mix is immersive, making excellent use of the soundstage to enhance the film's intense atmosphere. While extras are sparse, they include enough behind-the-scenes content to satisfy casual viewers and collectors alike.

In conclusion, "21 Bridges" is a solid yet conventional thriller complemented by an excellent Blu-ray transfer. Though it may not be a film that sustains repeated viewings or garners massive acclaim like "Black Panther," it promises a satisfying watch especially for fans of the genre. The technical specs are commendable, making this Blu-ray release worth considering for its audiovisual merits alone. If you opt for an engaging, albeit unoriginal, crime drama with robust performances, "21 Bridges" is a respectable choice.