Brick 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Brick" offers a commendable upgrade, building on the solid foundation of previous Blu-ray iterations. This transfer, supervised and approved by Director Rian Johnson, utilizes a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative and is presented in its native 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Enhanced with HDR/Dolby Vision, this version presents notable refinements in terms of depth and detail, particularly elevating the film’s visual presentation. While the image isn't entirely devoid of its original film grain, it maintains a clean and authentic representation without excessive digital smoothing or sharpening.

One cannot overlook the newfound sharpness and clarity brought to "Brick" by the 4K format. The film's low budget origins are subtly apparent in some grainier scenes, but the transfer allows for a more consistent feel overall. The visual fidelity shows significant improvement; fine lines, shadows, and black levels now boast a pronounced sharpness. The film’s signature muted color palette, while not exuding warmth, appears more vibrant and true to the film’s stylized intentions. Scenes previously muddled by a blue-ish outdoor tone now benefit from richer shadow detail and inky black levels, significantly enhancing those atmospheric low-light moments.

Overall, this 4K presentation stands as the definitive visual experience of "Brick," surpassing all previous home video releases. With meticulous attention to filmic integrity through its HDR and Dolby Vision enhancements, this UHD Blu-ray delivers a superbly faithful adaptation of the original cinematic experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Brick" offers two audio tracks, both in DTS-HD Master Audio, available in 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo. The 5.1 track, in particular, enhances the film’s auditory experience, expanding the soundstage and offering more depth and dimension compared to the previous Dolby Digital DVD release. Dialogues remain crisp and clear throughout, a critical aspect given the film’s dialogue-driven narrative akin to the golden age of cinema. Sound effects and the film's score by Nathan Johnson are presented with clarity, sidestepping any issues of distortion such as crackling or hissing.

While the audio won’t overwhelm listeners with explosive effects, it provides a substantial improvement over prior releases, particularly from DVD and earlier Blu-ray editions, positioning this as likely the pinnacle of the film's audio presentation on home video. Both audio tracks provide a faithful rendering of the sound mix, with the 2.0 stereo track offering a clear but more constrained auditory experience. The 5.1 surround track, however, allows for a more immersive experience with effective yet understated use of surround elements to provide ambiance within selected scenes.

In essence, while the audio enhancements might not blow the roof off your viewing space, this release's attention to clarity and depth signifies an upgrade worth acknowledging for fans of "Brick."

The extras for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Brick" provide a compelling addition to the film, enhancing viewing through thoughtful commentary and behind-the-scenes insights. The standout new feature is an analytical audio commentary by professor and film scholar Jason A. Ney, who deep dives into the film's genre influences and its adaptation from Rian Johnson's original novella. This supplements the lively existing commentary featuring director Rian Johnson alongside key cast and crew, providing varied perspectives and production anecdotes. Additionally, the package retains engaging deleted and extended scenes with Johnson's introductions, which offer contextual reasoning for the edits. A featurette on the casting choices highlights screen tests for specific roles, adding depth to the film’s character dynamics. Finally, trailers for "Brick" and other films complete the collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Rian Johnson and Cast/Crew: Discusses the film's production in a lively manner.
• Audio Commentary by Jason A. Ney: Provides a scholarly analysis of the film's genre elements and origins.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: Includes director's insights on scene modifications.
• The Inside Track: Casting the Roles of Laura and Dode: Showcases screen tests and casting decisions.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for "Brick."
• KLSC Trailers Gallery: Features trailers for other titles like "The Ice Harvest."

Rian Johnson's "Brick" stands as a defining moment in neo-noir cinema, blending the gritty essence of classic film noir with a contemporary high school setting. The narrative merges influences from Dashiell Hammett with youthful vitality, creating a unique atmosphere where teenage angst meets the shadowy allure of detective fiction. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a compelling performance as Brendan Frye, an outsider navigating high school’s underworld to unravel the mystery behind his ex-girlfriend Emily’s (Emilie de Ravin) death. His journey reveals a tangled web of deceit involving rich girl Laura Dannon (Nora Zehetner), the enigmatic “Pin” (Lukas Haas), and his enforcer Tug (Noah Fleiss). Johnson's script and direction command attention through sharp dialogue and a narrative that demands active engagement.

The film’s low budget—reportedly around half a million dollars—did not impede its creativity nor its execution. Shot predominantly without location permits, Steve Yedlin’s cinematography transforms Southern California into a landscape seething with latent danger. The script maintains suspense without overt exposition, allowing the viewer to uncover the mystery in tandem with the protagonist. The cast delivers nuanced performances that build a cohesive story, with standout performances by Matt O’Leary as "The Brain" and Lukas Haas as "The Pin," ensuring that the ensemble work harmoniously to elevate the film beyond its financial constraints.

"Brick" is an assured directorial debut for Johnson, subverting high school film tropes and offering a modern homage to Golden Age noir. Its engaging plot, visual styling, and committed performances converge to create an enduring cult classic that remains impactful in its originality and execution. Through its crisp editing and polished script, "Brick" not only captivates but also sets Johnson as a masterful storyteller in the realms of both mystery and character narrative.

"Brick" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an invigorating revisitation of Rian Johnson's breakout neo-noir film that has only grown in stature since its original release. This edition by Kino Lorber Studio Classics elevates the viewer's experience with a superb 4K Dolby Vision transfer, enhancing the movie’s intricate visuals while preserving the atmospheric depth that marked its initial impact. Adhering to the film's hard-boiled roots, the transfer retains the noir spirit, bringing clarity and vibrancy without losing the grit inherent to its narrative. The audio remains unchanged from previous releases, yet it faithfully delivers an immersive soundscape that complements Johnson's distinctive storytelling style.

The additional 4K Disc-exclusive commentary offers valuable insights, enriching the movie's enigmatic narrative and providing fans with further depth to explore within this cult favorite. While the special features from previous releases are retained, this new commentary provides a fresh perspective that aligns with the film's complex themes and masterful execution. Johnson’s craftsmanship is apparent in every scene, and this version underscores his growing reputation in mystery and thriller genres.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Brick" is a must-have for enthusiasts of film noir and Rian Johnson's oeuvre. Its enhanced video quality, accompanied by insightful new commentary, makes it an essential upgrade from earlier versions. Fans of the genre and those exploring Johnson’s cinematic journey will find this release captivating and a testament to its enduring appeal. Highly recommended for both longtime admirers and newcomers alike, "Brick" continues to mesmerize with its clever narrative and stylistic brilliance.