Firewall Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers' Blu-ray release of "Firewall" boasts a 1080p high definition transfer that remains faithful to its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1, marrying fidelity to the director's visual choices with the innate capabilities of the Blu-ray format. The film's visual presentation, characterized by its darker tones and deliberate use of a subdued green tint reminiscent of, yet less pronounced than, "The Matrix", conveys an intended atmospheric effect rather than visual ingenuity. This transfer has garnered attention for reproducing the somewhat drab, lifeless color palette with accuracy, alongside a commendable detail in darker scenes and solid black levels. However, it also displays some weaknesses, including instances of overly red flesh tones and occasional softness in image clarity, potentially aligning with the director's aesthetic intentions rather than being pure transfer limitations.

Comparative analysis between the Blu-ray and its HD DVD counterpart reveals negligible differences in video quality, despite the Blu-ray's advantage in storage capacity (25GB vs. the HD DVD's 15GB), which also accommodates extras not found on the HD DVD version's disc. The meticulous setup for a blind viewing test illustrates the minimal discrepancy in visual quality between the formats, suggesting that any perceived differences might lean more towards hardware variations than the media itself. Notably, the Blu-ray exhibits a slightly darker cast in certain scenes, albeit this distinction is marginal and possibly attributable to technical setups rather than the transfer's quality.

In terms of technical specifics, "Firewall" on Blu-ray stands out with its clean print, robust contrast, and above-average shadow detail. Despite some scenes appearing slightly soft due to artistic choices such as diffused lighting, the overall transfer achieves a degree of three-dimensionality. Colors are authentically rendered, with particularly vibrant orange flesh tones and subtle hues enhancing the visual experience without straying from the intended color palette designed to evoke the film's thematic undercurrents. The slightly subdued overall coloring contributes to some scenes' flat aura amidst rainy exteriors, yet this does not detract from what is overall a commendable Blu-ray presentation.

The audio presentation of "Firewall" on Blu-ray retains the standard Dolby Digital 5.1 track, akin to what has been observed with many of Warner Brothers' older titles. This track stands out for being notably pleasant among the Dolby Digital offerings on Blu-ray but does not venture into the realm of high definition audio which might disappoint audiophiles. There is a commendable use of bass and an admirable ambience, alongside efficient utilization of rear speakers, providing a sense of continuous activity and depth. However, the audio mix is not without its flaws. Dialogue tends to become muffled and loses clarity in scenes rich with background noise, exacerbated by an inherently diminutive dialogue delivery throughout the film. Additionally, while bass effects are generally robust, critical moments such as a significant explosion in the climax somewhat lack the auditory impact expected.

Upon further examination, it's evident that despite the lack of a high definition Dolby Digital-Plus track found in the HD DVD release, the Blu-ray's 640kbps Dolby Digital track performs adequately. It mirrors its HD DVD counterpart in terms of bitrate, although this doesn't bring about remarkable differences in audio quality due to the format's inherent limitations concerning multi-channel support beyond 5.1 setups. The audio experience predominantly favors the front channels, effectively coming to life during action sequences with assertive directionality and well-executed localized effects. The dynamic range is broad, featuring crisp highs and adequately deep bass, but the mix suffers during quieter scenes that lack atmospheric immersion. A potentially more engaging score could have enhanced these segments, but as it stands, the soundtrack functions sufficiently without truly standing out. Overall, "Firewall" delivers a competent yet unremarkable audio experience that could have greatly benefited from a more immersive mix and high-definition audio options to more fully exploit its dynamic range and action sequences.

The extra content on the Blu-ray release of "Firewall" offers an underwhelming experience that mirrors the sentiments found in individual reviews. Comprising mainly of two featurettes, the offerings lean towards the minimalistic and lack in substance. "Firewall Decoded," a 15-minute dialogue between Harrison Ford and director Richard Loncraine, presents an overzealous analysis of the film which, despite its earnest attempt, may strike viewers as unintentionally amusing due to its serious tone and Ford's somewhat pretentious delivery. Similarly, "Firewall: Writing a Thriller" with scriptwriter Joe Forte provides insight into the script's post-9/11 genesis and its narrative ambitions; however, it falls short in captivating those interested in the intricacies of filmmaking. The inclusion of the film's theatrical trailer does little to add value, making the entirety of the Blu-ray's extra content feel like a missed opportunity to delve into the film’s production or to offer anything of substantial interest to fans or cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• FIREWALL DECODED: A conversation between Harrison Ford and director Richard Loncraine discussing the script challenges and plot intricacies.
• FIREWALL: WRITING A THRILLER: Joe Forte talks about his screenplay writing experience, influenced by post-9/11 themes.
• THEATRICAL TRAILER: The official trailer for "Firewall".

"Firewall" emerges as a particularly formulaic entry in the latter part of Harrison Ford’s filmography, failing to deliver the thrills or excitement that marked his earlier career highs. Directed by Richard Loncraine with Ford in the lead as Jack Stanfield, an I.T. executive thrust into a nightmare scenario to save his family and bank from a digital heist, the film sails through tepid waters of predictability and underwhelming narrative choices. Despite Ford’s effort to portray vulnerability and resourcefulness, his performance feels perfunctory, overshadowed by a sense of just going through the motions for yet another paycheck. Accompanied by Paul Bettany's villainous role and Virginia Madsen's underutilized talent, the ensemble can do little to elevate the mundane script and lackluster direction.

Technical aspects aside, the movie's attempt to weave tension and drama through a hi-tech crime narrative falls flat, with its would-be clever plot twists and technological gimmicks appearing dated and discarded midway. The predictability of the scenario undermines any genuine suspense, relegating what could have been a compelling techno-thriller to the realms of forgettable cinema. The script barely scrapes together enough engagement, relying heavily on clichés and tropes that have been seen in countless other thrillers from the '90s, without refreshing them or providing a unique angle to captivate the audience anew.

Moreover, "Firewall" serves as an unmistakable marker of Ford’s dwindling box office cachet from the turn of the millennium, a far cry from his glory days of blockbusters and Oscar-contenders. Despite some moments that hint at potential—primarily when tapping into Ford's natural charisma—the film altogether lacks the style, substance, and innovation needed to stand out. It brushes against themes of cyber intrusion and family peril without fully committing to explore them deeply, resulting in a film that is as forgettable as it is formulaic.

"Firewall" stands as a cinematic endeavor that might not leave a lasting mark on the history of film, particularly for those who have come to expect groundbreaking narratives and complex character development. The movie features a storyline that is unfortunately laden with clichés and predictable moments, offering little in the way of originality or depth. It seems to represent a low point for one of cinema's most celebrated actors, encapsulating a forgettable venture into the thriller genre that is unlikely to inspire repeated viewings. The Blu-ray edition of "Firewall," however, does manage to deliver a satisfactory audio-visual experience. The transfer is commendable, with video and audio quality that, while not outstanding, adequately presents the film’s technical aspects. The supplemental materials provided are minimal and do not significantly enhance the viewing experience, mirroring the movie's lack of innovation.

The content of the Blu-ray does not differentiate much from what was previously available in the HD DVD format, indicating a missed opportunity to rectify or enhance any aspect of the film or its presentation for fans or newcomers. Enthusiasts of the format war will find no new ammunition here, as the technical delivery remains consistent across platforms. The consensus suggests that "Firewall" is best suited for a casual, undemanding watch, possibly appealing to those seeking to indulge in Harrison Ford's filmography without expecting too much in terms of substance or entertainment value.

In conclusion, while "Firewall" as a film fails to impress due to its derivative plot and uninspired character arcs, the Blu-ray presentation offers an acceptable, if unremarkable, viewing experience. It serves as a reasonable option for a low-key movie night, particularly for those who favor convenience over cinematic excellence. Nevertheless, potential viewers should adjust their expectations accordingly and consider this release more of a curiosity in Ford’s career than a must-have addition to their collection.