Glass Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray presentation of Glass is exemplary, showcasing remarkable clarity and attention to detail consistent with Universal's recent high standards. Shot at 3.4K on Arri Alexa Mini and SXT cameras and finished with a 4K digital intermediate, the transfer preserves the film's intended aesthetic with its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The color grading adheres closely to that of Split, utilizing earthy tones and grungy visuals in the early scenes. As the narrative moves to the mental institution, the visual palette transitions to pale blues and soft whites, punctuated by intentionally exaggerated bright tones in outdoor scenes. Blacks are impressively deep and inky, contributing to an immersive viewing experience, while fine details like facial features and environmental textures appear with astounding clarity.

The Blu-ray excels in managing the complex textures and nuanced shadows characteristic of this darkly themed film. Despite its dim lighting conditions, low-light noise is virtually non-existent, maintaining a clean image that captures every pore and fabric intricately. The visual fidelity extends through all chromatic elements, revealing myriad shades with impressive depth and saturation. Skin tones, be they glowing and brightened for dramatic effect or natural and well-balanced, are presented accurately under various lighting conditions. The standout visual moments include an extreme close-up of Mr. Glass's eye, displaying jaw-dropping clarity before a medical procedure, and the vividly detailed end battle sequence filled with rich colors.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer of Glass is near perfection, marred only by some minor over-brightening of certain facial tones, which occasionally look unnaturally smooth. The incredible detail preservation and the dynamic use of color, aligned with narrative imperatives, result in a compelling visual presentation that strengthens the film's storytelling and emotional impact.

The Blu-ray of "Glass" delivers a highly impressive Dolby Atmos audio track, present on both the standard Blu-ray and 4K UHD editions. The soundtrack excels in its use of dynamic range and immersive soundscapes without resorting to constant high-octane action. Overhead channels are utilized to great effect, particularly noticeable during thunderstorm sequences and key action moments, such as the Beast leaping down. Ambient effects are subtly yet effectively employed, enhancing the institutional eeriness with echoes and mysterious noises, and providing a natural bustle in other scenes such as the cafeteria.

Bass performance is robust and impactful, adding significant weight to fight scenes and music scores while maintaining balance with other audio elements. The low-frequency effects (LFE) particularly stand out during scenes that require deep rumbling sounds, like the thunder in chapter three and low hums of hospital equipment. This creates an immersive auditory experience that draws listeners deeper into the narrative.

Dialogue throughout the film is crisp, clear, and well-defined, consistently centered and prioritized without being overshadowed by the more intense elements of the track. The mix skillfully balances high-yield effects with atmospheric subtleties, ensuring a well-rounded auditory experience. This Dolby Atmos track stands out as an exceptional example of modern audio engineering, integrating potent low-end support with rich atmospherics and precise sound placement, resulting in an engaging and professional audio presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Glass" offers an extensive collection of extras, showcasing a rich behind-the-scenes look into M. Night Shyamalan's unique cinematic universe. Each featurette, while brief, provides substantial insights into the film's production process, thematic essence, and character development. Notable highlights include the alternate opening with director introduction, comprehensive deleted scenes, and various documentary-style segments detailing the making of key sequences, stunts, and special effects. The inclusion of additional commentary and discussions with cast members places a spotlight on Shyamalan’s meticulous approach and the film's innovative score by West Dylan Thordson. Collectively, these extras are sure to enrich the viewing experience for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Collection of Main Characters: A look at the main players and their roles.
• Bringing the Team Back Together: Insights on the camaraderie on Shyamalan sets.
• David Dunn vs. The Beast: Behind the scenes of the climactic showdown.
• Glass Decoded: Secrets of continuity and style across the trilogy.
• Breaking Glass: The Stunts: Overview of the film's stunts.
• Connecting the Glass Universe: Exploration of the trilogy's narrative and tone.
• M. Night Shyamalan: Behind the Lens: Cast and crew discuss the director’s methods.
• The Sound of Glass: Composer talks about creating tension with music.
• Enhancing the Spectacle: The usage of CGI to enhance storytelling.
• Raven Hill Memorial: Eerie location as an important character in the film.
• Night Vision: Examining storyboards and final shots.
• Alternate Opening: With optional director's introduction.
• Deleted Scenes: Twelve scenes with optional introductions.
• A Conversation with James McAvoy and M. Night Shyamalan: Discussion on the significance of originality in film making.

M. Night Shyamalan’s "Glass" brings together characters from his earlier films, "Unbreakable" (2000) and "Split" (2016), to culminate in a triptych saga. The plot intricately intertwines the storylines of David Dunn (Bruce Willis), Kevin Wendell Crumb/The Horde (James McAvoy), and Elijah Price/Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson). In "Glass", Dunn’s alter ego, The Overseer, attempts to stop The Horde’s latest crime spree but both are captured and placed under the care of Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson), who believes they suffer from delusions of grandeur. The narrative deeply dissects the nature of superhero and villain archetypes, focusing less on action and more on character development, with crucial performances by returning actors, especially McAvoy’s multifaceted portrayal of The Horde's various personalities.

The film employs a meticulous pacing strategy accentuated by Shyamalan’s hallmark storytelling techniques. Lengthy scenes revolving around Dr. Staple’s psychological evaluations of Dunn, Crumb, and Price poignantly probe the concept of superhuman abilities and their plausibility. Despite an initial straightforward setup, the tension escalates through layers of narrative twists culminating in a revelatory third act. A climactic confrontation set within the confines of a mental hospital replaces a more anticipated public spectacle, which may disappoint viewers expecting conventional showdowns but fits Shyamalan’s lineage of subverting expectations.

"Glass" benefits significantly from its stellar cast, with Willis breaking free from recent lackluster roles, Jackson delivering his dependable intensity, and McAvoy’s chameleonic performance standing out. However, less integral to the plot is Anya Taylor-Joy's Casey Cooke, whose role felt supplementary rather than central. Shyamalan’s direction maintains an intimate yet intricate approach to the superhero genre, presenting a nuanced and human exploration rather than a bombastic extravaganza, leaving viewers pondering the blurred lines between reality and delusion in this ambitious narrative culmination.

"Glass" serves as a climactic conclusion to M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable trilogy, expertly blending the intense horror-thriller elements of "Split" with the more methodical superhero narrative of "Unbreakable." While it may not quite reach the same exalted heights as its predecessors, it remains an engaging and solid end to the trilogy. The movie's internal focus and nuanced storytelling set it apart from the proliferating array of more superficial superhero offerings, making it a unique entry in the genre. Shyamalan's meticulous direction is evident; his preference for sticking to a detailed script and storyboards over improvisation results in a film that aligns closely with his vision. Both the video and audio quality on the Blu-ray, especially the Dolby Atmos track, are of reference quality, ensuring an immersive home viewing experience.

From a technical perspective, Universal's Blu-ray release of "Glass" is exemplary. The transfer, framed in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio, presents crisp and detailed visuals that faithfully capture the director's intent. The Blu-ray includes an English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core) audio track, providing dynamic soundscapes that enhance the film’s atmosphere. Supporting subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish ensure accessibility. The collection of extras included in this release is generous and insightful, delving into Shyamalan's creative process and offering substantial value to fans eager to explore the depth behind the trilogy.

In conclusion, despite being slightly underwhelming given the high expectations set by its predecessors, "Glass" is a commendable and thrilling finale to Shyamalan’s unique trilogy. Its combination of psychological intensity and superhero intrigue works well to deliver a satisfying closure. For viewers who appreciated "Unbreakable" and "Split," this Blu-ray is highly recommended for both its content and its stellar technical presentation.

Recommendation: Highly Recommended