Keanu Blu-ray Review

Shot on the Arri Alexa by Jas Shelton (HBO's Togetherness), "Keanu" arrives on Blu-ray with a proficient 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that impresses with its clean and detailed image. Warner's release employs a solid bitrate of 25.91 Mbps, which translates to highly detailed visuals, revealing every nook and cranny. The film's use of red and green washes enriches the frame, especially during daylight sequences, with a notable demo-worthy quality highlighted by the sharpness in exterior shots. Razor-sharp lines abound, from the intricate bark on trees to the stitching patterns on suburban clothes, adding a lifelike texture to the entire cast's facial complexions.

The presentation is robust and saturated with rich primary colors — greens and blues pop, adding a spirited atmosphere to the comedy. Despite these strengths, the digital photography introduces some typical challenges. The sterile look can be unappealing at times, with inconsistencies across scenes. While daytime sequences shine, nighttime scenes or low-lit interiors occasionally come off as dull, with blooming highlights and murky shadows leading to a flatter, less dynamic image. Additionally, although most scenes maintain strong accuracy in blacks and visibility in dark portions of the frame, some moments are softer and blurrier. Nonetheless, Warner has delivered a high-definition transfer that excels in its clarity and richness of detail, suitable for both fans and technical aficionados.

The audio presentation of "Keanu" on Blu Ray delivers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that adeptly punctuates the film's dynamic elements. Key highlights include the striking contrast between the beloved George Michael classics and the powerful rap beats that define the film's atmosphere. The incidental score, created by Steve Jablonsky and Nathan Whitehead, seamlessly integrates with the consistent and clear dialogue, while subtle sounds like the kitten's plaintive meows further add to the sonic richness. The soundtrack excels especially during the intense gunfights and the climactic car chase, immersing viewers in a vividly detailed soundscape.

An excellent balance of atmospherics and action-oriented sequences define this audio track. The soundtrack's subtle ambient noises, such as muffled urban traffic and bustling strip clubs, create a textured backdrop, though these elements occasionally lack consistency in their immersive effect. The surround effects shine during high-intensity moments, as bullets ricochet and debris scatters, filling the room with palpable excitement. Additionally, hip-hop tracks and various music selections utilize the entire sound system efficiently, creating a satisfying and immersive auditory experience.

Imaging within the soundstage is spacious and dynamic, ensuring an engaging aural environment. Background noises inhabit all three front channels and pan seamlessly across the screen. The mid-range frequencies are particularly noteworthy for their clarity and detail, even amidst the loudest scenes. Vocals remain clear and precise in the center channel, reinforcing the mix's overall quality. This boisterous track boasts punchy bass that adds significant weight and depth, crafting a sound experience that is both engaging and technically proficient.

The Blu-ray extras for "Keanu" provide entertaining and insightful content that complements the main feature. The assortment includes behind-the-scenes material, light-hearted moments, and additional scenes, all in high-definition quality. "Keanu: My First Movie" offers a humorous take on mock interviews with the movie's star, while the selection of deleted scenes, though not individually selectable, adds value by expanding on the film's narrative. The gag reel proves to be a highlight, showcasing hilarious moments cut from the final version. Despite the absence of the film's trailer, viewers are treated to previews of other titles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Keanu: My First Movie: Mock conversations with the film's star.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes expanding on the film’s narrative.
• Gag Reel: Hilarious moments cut from the final version.
• Trailers: Includes previews for "The Nice Guys" and digital promos.

"Keanu," the debut film from Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, transitions the duo's sketch comedy prowess to a feature-length format with variable success. Directed by Peter Atencio, the movie follows the misadventures of Rell (Peele), who adopts a lost kitten named Keanu, unbeknownst to him, the beloved pet of a deceased drug lord. The kitten subsequently becomes a coveted prize, sparking a series of gang conflicts and leading Rell and his cousin Clarence (Key) into the dangerous world of drug traffickers and street gangs. Despite its intriguing setup, the film struggles with tone consistency, veering from one comedic skit to another without a cohesive narrative flow. The introduction sequence, featuring an intricately choreographed gunfight in a drug lab, sets a high standard that the rest of the film fails to maintain.

The comedic tension primarily comes from Rell and Clarence's attempts to navigate gangland dangers while maintaining their suburban innocence. Their banter and chemistry—an evident carryover from "Key & Peele"—offers moments of hilarity, often riffing on racial stereotypes and pop culture references. Peele’s screenplay, co-written with Alex Rubens, introduces several well-crafted setups that pay off later in the film’s plot. However, character development feels superficial at times; moments that should reinforce their transformation under pressure instead revert to predictable comedic beats. The supporting cast includes Method Man as Cheddar, Luis Guzmán as a cartel boss, and Tiffany Haddish as Hi-C, all contributing to the film's humor and chaos. Unfortunately, talented actors like Nia Long and Anna Faris appear underutilized in roles that add little depth or coherence to the story.

Ultimately, "Keanu" embodies the zany absurdity characteristic of Key and Peele’s brand but lacks the narrative structure to elevate it beyond a series of loosely connected sketches. While fans of their show may appreciate the familiar comedic style and dynamic interaction, the movie feels like an overextended episode rather than a fully realized cinematic experience.

"Keanu" is a humorous buddy comedy from the creators of the acclaimed sketch series featuring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. The film combines a narrative of mistaken identity with sharp satire on urban street life, reminiscent of action films like "Taken." Our protagonists embark on a life-altering quest to rescue an irresistibly adorable kitten, which infuses the film with charm despite its underlying lack of substantial depth. The chemistry between Key and Peele ensures engaging performances, contributing positively to the comedic elements.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is commendable. The audio quality stands out with clear dialogue and well-balanced sound effects, enhancing the viewing experience. The video quality is equally impressive, offering vivid colors and sharp details that bring the film's various settings to life. Unfortunately, where the Blu-ray falls short is in its supplementary content. The lack of substantial extras and behind-the-scenes insights might disappoint those hoping for a more comprehensive package.

With the Key & Peele show at an end, fans of the innovative duo are no doubt happy to see them return to their old tricks, but there's a reason why Keanu underperformed at the box office. They can do better. A solid Blu-ray on its technical merits, but the film is a missed opportunity.