Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Blu-ray Review

"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" on Blu-ray is a visual treat, showcasing the benefits of 35mm film photography through a remarkably high-quality transfer. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode retains a pleasing, light grain that reinforces the filmic texture. The detailing is exemplary, from the stubble on Tom Cruise's face to the fine wrinkles and intricate textures of clothing and environments. Black levels are impressively deep, avoiding crush, while the whites are crisp and clean, enhancing visibility and giving daylight scenes a vibrant pop.

Colors maintain a pleasant neutrality without an exaggerated contrast, preserving natural skin tones and a true-to-life appearance. The aspect ratio of 2.39:1 ensures a cinematic feel, with a thin layer of grain further accentuating the movie's film-like charm. Close-ups are particularly impressive, revealing minute blemishes in the cast’s complexions and the distinct textures of fabrics. Moreover, nighttime scenes and dark costumes benefit from the stunning black levels, allowing for clear differentiation between various shades and retaining intricate shadow details.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer from Paramount excels in delivering sharpness, contrast, and faithful color reproduction with no noticeable print flaws or encoding issues. The presentation holds up well against modern trends, eschewing both desaturation and oversaturation for a balanced and engaging visual experience. Fans of the film and high-definition enthusiasts will appreciate this high-end release.

The audio presentation of "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" on Blu-ray comes with an exceptional Dolby Atmos soundtrack that meets the high standards expected in the Action/Thriller genre. The object-based mix enhances the overall atmosphere, providing a fuller and more immersive experience compared to simpler 5.1/7.1 configurations. While the overhead channels aren't excessively active, the track shows brilliance during specific moments like an airplane take-off around the 51-minute mark, where listeners can discern a genuinely encapsulating cabin environment. Various action sequences are delivered with authority; gunshots and impacts are robust, supported by an ever-present, powerful low-end. The soundscape benefits from finely integrated smaller details, enhancing realism in scenes set in environments like prisons or bustling city streets. Music transitions are smooth and spaciously spread out, ensuring a balanced aural experience.

Though predominantly front-heavy, this soundtrack excels by spreading action fluidly across the entire front soundstage and occasionally into the front heights creating a convincing half-dome wall of sound. The mid-range frequencies demonstrate dynamic clarity, especially during peak moments, while the robust low-end lends weight to every punch, gunshot, and explosion. Dialogue is consistently clear and well prioritized in the front-center channel, maintaining precision even amidst heavy action and loud music cues. Despite occasional lapses in rear and ceiling channel activity, when utilized, these channels contribute to an expansive soundfield that includes atmospheric elements like bustling city noises, overhead helicopters, and celebratory fireworks.

Paramount's inclusion of the Dolby Atmos track represents a boon for audiophiles, with a fallback Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track that maintains strong impacts and energy, particularly noticeable during climactic sequences such as those set in New Orleans. This ensures broad compatibility without compromising audio coherence or excitement, making "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" an impressive addition to any collection.

The Blu-ray extras for "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" offer an informative collection of featurettes that delve deeper into various aspects of the film’s production and character development. While not groundbreaking, they provide value to enthusiasts and fans looking for more context and behind-the-scenes insights. The package also includes a DVD, a digital copy voucher, and a unique Jack Reacher novella/graphic novel, "Everyone Talks," necessitating an oversized slipcover. The comprehensive features explore everything from the character dynamics between Reacher, Samantha, and Major Turner to the intricate details of on-location shooting and fight choreography. Tom Cruise’s dedication to the role and the technical prowess behind key sequences are evident throughout.

Extras included in this disc:

• Reacher Returns: Interviews with Tom Cruise and others about the character's evolution.
• An Unexpected Family: Examination of Reacher's relationships with Samantha and Major Turner.
• Relentless: On Location in Louisiana: In-depth look at the film's shooting locations and set design.
• Take Your Revenge First: Lethal Combat: Insights into combat scenes and actors' physical preparations.
• No Quarter Given: Rooftop Battle: Behind-the-scenes of the movie's finale.
• Reacher in Focus: With Tom Cruise and Photographer David James: Discussion on the importance of on-set still photography.

"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" delivers a diligent but ultimately unremarkable adaptation of Lee Child's beloved character. Tom Cruise reprises his role as the enigmatic ex-military investigator, intertwining action with personal stakes through his connection with Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders) and a possible daughter, Samantha Dayton (Danika Yarosh). Although Edward Zwick's direction offers solid technical execution and classic action sequences, it fails to inject the narrative with any innovative or engaging elements. The plot unfolds predictably, centered around Reacher and Turner on the run while uncovering a conspiracy involving drug trafficking and illegal arms sales. The attempt to add depth to Reacher's character through his potential paternity falls flat and feels like a mere plot device.

Despite its polished craftsmanship, the film struggles with a lack of genuine tension or originality. The predominantly routine screenplay by Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, and Richard Wenk leaves little room for surprises or meaningful character development. Tom Cruise's performance, while competent, often feels like a contractual obligation rather than a passion project, which is reflected in the overall lack of enthusiasm from the cast. The villains, portrayed by Robert Knepper and Patrick Heusinger, are established early on, removing much of the film's suspense and intrigue.

The movie's strength lies in its adherence to the fundamentals of a military thriller but offers nothing beyond standard action fare. The initial promise displayed through Reacher's calculating badassery quickly dissipates as the film defaults to a formulaic run-and-chase narrative. Even with competent supporting roles from Smulders and Yarosh, and well-choreographed action scenes, "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" remains a pale shadow of its 2012 predecessor. It’s an adequate popcorn movie that entertains but disappoints those hoping for a more substantial continuation of the Reacher saga.

"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" offers an action-packed sequel that, despite its potential, falls short of the mark. Directed by Edward Zwick and starring Tom Cruise alongside Cobie Smulders, the film struggles to distinguish itself amidst a sea of modern action thrillers. While it acts as a competent addition to the character's mythology, it ultimately feels mechanically contrived and dramatically empty. The film's failure to cohesively bring together its well-executed components leads to a final product that is, regrettably, ordinary and unremarkable.

The Blu-ray release from Paramount stands out technically with near-reference picture quality and an excellent audio presentation, ensuring that action sequences are both visually stunning and audibly immersive. Although the supplementary materials lack commentary and deleted scenes, they do include a half-dozen in-depth features that will certainly appeal to fans. Despite these high-end technical attributes, the overall experience of the movie remains underwhelming, leaving viewers yearning for more substance and creativity.

In conclusion, "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" is a technically accomplished yet dramatically disappointing follow-up that fails to capture the essence of its source material. While worth a look for its striking technical presentation and decent performances, it is best approached with tempered expectations. For casual viewers and fans alike, renting this Blu-ray might be a prudent choice.