Go Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Go" offers a 1080p High Definition transfer, framed in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 (occasionally noted as expanded to 2.40:1). The visual quality of this transfer embodies a mixed bag. While it significantly surpasses earlier DVD releases and showcases improved detail, the budget constraints and the film's shooting style result in fluctuating picture quality. The grain remains a consistent companion throughout, occasionally intensifying in less favorably-lit scenes such as the rave and supermarket sequences. However, better-lit scenes exhibit excellent clarity and deep blacks without bleeding, proving what Blu-ray can achieve at its best.

Possessing a drab color palette that suits the film's tone, "Go" benefits from the Blu Ray's ability to render fine details, particularly evident in the grocery store scenes. Despite the heavy grain and minor spikes in light levels, the video performance includes crystal clear smoky sequences and notably vivid colors like Taye Diggs' electric yellow jacket. Flesh tones are mostly accurate but occasionally verge on over-saturation. Though not without flaws, notably reflections showing production crew moments, the transfer maintains clean lines without banding or blocking issues.

Technically, the disc is robust with no major technical hitches. Blacks are predominantly solid, enhancing the night club scenes with their strobe lights and blue tint, while maintaining integrity during darker moments. Though it won't convert any skeptics into Blu-ray enthusiasts, fans will appreciate this substantial step up from prior editions. This Region A locked disc also comes with BD-Live capabilities, presenting a worthy improvement for those who can overlook a fair amount of grain.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack on the Blu-ray of "Go" provides a mixed experience that combines striking moments with some less impressive elements. Technically distinct, the audio excels most notably during the rave sequences and when the techno music and bass-heavy club beats dominate. These scenes deliver an engaging and entertaining bass response that reverberates throughout the soundstage. Despite this, the overall audio experience is uneven; the dynamic shift between the music and quieter scenes often necessitates manual volume adjustments. Dialogue remains clear and coherent, primarily emanating from the front and center channels, ensuring that the verbal exchanges are easily discernible.

Atmospherics are sporadically effective, with neighborhood ambience and specific effects, like car noises, checkout beeps, and the immersive rainstorm in Chapter 13, standing out. These elements add a lifelike balance to the track, albeit not as consistently as one might hope. The mix is fundamentally solid but unspectacular, often allowing the dance tracks to overshadow the finer details. Nonetheless, it achieves a balanced prioritization of dialogue, effects, and score that collectively sustains the narrative flow.

While this release offers the best audio rendition of "Go" since its cinematic debut, it still leaves room for improvement. The Dolby TrueHD mix outperforms previous SD offerings but falls short of being a high-definition benchmark. Supplementary audio options include French and Portuguese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mixes, accompanied by subtitles in English, English SDH, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, providing comprehensive accessibility choices.

The Blu-ray edition of "Go" includes a succinct but varied selection of extras that generally enhance the viewing experience despite some dated and technically lesser features. A key highlight is the Audio Commentary by Director Doug Liman and Editor Stephen Mirrione, which provides an engaging insight into the film’s production, its indie origins, shooting locations, and editing nuances. Though Liman's monotone delivery can occasionally wear thin, Mirrione helps maintain the momentum, making it a valuable listen for fans and film enthusiasts. The Making-Of Featurette is disappointingly brief and generic, functioning more as promotional fluff than substantial content. The Deleted Scenes offer a mix of non-essential character exposition and ad-libs, hampered by low VHS-quality video and sound. The trio of music videos from No Doubt, Philip Steir, and Len function primarily as nostalgic time capsules rather than essential views.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Doug Liman and Editor Stephen Mirrione: Engaging insights into the film’s production.
• Making of 'Go': A brief, generic behind-the-scenes look.
• Deleted Scenes: Fourteen additional scenes with varying degrees of interest.
• Music Videos: "New" (No Doubt), "Magic Carpet Ride" (Philip Steir), "Steal My Sunshine" (Len).

Doug Liman's 1999 film, Go, presents a cleverly interconnected narrative that plunges its audience into the frenzied, eccentric underworld of Los Angeles. The film is structured around three overlapping stories that intersect at pivotal moments, each offering a compelling slice of life within a single chaotic night. Liman deftly maneuvers through a diverse array of scenarios involving drugs, rave culture, and crime, drawing comparisons to the non-linear storytelling seen in Pulp Fiction. The ensemble cast, featuring standout performances by Sarah Polley, Desmond Askew, Taye Diggs, William Fichtner, Scott Wolf, Jay Mohr, and Timothy Olyphant, brings a spirited dynamism to the film. Olyphant, in particular, excels as a charismatic and memorable drug dealer.

Go stands out for its ability to juxtapose serious, often grim storylines with a lighthearted and energetic tone. This unique blend is amplified by its eclectic soundtrack, which combines late-90s techno and dance tracks with period hits that enrich the film's atmosphere without feeling dated. The film’s pacing is relentless and engrossing, capturing the exhilaration and unpredictability of youth while painting a vibrant yet turbulent picture of big-city life. Despite the confluence of dark themes such as drug deals gone awry and subsequent violence, Go manages to infuse levity and humor into its narrative, creating a buoyant yet tense viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release enhances this experience with improved visual fidelity over the standard definition DVD, although the transfer quality is somewhat mixed. The sound design, however, truly shines, emphasizing the pulsating soundtrack that drives much of the film's energy. For fans of the genre and era, Go remains an engaging and stylish dark comedy that both captivates and entertains with its kinetic storytelling and memorable performances. It's a vivid testament to youth on the edge, captured through Liman's fresh and invigorating direction.

Go offers a fascinating blend of dark comedy and suspense, masterfully directed by Doug Liman. The film intertwines a series of perilous yet humorous stories, providing a captivating experience for viewers. With its unique structure and energetic performances, 'Go' maintains a balance between light-hearted moments and a dark, menacing undertone. Complemented by a supportive soundtrack, the movie succeeds in delivering a thoroughly satisfying narrative.

The Blu-ray release from Sony Pictures showcases the film with a 1080p presentation that does justice to its intended aesthetic, even if it's not the most visually stunning transfer available. The audio quality is robust and engaging, enhancing the overall viewing experience. However, the supplemental features are somewhat limited and feel outdated, which detracts slightly from the package's appeal.

In conclusion, 'Go' is a gem that has aged well over the years. Its combination of fine performances, energetic direction, and a twisty plot makes it a movie worth revisiting. While the Blu-ray may lack substantial bonus content, it presents the film in a manner befitting its quirky charm and dark humor. For fans of Liman's work or those seeking a thrilling yet amusing watch, this Blu-ray release is a solid recommendation.