Point Break Blu-ray Review

Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray release of "Point Break" demonstrates impressive technical proficiency, though it is hampered somewhat by its stylized visual palette. Shot primarily with Alexa cameras and supplemented by the Red Epic Dragon, the image is sharp, clear, and exhibits detailed clarity, especially in rapid action sequences. The color palette, however, leans heavily towards a cyan and ochre scheme. This artistic choice tends to render flesh tones unnaturally yellow or pale blue, while skies and oceans often appear greenish rather than their natural deep blue. Despite this, the fine details, such as the texture of ocean waves and complex stunt sequences, are meticulously preserved without any discernible distortion or visual noise. The film maintains an average bitrate of 28.14 Mbps, which effectively handles the high-speed action scenes and panoramic settings without introducing compression artifacts.

Dark scenes are equally well-executed, with resolute blacks that avoid crushing issues commonly found in lower-quality transfers. Although underwater scenes exhibit softer shots, this is consistent with the complexities of capturing such footage. Overall, despite the increased artificiality due to post-production filters, "Point Break" retains a sterile cleanliness and clarity that highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of its digital production techniques. Warner’s Blu-ray transfer reflects its theatrical release faithfully, ensuring that even within a constrained 2K intermediate format, the visuals maintain consistent quality.

Despite the initial anticipation of a Dolby Atmos track for the "Point Break" Blu-ray, the final release features a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix. Though this may disappoint some who were expecting Atmos, the 7.1 track is far from lacking. The DTS-HD MA encoding delivers a robust and immersive audio experience characteristic of high-octane action films. Boisterous elements, such as wind, waves, and various impacts, utilize both the subwoofer and surround array to their fullest potential, enveloping the listener in an intense soundscape. The audio mix effectively pummels the viewer from all directions, and while dialogue occasionally gets lost amidst the chaos, it is matched by a lively, genre-spanning soundtrack from Tom Holkenborg, aka Junkie XL.

One standout aspect of the audio presentation is its exceptional use of surround effects. For instance, during the wingsuit sequence, sound follows the action seamlessly from back to sides to front, creating a truly dynamic auditory experience. The rear and side channels remain persistently active, filled with ambient noises and action-centric sounds that mirror the frenetic visual activity. Meanwhile, the subwoofer diligently handles powerful low-frequency effects like crashing waves and explosive gunshots, ensuring an immersive LFE presence throughout the film. While fans may have hoped for an Atmos track, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix still offers a captivating and lively audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Point Break" offer an engaging set of features that delve into the film’s high-octane stunts and storyline. Each section provides a focused glimpse into different extreme sports sequences, with an additional collection of deleted scenes and trailers rounding out the package. The stunts featurettes are particularly notable for their concise but thorough overview of the skills and coordination involved in each action sequence. Meanwhile, the deleted scenes, although brief, provide some added context and character development. Overall, the extras package does a commendable job at enriching the viewing experience with additional content that complements the main film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Rock Climbing: Overview of rock climbing stunts.
• Wingsuit Flying: Insights into wingsuit flying sequences.
• Snowboarding: A brief look at snowboarding stunts.
• Motocross: Examination of motocross scenes.
• Deleted Scenes: Four deleted scenes with play all function.
• Trailers: Includes two domestic trailers.

The 2015 remake of Point Break by Ericson Core, with a screenplay by Kurt Wimmer, struggles to honor the spirit of Kathryn Bigelow's 1991 action classic. Despite an array of high-octane sequences involving extreme sports like base jumping, wingsuit flying, and surfing mammoth waves, the film fails to capture the essence of its predecessor. Key elements that contributed to the original's success, such as the well-developed conflict between FBI agent Johnny Utah and charismatic criminal Bodhi, are stripped away. The resulting narrative is a compilation of stunts devoid of credible motivations or compelling character arcs. Luke Bracey, playing Johnny Utah, comes across as flat and uninspiring compared to Keanu Reeves, and Edgar Ramirez’s portrayal of Bodhi lacks the spiritual allure and menace that Patrick Swayze brought to the role.

The film places heavy emphasis on visuals, with stunning and audacious stunts executed practically with minimal CGI involvement. While scenes such as snowboarding down nearly vertical slopes and mid-air acrobatics provide brief thrills, they quickly lose their impact due to repetitive execution and lack of emotional depth. This overreliance on spectacle detracts from character development, leaving supporting figures within Bodhi’s gang underdeveloped and forgettable. Teresa Palmer’s role as Samsara offers little beyond a clichéd romantic subplot, further highlighting the film’s superficial treatment of its characters.

Critically, the updated Point Break fails to present a coherent or engaging narrative, resembling more an extreme sports montage than a solid piece of cinema. The original’s mixture of adrenaline-pumping action and substantive character drama is sorely missed. As illustrated by its poor box office performance, this remake lacks the charisma and depth necessary to succeed, leaving fans and new audiences alike with a sense of unfulfilled potential.

The 2015 remake of "Point Break" attempts to modernize the original film by turning Bodhi and his crew into extreme athletes, rather than traditional bank-robbing surfers. Unfortunately, this reimagining fails to capture the spirit that made Kathryn Bigelow's 1991 classic so compelling. Lacking the charismatic lead performances and engaging storytelling of its predecessor, this iteration feels forced and uninspired. Although it found some success internationally, the domestic response suggests it won’t achieve the same cult status as the original.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release offers solid audio and visual quality; however, it disappoints in terms of expected enhancements. Despite earlier assurances, Warner has not included an Atmos soundtrack, which would have significantly elevated the immersive experience of the film’s high-octane sequences. The video presentation remains crisp with vibrant colors and fine detail, but these elements cannot compensate for the lackluster narrative and flat performances.

Given these shortcomings, this version of "Point Break" is unlikely to win over fans of the original or new audiences seeking a compelling action film. The movie might be worth a one-time rental for those curious about its high-flying stunts and picturesque locations, but it certainly doesn’t warrant a purchase.

I don't mind remakes if they're good, and reconceiving Bodhi and his clan as extreme athletes seemed like an inspired idea when I first heard it. I sat down to watch "Point Break" hoping that its failure at the domestic box office resulted from an overcrowded release season and that, like Bigelow's 1991 original, it would show its mettle on home video. After watching the film, I don't foresee a repeat of Bigelow's belated triumph (although the $100 million overseas box office suggests that "Point Break's" life may be prolonged abroad). Core and Wimmer have jettisoned everything that made Bigelow's film worth watching, including good performances. If you must see it, rent it.