Logan Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Logan" from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is a visual tour de force, skillfully capturing the film's gritty and raw aesthetic. Presented in AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.38:1, the cinematic experience is finely tuned, with remarkable attention to detail. Whether it’s the dusty, sepia-toned scenes where Charles is kept secluded or the cool blue tones that dominate later segments, the original theatrical version manages to maintain uniform high detail levels throughout. Facial details, from the aging effects on Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart to the grotesque wounds borne by mutants, are rendered with exceptional clarity. Shadow detail remains robust even in darker scenes, and some intentional softness, especially during Charles’ seizure moments, adds to the film's texture without detracting from its overall sharpness and “filmic” look.

Additionally, the Blu-ray set includes a black-and-white "Logan Noir" version, providing an intriguing alternative aesthetic. James Mangold’s meticulous regrading yields a near-perfect monochrome presentation, emphasizing the noirish qualities of the narrative. While some viewers may find it lacks the added experiential depth seen in similar offerings like the "Black and Chrome" edition of "Mad Max: Fury Road," it offers substantial visual appeal. Deep black levels and strong contrast produce a striking grayscale image, enhancing elements like practical makeup effects that appear hauntingly vivid. Nonetheless, issues with black crush and somewhat less satisfying shadow detail compared to the color version do emerge. Despite these minor shortcomings, "Logan Noir" stands as a beautiful supplement for enthusiasts looking for a different visual interpretation.

Overall, both versions on this Blu-ray release showcase exquisite attention to visual fidelity, making them must-watch experiences for fans of the film.

"Logan" (available in both color and "Logan Noir" black-and-white formats) features a stellar DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix. This track is consistently immersive, surrounding the listener with precisely placed effects that enhance the narrative from the very beginning. The action sequences are particularly dynamic, characterized by vivid and robust LFE, especially notable during the mind-affecting seizures of Charles, which impart a palpable tension. Dialogue remains clear and prioritized, even amidst high-octane sequences, ensuring that every word is captured without losing the impact of surrounding chaos. The fidelity and dynamic range of the track are outstanding, providing a problem-free listening experience.

Throughout both versions of the film, a sense of space and atmosphere is achieved with finesse. The audio mix remains engaging even in the most understated scenes, with surround channels subtly enhancing ambient noises like footsteps or rustling winds. This active imaging ensures that the mix is constantly alive. Low frequency effects are utilized effectively, grounding scenes with weighty sounds that contribute to a heightened sense of realism. Balance is key here; the interplay between dialogue, sound effects, and score allows for smooth transitions from quieter conversations to intense action sequences. This pitch-perfect leveling ensures users can set their audio system and be fully entrenched in the cinematic experience without constant adjustments.

The extras on the "Logan" Blu-ray are a highlight, offering a comprehensive and engaging array of content that supplements the film beautifully. Director James Mangold's commentary provides valuable insights into the movie's thematic depth and filmmaking process. A series of well-produced featurettes deliver in-depth behind-the-scenes looks—from casting choices to the film’s meticulous production design. The deleted scenes, although not essential to the main narrative, offer intriguing glimpses into what was left on the cutting room floor. Lastly, the inclusion of the "Logan Noir" version adds a unique monochromatic perspective to the film, though it may not enhance the viewing experience for everyone.

Extras included in this disc:

• Logan Noir: Black and white version of the film.
• Audio Commentary by Director James Mangold: In-depth director's commentary.
• Deleted Scenes: Optional commentary by James Mangold.
• Making Logan: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Theatrical Trailers: Promotional trailers for "Logan".

Hugh Jackman’s final portrayal of Wolverine in "Logan" stands as a fitting, emotional farewell for a beloved character he has played for over 17 years. In this R-rated film, director James Mangold masterfully crafts a nuanced narrative that diverges from typical superhero fare. Set in a bleak 2029, mutants are nearly extinct, and Logan's healing powers are waning, likely due to adamantium poisoning. Logan is now a limo driver in Texas, hiding near the Mexican border and caring for an elderly Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), whose dementia has made his telepathic abilities dangerously unstable. The emergence of a young girl named Laura (Dafne Keen), who shares Logan’s DNA and animalistic abilities, thrusts him back into action as they evade a nefarious company aiming to capture Laura.

The film's tone is strikingly different from its predecessors. While "Logan" delivers thrilling action sequences with ferocious, graphic violence, it also delves deeply into themes of mortality and redemption. The gritty realism is accentuated by the film’s raw brutality, reinforced by its western-like ambiance and Johnny Cash’s haunting cover of “Hurt” underscoring the trailer. Patrick Stewart’s touching performance as Charles Xavier, battling dementia, provides additional emotional weight. Logan reluctantly agrees to help Laura reach a safe haven in North Dakota, leading to a series of intense confrontations and chases that highlight the characters' vulnerability and tenacity.

"Logan" departs from familiar X-Men timelines to tell a standalone story inspired by the "Old Man Logan" comics, reflecting on the consequences of a life filled with violence. The film’s somber tone reminds viewers of the inevitable approach of old age and the impact of one’s legacy. The introspective narrative enhances this superhero film, transforming it into a poignant journey. Jackman and Stewart give deeply layered performances in their final turns as Logan and Charles Xavier, creating an intricate portrayal of finality that blends action with a meditative exploration of human frailty.

"Logan" marks a significant departure from previous X-Men installments with its mature and nuanced narrative, delivering an intensely emotional and visceral experience. The film, directed by James Mangold, serves as both a standalone piece and an integral part of the Wolverine storyline, making it a fitting climax to Hugh Jackman's 15-year tenure as the character. Its R-rating is fully justified with raw, brutal violence and explicit language, bringing to life the essence of the original comic character that fans had long demanded. This final chapter is replete with melancholic and elegiac tones, creating an emotionally powerful viewing experience that resonates deeply.

The technical specifications elevate the Blu-ray release to outstanding levels. Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, both the theatrical and the black-and-white Film Noir edition capture stunning visuals. The audio performance is exceptional with an English DTS-HD MA 7.1 track, complemented by Spanish and French DD 5.1 options. The inclusion of multiple editions on a single package underscores the premium nature of this release, appealing to both enthusiasts of high-fidelity A/V and broader audiences alike. Fox's meticulous efforts in curating additional bonus features further enhance the value of the package.

In conclusion, "Logan" is more than just a superhero movie; it is a gritty, grounded, and masterfully crafted farewell to one of cinema's most beloved characters. Its compelling storytelling and technical excellence make it an indispensable addition to any collection. Highly recommended for fans and new viewers alike; this Blu-ray release is a must-buy.