Crank Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Crank" on Blu-ray is a rollercoaster ride in visual quality that mirrors the film’s frenetic pacing and narrative style, offering a unique and mostly thrilling viewing experience. Shot entirely with 1080p/24fps HD digital cameras, the film’s transition to Blu-ray takes full advantage of this format, presented in a clear, 1080p, 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the overall image exhibits high clarity and detail, akin to what one expects from top-tier Blu-ray releases, it's deliberately marred by stylistic choices—varying contrast levels, manipulated color saturation, and intentional graininess—to enhance the movie’s chaotic vibe. Though designed to be jarring, these visual decisions contribute to an intentional inconsistency that surprisingly doesn't detract from the video’s overall sharpness and depth, particularly in scenes untouched by post-production tweaks, which boast the pristine clarity of high-definition video.

However, not all aspects of the video presentation are free from critique. Despite the successful conveyance of the film's erratic visual theme, there are minor issues with edge enhancement and stair-stepping artifacts—a slight but noticeable distraction. Instances of thin halos around objects and visible jagged edges, most prominently in high-contrast patterns, slightly mar what could have been a flawless transfer. These technical blemishes, though not pervasive enough to significantly undermine the viewing experience, are worth noting for those particularly sensitive to such details.

Ultimately, the Blu-ray video presentation of "Crank" is an ambitious endeavor that largely succeeds in translating the film’s dynamic aesthetic to home theater setups. The intentional fluctuation in video quality complements the movie's narrative and stylistic quirks, inviting viewers into its hyper-stylized world. While minor technical issues such as edge enhancement detract slightly from the presentation’s perfection, they do little to diminish the overall visual feast that "Crank" offers on Blu-ray, making it a must-watch for fans seeking high-definition thrills and spills.

The audio representation of the Crank Blu-ray by Lionsgate is nothing short of an assault on the senses, in the best way possible. Offering both a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX and an uncompressed PCM 7.1 track (despite an interesting discrepancy noted on PS3 systems indicating 7.1 instead of the advertised 6.1), it's clear that the studio aimed for, and achieved, a top-tier auditory experience. The depth of the soundscape is immense, with music that ranges from hard-hitting techno beats and heavy rock to softer grunge and country tunes, never faltering in its intensity. The LFE channels provide bass that is not only thunderous and seat-rumbling but also maintains a bright and natural tone with no discernible distortion, making for an intricately balanced yet overwhelmingly powerful auditory journey.

Continuously active surrounds create a fully immersive 360-degree environment that excels in making directional pans and movements across the rears feel seamless and transparent. This is likely enhanced by the inclusion of an additional encoded surround channel, improving upon what is already considered an exceedingly visceral soundtrack. Dialogue clarity is remarkably preserved amid the cacophony, ensuring that every spoken word maintains its crispness without ever needing to adjust the volume control—even amidst the loudest scenes where gunshots and car impacts resonate with nearly tangible intensity.

While the soundtrack's inclusion of genres as varied as Nu-Metal might not suit all tastes, its undeniable proficiency in delivering a multi-layered and textured audio experience is commendable. Despite personal musical preferences, Lionsgate's offering, complete with bass that competes with the best PCM tracks across Blu-ray media and a suitably robust dynamic range, showcases their dedication to pushing the boundaries of home cinema soundtracks. This high-caliber execution provides an experience that can be utilized to showcase the prowess of any home entertainment system, ensuring that Crank stands out as an exceptional example of sound design on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Crank" enhances the viewing experience with an impressive array of high-definition extras, albeit the absence of a commentary track and music video is noted. Highlight features include two alternate viewing modes: a family-friendly version that humorously sanitizes the film for broader audiences and the Crank'd Out Movie Mode which integrates interviews and behind-the-scenes footage via picture-in-picture, offering a novel interactive element. Additional in-depth documentaries such as "Pushing Crank," "The Stunts of Crank," and "Shooting Crank" provide fascinating insights into the film's digital shooting techniques, stunt work, and promotional efforts. "Crank @ Comic-Con" and "More Stories From Crank" further explore the creative minds behind the adrenaline-fueled project through discussions and anecdotes. This compilation significantly outshines the standard DVD release, boasting exclusivity to Blu-ray that justifies its acquisition for fans and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• CRANK: THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY VERSION: A sanitized version of the film with altered language for broader audiences.
• CRANK'D OUT MOVIE MODE: An interactive picture-in-picture feature offering cast and crew interviews alongside the movie.
• PUSHING CRANK: A documentary focusing on the film's marketing strategies.
• THE STUNTS OF CRANK: An in-depth look at the creation of the film’s stunts.
• SHOOTING CRANK: Discusses the advantages and challenges of shooting in digital high definition.
• CRANK @ COMIC-CON: A Q&A session at Comic-Con with the directors and cast.
• MORE STORIES FROM CRANK: A compilation of five featurettes exploring various aspects of production.

In the high-octane Blu-ray presentation of "Crank," viewers are thrust into a kinetic world where Jason Statham's character, Chev Chelios, must maintain an adrenaline-fueled pace to stay alive. Much like injecting your favorite action movie with a potent steroid cocktail, "Crank" assaults the senses with its relentless pace and over-the-top action sequences. The film, spanning a concise 87 to 90 minutes, operates on a simple yet effective premise reminiscent of classics like 'Speed' and 'Die Hard.' However, it amplifies the action to dizzying heights, pushing the boundaries of realism to deliver an unapologetically absurd thrill ride. It's a cinematic endeavor where the line between satire and earnestness blurs, and every chase, fight, and explosive moment feels like both an homage and a parody of the genre.

The filmmaking duo of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor crafts a visual style that's as frantic as its protagonist's pulse, employing split-screens, jump-cut editing, and digital effects to create a unique aesthetic that becomes as integral to "Crank" as its plot. This style complements Statham's smirking performance, which seems to acknowledge the film's ludicrous nature while reveling in it. Supporting performances, including Dwight Yoakam's turn as the unconventional Doctor and Amy Smart's portrayal of Chev's girlfriend, add layers to the film without detracting from its action-centric focus. The villain, portrayed by Jose Pablo Cantillo, channels the archetypal '80s antagonist with a performance so exaggerated it borders on caricature.

Yet, for all its flair and ceaseless momentum, "Crank" elicits mixed reactions. To some, its audacious disregard for realism and its single-minded pursuit of action may seem hollow, lacking the thematic depth or character development found in more grounded action films. Others will undoubtedly appreciate its commitment to delivering an unabashedly fun experience, where the thrill of the chase and the joy of cinematic excess take center stage. Whether "Crank" will be remembered as a genre-defining masterpiece or a fleeting adrenaline rush remains to be seen. What is undeniable is its ability to captivate and entertain within every frame of its high-definition Blu-ray presentation, making it a must-watch for action aficionados seeking an unrelenting spectacle.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Crank" stands out as a high-intensity, adrenaline-fueled spectacle that seems to polarize opinions due largely to its unconventional approach. On one hand, the film's delectable audio and visual fidelity receive nearly universal praise, setting a benchmark for the blu-ray format with its pristine direct digital-to-digital transfer and an explosive soundtrack that engulfs the viewer. However, the additional content leaves something to be desired. While loaded with extras including a second version of the film featuring picture-in-picture video commentary among other branching content, the absence of a straightforward feature commentary feels like a missed opportunity to deepen the viewer's appreciation and understanding of this unconventional piece.

Despite its narrative simplicity and a style that might not resonate with all audiences, "Crank" excels in offering a sensory feast that showcases the capabilities of the Blu-ray format. The inclusion of a complete alternate version of the movie enriches the package, providing enthusiasts and fans with a compelling reason to own. Yet, this strength in technical presentation contrasts with feelings about the film's repeat viewing value, which seems confined to those with an affinity for its unique blend of relentless pace and over-the-top action.

In conclusion, Lionsgate's Blu-ray release of "Crank" is a mixed bag that dazzles with its technical prowess yet falls short of being an unequivocal recommendation for all. It is a must-have for aficionados of the film and those looking to flex their home cinema systems, but others may find the film's content and lack of comprehensive extras a barrier to purchase. "Crank" remains a testament to what Blu-ray can achieve visually and sonically, making it a valuable addition for selective collectors.