American Ultra Blu-ray Review

American Ultra arrives on Blu-ray with a technically sound presentation, thanks to Lionsgate Films. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer, framed at 1.85:1 and shot predominantly with the cutting-edge Arri Alexa XT Plus, exhibits both the proficiency and the limitations inherent in modern digital filmmaking. Director Nima Nourizadeh and cinematographer Michael Bonvillain navigate the digital landscape with an emphasis on realism, even when it results in the occasional blandness attributed to the mundane settings of the protagonist's world, such as the fluorescent-lit convenience store. This aesthetic choice sometimes sacrifices color vibrancy for authenticity, resulting in visuals that are occasionally washed out or murky in dimly lit scenes. Nonetheless, close-up shots are rendered with impressive clarity, showcasing minute textures and details like the individual grime and blood on faces or the distinct patterns of veins in eyeballs.

Despite these challenges, the Blu-ray presentation shines in its color grading and detail retention across various settings. The film's deliberate avoidance of heavy color grading allows for moments of striking color fidelity, with blues, yellows, and reds popping in contrast to the more neutral tones dominating much of the narrative. Notably, sequences under blacklight reveal an alternative color scheme that adds visual interest. However, some scenes exhibit a noticeable flatness in darker areas, a common drawback of digital cinematography that slightly diminishes depth perception but does not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

Technical merits aside, viewers will appreciate the absence of image instability and compression anomalies, ensuring a clean and stable presentation throughout. While American Ultra might not serve as the quintessential showcase piece for home theater enthusiasts seeking to flaunt their setups, its Blu-ray video quality delivers a reliably good viewing experience. The handling of both vibrant and subdued elements within its digital confines speaks to an adept balance of technical skill and stylistic choice, making it a solid addition to any Blu-ray collection without invoking disappointment.

The audio presentation of "American Ultra" on Blu Ray showcases a cutting-edge DTS:X soundtrack, with its foundation built on a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix, proving to be a powerful showcase of immersive audio technology. From the get-go, it's clear that the soundtrack means to impress, beginning with an overwhelming sonic experience during a montage of the protagonist's memories. The use of surround channels is not merely for show; it creates an enveloping atmosphere that pulls the viewer into the film's world. Exceptional moments include not just the bombastic explosions and gunfire one might expect but also more nuanced sequences, such as a drone attack, which displays meticulous sound placement and movement that enhance the film's immersive quality.

Sound effects are intricately layered and executed with precision across the soundscape, ensuring that even in its busiest moments, the audio track remains cohesive and clear. The dialogue cuts through the mix without issue, ensuring that every word is intelligible amid the chaos. This clarity is complemented by a dynamic range that moves effortlessly between the quiet tension and the sudden outbursts of action, all without losing fidelity or becoming muddled. The front speakers deliver every nuance of performance, from Eisenberg's distinctive vocal patterns to the intricate sounds of the environment, with the subwoofer adding depth through its powerful bass.

Although this Blu Ray does not include the DTS:HeadphoneX option seen in other releases like 'Ex Machina,' the 7.1 mix itself provides an astoundingly sharp and enveloping experience. The soundstage is meticulously crafted, showcasing expert directionality and prioritization that makes gunfights and action sequences come alive. The rear and side channels are leveraged to their full potential, creating a truly immersive experience that is as immediate as it is impressive. While the DTS:X configuration promises even greater heights of audio performance, the 7.1 core reviewed here is itself a testament to high-quality, immersive sound design, making "American Ultra" a standout audio experience in home entertainment.

The extra features on the "American Ultra" Blu-ray delve deeply into the making of this action comedy, providing a well-rounded examination that fans and film aficionados alike will appreciate. With "Activating American Ultra," viewers are treated to an over forty-minute, in-depth exploration of the production, packed with behind-the-scenes footage and on-set anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the film’s creation. Additionally, the "Assassinating on a Budget" featurette offers a whimsical look at the protagonist's cost-effective combat skills through a brief but entertaining montage. The inclusion of a traditional gag reel presents a light-hearted, amusing collection of outtakes, ensuring a variety of content. The audio commentary by Director Nima Nourizadeh further enriches this array, giving insights and personal reflections that deepen the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Nima Nourizadeh: Dives into the director's insights and reflections on the film.
• Activating American Ultra: A thorough exploration of the film’s production, including behind-the-scenes footage.
• Assassinating on a Budget: A montage showcasing the protagonist's ingenious, budget-friendly combat tactics.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of bloopers and humorous outtakes from the set.

American Ultra" weaves together a story that sits unevenly between a stoner comedy and a hyper-violent action flick, much like a contentious marriage of "Slacker" and James Bond gone awry. At its heart, the film tracks the lethargic life turned upside down of Mike Howell (portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg), a perpetual stoner unaware of his pedigree as a highly skilled CIA asset due to intricate genetic engineering and conditioning. His small-town existence with girlfriend Phoebe Larson (Kristen Stewart) in the backwaters of Liman, West Virginia, catapults into chaos as the CIA decides to terminate Mike, revealing his true nature in the most extreme and bloody fashion.

Despite its struggles to maintain a consistent tone, peppered with political incorrectness and a somewhat derogatory humor, performances by Eisenberg and Stewart inject a needed vitality. Their chemistry navigates through the film's predictability, with Eisenberg particularly shining in embodying the duality of Mike's character - a paranoid individual constantly battling his engineered instincts. The film attempts to dazzle with action sequences that at times feel disjointed and excessively gory, though some set pieces, like the supermarket brawl, stand out for their creativity.

Beneath its surface of mindless violence and cloud of smoke, "American Ultra" benefits largely from its ensemble cast including Topher Grace's power-thirsty CIA bureaucrat and Connie Britton's protective agency manager among others. The cast elevates Max Landis’ screenplay beyond its fundamental flaws. Still, the film struggles to find its footing within its mesh of clichéd plot twists and obscured story arcs, leaving viewers yearning for clarity amidst its explosive confrontations. It remains a divisive piece within the genre, challenging to categorize as it oscillates between moments of genuine engagement and bewildering execution.

American Ultra" on Blu Ray emerges as an intriguing, if not completely harmonizing mix of action and a sliver of whimsy, particularly notable in its closing credits sequence where Mike's hand-drawn illustrations spring to life, suggesting a creative potential that the earlier portions of the film hint at but seldom fully exploit. While Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart deliver commendable performances, lending a palpable charm to their roles, the film overall doesn't consistently capitalize on its premise or its supporting cast, leaving a sense of untapped potential. However, for fans of the lead actors or enthusiasts of technical film achievements, this Blu Ray presents itself as a worthy consideration. The film's visuals are crisp and technically well-executed, complemented by an audio experience that introduces a new dimension to home theater setups, further enhancing the viewing experience.

Despite the film's narrative shortcomings, the technical merits of the Blu Ray edition of "American Ultra" stand out. The picture quality is exemplary, ensuring that every frame from the high-action sequences to the subtler moments of character interaction is presented with clarity and depth. The audio quality is equally impressive, with the introduction of advanced home theater audio technology that immerses viewers in the film's varied sonic environments, from the quiet, tense exchanges to the bustling action scenes. This technical proficiency does much to elevate the overall viewing experience, making it a compelling addition for those invested in the technical aspects of film presentation.

In conclusion, "American Ultra" on Blu Ray may not fully deliver on its narrative promises or character explorations, but it undoubtedly excels in its technical presentation. The visual and audio quality are highlights, showcasing what modern home theater technology can offer. While the film itself might not linger long in memory, the experience of watching it in such high technical quality ensures that it stands out for enthusiasts of cinematic technology. For fans of Eisenberg, Stewart, or those with a keen eye for technical merit in film, this release merits attention.