Angel Has Fallen Blu-ray Review

"Angel Has Fallen" presents a visually compelling experience on Blu-ray, courtesy of Lionsgate Films, with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Originating from several Arri Alexa models and finalized at a 4K Digital Intermediate (DI), the transfer boasts exceptional sharpness and detail. The cinematography, characterized by its "thriller blue" aesthetic, maintains commendable fine detail throughout various lighting conditions. Notably, well-lit scenes exhibit extraordinary clarity, down to the minutest details such as the veins in Gerard Butler's eyes. However, some CGI elements, especially a composite scene in a hospital sequence, display noticeable softness. Despite sequences in near darkness, the image consistently avoids major compression anomalies.

The freshly minted transfer demonstrates an excellent balance of contrast and brightness, delivering crisp whites and generally true blacks without compromising shadow details. Fine lines, fabrics' textures, and even facial pores are impressively detailed. While highlights occasionally suffer from slight blooming in bright spots, and some poorly-lit interiors lose vibrance, these issues appear to be creative choices tied to Jules O'Loughlin's orange-teal cinematography. This approach emphasizes warmer earthy tones and yellow-oranges yet manages to render primaries such as steely blues and vivid reds with accuracy and vibrance. Overall, the video presentation of "Angel Has Fallen" on Blu-ray is powerful, with just minor inconsistencies that do little to detract from the overall visual excellence.

(VIdeo Rating: 84/100)

"Angel Has Fallen" delivers an exceptionally engaging Dolby Atmos track that heightens the immersive experience with its dynamic soundscapes. The surround and Atmos channels are utilized aggressively, ensuring that viewers are enveloped in the film's intense audio environment. David Buckley's evocative score, characterized by low-end droning sounds, perks up the tension at key moments. The standout audio moments include a meticulously crafted set piece involving an army assault by drones, featuring impactful overhead and panning activity that accentuates the thrilling sequences. High-octane action scenes, such as truck chases and explosions, showcase impressive bursts of Low-Frequency Effects (LFE), adding to the overall auditory impact.

The audio presentation is consistently clean, providing clear and crisp dialogue throughout the film without any discernible issues. This makes it a problem-free and highly enjoyable auditory experience. The Dolby Atmos track is identical to that of the film’s Ultra HD counterpart, ensuring superb sound quality across different viewing formats. Given its intricate sound design and the effective use of the surround channels, this audio track stands out as a significant component of the "Angel Has Fallen" viewing experience.

The "Angel Has Fallen" Blu-ray extras offer a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look at the film's production. The special features cover various aspects of the movie, from casting and directing to stunts and set locations. Gerard Butler sets the stage with a brief introduction, encouraging viewers to explore the depth of content available. These extras provide valuable insights into the technical and creative processes, making them an excellent addition for fans and film enthusiasts alike. Noteworthy features include discussions on realism in filmmaking, the challenges of recreating Washington, D.C., and an exploration of pivotal action sequences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Gerard Butler inviting owners to explore the special features.
• Even Heroes Fall: Brief rundown of the plot and place in the series.
• Someone to Watch Over Me: Discussion of the director and one of the writers.
• Calling All Angels: Summary on the cast and characters.
• True Faith: Filmmakers make their case for accuracy and realism.
• Fights for You: A closer look at the action stunts and fight choreography.
• Earth Angel: Chat on the shooting locations serving as Washington, D.C.
• Angel Declassified: Short behind-the-scenes look at three specific sequences.

"Angel Has Fallen," the latest entry in the "Has Fallen" series, delivers a familiar yet reasonably engaging action experience. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Secret Service agent Mike Banning, now grappling with personal health issues while maintaining the trust of President Trumbull, played by Morgan Freeman. When an attack leaves Trumbull critically injured, Banning is framed for the crime, leading to a predictable but fast-paced manhunt that riffs off classics like "The Fugitive.” Although the plot’s twists are easily foreseeable, the rapid unfolding of events keeps the momentum steady, making it entertaining despite lacking originality.

Despite its rote storyline, "Angel Has Fallen" attempts to inject emotional depth amidst its numerous explosive sequences. The on-screen relationships, notably between Banning and his estranged father Clay (Nick Nolte) and his wife Leah (Piper Perabo), aim to ground the narrative emotionally. However, it’s the camaraderie between Butler and Freeman that stands out, offering a pleasing dynamic reminiscent of previous installments. Even though some of these plot elements are quite formulaic, the film succeeds in creating engaging moments through their interactions.

Gerard Butler’s mention of "Logan" as a template for this movie brings an intriguing layer to interpreting his performance, though it might be a stretch given the context. However, the homage to "The Fugitive" is more apparent as Banning counters numerous enemies while evading capture. Overall, "Angel Has Fallen" knows its audience and delivers accordingly: a straightforward, action-packed ride with just enough emotional beats and character chemistry to keep it from descending into sheer predictability.

"Angel Has Fallen" features the return of Gerard Butler and Morgan Freeman as Secret Service agent Mike Banning and President Trumbull, solidifying its place in the action series with consistency and familiar thrills. As the third installment, this film successfully expands on the central hero's mythologies, despite following a somewhat predictable political thriller plot. The movie maintains its entertainment value by delivering unfaltering, mindless fun.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation excels, providing an outstanding video quality that ensures every action sequence is vividly rendered. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack enhances the viewing experience, offering an immersive auditory experience. These technical merits underscore the high-quality production values that action fans have come to expect from the series. The disc also comes with a decent set of supplements, adding value for collectors and enthusiasts.

One of the few downsides is the film’s portrayal of collateral damage, which is notably glossed over. The climax, involving the destruction of a hospital, among other instances of implied bystander casualties, might bother viewers who think critically about such scenarios. Nevertheless, for those who can overlook these aspects, "Angel Has Fallen" remains brisk and engaging throughout, living up to the expectations of its genre with first-rate technical specifications and enjoyable extras.

One of the things that always makes me wonder a bit in films like this is the so-called collateral damage that is never really ever addressed. It's one thing to take out a force of bad guys, but this film includes a number of deaths or implied deaths of not just good guys but innocent bystanders (notably in the climax where a hospital, yep, goes boom). Niggling concerns like that are probably the domain of folks like me who overthink movies like this, but for those willing to go with the flow, "Angel Has Fallen" is brisk and generally exciting, even if it's resolutely rote almost all of the time. Technical merits are first rate and the supplemental package quite enjoyable, for those who are considering a purchase.