Empire State Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Empire State" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, courtesy of Lionsgate Films, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Originating from a digital shoot, specifically utilizing the Arri Alexa Plus camera, the imagery is crisp and exhibits excellent fine detail, maintaining an overall appearance that is both professional and technically proficient. Directors Dito Montiel and cinematographer Dana Gonzales have executed commendable work with the vibrant yet claustrophobic streetscapes, ensuring that the bustling energy of New York City (albeit primarily shot in New Orleans) is palpable. However, the video quality is noted to be less compelling during many interior scenes where the contrast feels slightly weakened, and the color palette, while accurate, lacks a certain vibrancy.

Despite these minor inconsistencies, the transfer avoids common pitfalls such as aliasing or compression artifacts, even with the complex and busy New York skyline featuring prominently. One point of contention arises from the aesthetic choices made, where an intentional slight oversaturation and background blurring are employed. These decisions yield a few visual drawbacks - notably affecting skin tones with an occasional unnatural orange hue and obscuring detailed backdrops. Such stylistic choices align with an attempt to remain faithful to the movie's 1980s settings by masking anachronisms and modern references that could disrupt the period illusion.

The strong black levels compliment the mostly robust and detailed visual presentation, albeit with some aesthetic decisions that may not appeal universally. Whether these elements detract from or enhance the viewer's experience will likely vary, but it's clear that 'Empire State's' 4K UHD Blu-ray video section has been crafted with technical skill, balancing between accuracy and artistic intention.

The audio presentation of "Empire State" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray edition, featuring a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, may catch some viewers off guard, especially those attracted by Dwayne Johnson's star power and expecting a barrage of low-frequency effects (LFE). While the movie includes a few action sequences that make excellent use of LFE and surround channels, creating an immersive experience, the film predominantly focuses on quieter dialogue scenes. These scenes do not provide much scope for an aggressively expansive soundstage. Nevertheless, there's a commendable level of detail in the audio design, especially in terms of ambient environmental sounds that bring the bustling atmosphere of New York to life. Fidelity across the board is high, and the dynamic range is impressive during the film’s more intense moments, contributing to an authentic auditory experience.

Regarding the utilization of the setup, the English 5.1 DTS-Master Audio track offers a more subdued but active listening experience throughout the film's duration. The rear channels are employed frequently, pulling viewers into the movie’s environment, especially during the sparse action scenes where gunfire and dramatic events ensure directionality and spatial effects are pronounced. The audio mix adeptly balances dialogue, soundtrack, and ambient sounds, ensuring nothing overpowers the other and maintaining a cohesive aural landscape.

Furthermore, the addition of a DTS-HD Master Audio Sound Check option is a thoughtful inclusion, allowing for fine-tuning of home theater systems to achieve optimal sound quality. Subtitles available in English, English SDH, and Spanish cater to a broader audience, ensuring accessibility. Overall, while "Empire State" might not be a non-stop action-packed spectacle audibly, its nuanced use of sound creates a compelling and immersive atmosphere that complements the on-screen visuals effectively.

The extra section of the "Empire State" 4K UHD Blu-ray provides a satisfactory insight into the making of the film, particularly through its standout feature, 'Anatomy of a Heist: The Mastermind Behind the Robbery,' which captures the intrigue of the real-life story behind the movie. Director Dito Montiel's commentary, albeit solo, is engaging, offering anecdotes from the production and challenges faced during filming. 'Creating an Empire: Behind the Scenes with Cast/Crew Interviews' is a typical EPK piece but adds value with real-life Chris Potamitis’s insights, hinting at the blend of truth and drama in the storytelling. Deleted scenes offer a glimpse of what could have been, especially for Emma Roberts's fans. While none of these extras are groundbreaking, they collectively enrich the viewing experience, making this edition a must-have for fans interested in the intersection of reel and real crime stories.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary with Dito Montiel: An engaging commentary that discusses production hurdles and the adaptation process.

• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of three scenes not included in the final cut, providing additional context.

• Creating an Empire: Behind the Scenes with Cast/Crew Interviews: Standard but informative EPK material featuring key cast and crew.

• Anatomy of a Heist: The Mastermind Behind the Robbery: An engaging interview with the real-life Chris Potamitis, offering insights into the true story behind the film.

• Empire State Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.

"Empire State," presented in 4K UHD Blu-Ray, unfortunately oscillates between the potential of riveting crime drama and the actuality of a somewhat disjointed narrative. The film revisits the ostensibly thrilling true story of Chris Potamitis (Liam Hemsworth), entangled in what is touted as the largest cash heist in U.S. history. Despite Hemsworth's committed portrayal of Potamitis and Michael Angarano's energetic performance as the twitchy Eddie, the narrative often underwhelms. Dwayne Johnson, misleadingly highlighted on the cover, appears in a minor yet noteworthy role as Detective James Ransome, hinting at a broader narrative scope that is sadly underexplored.

The setup is promising, with initial archival footage stirring genuine intrigue about the historic heist. Hemsworth’s Potamitis, harboring dreams dashed by youthful folly, becomes an armed guard, inadvertently positioned to explore the heist's feasibility due to lax security at his employment. The complexity of his moral quandary and descent into criminality seems ripe for exploration. However, the script falters in fleshing out a believable transformation from aspirant police officer to heist conspirator. Secondary characters, though potentially enriching, are given short shrift – notably Emma Roberts, whose nominal role belies her prominence on promotional materials.

Director Dito Montiel does capture the gritty essence of 1980s New York with competence, and Angarano does steal scenes with his frenetic portrayal of Eddie. Yet, these cannot entirely counterbalance the film’s deficiencies in character development and pacing. The real disappointment lies in how "Empire State" edges toward being a compelling crime drama but retracts into a morass of unfulfilled potential and character arcs that demand more depth. Ultimately, the movie’s blend of truth and fiction serves neither its factual basis justice nor its dramatized aspirations fully, leaving an aftermath of what could have been a significantly impactful narrative.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Empire State" is a mixed bag that, while brimming with potential given its true-story basis and intriguing ensemble, ultimately fails to fully ignite interest beyond the superficial. The film, set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s New York, captures the time period with a palpable authenticity that, alongside Michael Angarano's commendable performance, stands out in what can otherwise be termed as a somewhat lackluster cinematic endeavor. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray are commendable, boasting high-quality video and audio that enhance the viewing experience without necessarily compensating for the narrative's shortcomings.

Although "Empire State" may not climb to the top of must-watch lists, it remains an endeavor worth engaging with at least once, particularly for fans of period pieces and true crime stories. The movie's attempt to weave a compelling tale around real events and its casting choices—particularly the unexpectedly nuanced role taken on by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson—highlight moments of brilliance that unfortunately get lost in an overall execution that feels underwhelming. Viewers looking for an in-depth exploration of the true story might find themselves wanting more, but those interested in a brief foray into an 80s crime saga will find some elements to appreciate.

In conclusion, "Empire State" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a visual and auditory enhancement that serves to underscore what works about the film while also highlighting its limitations. Its authentic capture of the era and standout performances are worth noting, yet it misses the mark in realizing its full potential as a gripping heist tale. It's suited for those with a casual interest in the genre or fans of the cast, making it a rental rather than a must-own addition to one's collection.