Drive Blu-ray Review

MVD Rewind Collection's Blu-ray presentation of "Drive" showcases a meticulous AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.34:1 aspect ratio. Culled from a new 4K HD scan of the original camera negative, the results are visually striking. The vibrantly suffused color palette, particularly the primary hues such as red, is rendered vividly on screen. Detail levels are impressively high, exemplified by intricate textures like the patterned brocade on Deliverance's pink sweater. Occasional instances of damage, including minor scratches and slight density inconsistencies, can be observed, but they do not significantly detract from the overall visual quality. The grain structure remains natural, with occasional slight yellowish or purplish hues.

The Blu-ray transfer demonstrates exceptional sharpness and precise textural resolution, maintaining consistent facial definition throughout. The cinematography takes full advantage of the wide frame, delivering robust fidelity that captures the location work superbly. Contrast levels exceed expectations, brightening the film considerably for a late ’90s low-budget action flick, while dense shadows and suitable black levels provide depth and weightiness to the visuals. The organic colors are well preserved, avoiding excessive modern grading and ensuring natural saturation with accurate flesh tones. Apart from minor dust particulates, the print appears to be in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of age.

Overall, MVD's Blu-ray release revitalizes "Drive" with a pristine visual presentation that surpasses its original credentials. Whether it's the finely tuned grain structure, the detailed resolution, or the faithful color reproduction, this release sets a high standard for catalog titles in the Rewind Collection, making "Drive" look fit for wide theatrical distribution.

The Blu-ray of "Drive" presents two audio options: a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track and an LPCM 2.0 track. While I generally favor uncompressed audio for its clarity and range, the Dolby track impressively broadens the soundscape, particularly enhancing the musical score and special effects. Despite this, the low-end could benefit from lossless audio for more impactful bass. Both tracks, however, manage to support dialogue effectively. A curious quirk of this disc is its Subtitle function, which toggles between Off and English settings, yet notably lacks actual subtitles.

The original stereo is available uncompressed in PCM format while the 5.1 remix is offered solely in compressed Dolby Digital. In practice, the PCM track prevails with a cleaner and sharper presentation, exhibiting minimal channel separation which becomes noticeable only when necessary. Conversely, the Dolby 5.1 remix has its shortcomings; action sequences tend to cluster sound elements such as the score, gunfire, and dialogue, leading to a less distinct audio experience. Though dynamic range is somewhat limited, notable exceptions include low-end impacts like punches and kicks, which achieve reasonable depth.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Drive" are comprehensive and well-curated, providing an insightful look into the film's production and the team behind it. The Original Theatrical Cut, presented in 1.78:1 HD with LPCM 2.0 audio, offers a different perspective despite its minor quality issues stemming from an older master. The engaging audio commentary features director Steve Wang, fight choreographer Koichi Sakamoto, and actors Mark Dacascos and Kadeem Hardison, blending fun interactions with detailed production insights. Six deleted scenes add depth to character interactions and plot elements not seen in the final cut. The Force Behind the Storm documentary offers a substantial 47-minute retrospective, while cast interviews provide personal reflections and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The package is rounded out with trailers and a mini-poster.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Additional moments and extended scenes not included in the final cut.
• The Force Behind the Storm Documentary: An archival making-of featurette.
• Cast Interviews: Conversations with Mark Dacascos, Steve Wang, Wyatt Reed, Koichi Sakamoto, and Kadeem Hardison.
• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary featuring Steve Wang, Koichi Sakamoto, Mark Dacascos, and Kadeem Hardison.
• Trailers: Includes the trailer for "Drive" and several other MVD releases.

Steve Wang's "Drive" (1997) may not be a household name, but it stands out as a hidden gem in the realm of martial arts and action cinema. The film showcases a remarkable level of technical skill in framing and camera movement, which elevates it above typical straight-to-video offerings. Mark Dacascos stars as Toby Wong, a man with an implanted device granting him superhuman abilities, including enhanced speed and combat skills. This setup drives (no pun intended) the film’s tightly choreographed and inventive fight scenes, masterminded by Koichi Sakamoto. Despite the uneven performances and comedy, the film's action sequences, featuring kinetic energy and creative choreography reminiscent of Jet Li’s work or "Rush Hour," deliver on their promise and are the main attraction.

The narrative follows Toby and his accidental ally Malik Brody (Kadeem Hardison) as they evade various antagonists, leading to a series of engaging set pieces. This buddy-road-trip formula is spiced up with sci-fi elements that serve more as a pretext for the fight choreography than as vital plot points. The film intriguingly addresses issues like racial tensions and political fears over China's technological ascendancy, adding layers of thematic depth. John Pyper-Ferguson's character offers a colorful villainy that complements the film's wacky tone. One notably peculiar addition is Brittany Murphy’s quirky, over-the-top portrayal of a motel owner named Deliverance Bodine, adding to the film’s unique charm even if her screen time is brief.

"Drive" distinguishes itself through its ability to blend outrageous campiness with genuine emotional honesty. The mismatched partnership between Dacascos and Hardison lends credibility to their characters' shared racial experiences, offering viewers unexpected moments of social commentary. Although some plot elements defy logic and contribute to the film's cartoonish nature, it is precisely this blend of outlandishness and martial arts prowess that has garnered "Drive" a dedicated cult following.

The Blu-ray release of "Drive" is a commendable example of MVD Rewind's dedication to quality preservation and presentation of lesser-known genre films. Although this action-packed film may have suffered from the stigma of a straight-to-video release, it offers much more than its modest origins suggest. The movie boasts a robust mix of a decent, though somewhat derivative, premise peppered with outstanding fight choreography and exceptional stunt work. This inevitably makes "Drive" an immensely enjoyable watch.

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray are solid, delivering superior visual and audio quality that enhances the viewing experience. The transfer is clean with balanced color grading, ensuring that the high-octane action sequences remain vibrant and engaging. The audio track is well-mixed, providing clear dialogue delivery and dynamic sound effects that complement the combative encounters and high-speed chases. A collection of worthwhile bonus materials further enriches the package, offering fans added insight into the film’s production and enduring appeal.

In conclusion, "Drive" on Blu-ray is a thoroughly enjoyable action film that transcends its low-budget origins with impressive technical execution and supplementary content. While it may not aim for high cinematic ambitions, its combination of goofy charm and genuinely thrilling Asian-style action make it a hidden gem worth uncovering. Recommended for action aficionados and genre film enthusiasts alike.