Shaft Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Shaft" (2019) is visually impressive, maintaining a professional standard throughout its 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, the 1080p transfer is excellent, notwithstanding the lack of a 4K Ultra HD option. The film benefits from solid black levels that avoid crushing and a clean, noise-free image. Consistent and natural skin tones ensure effective detail reproduction, highlighting intricate facial textures, hair, scars, and wrinkles. Notably, the detail extends through both wide shots and close-ups with commendable clarity in clothing and set design elements.

Color grading in "Shaft" exhibits a balanced yet dynamic palette. While the overall tone is generally neutral, it occasionally shifts towards blue hues. Various scenes stand out, particularly those with vibrant primary colors such as the warm amber tints in Shaft’s apartment or the red-drenched night club sequences. The digital cinematography accentuates this inviting yet brutal juxtaposition by featuring bold colors and saturated lighting. Remarkably, the film avoids issues with color blooming and banding, maintaining high image fidelity even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Blu-ray crafts a robust visual depth with defined contrasts and substantial depth, thanks to its strong black levels and natural spacing. Throughout the movie, textures from New York's urban landscape, including bricks and concrete details, are well-preserved. The interior scenes present three-dimensional-like depth, which enhances the viewing experience without any artificial distortions or compression artifacts. Overall, Warner Bros.' Blu-ray transfer of "Shaft" is an excellent visual treat that manages to leverage its 1080p capabilities effectively to deliver an engaging and vividly detailed cinematic experience.

Warner Bros has delivered an exceptional Dolby Atmos mix that fully immerses viewers in the dynamic soundscape of "Shaft". This release includes a default Dolby Atmos track and a 5.1 Dolby Digital mix, ensuring high-quality audio right out of the box. The Atmos track is particularly impressive, making full use of discrete channel separation to enhance both action-packed and subtle scenes. Gunshots resonate with deep, punchy LFE, and the film’s intense action sequences are supported by a robust bass, especially during the thrilling shootouts. Dialog remains consistently clear and well-balanced, seamlessly integrated into the immersive sonic environment. However, the use of overhead channels is somewhat limited but effectively employed during critical moments such as violent shootouts and club scenes that showcase depth and spatial accuracy.

The outdoor city scenes and clubs are where the Atmos track shines brightest, offering nuanced ambient sounds that enhance the viewing experience. Environmental noises and soundtrack cues are meticulously layered, with height channels adding another dimension to the sound. For those without Dolby Atmos setups, the mix gracefully folds down to Dolby TrueHD 7.1, retaining much of its immersive quality. Gunfire and explosions emanate powerfully from all directions, while falling debris and other effects are seamlessly positioned within the soundstage to create all-encompassing audio experiences. In quieter moments, the track maintains its precision with clear, intelligible dialogue that anchors the audience amidst the surrounding acoustics.

Overall, Warner's audio presentation for "Shaft" leverages Dolby Atmos technology to deliver an engaging and powerful soundtrack. It combines precision in mixing with impactful dynamics, ensuring both action and atmospheric scenes are enjoyed to their fullest potential. The balance between loud, energetic scenes and quieter moments is handled expertly, making this a noteworthy release in terms of audio performance.

The Blu-ray release of "Shaft" offers a robust set of extras that delve deep into the franchise's history and provide plenty of entertainment. First, "Can Ya Dig It? The Making of Shaft" features cast and crew insights into the film's development, from its comedic nuances to shooting locations, offering a fun yet spoilery behind-the-scenes experience. More substantial is the three-part documentary "A Complicated Man: The Shaft Legacy," which thoroughly examines the franchise's evolution, with interviews from key figures like Richard Roundtree and extensive archival footage. The disc also includes five deleted scenes, which, although not pivotal to the storyline, are interesting outtakes. Lastly, the gag reel compiles amusing bloopers and line flubs for added levity.

Extras included in this disc:

Can Ya Dig It? The Making of Shaft: Insightful behind-the-scenes with cast and crew.

A Complicated Man: The Shaft Legacy: Comprehensive three-part documentary on the franchise.

Deleted Scenes: Five short scenes offering additional character interactions.

Gag Reel: Hilarious outtakes and bloopers.

Tim Story's "Shaft" (2019) presents a humorous yet nostalgic take on the Shaft franchise, blending generational themes with comedic elements. Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as John Shaft, joined by Jessie T. Usher as his son, John Shaft Jr., who diverges from his father's tough demeanor to embody a millennial archetype. The story revolves around JJ seeking assistance from his estranged father to solve a friend's mysterious death, echoing classic buddy-cop dynamics while introducing familial warmth and tension. The film oscillates between lighthearted father-son banter and action sequences, striking a balance that emphasizes generational divides and evolving notions of masculinity.

The 2019 adaptation departs significantly from the grittier tones of its predecessors, embracing a more comedic and less socially charged narrative. While this shift has polarized audiences, it largely succeeds in engaging viewers through dynamic performances and sharp dialogue. Jackson's portrayal retains the character's iconic bravado and controversial humor, while Usher's JJ serves as a foil that highlights modern sensibilities. Richard Roundtree's return adds a nostalgic layer, culminating in a satisfying multi-generational team-up. Despite its reliance on clichés and occasional overwrought humor, the film's vibrant visual style and cohesive ensemble cast contribute to an entertaining experience.

Although "Shaft" (2019) might lack the profound social commentary ingrained in earlier iterations, it compensates with sheer entertainment value and character-driven storytelling. The action sequences, though not groundbreaking, are effectively executed and bolstered by a solid audio-visual presentation. The interplay between Jackson, Usher, and Roundtree adds depth to the narrative, making it simultaneously accessible to new audiences and appreciable by long-time fans of the series. While it might not achieve the critical acclaim of its forebears, it stands as a well-rounded addition to the Shaft legacy, melding traditional elements with contemporary touchpoints.

Tim Story's "Shaft" (2019) merges action, comedy, and classic genre vibes into a satisfyingly entertaining package that simultaneously pays homage to its predecessors and introduces a fresh, modern twist. Samuel L. Jackson leads a cast of dynamic performances with Jessie T. Usher contributing significantly through his portrayal of a new generation's Shaft. The film oscillates from slow-burning beginnings to rapid-fire laughter and action once Jackson enters the frame, ensuring it remains engaging for both old and new fans alike.

Despite being less thematic and more comedic than earlier iterations, "Shaft" (2019) delights in its unapologetic disregard for modern sensibilities, channeling the tonal beats of 80s and 90s action flicks. This approach might polarize audiences expecting conventional narratives but offers a nostalgic rush for classic action enthusiasts. Paramount to the film’s experience are the high-quality technical specifications: a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio coupled with an exceptional Dolby Atmos audio track that enhances the immersive quality of this Blu-ray release. The high-definition transfer preserves the visuals’ clarity and sharpness, making this a standout home media release.

Warner Bros.’ Blu-ray package includes a host of valuable extras, featuring a comprehensive retrospective on the character and franchise—a treat for longtime fans. It may not be an exemplary cinematic piece, but its blend of humor, action, and vibrant characters makes for a delightful watch. "Shaft" (2019) is recommended to all looking for a light-hearted, machismo-fueled action flick that bridges nostalgic charm with contemporary flare.

Is "Shaft" (2019) a “sensible” film? No. Is it politically correct with modern sensibilities over race, sex, and women? Not remotely. But that’s part of its charm—a film that feels like it belongs to an earlier era of action movies, filling a void many fans have missed. Warner’s Blu-ray delivers solid video and audio quality with decent extras—making "Shaft" (2019) a fun addition for action junkies with a penchant for nostalgia.