Hit and Run Blu-ray Review

"Hit and Run" presents a remarkably clear 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that showcases the film’s dynamic visuals with aplomb. The sun-bleached colors and strong primaries are impressively portrayed, lending a vivid vibrancy to Bradley Stonesifer's California summer photography. The detail is striking, with sharp edges and well-resolved textures, although occasional soft shots and minor crush are present. The encode itself holds excellent integrity, with macroblocking, banding, aliasing, and other artifacts either entirely absent or negligible.

The film's saturated color palette and rich visuals are effectively presented by Universal in this Blu-ray release. With stable contrast levels, the balance between inky blacks and bright whites is perfect, ensuring that the naturalistic imagery under the hot Californian sun remains burnished and robust without any technical blemishes. The clarity held during high-paced driving scenes is particularly noteworthy; despite the modest budget, the footage retains a professional and detailed appearance. This Blu-ray delivers an exceptional video presentation that viewers will find consistently engaging.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track provides a solid yet somewhat tempered audio experience. While the overall mix succeeds in delivering clear and articulate dialogue, ensuring no prioritization mishaps occur during the film’s numerous off-the-cuff conversations, the soundfield sometimes falls short of full immersion. The rear speakers, though active, do not always align precisely with the on-screen car chase sequences, leaving some moments feeling less engaging than anticipated. However, the front array of speakers effectively captures the more critical sound elements, supported admirably by Julian Wass and Robert Mervak's dynamic soundtrack that resonates well throughout the soundstage.

The low-end frequencies are particularly noteworthy, with the LFE channel delivering potent and aggressive output during high-octane scenes. The deep rumble of a roaring 700-horsepower engine effectively engages the subwoofer, creating a visceral audio experience during car chases and action sequences. Smooth pans and excellent directionality further enhance the film's auditory elements. While it may not offer the ultimate immersive experience, the mix's strengths, such as crisp dialogue and robust bass, ensure a satisfying and well-rounded listening atmosphere for both casual viewers and audio enthusiasts alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Hit and Run" provide a compact but diverse assortment of behind-the-scenes content. The featurettes cover everything from car chases to the film's romantic elements, showcasing insights from writer/director Dax Shepard and actress Kristen Bell. However, the quality of these extras varies. "Street Legal" and "Run and Gun" provide brief, yet informative insights into car scenes and the film's plot, respectively. "Love on the Run" explores the romantic dynamics both on-screen and off-screen. The deleted scenes offer additional footage, though the content ranges from extended chase sequences to less essential clips. Overall, while some pieces feel redundant, the extras collectively offer a modest peek behind the curtain of this action-comedy film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Street Legal: Writer/director Dax Shepard talks cars, car chases, and chase flicks.
• Run and Gun: A by-the-numbers plot-synopsis EPK with Shepard and Kristen Bell.
• Love on the Run: The romance and romantic comedy of "Hit and Run."
• Deleted Scenes: Twelve scenes, including extended car chase sequences at an abandoned airfield.
• 'Hit and Run' Behind the Scenes: Featurettes comprising clips and interviews with Shepard and Bell.

Dax Shepard's "Hit and Run" attempts to blend high-octane car chases with romantic comedy undertones but falters due to its inconsistent execution. While Shepard's laid-back charm is somewhat endearing, his mumblecore style of dialogue tends to meander, leading to aimless and tiresome exchanges. The film centers on Yul "Charlie Bronson" Perrkins (Shepard), a former getaway driver and witness protection program enrollee, and his girlfriend Annie (Kristen Bell), whose job offer in Los Angeles spurs a chaotic cross-country drive. The narrative is hindered by weak comedic attempts, uninspired action sequences, and a series of poorly developed characters, such as Bradley Cooper's dreadlocked gangster Alex Dimitri, whose portrayal becomes memorable for all the wrong reasons. Despite a sincere effort from Bell, whose emotional depth surpasses the screenplay's demands, the film fails to elevate beyond its predictable and sophomoric setups.

The film's plot underscores the couple's journey to LA, inevitably drawing unwanted attention from bumbling U.S. Marshal Randy Anderson (Tom Arnold), Annie's possessive ex-boyfriend Gil (Michael Rosenbaum), and Alex Dimitri armed with an ensemble of forgettable henchmen. Disappointingly, the quieter moments between the real-life couple Shepard and Bell are overshadowed by sluggish car chases, unconvincing shootouts, and misplaced humor. Shepard surrounds himself with familiar faces like Cooper, Arnold, and David Koechner, but their appearances add little substance. The screenplay’s lack of subtlety and the reliance on juvenile gags – including an uncomfortable fixation on homosexual stereotypes – detract from the film’s occasional earnestness.

The action-driven segments, although intended as a homage to '80s chase films, fall flat with monotonous car sequences that lack the adrenaline-pumping thrill expected from the genre. The third act culminates in some of the least engaging chases in movie history, capped by an unimaginative and tacked-on conclusion. Despite its efforts, "Hit and Run" struggles to resonate as either a compelling romantic comedy or a gripping action film.

"Hit and Run" attempts to offer high-octane thrills with a notable cast and engaging premise, yet falls short in several key aspects. Dax Shepard's effort to blend comedy and action is evident, with an impressive lineup of actors adding to the film's promise. However, the movie suffers from a lackluster script and inconsistent performances. The car chases, ostensibly a highlight, lack excitement and contribute to a general sense of indifference. Despite its shortcomings, the Blu-ray's audio-visual presentation is commendable, demonstrating superior video quality and robust audio that will appeal to home theater enthusiasts.

Upon closer examination, "Hit and Run" appears more of an informal get-together among friends rather than a polished cinematic effort. Shepard's friends join him in driving fast cars and sharing the screen in what feels more like a casual project than a focused film. While not as disappointing as Shepard's prior work, "Brother’s Justice," this film does little to elevate its standing beyond a leisurely watch. The extras on the Blu-ray are rather sparse, totaling just twenty-seven minutes, which barely adds value to the overall package.

Ultimately, "Hit and Run" is a mixed bag. Its technical prowess in Blu-ray format cannot fully redeem the underwhelming content. For those lured by the cast or curious about Shepard's automotive adventures, renting might be the best course of action. In a market crowded with vehicular action films, however, "Hit and Run" struggles to make a lasting impression. Seek more thrilling alternatives if longevity is what you desire from your movie experience.