Wanted

"Wanted" arrives on Blu-ray boasting a theatrically correct widescreen 2.35:1 1080p transfer, utilizing AVC MPEG-4 encoding to deliver a lush and vibrant picture that is delightfully close to reference quality. Though it doesn't quite surmount the visual splendor of industry touchstones like "Baraka" or "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," it holds its own with strong, bold colors and a warm color palette that brings the film to life with great depth. The detail is commendable across various elements, from the intricacy of paperwork and shards of glass in action sequences to the nuanced textures of urban environments and the clothing of characters, each stitch and surface texture is rendered with striking clarity. Despite a slight softening in some scenes and an overall lack of three-dimensional pop associated with the very best in picture quality, the image's fidelity to fine details, natural skintones—albeit a tad rosy—and the cinematic grain preserves the film’s intended visual aesthetic effectively.

The disc's handling of colors stands out, achieving a balance that avoids over-saturation while showcasing vivid and lush reds, deep and clear blues, and realistic greens. Flesh tones, while occasionally warm due to the film's stylization, remain natural, enhancing the visual experience. The brightness and contrast settings contribute to producing deep blacks and clean whites, enhancing both the depth and cleanliness of the image while maintaining a pleasing level of shadow detail. The cinematic look is further solidified by a well-maintained layer of film grain that ensures a faithful representation of the original theatrical experience.

Despite its virtues, some minor drawbacks are noted, including occasional haziness in specific shots and less resolved night scenes. Additionally, scenes set in the textile mill exhibit slight issues with fine threads appearing hazy or shimmering. Nonetheless, these minor blemishes do not significantly detract from an otherwise stunning visual presentation. The Blu-ray transfer shows no signs of compression problems or edge enhancement, preserving the pristine condition of the original print. This ensures a clean, three-dimensional image that seldom fails to impress, making "Wanted" a commendable Blu-ray presentation by Universal that stands tall among the best transfers available.

The Blu-ray release of "Wanted" showcases an exceptional audio experience, primarily through its English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, although it also offers French and Spanish DTS 5.1 Surround tracks for alternate language options. The sound design is a pinnacle of aggressive and precise mixing, enveloping the viewer in a cocoon of immersive sound that breathes life into the movie's high-octane action sequences. From the detailed directionality of gunshots and dialogue to the meticulously crafted ambient sounds that accompany the film's rapid camera movements, the audio presentation pulls you directly into the heart of the action. Simultaneously, it maintains a clear separation of effects, ensuring that even in the most chaotic scenes—like the initial encounter between Fox and Wesley or the adrenaline-pumping train shootout—the clarity never diminishes, fostering an environment where every sonic element can be distinctly appreciated.

Despite the dominance of its vigorous audio mix, certain aspects such as the bass response, though robust and enhancing to both the film's score and immersive qualities (dialogue and heartbeat sounds are notably lifelike), do not reach the profound depths of some competitors in the market. Nevertheless, this slight shortfall does little to detract from an overall remarkable audio quality that boasts fine fidelity, exceptional sound placement, and a use of the LFE channel that ensures every explosion and action set-piece feels as if it's erupting within your room. The soundtrack's ability to blend popular music with the film's score, augmenting the dynamic range without overwhelming, further demonstrates the mastery over sound this Blu-ray possesses.

Indeed, "Wanted" on Blu-ray sets a high bar for home theater experiences with its reference-level DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The dialogue is rendered with crystal clarity across the front speakers, supported by an outstanding LFE channel that injects life into every scene. From the subtlest environmental ambiance to the most overpowering action sequences, the sound design exerts a forceful yet refined control over the auditory space. With its potent mix of aggression, precision, and dynamics, this audio track not only complements but elevates the visual spectacle of "Wanted," marking it as one of the most engrossing and technically proficient high-definition audio presentations available.

The Blu-ray special edition of "Wanted" delivers a comprehensive and engaging array of extras that significantly enhances the viewing experience, meticulously detailed and catering to fans and newcomers alike. It compellingly covers every aspect of the film's creation, from the inventive stunts and groundbreaking special effects to the adaptation process of bringing the graphic novel to life. Noteworthy is the in-depth exploration of the characters through cast interviews, offering a deeper understanding of their on-screen personas. The extras also provide a fascinating insight into director Timur Bekmambetov's visionary approach, elevating the overall appreciation of his work. Additionally, the inclusion of U-Control features offers an innovative interactive element, allowing viewers to delve into storyboards, assassin profiles, and more. However, the collection is slightly marred by an underwhelming digital copy and some features that feel somewhat promotional. Despite these minor quibbles, the Blu-ray successfully enriches the "Wanted" narrative, offering both entertainment and informative value that complements the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Opening: A scene that potentially reveals too much too early.
• Extended Scene: Additional footage that contributes little to the overall narrative.
• Cast and Characters: An extensive look at the casting process and interviews with the actors.
• Stunts on the L Train: Insights into one of the film's major stunt sequences.
• Special Effects: The Art of the Impossible: A deeper dive into the special effects marvels.
• Groundbreaking Visual Effects: From Imagination to Execution: Highlights the contributions of a Russian CGI house.
• The Origins of Wanted: Bringing the Graphic Novel to Life: A discussion with Mark Millar on adapting his work.
• Through the Eyes of Visionary Director Timur Bekmambetov: An examination of Bekmambetov's unique directorial style.
• Wanted: Motion Comics: Animated panels from the original comic, though lacking in execution.
• The Making of Wanted: The Game: An overview of the video game adaptation, showing its development stages.
• U-Control: Features including Picture in Picture commentary, Scene Explorer, Assassin Profiles, and more.
• BD Live: Offers exclusive online content such as featurettes and a music video.
• Digital Copy: A second disc that provides a digital version of the film for portable devices.
• Easter Egg: Secret codes for in-game advantages.

Upon entering the high-octane world of "Wanted," viewers are immediately thrust into a maelstrom of bullet-bending action, courtesy of director Timur Bekmambetov. This film, Bekmambetov's first American venture, seamlessly melds an array of influences—from "The Matrix" to "Fight Club"—to deliver a visual feast that breaks the mold of the action genre. The unique storytelling style and visual panache complement the film's sheer entertainment value, ensuring there's never a dull moment. The cinematography, underscored by adept use of slow-motion techniques and cutting-edge CGI, transforms action sequences into a ballet of violence and mayhem, marking "Wanted" as more than just a movie—it's a cinematic experience that demands to be seen in high definition on Blu-ray.

The narrative revolves around Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy), an everyman who discovers his latent superhuman abilities when thrust into the world of The Fraternity, an ancient guild of assassins. This plot, ripe with the theme of self-discovery and the search for meaning in a mundane existence, is elevated by stellar performances from a cast including Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. Through its blend of unpredictably twisted plotlines and a deep dive into character development, "Wanted" does not merely entertain—it also probes deeper themes of identity, destiny, and moral ambiguity without taking itself too seriously.

Universal’s Blu-ray release of "Wanted" is nothing short of a treasure for collectors and fans alike. Boasting impeccable picture and sound quality that enhances every frame of the movie’s visual splendor, the disc also comes packed with a wealth of extras that add substantial value. Whether opting for the standard edition or indulging in the Deluxe Collector's Set—with its attractive packaging and tangible memorabilia—the Blu-ray edition ensures that audiences can relive the adrenaline-fueled escapade with clarity and depth unmatched by any other format. "Wanted" on Blu-ray isn’t just a release; it’s an invitation to revisit an audacious film that melds comic book thrills with a grounded, gritty narrative in spectacular high definition.

"Wanted" distinguishes itself from the plethora of action films that saturate the market with its bold approach and thrilling execution, providing a refreshing experience devoid of any attempts to weave in underlying social, moral, or political messages. This decision keeps the film’s focus sharp, celebrating its essence as an entertaining spectacle loaded with innovative stunts, effects, and compelling storytelling complemented by top-notch performances. Universal's Blu-ray release enhances this experience significantly, presenting an exemplary audio-visual quality that breathes new life into the film's groundbreaking action sequences. The inclusion of a comprehensive suite of special features further elevates this package, making it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray edition of "Wanted" not only solidifies the film's status as an engaging and unexpectedly complex actioner but also serves as a benchmark for home entertainment presentations. The striking video transfer and reference-quality DTS HD Master Audio track are testament to the care taken in preserving the film's dynamic allure, ensuring viewers receive an unparalleled home viewing experience. The balance of standard and exclusive bonus content offers deep insights into the production's innovative approaches to action cinema, catering well to fans and cinemaphiles alike.

In conclusion, while "Wanted" may initially appear as a straightforward action flick, its Blu-ray release underscores the film’s unique charm and technical excellence. It stands as a must-own for followers and a highly recommended viewing for potential new fans, provided they gauge their interest through rental before purchase. This Blu-ray not only satisfies the existing fan base but also introduces newcomers to the high-octane world of "Wanted" in the best possible way, making it a distinguished addition to any collection.