Bullet Train Blu-ray Review
Score: 78
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Bullet Train offers mindless fun with stylized action, gory visuals, and an excellent Blu-ray audio mix, despite lacking depth in story.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 84
The Blu-ray of Bullet Train offers a spectacular 1080p image with vivid colors and remarkable clarity, though it falls short of the 4K UHD version's rich HDR/Dolby Vision details. While lacking in some color resolution and sharpness, it pushes Blu-ray to its limits with superb textures and lifelike visuals.
Audio: 89
Bullet Train's Blu-ray audio presentation delivers a dynamic and engaging DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 experience, characterized by powerful bass, clear dialogue, and immersive surround effects. While overshadowed by the full immersion of the 4K Dolby Atmos track, it remains an exceptional auditory journey.
Extra: 61
The "Bullet Train" Blu-ray offers engaging extras, including detailed audio commentary, insightful featurttes like "Mission Accomplished" which delves into Leitch's creative process and stunt choreography, and "All Aboard the Pain Train" focusing on innovative fight scenes, complemented by outtakes, Easter eggs, and stunt previs clips.
Movie: 56
Bullet Train is a fast-paced, visually stylish action film by David Leitch, echoing the chaotic, vibrant narrative style of Guy Ritchie's works like Snatch. While its energetic action sequences and vibrant characters thrill, the film occasionally sacrifices narrative clarity for frenetic energy. The movie revels in its operatic violence, with well-choreographed fights and enthusiastic performances, creating an engaging, if somewhat chaotic, cinematic experience.
Video: 84
Sony's Blu-ray presentation of "Bullet Train" delivers an impressive visual spectacle that is a testament to the potential of 1080p resolution. While it does not quite reach the brilliance of the 4K UHD version, this Blu-ray still offers superb clarity and detail, especially in close-ups, where razor-sharp skin and clothing textures are prominently displayed. The rich diversity of colors throughout different scenes is captured with remarkable vividness, showcasing both radiant brights and deep blacks that emphasize the dynamic range achievable within this format. Despite some minor banding, the overall image remains free from significant encoding issues and renders complex textures with striking ease and clarity.
However, recognizing the limitations inherent at this resolution, the Blu-ray occasionally struggles with softer focus and lacks the HDR/Dolby Vision capabilities of its 4K counterpart, which could enhance contrast and color precision even further. At times, these constraints lead to images that can appear slightly syrupy or blurred, lacking the vivacity seen in the UHD version. It's noteworthy that while colors are robust and vibrant, capturing everything from bold graphics to subtle earthy tones, they do not always match the depth and realism that HDR technology could provide.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Sony has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with 1080p in "Bullet Train," offering a disc that is visually engaging and packed with lifelike color and detail. Fans seeking excellent picture quality within the Blu-ray format will find this release to be as close to perfection as it gets, making it an appealing addition to any collection, although for those seeking ultimate visual fidelity, the 4K UHD remains the definitive choice.
Audio: 89
The "Bullet Train" Blu-ray features a dynamic and exhilarating DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that captures the chaotic energy of the film. This track is characterized by its powerful and throbbing bass, which underpins the relentless action sequences. Dialogue is consistently clear and expertly prioritized, providing an audio experience above reproach. While the DTS-HD MA track delivers a high-energy performance, it stands just slightly behind the Dolby Atmos track available on the 4K disc in terms of immersive channel engagement.
The soundtrack offers bold and stable audio quality, with surround channels used extensively to enhance the immersive experience. The mix highlights music with a muscular definition, while action effects are rendered with exceptional depth and detail. The front-end speakers dominate with superb clarity, yet ambient sounds within the train's setting are beautifully rendered with precision. Every crash, hit, stab, and shot contributes to the film's kinetically violent atmosphere, making it a highly enjoyable auditory experience that fully engages the listener.
Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix may not present the full channel fullness delivered by the UHD's Dolby Atmos track, it remains an impressive and engaging audio experience. The track excels in delivering a thoroughly entertaining soundscape that complements the film's intense narrative, allowing viewers to feel every moment of action vividly.
Extras: 61
The Blu-ray extras of "Bullet Train" offer a comprehensive dive into the film's artistry and production nuances, appealing to both fans of the movie and those with a keen interest in filmmaking. Key elements include an audio commentary that provides exhaustive insights from Director David Leitch, along with collaborators Kelly McCormick and Zak Olkewicz, which adds depth for viewers who appreciate detailed discussion. Featurettes explore various dynamic aspects such as the acclaimed stunt choreography and cast camaraderie, each delivered with crisp visuals that capture the essence of the film's high-octane action sequences. Humorous outtakes offer lighthearted breaks, juxtaposed with more technical breakdowns like stunt previsualization. This collection satisfies both casual viewers and aficionados seeking behind-the-scenes content.
Extras included in this disc:
- Outtakes & Bloopers: Humorous moments from the shoot.
- Catch What You Missed: Easter Eggs: A fast-paced look at the film's hidden details.
- All Aboard the Pain Train: Stunts: Exploration of fight and stunt work.
- Mission Accomplished: Making of Bullet Train: Insight into the film's originality and production.
- Trained Professionals: The Cast: Praises the cast's performances and camaraderie.
- Select Stunt Previs: Early video concepts paired with final film clips.
- Audio Commentary with David Leitch, Kelly McCormick & Zak Olkewicz: Detailed discussion about the film's creation.
Movie: 56
"Bullet Train" is an adrenaline-fueled, high-octane thrill ride that thrives on its chaotic energy and stylized action sequences. Directed by David Leitch, known for "Deadpool 2" and "Atomic Blonde," the film presents a frenetic mixture of absurdity and violence. Brad Pitt leads a star-studded ensemble as Ladybug, a world-weary assassin involved in a mission that quickly spirals out of control. The plot, based on Kōtarō Isaka's novel "Maria Beetle," unfolds aboard the fastest train, embracing a dynamic narrative structure reminiscent of Guy Ritchie's works, with numerous twists and erratic paths. As characters collide in this confined space, the film indulges in its visual and kinetic spectacle, trading depth for sheer momentum.
Despite a penchant for chaos, "Bullet Train" excels in its visceral presentation. The film gleefully eschews restraint, opting for a flamboyant display of operatic violence and humor. The action sequences are choreographed with precision, transforming into ballets of bloodshed that convey a sense of ruthless elegance. The movie thrives on its superficial elements, where style undeniably takes precedence as the substance driving the narrative. Although this might result in moments of chaotic confusion and a lack of immersive clarity, the relentless energy ensures an engaging experience. Performances are infused with enthusiasm, favoring dynamic interaction over character nuance, creating a lively exhibition where everyone appears to relish their roles amid the madness.
"Bullet Train" knows its identity and embraces it wholly. It is a movie that requires suspension of disbelief and enjoyment of its unrestrained nature. While the pacing may sometimes feel too rapid, leaving certain narrative threads unexplored, the movie's spirited execution offers a rewarding journey for audiences seeking an uninhibited spectacle. Whether you appreciate it as a cheeky homage to cinema's stylistic past or as a standalone piece of entertainment, "Bullet Train" delivers its explosive premise with gusto and vitality.
Total: 78
"Bullet Train" on Blu-ray delivers a frenetic action experience that marries explosive sequences with stylistic theatrics, reminiscent of live-action anime without veering into adaptation territory. Under David Leitch's direction and Zak Olkewicz's screenplay, the film features an ensemble cast led by Brad Pitt, with standout performances contributing to its quirky charm. Despite its narrative pitfalls and shallow thematic exploration, "Bullet Train" excels in providing mindless fun and adrenaline-fueled excitement, ensuring an engaging, albeit superficial, ride.
The technical specifications of the Blu-ray edition include a finely tuned visual presentation in 2.39:1 AVC, complemented by a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that enhances the viewing experience. The Blu-ray release date was October 18th, 2022, and it includes multiple language options and subtitles. While the video quality is commendable, users with advanced home theater setups might prefer the superior detail and Atmos sound mix of the 4K edition.
In conclusion, "Bullet Train" is not a cinematic masterpiece but an unadulterated crowd-pleaser for those seeking entertaining escapism. Its propensity for over-the-top violence and choreographed chaos makes it ideal for fans of action-packed, style-focused cinema. The Blu-ray disc is a worthwhile purchase for enthusiasts of the genre who can appreciate its simplistic yet satisfying thrills. With its abundant extras, the Blu-ray provides an extensive package for collectors and action aficionados alike. Highly recommended for a stupidly fun watch.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 80
Banding comes and goes (never that bad though), but fine details are still quite nice, and the colors are just loaded throughout, making this a great looking disc from stem to stern of the train....
Audio: 90
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is a great sounding mix, and I would have given it a 5/5 rating had the Dolby Atmos track on the 4K disc simply outclassed it enough for me to simply downgrade the 5.1 mix a half...
Extras: 60
• Outtakes & Bloopers • Catch What You Missed: Easter Eggs • All Aboard the Pain Train: Stunts • Mission Accomplished: Making of Bullet Train • Trained Professionals: The Cast • Select Stunt Previs • Audio...
Movie: 70
IN fact, I’d say that they pretty much wink and nod at the audience right from the beginning, using a sort of Guy Ritchie style of narrative structure that fills in the details as the movie goes along...
Total: 70
The Blu-ray disc is a great looking disc with a KILLER audio mix, but personally if you have the equipment I would go for the bigger 4K brother for the improved video and better Atmos sound mix....
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 100
The image runs the gamut of color spectrum bliss, offering everything from bold graphics and mood lighting to dusty, earthy tones, all with exceptional lifelikeness....
Audio: 100
Bass is in heavy support, surround channels are used extensively, and detail is superb along the dominant front end speakers....
Extras: 70
All Aboard the Pain Train: Stunts (1080p, 5:13): As the title suggests, this piece looks at the film's fight and stunt work inside the limited available spacing....
Movie: 50
Bullet Train offers an operatically violent mashup of characters within a relatively confined space, with plot tentacles extending from a central premise that leads to a number of rabbit trails that the...
Total: 80
The film celebrates the style to excess, sometimes losing track of whatever story focuses can be found at the center....
Director: David Leitch
Actors: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
PlotIn Tokyo, a down-on-his-luck American nicknamed Ladybug is tasked with his latest assignment: to retrieve a briefcase aboard a high-speed train heading from Tokyo to Kyoto. Unbeknownst to Ladybug, multiple other assassins with interconnected but conflicting objectives are also aboard the same train. Ladybug aims to carry out his mission peacefully following advice from his new-agey handler, intending to avoid the violence that has marked his past assignments. Nevertheless, his plans quickly derail as he encounters an array of bizarre and dangerous characters.
Among the passengers is a pair of British hitmen known as Tangerine and Lemon, who share a brotherly bond and a professional ruthlessness. They are in charge of transporting the son of a Russian mobster, ensuring the boy's safe return to his father. Meanwhile, an enigmatic schoolgirl with a penchant for manipulation plays her own game, her motives shrouded in mystery. Each character's mission is gradually revealed through their interactions, with the confines of the speeding bullet train forcing them into a series of escalating confrontations. As the journey progresses, alliances are tested, secrets are exposed, and the fight for survival becomes as fast-paced as the train itself.
Writers: Zak Olkewicz, Kôtarô Isaka
Release Date: 05 Aug 2022
Runtime: 127 min
Rating: R
Country: Japan, United States
Language: English, Japanese, Spanish, Russian