Blown Away Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Blown Away" showcases an intricate balance between immaculate preservation and the inherent limitations of its original cinematographic experimentation. Director Hopkins and cinematographer Peter Levy experimented with flashing, pre-exposing the film to light to alter contrast and color, which led to a somewhat muted color palette. Explosive scenes exhibit vibrant orange fireballs, but many other colors remain undersaturated, shrouded in a slight haze, notably evident in the wedding sequence. In this context, the 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer from Kino astutely reflects the film's original visual intent.

Despite being compressed onto a BD-25 disc with a bitrate of 17.94 Mbps, the image remains clear and detailed without any significant artificial sharpening or high-frequency filtering. While blacks may not be as deep due to the flashing technique, dark interior scenes—like the ship where Gaerity's ultimate bomb is constructed—show commendable visibility, allowing viewers to appreciate intricate details. Occasional minor speckles in the source material do not detract from the overall integrity of the image.

The transfer excels in several areas, demonstrating a superb preservation of the film grain which enhances the detail, particularly in close-ups and medium shots. Wide shots appear softer but remain impressive. Colors generally exhibit good presence and feel natural; flesh tones, in particular, look healthy and authentic. The brief color timing differences in the film's opening Irish prison sequence seem rooted in the original materials rather than any contemporary re-editing. Black levels and shadows are consistent but can sometimes render the image flat in darker scenes. Overall, this transfer serves as an exceptional representation considering the vintage of the film and stands as a testament to its enduring visual appeal.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track for "Blown Away" is an impressive demonstration of mid-90s digital surround sound technology. This track expertly handles both the explosive dynamics of Gaerity’s bombs and the more nuanced everyday sounds, such as oven dials turning or telephone cords being connected. The audio provides a visceral experience during action sequences, especially the climactic explosion and fireworks display. Each stage of Gaerity's elaborate bomb construction, from mercury pouring to fuses burning, is given distinctive and impactful sound treatment. This careful orchestration of sound effects supplies the listener with a dramatic shift between macro and micro perspectives, immersing you into the mind of a meticulous bombmaker.

Dialogue clarity remains a persistent issue due to the required redubbing of Jeff Bridges and Tommy Lee Jones's lines, where some words lack crispness and alignment with the actors' lip movements. This minor drawback can be mitigated by the use of subtitles. On a more positive note, Alan Silvestri’s score significantly enhances the emotional undertones of the narrative while maintaining balance in quieter scenes with atmospheric background noises. Highlights include the iconic 1812 Overture by the Boston Pops and several U2 tracks, which contribute to a rich auditory palette. The inclusion of a DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, although possibly unnecessary given the film’s original audio format, adds another layer of choice for listeners preferring stereo sound.

In conclusion, "Blown Away’s" audio track is consistently engaging, providing strong bass responses during intense scenes while ensuring dialogue and subtler sound effects are adequately represented. The well-balanced levels and intricate sound imaging make it a technically proficient and thrilling auditory experience.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray edition of "Blown Away" significantly enhances the offering of extras compared to MGM's 1997 DVD, which contained only a trailer. The disc includes a commentary by director Stephen Hopkins, who delivers an engaging and informative track despite the passage of over two decades. His insights into the film's practical effects, especially the logistics of shooting explosions in ways no city would permit today, are particularly enlightening. The supplementary content also features a promotional piece hosted by Lloyd Bridges, providing both vintage interviews with main cast members and behind-the-scenes looks. Additionally, a Joe Cocker music video and the original theatrical trailer round out the collection, providing a comprehensive package for fans and film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Stephen Hopkins: Insightful commentary focusing on practical effects and production details.
• The Making of Blown Away: A Day in the Life of the Bomb Squad: Hosted by Lloyd Bridges with interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
• Take Me Home Music Video: A performance by Joe Cocker & Bekka Bramlett.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Enhanced version of the original film trailer.

"Blown Away," directed by Stephen Hopkins, offers a compelling yet flawed take on the mad bomber genre of the 90s. Despite its release timing disadvantage against "Speed," this film stands out due to its unique rhythm, focusing more on dramatic storytelling interspersed with intense action sequences. The film's technical efforts by Hopkins and cinematographer Peter Levy aimed for a gritty '70s thriller feel, but they missed the mark, leading to an unremarkable visual palette that attracted criticism. The film’s production also struggled with logistical issues, notably the need for extensive ADR work to amend incomprehensible Irish accents from stars Jeff Bridges and Tommy Lee Jones, which ended up sounding inauthentic and drew derision from critics.

The narrative unfolds around IRA bomber Ryan Gaerity (Tommy Lee Jones), who escapes a 20-year imprisonment using a bomb made from common ingredients, aiming to exact revenge on his former protégé Jimmy Dove (Jeff Bridges), now living in Boston under a new identity. The plot focuses heavily on their personal vendetta, with Gaerity targeting Dove's loved ones through increasingly elaborate and theatrically convoluted explosive devices. Jeff Bridges portrays Jimmy as a man haunted by his past deeds and present deceptions, while Tommy Lee Jones delivers a manic performance, albeit marred by his heavily criticized accent, making Gaerity's insanity palpable but sometimes distracting.

Director Hopkins orchestrates several memorable set pieces, particularly the Rube Goldberg-esque bomb setups that intensify the stakes with each sequence. The film’s climax, set to the William Tell Overture, epitomizes its blend of suspense and spectacle. While "Blown Away" suffers from some dated elements and imperfect performances, its intricate bomb designs and intense narrative provide an engaging experience for fans of '90s thrillers. The Blu-ray release by Kino Studio Classics presents the film effectively, despite being locked on a BD25 disc.

Kino Lorber delivers a commendable Blu-ray release of "Blown Away," revitalizing this 90s action thriller with notable clarity and sound. The film, starring Jeff Bridges and Tommy Lee Jones, centers on a bomb squad officer and a vengeful bomber whose intricate explosive setups create palpable tension. The meticulous restoration in HD ensures the grain and texture align closely with the original cinematic experience, while the audio track, enhanced for modern systems, immerses viewers with every explosion and subtle sound cue.

This release gains substantial value from its supplementary material. The commentary by director Stephen Hopkins provides fascinating context, particularly relating to the socio-political climate during production. The included featurettes and interviews delve deep into the film’s technical aspects, offering insights into the special effects and narrative design. Fans of action cinema will appreciate the high-definition transfer that brings out the film’s dynamic visuals, especially in sequences demonstrating the bomber's elaborate devices.

As Hopkins relates in the new commentary, the production of Blown Away received threats and required extra security because the Irish troubles were still active at the time the film was being made. Today, with a negotiated peace in Ireland, such concerns have receded, and the film is more likely to call up uncomfortable associations with the Boston Marathon bombing. Neither association is particularly relevant to the story, which, in essence, is about a stalker with an unusual skill set. In the hands of lesser actors, the film could easily have veered into nonsense, but Jones and Bridges (father and son) make it work. Kino has delivered an impressive set of extras and a decent video and audio presentation. Recommended.