Wanted

"Wanted" arrives on Blu-ray with a high-caliber 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer that proudly showcases Universal's commitment to quality, although it doesn't quite eclipse the benchmark set by visually stunning pieces like "Baraka" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." The presentation is a treat, characterized by a warm color palette that renders flesh tones with a rosy hue without tipping into over-saturation, preserving the film's natural aesthetic. The transfer respects the original film grain, enhancing the cinematic texture and depth, making for a visually appealing experience that complements the film’s dynamic action sequences and rich urban landscapes.

Detail in the video presentation is particularly commendable, revealing the intricate textures of city environments, from the bricks of Gibson's apartment building to the roughness of street pavement, lending a nearly three-dimensional quality to the visuals. Clothing and facial close-ups display an impressive level of detail, allowing viewers to appreciate the finest nuances of the film’s costume design and actors' expressions. Despite the overall excellence, there are moments, especially nearing the film's climax, where clarity slightly diminishes, and some scenes take on a hazier appearance. However, these instances are few and don't significantly detract from what is largely a reference-quality video transfer.

Universal has done an admirable job with the "Wanted" Blu-ray, offering an experience that almost reaches the pinnacle of home theater picture quality. The balance of color, detail, and maintenance of filmic texture makes it an exemplary showcase for both the film's action-packed visuals and the quieter, more detailed moments. While not without minor flaws, this release stands out as a visually impressive effort that fans of the film and Blu-ray collectors alike will appreciate for its authenticity and cinematic integrity.

The audio experience of "Wanted" on its Blu Ray release is nothing short of a sonic triumph, meticulously crafted to leverage every advantage of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Engulfing the audience in an aural spectacle that is both aggressively loud and exquisitely detailed, this soundtrack stands as a paragon of home theater audio excellence. From the high-octane pharmacy shootout to the intricately designed car chase sequence, the sound design is not just heard but felt - a testament to the soundtrack's ability to command the room with unparalleled bass and precision sound placement. The fine fidelity enriches the action sequences with a visceral intensity, ensuring that each bullet fired and every vehicle collision is experienced in a profoundly immersive manner.

Particularly noteworthy is the level of engagement the soundtrack fosters. Beyond just being loud, its refined tuning and meticulous sound placement knit together a seamless auditory environment that rivals, and in many instances surpasses, traditional movie theater experiences. The soundtrack breathes life into each scene, whether it's through the emphatic score, popular music tracks, or the raw sounds of action unfolding. The relentless LFE channel pushes the boundaries of what one might expect from home audio, delivering every explosion, punch, or shattering glass with such authenticity that it becomes an almost tactile experience.

Among the many highlights, the train fight sequence and its cataclysmic aftermath stand out for their sheer auditory might. This segment alone serves as a formidable stress test for any sound system, ensuring that if it can handle this, it can handle anything. A combination of dynamic range, depth, and clarity propels "Wanted" into a league of its own, making it a benchmark against which future soundtracks will be measured. Encompassing everything from subtle audio cues to the most bombastic moments of action, this soundtrack is a masterclass in how to effectively meld sound with visual storytelling to create an unforgettable cinema experience at home.

The "Wanted" Blu-ray special edition package is an impressive collection for fans, blending a well-designed physical set with a comprehensive suite of extras that delve deep into the making of the film. Housed in a striking box with a unique spent shell casing design, this edition not only appeals visually but also offers a wealth of content across two discs. The set includes exclusive collectible cards and a motion card of Angelina Jolie, enhancing its appeal as a collector's item. Technically, the Blu-ray doesn’t disappoint, featuring Universal's U-Control with four tracks offering an immersive picture-in-picture experience, early scene visualizations, assassin profiles, and extensive behind-the-scenes footage. Additional highlights include high-definition making-of documentaries focusing on visuals, stunts, special effects, and the adaptation process from graphic novel to screen. Also noteworthy is the exploration of the film’s groundbreaking Russian-made visual effects and insights into its video game-based sequel. However, the digital copy's quality is notably subpar compared to contemporary standards. This collection stands out for its unique combination of physical and digital extras, catering well to dedicated fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• U-Control Picture-in-Picture: Offers four tracks with deep dives into production.
• Alternate Opening: High-definition presentation of an unused film opening.
• Extended Scene: A longer cut of a specific scene in standard definition.
• Cast and Characters: In-depth discussions with cast and crew on film’s production.
• Stunts on the L Train: Focuses on one of the film’s key action sequences.
• Special Effects: The Art of the Impossible: Delving into the complex special effects.
• Groundbreaking Visual Effects: Behind-the-scenes on Russian-made visual effects.
• The Origins of 'Wanted': Exploring the graphic novel's adaptation to film.
• Through the Eyes of Visionary Director Timur Bekmambetov: Insights into the director’s approach.
• 'Wanted': Motion Comics: Narrated scenes from the graphic novel.
• The Making of 'Wanted: The Game': A look at the creation of the film’s video game sequel.
• BD-Live Connectivity: Offers additional online content for Blu-ray profile 2.0 users.
• Digital Copy: A digital version of the film, with noted quality issues on portable devices.

"Wanted" delivers a high-octane thrill ride that is a refreshing break from the typical action movie mold. Directed with a flair for the dramatic and the visually stunning, the film heavily leans into the stylistic elements that evoke memories of "The Matrix" for its slow-motion bullet ballet, while injecting the relentless pace of vehicular chase sequences that could give "Fast and Furious" a run for its money. Without resting on the laurels of its predecessors, "Wanted" carves out a distinct identity with a gritty narrative interwoven with unexpectedly twisty plot developments that challenge viewer expectations. It skillfully balances the line between embracing the essence of classic action cinema and pushing the envelope of what modern action filmmaking can achieve, creating a spectacle that's both nostalgically familiar and excitingly innovative.

Central to the film's appeal is James McAvoy's portrayal of Wesley Gibson, a character who transitions from the mundane drudgery of everyday life into a world brimming with danger and destiny. Alongside Angelina Jolie's Fox and Morgan Freeman's Sloan, McAvoy navigates a violently kinetic journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. The casting choices breathe life into the film's fast-paced narrative, ensuring that "Wanted" is as much a story about finding one's place in the world as it is an unbridled action adventure. The film, though not without its quieter moments, seldom slows down enough to let audiences catch their breath, making every moment feel crucial to the overarching narrative.

At its core, "Wanted" adeptly merges genres to present a film that is unapologetically aimed at providing escapism through a barrage of bullets, stunning special effects, and a deeply engaging story of transformation and belonging. It proves to be more than just a visual feast; it's a testament to the endurance of the action genre and its capacity to evolve. With its blend of humor, action, and drama, "Wanted" achieves a level of entertainment that few films can match, firmly establishing itself as a must-watch for enthusiasts seeking both thrill and substance in their cinematic experiences.

"Wanted" is presented on Blu-ray with a quality that catapults it far above the standard fare found in the action genre. Known for its audacious, high-octane action, the movie breaks free from the mold with groundbreaking stunts and special effects that both surprise and engage its audience. It deliberately steers clear of embedding deeper societal or moral commentary within its narrative, focusing purely on delivering a fast-paced, visually stunning experience. This straightforward approach is key to its success, offering viewers an unadulterated feast of cinematic adrenaline without the burden of underlying messages. The performances, both on screen and from the production team, elevate the film further, ensuring that "Wanted" secures its place as a noteworthy, albeit not classic, action spectacle.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Wanted" matches the movie's high-quality visuals and sound with an equally impressive home entertainment package. The picture quality is exceptional, showcasing the film's visual effects and action sequences in brilliant clarity and depth. The audio track is a powerhouse of sound, providing an immersive experience that rivals the best reference soundtracks available. Additionally, this limited edition version enhances the collector's experience by including not only all disc-based supplements from previous editions but also adding exclusive collectibles designed to appeal to the most dedicated fans.

In conclusion, "Wanted" on Blu-ray is a must-have for action enthusiasts seeking a visually and audibly spectacular viewing experience. The film itself offers a refreshing take on the action genre, while the Blu-ray release excels with superb picture and sound quality, complemented by a wealth of extras and collector's items. This combination makes it a standout addition to any home cinema collection, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the high-speed thrills of "Wanted."