Furie Blu-ray Review

"Furie," presented on Blu-ray by Well Go USA, offers a visually striking experience, thanks to its meticulous use of color and detail. The film, likely shot using Arri Alexa cameras and finished at a 2K digital intermediate, showcases a rich color palette dominated by deep blues, purples, and greens. The opening scenes set in Hai and Mai’s home are notably more neutral in color grading, but the shift to Saigon brings out more vivid hues. The 1080p transfer, encoded with AVC in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, excels in fine detailing and offers impressive depth of field in outdoor sequences. This clarity extends to costume patterns and intricate textures like hemp rope which appear exceptionally precise.

However, the presentation is not without flaws. Notable banding issues arise, particularly in the darker scenes of the movie's final third. These defects are most evident during shadowy sequences, such as the climactic train fight, where the banding becomes quite intrusive. Despite these imperfections, the overall picture quality remains compelling, making "Furie" a visually arresting watch on Blu-ray.

Furie" offers an exceptionally dynamic audio experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track in Vietnamese. This audio presentation delivers an immersive experience, vividly capturing the intensity and action throughout the film. The robust 7.1 mix greatly enhances spatial dimensions, making excellent use of the surround channels. The film opens with a profound bass line that establishes an engaging atmosphere, immediately captivating the audience. As the narrative progresses, especially when Hai embarks on her visceral search for her daughter, the audio landscape dramatically intensifies, engulfing the listener in pure audial adrenaline. Surround channels come alive with vivid details such as faint murmurings in a hospital or the tangible rumble of a train, all underscored by a punishing LFE that reverberates powerfully with each action sequence.

The contrast between the original Vietnamese track and the English dub is quite significant. The Vietnamese DTS-HD MA 7.1 track not only offers better dynamic range but also seamlessly integrates effects and ambient sounds to create a fully immersive listening environment. The English DTS-HD MA 5.1 dub, while functional, falters with subpar voice work that detracts from the film's authenticity. Dialogue in the Vietnamese track is clean and clear, ensuring that it's not overshadowed by the rich tapestry of sound effects enveloping the narrative. Moreover, scenes featuring vehicles or large crowds further showcase the track's ability to populate surround channels effectively, drawing the listener deep into the movie's world.

Overall, for those seeking an audially rich and authentic experience, the Vietnamese DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is clearly the superior choice, delivering a powerhouse audio presentation that significantly elevates the cinematic experience of "Furie.

The Blu-ray release of "Furie" offers a robust range of bonus content that provides interesting insights into the film's production. The extras are seamlessly integrated, following each other automatically, making for a cohesive viewing experience. The primary behind-the-scenes material includes four short EPKs: Difficult Action Scenes, French Action Team, Mai Cat Vi, and Phan Thanh Nhien. Each of these featurettes provides valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives on the intricacies and challenges of the film's action sequences. Additionally, there's a trailer for "Furie," followed by automatic trailers for other releases from Well Go USA.

Extras included in this disc:

• Difficult Action Scenes: Insights into challenging action sequences (3:16).
• French Action Team: A look at the French team involved in action choreography (2:34).
• Mai Cat Vi: Focuses on actress Mai Cat Vi (3:38).
• Phan Thanh Nhien: Highlights Phan Thanh Nhien's role in the film (3:43).
• Trailer: Official trailer for "Furie" (1:55).

"Furie" is undeniably a compelling action thriller with strong emotional undertones, drawing inevitable comparisons to the "Taken" series. The narrative focuses on Hai Phuong, portrayed by Veronica Ngo, who must utilize her formidable skills to rescue her abducted daughter, Mai. Unlike Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills, Hai's character is grounded by her relatable desperation and visceral anguish, deriving from her dual role as a mother and a trained enforcer for a local mafia. The film effectively establishes Hai and Mai's nuanced, albeit strained, relationship before plunging into the high-stakes rescue mission. This initial character development adds depth, making the subsequent action sequences intensely personal and emotionally charged.

The film’s relentless pace is bolstered by countless dynamic combat scenes, showcasing impressive choreography and the seldom-seen martial art of Vovinam. While the plotline follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, it is punctuated by intense moments that keep the audience engaged. Hai's journey through Saigon is a violent odyssey, marked by confrontations with both male and female antagonists, all of whom underscore the dangerous world of child trafficking and organ harvesting. The integration of Hai’s tumultuous past and ongoing struggles enriches her character, making her determination to retrieve her daughter all the more compelling.

"Furie" benefits immensely from Ngo’s powerful performance, who impeccably conveys Hai’s escalating panic and relentless drive. The film’s visual palette captures the stark and sometimes grimy beauty of Vietnamese locales, adding a distinct cultural layer to the narrative. Despite occasional exposition-heavy moments, "Furie" surpasses expectations with its emotional depth and adrenaline-fueled action, making it a notable entry in the action-thriller genre.

"Furie" is more than just a standard action film and manages to create a captivating backstory that invokes genuine empathy for its characters. Unlike some of its genre counterparts, the film offers depth beyond its high-octane sequences. Veronica Ngo delivers a compelling performance as Hai, an underdog who endures substantial physical and emotional strain, which contrasts with the near-invincibility typical of similar protagonists. This vulnerability enhances the film’s climactic moments, especially during the intense final confrontation on the train. Despite a few awkward scenes, "Furie" stands out as an exhilarating addition to the Asian action cinema landscape.

In terms of technical specifications, "Furie" boasts a solid Blu-ray transfer. The video encode maintains high quality throughout, with the 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio presenting the vibrant Vietnamese locales in stunning detail. The audio offerings are robust, featuring Vietnamese DTS-HD MA 7.1, Vietnamese DD 2.0, English DTS-HD MA 5.1, and English DD 2.0 tracks. These ensure an immersive auditory experience, which complements the film’s visual prowess. However, the Blu-ray’s extras are minimal, adhering to what’s expected from Well Go USA, slightly diminishing the overall home video package.

In conclusion, "Furie" takes a familiar premise and elevates it through strong character development and captivating action sequences. Its technical merits bolster the experience, making it a recommended watch for fans of Asian action films. The lack of substantial extras is a minor drawback, but it doesn’t overshadow the film’s engaging narrative and technical quality. For those seeking a thrilling yet emotionally grounded journey, "Furie" is an excellent choice.