Drive Angry Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Drive Angry" delivers an overall satisfying 1080p High Definition video presentation, maintaining the original 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Detail is generally excellent across close-ups and mid-level shots, offering crisp definition. The film's color palette spans from intentionally muted scenes to vibrant and saturated hues, delivering rich mahoganies, intense reds, and deep blacks. Shadow delineation is commendable, allowing for effective depth perception in dimly lit sequences, although certain dark areas could have benefited from slightly more visible detail. The image remains clean and sharp, with minimal digital defects like edge enhancement or noise, though occasional inconsistencies in contrast can result in mildly washed-out whites and slightly softened edges.

The 3D presentation, achieved via MVC and also at 1.78:1, adds another layer of technical merit. Though the 3D does come with a few gimmicky effects such as extending shotguns and flying debris, these elements surprisingly blend well within certain scenes. The spatial depth is well-executed with both distant and close-up visuals achieved with clarity. The detailing shines particularly well in portraying textures—be it facial intricacies or the finer details on car surfaces. However, darker scenes occasionally struggle with maintaining the same level of depth and clarity, evident by moments where aliasing and slight ghosting can occur. Despite being somewhat polished and shiny, the Blu-ray avoids significant issues like intrusive banding or blocking.

Designed with a mix of practical and computer-generated visual effects, "Drive Angry" excels in delivering eye-catching visual treats. The blood splatters, car crashes, and skin tones all exhibit an impressive level of detail that contributes to the immersive viewing experience. Yet, not all aspects are flawless; heavier grain levels might appear sporadically depending on the camera used, slightly affecting the otherwise pristine presentation. Consequently, while dark sequences require improved depth and clarity, well-lit scenes stand out for their demo-worthy quality.

The Blu-ray of "Drive Angry" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that aims to live up to the movie’s high-energy, action-packed aesthetic. This surround mix is exhaustive and omnipresent, ensuring that every gunshot, car engine, and piece of musical score is felt throughout your listening space. The bass is particularly noteworthy, delivering pulsating beats that reach deep into the room. The surround channels contribute actively with a blend of discretely placed sounds and spatial ambience, although subtle nuances tend to take a backseat to blunt force impact. Dialogue is reliably clear, cut through the relentless sonic chaos, ensuring coherent understanding amidst the madness.

Despite its bombastic nature, the track occasionally suffers from a lack of balance and precision in directionality and separation. It's all about overwhelming sensory assault rather than refined atmospherics or accurate imaging. Dynamic range is generally extended and visceral, supporting the film’s brutal action sequences and consistently delivering a stable listening environment through effective integration of front and rear channels. Although the bass levels do not always start high, they ramp up effectively during crucial moments, enhancing the immersive experience.

While the audio presentation does an impressive job of engaging the listener with its intense and dynamic output, it falls just short of achieving demo quality. Some sequences lack the expected 'wow' factor, making parts of the soundtrack feel somewhat underwhelming given the film's relentless pace. Still, for those seeking an auditory experience that is loud, energetic, and unapologetically in-your-face, "Drive Angry" provides a satisfying, albeit not flawless, audio experience perfectly suited for its genre.

The Blu-ray extras of "Drive Angry" offer mixed experiences, catering primarily to die-hard fans. The Audio Commentary with Director Patrick Lussier and Writer Todd Farmer is insightful yet challenging to endure due to Farmer's distracting gravely voice. While they delve into various production aspects, including technical details and actor performances, the commentary's audio quality detracts significantly from the experience. The Picture-in-Picture Track, named Access: Drive Angry, stands out as the most engaging feature, enabling viewers to track character actions, view cast and crew interviews, and explore trivia in real-time. Unfortunately, the Deleted Scenes fail to add any substantial value to the overall package, merely extending already redundant moments with minimal contribution to the plot.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion on various filmmaking aspects but hindered by poor audio.
• Access: Drive Angry: Interactive feature with real-time interviews, trivia, and insights.
• Deleted Scenes: Two negligible scenes with optional commentary.

"Drive Angry" presents itself as an unapologetically audacious action movie, anchored by Nicolas Cage as the undead Milton who escapes hell to avenge his murdered daughter and save his granddaughter from a satanic cult. The plot is as straightforward as it is chaotic—providing a series of high-octane action sequences intertwined with supernatural elements. The film aligns itself with Grindhouse-style cinema but falters in delivering the savvy charm and finesse typically associated with Quentin Tarantino or Robert Rodriguez. Director Patrick Lussier, known for “My Bloody Valentine 3D,” attempts to replicate this stylistic flair but ends up with a derivative blend more akin to an amped-up "Ghost Rider" rather than a standout genre entry like "Death Proof".

Technically, the Blu-ray release holds its own. The video and audio presentations are commendable, amplifying the film's aggressive soundtrack and stylized visuals tailored for 3D, even though it may appear diluted in 2D. The 3D presentation endeavors to enhance the experience but sometimes accentuates the film's hollowness instead. While "Drive Angry" flexes an array of visceral delights—fast cars, explosive gunfights, and scantily-clad women—its repetitive set pieces and inconsistent pacing diminish its thrill impact over time. Yet, it's William Fichtner's portrayal of The Accountant, a devilishly enigmatic character, that stands out, injecting a captivating dose of charisma and dark humor into the proceedings.

While "Drive Angry" strives to be a non-stop adrenaline rush, its convoluted logic and over-the-top antics often lead it astray. Cage's performance is paradoxically restrained for the character's plight, evoking an indifferent energy reminiscent of his role in "Ghost Rider". Nevertheless, the film serves up enough raw, unchecked entertainment to satisfy genre enthusiasts looking for a superficial yet exhilarating spectacle. Despite its shortcomings, it may still reward viewers with its relentless escapism—provided they don't probe too deeply into its structural weaknesses.

"Drive Angry" is an action-centric film featuring Nicolas Cage that, while holding potential, ultimately fails to fully capitalize on its premise. The movie’s plot, thin and formulaic, seems merely a vehicle for a succession of over-the-top action sequences rather than a substantial narrative. Despite an intriguing setup involving a baby's near-sacrifice, the film lacks emotional depth and creativity, aiming for a Tarantino-esque flair but missing the mark. The performance by William Fichtner stands out as a highlight amid an otherwise unremarkable cast, making his character one of the film's main redeeming features.

Summit Entertainment's Blu-ray 3D release of "Drive Angry" presents a solid 1080p transfer that aptly captures the film's vibrant visuals, alongside a robust lossless soundtrack typical of action movies. The 3D effects are commendable, adding an extra layer of immersion to the action scenes. However, the array of extras provided is fairly standard and does not offer considerable added value. The physical release is attractively priced, making it an appealing acquisition for fans of unabashed, high-octane cinema.

In conclusion, while "Drive Angry" may not be groundbreaking in terms of storytelling or emotional resonance, it delivers on thrilling action and spectacle. The Blu-ray 3D release enhances the experience with strong visual and audio quality. This film is a worthwhile watch for action enthusiasts and Nicolas Cage aficionados, particularly if found at a discounted price.