Faster Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Faster" delivers a meticulously crafted 1080p High Definition transfer in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1. Sony’s handling of this gritty, dark picture is commendable, ensuring an image that resonates with the film’s inherently brooding, hyper-realistic aesthetic. The transfer excels in detailing, capturing everything from the protagonist’s scarred visage and every bead of sweat to the textured dinginess of prison walls and long panoramic vistas. The precise representation of black levels is consistently impressive, maintaining inky depths without crushing details, even in strobe-lit scenes.

Color palettes are purposefully subdued, adhering to de-saturated neutral tones that enhance the film’s cold and gritty atmosphere. Flesh tones align with this visual style, providing an authentic and immersive viewing experience. Although some scenes are affected by heightened contrast leading to washed-out segments, such instances are minimal. The AVC MPEG-4 encode manages grain effectively, delivering a crisp, cinematic texture that's clean and stable throughout. Depth perception is notable for a 2D image, with close-ups and staggered lighting revealing a high level of delineation.

Overall, the video presentation on this Blu-ray disc offers an excellent balance between aesthetic intent and technical execution. While not all scenes reach demo quality, the sharpness and superior detail in many sequences ensure a captivating and visually engaging experience worthy of Sony’s reputation for outstanding transfers. With its robust black levels, identifiable textures, and significant attention to visual fidelity, "Faster" on Blu-ray is a testament to high-caliber film presentation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track on the "Faster" Blu-ray release is nothing short of spectacular, providing a thoroughly immersive auditory experience from start to finish. This ripping soundtrack excels in delivering crystal-clear dialogue, powerful dynamics, and a beautifully aggressive surround sound mix. The mix features distinct spacial dimension and directional sounds that lend the film a realistic and occasionally immersive listening environment. These audio elements work seamlessly with the movie's soundtrack and thematic elements, generating tension and driving the narrative forward with a pulse-pounding rhythm.

From the opening prison scene where footsteps and rattling chains reverberate around the soundstage, the audio presentation grips you with its depth and resonance. The track is thunderous yet detailed, perfectly encapsulating everything from roaring engines and screeching brakes to intense gunfire. The growl of the Chevy Chevelle’s 8-cylinder engine and the punch of Dwayne Johnson's bear-killing revolver are particularly noteworthy, offering an exhilarating auditory experience.

This superb DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix ensures that every audio element—whether the subtle sounds of rattling chains or the bone-jarring impact of a bullet—is rendered with clarity and accuracy. Directional effects and imaging are top-notch, making viewers feel like they are in the thick of the action. Despite the heavy action, dialogue remains clear and comprehensible, underscoring the track's well-balanced nature. In summary, this audio mix is a demo-quality offering that enhances the viewing experience significantly, embodying everything a high-caliber soundtrack should strive to be.

The Blu-ray release of "Faster" offers a modest selection of extras, featuring both behind-the-scenes glimpses and narrative expansions. Standouts include a compelling 12-minute featurette exploring the cast and a specialized look at the film's iconic weapons and vehicles. The alternate ending provides an intriguing, albeit flawed, alternative to the theatrical cut. Complementing these are animatics for key scenes and deleted scenes that, while interesting, contribute minimally to character development. Overall, these extras make for an engaging extension to the primary film experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: Includes an optional director's introduction.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes with optional director's introduction.
• Criminals and Cops: The Cast of Faster: A 12-minute featurette exploring the cast and characters.
• Weapons and Wheels: The Guns, Cars, and Stunts of Faster: A focused exploration of the film’s weaponry and automotive choices.
• Animatics: Pre-visualizations of four pivotal scenes.
• Movie IQ
• BD-Live

"Faster," starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, is a robust return to the action genre, incorporating an exhilarating mix of frenetic pace, gritty style, and adrenaline-pumping sequences. Johnson's portrayal of Driver—a man recently released from a decade in prison and hell-bent on avenging his brother's murder—firmly anchors the film. The narrative pits Driver against a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) and a professional hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), crafting a relentless cat-and-mouse game fraught with intense confrontations and well-executed stunts. While the plot is straightforward, the movie compensates with its stylistic homage to 70s and 80s revenge flicks, ensuring a high-octane experience underscored by complex, if occasionally contrived, character backdrops.

Director George Tillman Jr. skillfully balances the film's visceral action with surprisingly intricate character development. "Faster" avoids the pitfalls of its genre peers by infusing its protagonists with emotional depth, making them more than mere vehicles for action. Though not without flaws—such as disjointed character arcs and somewhat cliched plot points—the film distinguishes itself through its sincerity and commitment to crafting a story with substance. Johnson's performance is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his range beyond physical prowess to deliver a nuanced portrayal of vengeance and redemption. This combination makes "Faster" a gripping and somewhat unpredictable ride that's markedly better than standard action fare.

In summation, "Faster" thrives on its compelling lead, innovative action choreography, and darker tone. While it occasionally stumbles over its ambition, these missteps are overshadowed by the film’s strengths—dynamic performances, intense sequences, and a gritty aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s a solid entry into the action genre and a noteworthy chapter in Johnson's filmography, offering plenty for fans of high-stakes thrillers to enjoy.

"Faster" stands out as an unexpectedly compelling action film that goes beyond the typical muscles-and-guns stereotype. Directed by George Tillman, Jr., this movie successfully weaves complex characters into a straightforward plot, offering more than just a sequence of adrenaline-pumping action scenes. The narrative follows the satisfying journeys of its three primary characters, adding depth and a welcome layer of complexity to the usual action movie formula. These elements distinguish "Faster" as a uniquely engaging entry in the genre. The Blu-ray release by Sony boasts impeccable video and audio quality, although it falls short in offering substantial extra content to accompany the main feature.

However, not everything is spotless. The film does contain some geographical inconsistencies that may distract viewers familiar with the filming locations, and the inaccuracies in the depiction of local law enforcement can be jarring. Despite these flaws, "Faster" remains an entertaining watch, marking an exciting return to the genre for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. The Blu-ray release compensates for some of the film's shortcomings with exceptional audio-visual quality and a decent array of exclusive extras. For action fans, this Blu-ray is worth at least a rental and possibly a purchase once it reaches a suitable price point.

In conclusion, "Faster" offers much more than the usual action fare with its engaging characters and solid direction. While it may have its imperfections, it remains a highly recommended option for action aficionados, particularly given the high-quality Blu-ray presentation. This blend of powerful performances and top-notch technical execution makes "Faster" a standout action film worth adding to any collection.