Hanna Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Hanna" boasts an exceptional 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that commands attention for its deft handling of the film's visually eclectic narrative. From the stark, snowy expanses and cozy firelit cabins to the sterile environments of CIA facilities, vibrantly lit by the green hues of computer screens, the transfer navigates the variety with a masterful precision that enhances the viewing experience. The attention to detail is notable throughout, with each scene rendered in such a way that textures are naturally resolved, and the delineation is impressively satisfying. Although the film embraces a range of visual styles, from soft and gritty to vivid dreamscapes, this diversity serves the director's vision without compromising on clarity or visual integrity. Issues like artifacting and aliasing are noticeably absent, ensuring a clean and immersive viewing experience.

The video quality shines with a crispness and fidelity to detail that brings the characters and environments to life with remarkable clarity. Close-ups of characters reveal lifelike textures in their attire and surroundings, reflecting a high level of detail that contributes to the film’s atmospheric storytelling. Contrast is skilfully moderated to complement the film's moody atmosphere, with black levels consistently deep and true, adding to the sense of depth and dimensionality in each frame. While the palette may be influenced by the cinematography’s deliberate choices, with secondary hues downplayed, primaries burst through with vibrancy and accuracy.

Despite a few minor lapses where shadow details might appear slightly compromised, the overall clarity remains unaffected, ensuring that even in dimly lit scenes or those with complex lighting arrangements, background details and objects remain distinctly visible. This consistency in visual quality ensures that "Hanna" on Blu-ray is a visual treat that does justice to the filmmakers' ambitious vision, making it not just a compelling narrative experience but also a showcase of high-fidelity home cinema.

Universal's release of "Hanna" on Blu Ray is accompanied by an exhilarating audio experience that showcases the prowess of its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, making it a candidate for one of the finest lossless mixes available. The audio execution is a masterclass in clarity and detail, with dialogue that not only remains clear and intelligible amidst the action but enhances the cinematic experience by syncing flawlessly with the highs and lows of the film's tempo. This sonic landscape is densely populated with a mixture of crystal-clear effects, superior prioritization, and exact directionality, all while being underscored by the Chemical Brothers' compelling score. The mix's handling of ambient sounds and effects through the rear speakers adds a layer of depth that is both enveloping and immersive, creating a soundfield that is meticulously crafted yet feels effortlessly natural.

The audio track excels in delivering a robust and dynamic range where the low frequencies are given ample room to flex their muscles, producing deep, impactful booms that enrich every action-packed moment without overwhelming the intricate details of the soundscape. The LFE channel's presence is potent, lending gravity to scenes with its precise and powerful output. Additionally, the mix shines in its ability to maintain a balanced soundscape where even amid the bustling electronica and thematic reverberations, dialogue slices through the mix with pristine clarity. The seamless movement and panning between channels further amplify the immersive quality of Hanna's auditory world, making for a thoroughly satisfying listening experience.

Furthermore, the attention to detailed audio dynamics is evident in the handling of higher frequencies and the seamless integration of music into the soundstage, where The Chemical Brothers' soundtrack is not merely background but a pivotal component of the storytelling mechanism. This results in an all-encompassing auditory experience that captures the imagination and catapults the viewer into Hanna's thrilling journey. The rear channels are utilized judiciously, offering ambient sounds and musical cues that complement rather than compete with the frontal action, ensuring a soundfield that is as captivating as it is coherent. With such precision in audio design, "Hanna's" Blu Ray audio track stands out as an exemplar of how sound can elevate the cinematic experience, demonstrating both restraint and auditory flamboyance where necessary.

The Blu-ray extras for "Hanna" offer a concise yet insightful look into the making of this action-packed film, although falling slightly short of expectations for those hungering for comprehensive behind-the-scenes material. The standout feature is undoubtedly the audio commentary by director Joe Wright, who gives a thorough analysis of the inception, development, and multiple facets of the film, including characters, story, music, and imagery without meandering off topic. Featurettes such as "Adapt or Die" and "Central Intelligence Allegory" provide further depth, discussing aspects from fight choreography to the film's allegorical elements with key cast members. While the "Anatomy of an Scene: The Escape from Camp G" feels too brief, it alongside "Chemical Reaction" offers a welcome peek into Wright’s directorial process and his collaboration with The Chemical Brothers for the score. Yet, the relatively meager selection of deleted scenes and an alternate ending might leave some fans wanting more. The extras are rounded off with a basic promo and trailer, plus BD-Live functionality and bookmarking features, making it a decent package for fans itching to dive deeper into Hanna’s world.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Joe Wright provides an in-depth solo commentary on the film's creation.
• Adapt or Die: A look at fight training, character development, and action scene crafting.
• Central Intelligence Allegory: Dissects the film's allegorical elements and story with key cast members.
• Chemical Reaction: An exploration of the collaboration with The Chemical Brothers for the film's score.
• Anatomy of a Scene: The Escape from Camp G: A concise breakdown of crafting an action scene.
• Deleted Scenes and Alternate Ending: Includes several deleted scenes and an alternate storyline conclusion.
• The Wide World of Hanna: A very brief EPK feature.
• Hanna Promo: Promotional video for the film.
• BD-Live Functionality & News Ticker
• My Scenes Bookmarking: Allows viewers to bookmark their favorite scenes.

Hanna," as captured in the Blu-ray presentation, straddles multiple genres with a deftness that belies its fairy tale roots, evolving into a dark, pulsating narrative that defies conventional categorization. Directed by Joe Wright, the film embarks on a journey that commences in the icy wilderness of Finland and spans continents, mixing elements of action, thriller, and an off-kilter coming-of-age story that centers around the eponymous Hanna Heller (played by Saoirse Ronan) with remarkable finesse. Trained by her father, Erik (Eric Bana), to be an assassin, Hanna's story arc is propelled by her decision to confront a shadowy CIA operative, Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett), weaving a tale that's as much about personal discovery as it is about survival.

The movie thrives on its ability to challenge and entertain in equal measure. Wright's direction ensures that the action sequences are tight, visceral experiences, complemented by The Chemical Brothers' electrifying score that adds an urgent, rhythmic pace to the narrative. What sets "Hanna" apart is not just its thrilling storyline but its thematic depth and the complexity of its characters — from Hanna's innocence and lethality to Wiegler's cold pragmatism. The cast delivers compelling performances, with Ronan's portrayal of Hanna standing out for its balance of vulnerability and ferocity, making the character both daunting and endearing.

Technically, the Blu-ray movie presentation accentuates these elements through crisp visuals and a dynamic audio track that immerses viewers fully into Hanna’s world. From the desolate Finnish landscapes to the chaotic urban sprawl of Morocco and Germany, the cinematography captures the stark contrasts that Hanna navigates. The film does not shy away from exploring the dichotomies of its universe — blending fairy tale motifs with stark realism, creating a riveting experience that's enhanced by the Blu-ray’s high-definition clarity. While "Hanna" might confound some with its genre-bending narrative and stylistic flourishes, it remains a uniquely compelling watch that benefits greatly from its Blu-ray presentation.

Hanna," as directed by Joe Wright, presents an enthralling blend of a coming-of-age story and an espionage thriller that grips the audience with its unorthodox storytelling and captivating performances, notably from Cate Blanchett and the prodigious Saoirse Ronan. This film transcends conventional narrative frameworks, providing a visual and auditory feast that is both fantastical and deeply engaging. The Blu-ray release by Universal is commendable, delivering outstanding video and audio quality that elevates the viewing experience. The video transfer is stunning, showcasing the film’s dynamic visual style in high definition, accompanied by an electrifying DTS-HD Master Audio track that immerses viewers in its unique world. Despite a straightforward plot, the film's brisk pacing and Wright's distinctive direction ensure that it remains a compelling watch from start to finish.

While the Blu-ray supplements might leave some desiring more, they nonetheless constitute an intriguing addition that complements the main feature well. The package’s dedication to technical excellence is apparent, with nearly reference-level audio and video presentation that faithfully reproduces the film's atmospheric intensity and stylistic choices. It's worth noting that "Hanna" might not cater to all tastes, given its distinct approach to storytelling and genre blending — it's a film that dares to be different, which is precisely where it finds its strength and charm.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Hanna" is a testament to the film's unique appeal and Universal’s commitment to quality. It stands out not only for its superb technical merits but also for presenting a movie that challenges genre norms and offers an extraordinarily memorable cinematic journey. This release comes highly recommended for aficionados of the espionage genre and viewers seeking a film that combines stellar performances with a visually and sonically immersive experience. "Hanna" might not enchant everyone, but it's guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on those it does captivate.