Four Brothers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Four Brothers" presents a commendable video transfer that capitalizes on its original high-definition source material. Encoded as 1080p/MPEG-2 and framed in 2.35:1 widescreen, the Blu-ray maintains a light grain structure that enhances its film-like appearance. The image boasts impressive detailing, particularly in faces, fine clothing lines, and the various urban settings, from creased leather to bullet-riddled bricks. Colors remain vibrant, as exhibited in the bright and varied opening scene at the convenience store. Despite a generally darker and grayer tone reflective of the film’s cold weather backdrop, the color palette remains accurate and well-rendered, with consistent skin tones and solid blacks.

This transfer exhibits minimal imperfections, with slight shimmering on certain textured surfaces but otherwise free of significant artifacts like blemishes or dropouts. Deep and consistent blacks enhance contrast, while natural sharpness underscores the clarity of the visuals. Unlike its standard DVD predecessor, this Blu-ray release eschews excessive edge enhancement in favor of a smoother yet not overly soft image, resulting in substantial depth improvement. However, there is occasional crushing of dark colors in shadowed areas which slightly detracts from detail. In comparing this Blu-ray to its HD DVD counterpart, differences are minimal and likely attributable to player-specific variances, calibration differences, or hardware limitations. Overall, "Four Brothers" on Blu-ray offers a polished, high-quality visual experience consistent with Paramount's robust transfer capabilities.

The Blu-ray release of "Four Brothers" features both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround tracks, but unfortunately, these sound presentations fall short in comparison to typical high-definition action movie standards. Paramount provides a Dolby Digital track at a bitrate of 640kbps and a DTS track, but both fail to deliver a robust auditory experience. The Dolby Digital track, while offering clear and accurate music reproduction, is limited in terms of energy and envelopment. The front channels are underwhelming with minimal use of the back channels, resulting in a lackluster sense of space and urgency. Gunshots, whether isolated or in a barrage, sound disappointingly weak, lacking the impactful punch expected from action sequences. Notably, the dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout.

Despite some technically sound aspects, such as pleasing dynamic range and solid frequency performance, "Four Brothers" suffers from uninspired sound design and subdued surround effects. The lack of high-end engagement and dull low bass that plagued the original DVD release are slightly improved with the higher bitrate Dolby track, yet these improvements are marginal. Surround use is sporadic at best; even with scenes that should exploit the full potential of 5.1 surround sound, like basketball games or shootouts, the mix remains heavily front-focused. Directionality is occasionally evident with sound effects but fails to create an immersive audio experience. Overall, both Dolby Digital and DTS tracks handle basic elements satisfactorily but collectively disappoint by not leveraging the dynamic potential inherent in the film’s action-oriented content.

The Blu Ray release of "Four Brothers" offers a solid array of extras that will satisfy fans of the film. The highlight is the audio commentary by Director John Singleton, where he delves into plot details, filmmaking styles, themes, music choices, and more. Singleton's insights are engaging, although his delivery is somewhat inconsistent. The disc also features several concise featurettes, each focusing on different aspects of the film's production, such as writing, character development, visual style, and key action scenes. The deleted scenes provide additional context to the storyline but are presented in subpar video quality. Complementing these extras is the film's theatrical trailer in high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth insights from Director John Singleton.
• The Look of Four Brothers: Discussion on the film's Western inspirations and visual style.
• Crafting Four Brothers: Writers talk about plot and character development.
• Behind the Brotherhood: Insights on character traits and cast performances.
• Mercer House Shootout: Behind-the-scenes look at the signature action scene.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes that didn't make the final cut.
• Four Brothers Theatrical Trailer: The film's original trailer in HD.

"Four Brothers," directed by John Singleton, dives into familiar themes of inner-city violence and revenge, blending them to deliver a captivating tale of family and vengeance. The plot is straightforward: four foster brothers—Bobby (Mark Wahlberg), Angel (Tyrese Gibson), Jeremiah (André Benjamin), and Jack (Garrett Hedlund)—seek justice after their adoptive mother, Evelyn (Fionnula Flanagan), is murdered in what initially seems like a convenience store robbery. As they dig deeper, they uncover layers of deception and realize that her death was far from random. The narrative's strength lies in its exploration of familial bonds and the chemistry among the main cast, who palpably convey a sense of unity and authenticity.

Singleton's direction shines as he employs an adept pace that keeps the audience engaged while emphasizing the strong camaraderie among the characters. The film balances moments of high-octane action with genuine emotional beats, often finding its heart in David Elliot and Paul Lovett's script. Despite relying on conventional plot twists, "Four Brothers" distinguishes itself through the integrity and relatable performances of its leads. Noteworthy is Fionnula Flanagan's performance, which profoundly impacts the narrative despite her character’s early demise. Singleton's visual style and use of music inject vibrant energy, reminiscent of his earlier works.

While "Four Brothers" effectively portrays the consequences of vigilante justice and its toll on everyone involved, it also grapples with the delicate balance between exploring its serious subject matter and potentially glorifying violence. The film includes some complex dynamics—occasional lapses into humor and homoerotic undertones—that may challenge its moral foundation. However, the movie excels in presenting realistic, multi-faceted characters that elevate it above genre clichés, turning it into a memorable piece of cinema reflective of both the best and worst aspects of humanity.

'Four Brothers' succeeds as an engaging crime thriller that jumps above the typical fare, thanks to its robust character work and standout performances. The storyline itself may not break new ground, but the cast injects a vibrancy that elevates the film well above expectations. John Singleton’s direction enhances the narrative by establishing an emotional connection with the audience, creating an intimate experience often missing from this genre. The character dynamics and the depth of the actors' portrayals turn what could have been a simple action movie into something much more memorable.

Paramount's Blu-ray release offers solid, if unspectacular, HD video quality that captures the essence of the film's gritty urban landscape beautifully. However, the release falls short in terms of audio, featuring only bland lossy 5.1 soundtracks. The assortment of extra features, imported from previous standard definition editions, is average and somewhat uninspiring. The technical aspects are competent enough to make it a worthy watch, but there's a prevailing sense that with a bit more effort, particularly in audio fidelity and supplementary content, this Blu-ray release could have been exceptional.

Overall, 'Four Brothers' is a notable entry in John Singleton’s career, showcasing his knack for character-driven storytelling after a string of high-commercial but less soulful films. This Blu-ray edition, while not groundbreaking, provides a respectable viewing experience that complements the film's strengths. The current release earns a recommendation for its ability to deliver a pure and potent mix of action and drama at a reasonable price point. Upgrades in sound quality and additional extras would make future re-releases even more appealing.