Quicksilver Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Quicksilver" exhibits a strong 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, meticulously capturing the urban grit intended by cinematographer Thomas Del Ruth. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer maintains a film-like texture, enhanced by a natural grain structure that becomes more pronounced during nighttime sequences. Blacks are solid and shadow detail is preserved well, except where deliberately designed otherwise, providing a palpable depth to the image. Color considerations are dynamic; for instance, the muted tones of the trading floors contrast sharply with the vibrant hues found in the messengers' hangouts. Facial complexions and close-ups reveal lifelike textures, ensuring a detailed visual experience that remains true to the era's cinematic aesthetics.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer is commendable. The average bitrate of 25.34 Mbps ensures a consistently high level of detail, from the smallest sidewalk crevices to the intricate architecture of cityscapes, making every frame visually engaging. The image is comfortably bright with brilliant whites and clear visibility into the far distance, depicting California license plates in great detail despite the film’s varied locales attempting to stand in for several distinct urban settings. Motion blur, an inherent challenge in fast-moving scenes involving bikes and car traffic, is handled adeptly though it remains an issue best assessed in real-time viewing rather than screenshots. Minor age-related imperfections in the source material are present but easily forgivable given the overall high quality of the transfer.

While devoid of extras, the space allocation on this BD-25 disc maximizes the 107-minute film's visual integrity. The result is a presentation that honors Del Ruth's original imagery, offering a viewing experience rich in both nostalgia and technical precision to enthusiasts and new viewers alike.

"Quicksilver" features an original stereo soundtrack presented in lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0, and it's evident from the outset that the audio was crafted with music in mind. The pop, sizzle, and boom of the soundtrack, including the theme "Quicksilver Lightning" by Giorgio Moroder and Dean Pitchford, sung by Roger Daltrey, are a highlight. Vocals by notable Eighties artists such as Peter Frampton, John Parr, and Ray Parker Jr., alongside Tony Banks of Genesis's musical underscore, benefit from good stereo separation. This clear delineation ensures the music does not interfere with dialogue or basic sound effects that, while present, remain unremarkable.

However, while the intention behind the stereo mix is clear, execution leaves a mixed impression. The DTS-HD Master Audio stereo soundtrack provides a wide and welcoming imaging, with evenly spread 80s music selections across the soundstage. Low bass adds some weight to the rock tones but lacks depth and authority, resulting in action sequences that feel somewhat empty. The mid-range is clean and fairly detailed but lacks distinction in instrumentation across scenes. While background activity and discrete effects attempt to broaden the soundfield, their impact is limited without convincing channel movement. Dialogue remains clean and intelligible at the center, but overall, the lossless mix accomplishes the basics without distinguishing itself in a notable manner for the 80s action drama genre.

The Blu-ray release of "Quicksilver" unfortunately does not include any special features or extras. This absence is notable compared to the 2002 DVD release, which at least contained some trailers, though specific details about them are not readily available. The lack of supplementary material is disappointing for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate additional context and insights into the film's production, cast, and crew. Blu-ray editions typically distinguish themselves with their enhanced content, yet this release feels sparse in that regard.

Extras included in this disc:

None: The disc contains no extras or supplemental materials.

The 1986 film "Quicksilver," directed by Thomas Michael Donnelly, represents a mixed bag of technical prowess and narrative shortcomings. Starring Kevin Bacon, the movie attempts to blend various genre elements but ultimately delivers a disjointed product. The plot focuses on Jack Casey (Kevin Bacon), a once-prominent floor trader whose reckless decisions lead to financial ruin. Shaving his distinctive moustache marks the beginning of Jack’s transformation as he abandons the dizzying heights of finance for the gritty streets of San Francisco, becoming a bicycle messenger for Quicksilver Express. Despite some initially promising direction and creatively edited makeover scenes, the story struggles to blend its various elements into a cohesive whole.

The narrative oscillates between character-driven drama and crime thriller, with Jack's arc of personal redemption serving as its emotional core. Supporting characters such as Hector (Paul Rodriguez), an ambitious family man, and Terri (Jami Gertz), a naive young woman with a penchant for dishonesty, add color but lack depth. A criminal subplot featuring Laurence Fishburne as a messenger entangled with small-time gangster Gypsy (Rudy Ramos) complicates matters further, diverting attention from the central themes and diluting the film's impact. The film’s inconsistent tonal shifts and underdeveloped secondary storylines leave viewers unsure of its true focus.

From a technical standpoint, "Quicksilver" demonstrates occasional brilliance, particularly in its bike racing sequences, which stand out as the highlights. These scenes provide the movie’s most engaging moments of clarity and purpose. Yet, despite these bursts of visual creativity, the film often falls into workmanlike execution. Kevin Bacon's performance is notable and provides a much-needed anchor amid the film’s narrative inconsistencies, though even his charisma cannot entirely salvage the film’s muddled direction. In summary, "Quicksilver" offers glimpses of potential but ultimately coasts to an unsatisfying finish due to its fractured storytelling and uneven character development.

Quicksilver tells the story of Kevin Bacon as a bike messenger who leaves behind his high-stakes career to find new meaning in life by navigating the bustling city streets. The film manages to capture moments of good storytelling but regrettably loses steam as it transitions needlessly into action genre clichés towards the end. This inconsistency detracts significantly from the overall narrative coherence. Despite these ups and downs, there’s something charming about Bacon's portrayal that occasionally shines through the film's fragmented plot.

The Blu-ray release does an admirable job in terms of audiovisual quality. The picture is presented with impressive clarity, boasting vibrant colors and sharp detail that effectively revive the urban landscape central to the film's setting. The audio, while not exceptional, competently supports the visual experience with clear dialogue and a fitting score. However, the lack of supplemental materials—such as interviews, commentaries, or behind-the-scenes features—renders the overall package somewhat underwhelming for avid collectors and fans.

I hadn't seen Quicksilver since it first appeared, and as I sat down to watch it for this review, I kept wondering why I couldn't remember anything about its plot. A hundred and seven soporific minutes later, I had my answer. The film is such a disjointed, unfocused mess that not even its otherwise appealing leads can keep it interesting. Some films deserve to be forgotten. Quicksilver is one of them. Every film has its fans, and if this one has a special place in your heart, the Blu-ray will not disappoint. Others should look elsewhere.