Cop Car Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Cop Car" is a commendable visual presentation, reflecting the film's distinctive aesthetic choices. The encoding in MPEG-4 AVC at a resolution of 1080p with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1 ensures a solid and steady image quality. Color reproduction leans toward a muted palette with naturally rendered tones that align with the filmmakers' intentions. Though the visuals are generally subdued, there is appreciable detail, particularly in close-up shots which reveal the intricate textures of facial hair, scrapes, cuts, freckles, and diverse environmental elements. The desert landscapes filmed in Colorado are captured with clarity, showcasing the intricacies of the natural textures. While not vibrant, the chromatic scheme effectively conveys the film's atmosphere without introducing any visual issues such as macroblocking or excess noise.

Black levels are consistent and well-delineated, providing satisfactory contrast, especially in nighttime scenes where shadow detail is paramount. Skin tones appear accurate, though occasionally flat under certain lighting conditions. The attention to detail is remarkable; every blade of grass, dust on the cop car, textured clothing, and rough terrain come through with precision. The image maintains depth, presenting objects and characters distinctly within their environments without any blurring during movements. Despite the film's budgetary constraints and its low-key visuals, "Cop Car" demonstrates high proficiency in Blu-ray transfer, delivering an image that meets professional standards and enhances the viewing experience without distraction from technical flaws or artifacts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Cop Car" excels in delivering a nuanced and immersive audio experience, perfectly enhancing the film's sparse but atmospheric setting. Dialogue clarity is consistently excellent, with discernible intonation that results in lifelike vocal reproduction. The mix positions voices accurately within the soundscape, allowing them to move naturally across the frame in relation to the character's screen position. This effective dialogue placement significantly contributes to the realism of the scenes, whether it’s the kids conversing as they traverse the prairie or the subtle shifts in vocal position during moving shots.

Dynamics are another strong point of this audio presentation. The film's minimalist score allows ample space for sound effects to shine. Winds that sweep across the soundstage, rustling leaves, and grasses are rendered with a naturally immersive quality. In the climactic shootout, gunfire has a solid punch with appropriate low-frequency emphasis, and shell casings clink on the ground with a realistic timbre. Surround channels are effectively utilized, picking up ambient sounds like whistling winds and delivering sporadic gunfire with weighty impact. The subwoofer gets a workout from car engines, doors shutting, and inventive drum beats featured in the soundtrack, providing nicely placed low-frequency effects that enrich the viewing experience.

Overall, this DTS-HD 5.1 mix is well-crafted, offering an outstanding balance of dialogue clarity, dynamic range, and surround sound presentation. Despite its simplicity, it creates a compelling audio atmosphere that supports the film's thematic tone and visual storytelling. The authentic placement and movement of audio elements make viewers feel engaged and part of the action, enhancing the overall cinematic experience without overwhelming it.

The Blu-ray release of "Cop Car" offers a minimal but supportive addition to the main feature, centered around the single extra titled "Their First and Last Ride: The Making of 'Cop Car'." Running just under three minutes, this featurette is more promotional than documentary, presenting an engaging yet brief behind-the-scenes glimpse into the film's production. It covers aspects such as the interior of the cop car, the creation of stunt sequences, and a shootout scene, all interspersed with clips from the movie. While it touches upon characters, themes, and filming process, it ultimately feels like an extended trailer rather than an in-depth exploration. The disc also includes a Digital HD Copy for added viewing flexibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• Their First and Last Ride: The Making of 'Cop Car': Brief look into the film’s production.

Director Jon Watts' "Cop Car" is a tantalizing blend of youthful naivety and dark suspense, centered around two ten-year-olds, Travis (James Freedson-Jackson) and Harrison (Hays Wellford), who stumble upon an abandoned police cruiser in a field. Their decision to embark on a joyride sets off a chain of harrowing events as they inadvertently become entangled in the nefarious dealings of Sheriff Kretzer, played with menacing prowess by Kevin Bacon. The film thrives on its simplicity; it trades verbose dialogues for action-driven storytelling and minimal backstory to maintain an unwavering focus on the children's perspective. Watts' direction meticulously balances the innocent curiosity of the boys against the looming danger, resulting in an escalating tension that grips the audience.

"Cop Car" effectively captures the essence of childhood curiosity and recklessness, a time when boundaries are tested and consequences seem distant. The script keenly understands its young protagonists, showcasing their authentic behaviors and speech patterns as they navigate their newfound freedom, initially treating the abandoned vehicle as just another game. The film's suspension of disbelief hinges on moments of genuine thrill and fear, particularly when the boys discover and experiment with the car's cache of weapons. These scenes elicit a visceral response from the audience, who can foresee the imminent danger, thus heightening the tension.

Kevin Bacon's portrayal of Sheriff Kretzer stands out as a high point, his character's sinister undertones gradually unfolding through deliberate nuances rather than overt exposition. The juxtaposition between Kretzer's malevolence and the boys' innocence amplifies the stakes, creating a compelling cat-and-mouse narrative across a sparsely populated landscape. With its tight editing and careful pacing, "Cop Car" doesn't overcomplicate its premise, relying on the raw performances of its young leads and Bacon’s chilling presence to deliver a gripping thriller. The film’s stripped-down approach, combined with cinematography that captures the stark beauty of its rural setting, underscores an unnerving journey from carefree adventure to desperate survival.

"Cop Car," directed by Jon Watts, is a prime example of minimalist filmmaking executed with finesse. The film's simplicity and tight narrative enhance its relatability, offering a blend of kid-centric adventure woven with darker, adult themes. Imagine the adventurous spirit of "Zathura" meshed with the tension and peril of "No Country for Old Men," and you'll have a sense of what "Cop Car" delivers. While it may not reach the heights of those comparison points, the film stands out for its precise character depiction, impeccable pacing, and top-notch technical construction. Universal's Blu-ray release does justice to these qualities, providing stellar video and audio presentations.

The film excels in its ability to explore themes such as friendship and innocence amidst danger. It provides a gripping portrayal of how young kids might react to perilous situations, underscoring their naiveté. The audiovisual quality on Blu-ray is impressive, elevating the viewing experience with sharp imagery and immersive soundscapes, capturing the essence of every scene with clarity. Despite its brief runtime, "Cop Car" remains engaging, filled with suspense and moments that evoke genuine thrills and laughter.

As for the supplementary materials, the release falls short of expectations, offering minimal extras. However, this minor drawback does little to detract from the overall value of the Blu-ray. Priced attractively from day one, it remains a highly recommended addition to any film enthusiast's collection solely on the strength of the movie itself.

In conclusion, "Cop Car" stands as an under-the-radar gem of 2015. Its lean narrative, combined with solid technical execution on Blu-ray, makes it a must-watch. Despite lacking in extras, the film's inherent merits make it a worthy purchase, ensuring an enjoyable cinematic experience from start to finish. Highly recommended.