Chain Reaction Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Chain Reaction" delivers a mixed bag in terms of video quality. Encoded in 1080p/MPEG-2, the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is well-represented. While the transfer exhibits some limitations due to the older MPEG-2 compression, it still shows a significant improvement over the previous DVD release. Video noise is present across frames, which some viewers might confuse as grain, but it doesn’t overly distract from the viewing experience. However, this noise does inhibit the retention of fine details in wider shots and introduces occasional aliasing and other artifacts. The Blu-ray lacks the cleanliness and clarity delivered by more modern codecs like AVC, which limits its performance as a catalog entry for Fox.

Nonetheless, the print is impressively preserved, showing almost no blemishes or dirt, which is surprising for a decade-old film. Black levels are commendable, offering good contrast and detail during darker scenes, particularly evident in close-ups of hair, clothing, and lab equipment. The color palette is accurately presented with cinematographer Frank Tidy's emphasis on blues, grays, and greens faithfully reproduced, enhancing the film’s wintery and clinical atmosphere. Reds notably stand out with vivid intensity, and flesh tones remain generally accurate despite a slight pinkish cast in select shots.

In terms of detail, the depth of image stands out more in close and medium shots while wider shots lose some sharpness due to the compression artifacts. The CGI effects do appear dated and suffer from a degree of softness. Despite these factors, "Chain Reaction" still offers a visually compelling experience with rich, clean colors and minimal edge enhancement. Overall, while not without its small imperfections, the Blu-ray video quality of "Chain Reaction" remains a respectable presentation for its age and source limitations.

The DTS HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Chain Reaction" is an immersive and meticulously crafted experience that stands the test of time. When examining scenes like the initial power-up of the experiment, the surge of energy is palpable, enveloping the listener in a cocoon of sound. Explosive sequences, especially the lab's catastrophic destruction, push the limits of any subwoofer, emphasizing their robustness—or limitations. Throughout the film, ambient sounds are effectively deployed in the surrounds, creating a lively yet grounded auditory environment that enhances realism. The expansive underground facility scenes are particularly notable for their dynamic and engaging surround activity.

Despite some front-heavy tendencies in certain sequences, the track is competently managed with discrete effects well-directed to the rear channels, ensuring precise and nearly transparent channel imaging. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout, maintaining a solid volume balance. Jerry Goldsmith's score is seamlessly integrated into the mix, supporting the film's emotional and dramatic beats with nuance and clarity. Fidelity impressively holds up for a film produced in 1996, delivering deep bass and clean highs that gift the audio presentation with substantial punch and clarity. This balanced mix makes "Chain Reaction" not only an action-packed visual experience but also an auditory delight.

The Blu-ray extras for "Chain Reaction" provide a mixed bag of supplemental content that some may find lacking in substantial value. The Trivia Track supplies a comprehensive stream of on-screen information throughout the film, focusing more on real-world topics like fossil fuels and alternative energy rather than details directly related to the film. Although informative, these graphics can be quite obtrusive. The Theatrical Trailer offers an energetic promo in HD, practically mirroring its DVD counterpart. Additionally, the Fox Flix section includes trailers for several other Fox features, though their quality and relevance may vary. Overall, while these extras deliver some engaging content, they are somewhat marred by limited film-specific insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trivia Track: On-screen information related to real-world topics featured in the movie.
• Theatrical Trailer: An effective HD promotion.
• Fox Flix: Includes trailers for Alien vs. Predator, Broken Arrow, Commando, and the Tim Burton remake of Planet of the Apes.

"Chain Reaction" is a film helmed by Andrew Davis, known for his work on "The Fugitive" and "Under Siege." It stars Keanu Reeves as Eddie Kasalivich, a student engineer embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy involving a groundbreaking hydrogen energy project. The movie blends familiar themes of government and corporate corruption with a chase narrative, reminiscent of 70s thrillers like "Three Days of the Condor." Morgan Freeman plays the dual-natured Dr. Paul Shannon, while Rachel Weisz portrays fellow researcher Lily Sinclair. The movie's plot surges forward after an explosion at their lab, setting off a chain reaction of events that force Eddie and Lily to flee while being hunted by law enforcement and shadowy operatives.

Despite its promising premise and high-minded rhetoric regarding clean energy and societal impacts, "Chain Reaction" often falls into the trappings of a generic action-thriller. Though director Davis displays his skill in staging coherent action sequences without relying heavily on quick cuts, the film ultimately suffers from a lack of character development and depth. The third act especially veers towards standard action fare, diminishing the film’s early intrigue. The vibrant dynamics between Reeves' athleticism and Freeman's enigmatic gravitas could have been further explored but are instead overshadowed by one-dimensional villains and formulaic plot devices.

Technically, the Blu-ray release shows its age, being one of Fox's early attempts at the format, employing MPEG-2 compression on a BD-25 disc with minimal special features. However, it compensates through a straightforward and user-friendly interface. While the film’s image quality might not rival more recent transfers, it provides a serviceable viewing experience punctuated by some spectacular set-pieces like the visually impressive hydrogen explosion scene. Though "Chain Reaction" successfully masquerades as just another Hollywood thriller with a subversive undertone, it struggles to maintain its political edge amid the action-dense narrative. The film remains an enjoyable diversion but leaves audiences yearning for more substance behind its stylish execution.

The Blu-ray release of 'Chain Reaction' offers a mixed experience, blending engaging narrative elements with varying technical performance. The film's storyline benefits from director Andrew Davis' mastery of suspense and pacing, keeping the audience invested throughout with a clear sense of progression and stakes. This craftsmanship is reminiscent of classic thriller techniques and aids in maintaining viewer engagement. However, as a commentary on geopolitical issues, the film falls into the realm of wishful thinking, presenting a rather idealistic view on the discovery and distribution of clean energy.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray release shows some potential but is ultimately limited by its execution. The video transfer is competent with acceptable detail and clarity, although it does not reach the standards set by high-tier Blu-ray titles. The soundtrack is clear and adequately supports the film's ambience, though it lacks the punch and depth seen in more meticulously crafted releases. The inclusion of a Blu-ray-exclusive trivia track adds some value, but given the overall package, it may still seem extraneous to many viewers.

As a thriller, 'Chain Reaction' holds up well, largely because so many directors working today lack Davis' craftsmanship when it comes to setting up a scene and steering an audience through it. (The essence of suspense, as Hitchcock taught, is knowing what's going on.) As a comment on geopolitical events, the film falls under the heading of the famous line from Hemingway: Isn't it pretty to think so? It would be wonderful if someone discovered a clean, cheap source of readily available energy. It would be even more wonderful if that someone chose to release it free to the world instead of profiting handsomely from it. And it would be truly awe-inspiring if we had one or more government agencies that were so efficiently and effectively run that they actually knew what was happening in the world before it happened.

Given its technical limitations, I can't wholeheartedly recommend the Blu-ray of 'Chain Reaction' unless you can find it used or very cheap. Hopefully Fox will revisit it — keeping the clean, simple menu and leaving off the BD-Java, BD-Live and endless ads and forced trailers. Pretty please?