6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A disgraced detective in the NYPD is given a shot at redemption.
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, J.K. Simmons, Stephan James, Taylor KitschThriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Mystery | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
One might say that 21 Bridges folds in about 21 Cop film clichés, but the film works anyway thanks to tight editing, great photography, intense action, a good pace, and solid performances that all elevate eh content above the muck. The film is hardly award material, but longtime television director Brian Kirk and his highly competent crew certainly seem to know their way around the genre, photography, action, and editing to build a surprisingly rich, if not all that rewarding or re-watchable, film. It's one of the better gritty escapism films of recent time, a picture of unrelenting violence and kinetic forward motion. If it lacks anything it lacks originality, but much like Den of Thieves it makes the most of what it has and makes its mark with its technical expertise rather than its story originalities.
21 Bridges was shot on digital but demonstrates a screen commanding film-like presentation. It's very impressive. Textures are off the charts sharp and details are tremendously revealing. Facial pores and hairs are gloriously natural and crisp in close-up; every one is striking. Dense Manhattan locations are likewise magnificent for pure complexity and tactile accuracy. These include alleyways, storefronts, and police command centers: so many locations around the city just exude life and texture. Sharpness never relents in well lit interiors or low light nighttime exteriors (the film takes place over the course of a single overnight in Manhattan). Colors are terrific, particularly intense city lights against the deep, dark, true black nighttime backgrounds. Flesh tones are very well saturated and true. Noise does increase in a few lower light shots but is barely a concern. No other source or encode flubs of note are evident. Universal hits this one out of the park.
21 Bridges only needs 5.1 channels to achieve sonic excellence. The DTS-HD Master Audio track demonstrates command of all components. Music soars with exceptional stage stretch and immersion. Clarity is terrific throughout the range, from top highs to supportive low end content. Action scenes are alive with impressively detailed gunfire, which rips from all over to create frenzied and frightening shootouts that envelop the listener in the action. There are several such scenes throughout, and the only downside is that shots could stand some more punch, not the suppressed rounds but rather those from shotguns and pistols not using a muffling device. City atmospherics are very impressive in lifelike clarity, placement, and fluidity as the latter is necessary. Dialogue is clear and well prioritized from a true front-center home.
21 Bridges includes a commentary track, deleted scenes, and trailers. A DVD copy of the film and an iTunes digital copy code are included with
purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.
21 Bridges is entertaining, well made, and strongly performed, an accomplishment given the dearth of originality. The film engages on a visceral level. It plays well in the moment but won't leave a lasting impression or find life on multiple replays. Universal's Blu-ray is quite strong, though, featuring practically reference quality video and audio. A couple of decent extras are included. Recommended.
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