6.6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.2 |
A young boy is arrested by the US Secret Service for writing a computer virus and is banned from using a computer until his 18th birthday. Years later, he and his new-found friends discover a plot to unleash a dangerous computer virus, but they must use their computer skills to find the evidence while being pursued by the Secret Service and the evil computer genius behind the virus.
Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, Jesse Bradford, Matthew Lillard, Laurence MasonTeen | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
1995’s “Hackers” isn’t a vision of the future or a snapshot of the era. It’s a study of style and restless adolescent energy working with the technological advancements of the 1990s, merging a comic book sensibility with the internet revolution, emerging with a broad, cyberpunk-y offering of entertainment. It’s heightened work from director Iain Softley, who works hard to give the feature a special screen magic, playing with the new frontier of computer-fu and the tried-and-true ways of teen cinema. “Hackers” is immense fun, especially if it’s not taken especially seriously, with Softley carefully supplying a steady stream of exaggeration with his characters and environments, giving the whole endeavor a wonderful amplification and sublime soundtrack support, making for a spirited movie.
Shout Factory originally released "Hackers" on Blu-ray in 2015, and they return to the title in 2023 with a new 4K presentation, a "restoration of the original camera negative." It's definitely an improvement on the BD, handling the specific cinematography of the endeavor, which used special film stock and lighting to deliver a low-grain image. Clarity is excellent, exploring the fine details of the frame, with the production especially fond of close-ups, delivering textured skin surfaces. Costuming is fibrous as well, with a slightly sharper sheerness at times, identifying the PG-13-ness of the feature. The highly decorated world of the film is open for study, with active living spaces and party zones. Exteriors are dimensional as the action heads around New York City. Colors are active, supporting the movie's love of vivid computer displays and glowing workspaces, along with extreme lighting choices using fresh primaries. Clothing also delivers varied hues, joined by distinct makeup designs. Skin tones are natural. Blacks are deep, preserving shadow play and evening events. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is nicely resolved. Source is in good condition.
The previous release of "Hackers" only offered a 2.0 DTS-HD MA track. It was an acceptable listening option, but the UHD hopes to stay more faithful to other presentations, restoring a 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix to audio options. It's a powerful mix for "Hackers," capturing the techno thunder of the soundtrack with crisp instrumentation and nice low-end thump, supporting the aural energy of the endeavor. Scoring selections are equally defined, and music in general pushes out with wider engagement, working into the surrounds. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, with a full sense of subtle emotionality and cartoon emphasis. Atmospherics are alert and circular, and sound effects are distinct.
"Hackers" scores with its bright, inventive presentation, with cinematography from Andrzej Sekula ("Pulp Fiction") some of his finest work, adding incredible lighting and color to the endeavor. And the soundtrack is stellar, bringing a bouncy techno pace to the chase with strong music selections that capture the era and support the adventure. The movie impresses on a technical level, and most of the performances hit the mark, offering youthful enthusiasm for subculture language and ultra-focused computer battling. Perhaps "Hackers" is dated, as computer information and power has changed radically since the film's release. It's not a picture for cynics, requiring some relaxation while Softley explores old tech and cartoon personalities, but it's a vibrant feature that's superbly executed, making for an entertaining sit for those willing to go along with it.
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