Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

The Net Blu-ray Movie Review

Had Angela Had LifeLock, There Might Not Have Been a Movie.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 29, 2017

In a time when high technology should be saving the world, bringing people together, expanding knowledge and reach, and spreading goodwill, it is, of course, often used for malicious purposes, whether "harmless" Internet trolling, stealing personal identity, or hacking the highest levels of business and government interests. Most everything ever made can be used for better or for worse; computer technology is no different in that regard. It's the person behind the technology -- be it a car, a gun, a knife, a computer -- and not the inanimate object itself that's to blame for its misuse. Of course, the world may very well be heading for a Skynet scenario of self aware machines that could rewrite world history and negate the idea that it's always the human using something for ill, should man create something too intelligent for its, and his, own good. But 1995's The Net looks at a "simpler" time of computer misuse in what is today a fairly low-tech Thriller but that still feels relevant in today's always-on world where lives can be destroyed with a click of a button.

Angela Bennett (Sandra Bullock) is ahead of her time: she's tech-savvy and is an expert at debugging computer programs. But her expertise is about to make her a target. While on vacation, she meets a charming man, Jack Devlin (Jeremy Northam), who sweeps her off her feet. But he doesn't have her best interests at heart. He orchestrates the theft of her identity and, just as important, software that unlocks a popular security system. Angela finds her existence all but erased from the computer network. It's her word against a machine's, and the machine alway has the final say. As she pieces together the mystery of who is after her, who is impersonating her, and whose identity she has been given, she must maneuver through both real and digital obstacles that could spell her demise at every turn or click of the mouse.

The Net may appear almost hopelessly dated now more than two decades removed from its release. Younger viewers might not even recognize the floppy discs that play a key part in the movie. But it holds up well enough where it counts as a decent Tech Thriller that manages to draw more energy from scenes featuring characters frantically typing or staring at the screen or trying to hack a password than it deserves to find. It's commendably zippy and sufficiently intense, holding firm even at nearly two hours in length. The film actually loses some of its momentum when action shifts to more traditional chase sequences. It's in its element and on top of its game when Angela is in front of the screen. Everything else -- her romantic escapades, moments in which she's trying to prove that she is who she claims to be, the grand finale chase through a packed tech conference (the location, the Moscone Center, is a very famous venue for hosting Apple expos) -- is necessary support. Director Irwin Winkler (At First Sight) is to be commended for maintaining momentum in scenes that should be a slow-down in the traditional Thriller/Chase film; he understands and executes the complexities and dangers of modern technology and manages to create sometimes incredible tension from a simple click of the mouse or displaying the graphics on a computer monitor.

But for as much as computer technology has evolved over the years since the film's release, it's hard to watch without that eerie feeling that nothing has really changed at the level with which the movie is most fundamentally concerned. Computers may be smaller and data may be bigger, but most everything that matters in the movie still holds very accurate. It's too bad Angela didn't have Lifelock, but then again there might not have been a movie. The point is that identity theft, hacking, malware, and whatnot is rampant today. The movie seems very prescient in hindsight, giggles over floppy discs notwithstanding and, really, sinking into the background once the action gets rolling. Sandra Bullock is good in the lead, finding that perfect balance between sweet innocence, brainy computer nerd, and someone who can take care of herself on her own two feet and think fast, whether that's removing the magazine from a gun or escaping from the police at an opportune time. She's very believable in the computer wizard role, never playing up her skills or underselling the gravity of her situation or what the computers can do. She's both a pretty face and a pretty skilled protagonist who is the perfect fit for the movie.

The Net Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Net is part of Sony's "Choice Collection" and hence arrives on the Blu-ray format on a BD-R disc. But the 1080p image holds up well and should satisfy most all audiences. The image is pleasingly filmic, retaining a natural grain structure that's largely even (spiking a bit in dark scenes) and that accentuates the film's details. Facial textures are healthy and robust, with the 1080p transfer finding plenty of natural depth on pores and facial hair. Clothes are well defined, computer graphics are sharp, and various environments, whether Angela's apartment, the beach, or a packed Moscone Center, offer plenty of textural delights and effortlessly sharp clarity. Colors are attractive, presenting with impressive balance and vibrance that never fluctuates or pushes too hard or soft. Saturation is very natural and effective. Black levels can be a little uneven, favoring balanced depth in places, a bit of noise and paleness in others, and light crush in others still. Flesh tones appear accurate. No serious compression artifacts or evidence of major print wear are apparent. This is another quality presentation from Sony, even as part of its most controversial line.

The Net Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Net features a well-rounded DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Music is nicely delivered with effortless front-side width and satisfying clarity. Music doesn't often engage the backs in a large scale manner, but hints are certainly evident. There's strong heft to an explosion early in the film. The track finds some interesting engagement at several junctures when sounds swoop and sweep about the stage, including an electronic-style sound at the 59:30 mark and maneuvering rides at a carnival halfway through the movie. Atmospheric details are satisfyingly engaging, whether lighter ambience like chirping birds in exteriors or more prominent din at the computer convention late in the film. Dialogue drives much of the film and it's presented as expected, with lifelike definition, front-center positioning, and constant prioritization.

The Net Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Sony's "Choice Collection" release of The Net contains one supplement. 'The Net:' From Script to Screen (480i, 19:30) offers a discussion of story development, themes, style, real-world parallels, film construction, story specifics, cast and performances, the film's structure, and more. No "top menu" is included. The special feature, and the English SDH subtitles, must be accessed in-film via the "pop-up" menu.

The Net Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Net still holds up more than two decades after its release. It's been proven rather prescient. Its crude plot mechanics are nothing to write home about, but the film is smartly executed and manages to find plenty of tension where little, if any, should be. The lead performance is excellent, too. Sony's Blu-ray release of The Net arrives as part of the studio's controversial "Choice Collection," but both video and audio are of a very satisfactory quality. Only one extras is included. The package is little rough around the edges, yes, (and why the studio continues to ship these in the wider cases is a mystery), and it's overpriced, but the presentation is fine. Recommended when and if it's priced more reasonably, about $10.