JOHN WICK – The Blu Review

When Michael Haffner reviewed JOHN WICK here at We Are Movie Geeks, he wrote: “WICK soars at being both a perfect example of how to construct an exciting action film as well as being a fine example of how style over substance isn’t always a bad thing.” (read all of Michael.s review HERE)

I wasn’t so impressed with the film when I saw it at the theater myself. I found it a stale, John Woo knockoff with paper-thin characterization and repetitive action sequences. Watching Keanu Reeves as Wick happening upon completely unbelievable scenarios over and over again, pulling a gun out and killing everyone, seemed like something I’d seen a million times.

But I enjoyed JOHN WICK more upon a second viewing when I watch the new Blu-ray releases from Lionsgate. The movie doesn’t take itself seriously and that is exactly how I should have approached it. This movie is not about logic. The story is basically comic book, video game, and fantasy action all the way and if taken in the right spirit, it’s a lot of fun. JOHN WICK was the first feature from co-directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, but their 20 years as stunt coordinators in Hollywood clearly taught them a valuable lesson that prepared them for the job: efficiency is everything when it comes directing pure action. Because Staheleski and Leitch make optimal use of the resources at their disposal, never overindulging in stylistic excess for the sake of self-serving spectacle, the $20 million-budgeted JOHN WICK appeared to have a higher production value and greater artistic sophistication than most of its bloated $100 million competitors.

JOHN WICK is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films on February 3rd

The JOHN WICK  Blu has presents an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.40:1. The image is crystal clear with sharp, pinpoint details and no major technical flaws. The cinematography is often bathed in blue or green light so flesh tones are expectedly a little pale but fit in with the rest of the transfer. Black levels are of a high quality. The JOHN WICK blu simply looks great.

JOHN WICK features a pounding Dolby Atmos audio track (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core – To experience Dolby Atmos at home, Dolby Atmos enabled AV receivers and additional speakers are required; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment). Music is strong and smooth, with a powerfully natural and dominant presence. Big, heavy effects often rule the day, with gunfight and explosions throughout while the ambient effects are somewhat limited but nevertheless engaging.

The Blu-ray and Digital HD bonus materials include six exclusive featurettes that take a detailed look at different aspects of the film including the intense stunts, incredible action sequences, the stylized look and locale of the film, establishing the world of John Wick and a discussion with director Chad Stahelski and producer David Leitch on how they made this action film their way.

•   “Don’t F*#% With John Wick” featurette
• “Calling in the Cavalry” featurette
• “Destiny of a Collective” featurette
• “Assassin’s Code” featurette
• “Red Circle” featurette
• “NYC Noir” featurette

The Blu-ray also includes an audio commentary with the filmmakers.