Why So Blu?

Firestorm (Blu-ray Review)

Firestorm is a film that interested me because of its star, Andy Lau.  I’ve been a fan of the actor ever since I was introduced to the Infernal Affairs trilogy (Or, Hong Kong Departed for those of you who don’t know that series is).  He’s an interesting performer and he’s been around for a long time and has a HUGE filmography.  Seriously though, go look at it.  To have gone back and researched all his films would be near impossible, but I have sought out some and if I see something that catches my eye and I notice he’s in it, it definitely gets my attention.  Today, we’re focus on one of his more recent films, Firestorm.

Film 

Police Inspector Lui Ming-chit is on the case to catch a crew of armored car robbers led by a man called Cao Nam.  Nam and his men viciously rob them and kill anyone that even remotely may get in their way.  Their robberies have also made an embarrassment of the police department.  To Shing-bong, a recently released ex-con, agrees to go deep undercover for Lui Ming-chit in order to prove to his longtime girlfriend he plans to go straight.  Lui is also pushed to the limits and begins going against morals to end all this.  Oh yeah, also there’s a big storm on the horizon in Hong Kong and apparently could cause massive destruction to the city when it strikes.

Firestorm is a breakneck paced police action-drama that carries with it a stretched mediocre story with pulse pounding and intense action sequences.  The film does take time between scenes to enjoy its drama, but it feels like the action is a bit more present for the type of police drama its trying to be.  Having so much action has either hidden the weaker plot of the film and made it more exciting to watch or its hampered it by not letting it have more depth and more dramatic scenes to develop.  Where it stands however, is that at least for one watch, its pretty amusing.

Action is pretty top notch here.  There are a lot of intense and loud shootouts in many spots of the film.  And they’re well choreographed and executed too.  When you see below, you’ll notice that if you have a surround sound system you’re in for a treat.  One of the highlights of the film comes near the beginning of the second act when a fist fight between two characters takes to the top of a building.  They fall off the building dragging a fence-like structure with them that wedges between two buildings.  They then continue the fight on it and it plays like a rickity bridge on its way to collapse while two guys are going at each other with some intense martial arts moves.  If I have one reservation about the action, its that there are many spots in the film that have obvious CGI cars exploding and crashing.  And its odd too as there seems to be a lot of practical stunts and car crashes in the film as well.

I made mention in the plot synopsis of the storm that threatens to appear in the film.  It really could have done without it.  Firestorm may have even been a stronger film had the characters been forced to face their decisions and actions instead of an outside force solving some things.  Right when the storm is discussed, even if you’ve only seen two movies in your life, you just know its going to play out in a very Deus Ex Machina type situation.  Which, in this film feels very superfluous and maybe slightly a cheat.

Firestorm is merely an okay film with some really awesome shootouts and action sequences.  While I enjoyed much of that action, its not a film I think I may ever revisit again, if ever.  Once felt very much enough.  Satisfied, but not hungry for more.  Its not a bad film, just overall very average.

Video 

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Clarity/Detail:  A nice sharp crisp image.  Detail is pretty good, but the film looks a tad smooth in some areas.  Guns and weaponry show every fingerprint and scratch.  Building surfaces look rough and rugged and you can see brick by brick detail.

Depth:  Some great moments of depth during the final battle in the streets.  Another great moment is the “bridge” fight between two characters between buildings.

Black Levels:  Blacks are rich and provide some added sharpness to the picture.

Color Reproduction:  Colors are rather natural and sort of muted at times to pull of a more realistic look.

Flesh Tones:  Cold and consistent.  You can see every detail of blood, dirt specs, wrinkles and dust on people’s faces.

Noise/Artifacts:  Clean picture.

Audio 

Audio Format(s):  Cantonese 5.1 DTS-HD MA, Cantonese 2.0 Stereo

Subtitles: English

Dynamics:  This is a really good track that manages to capture all the action at varying degrees of volume and intensity.  As you’ll see in the details below you really get a to be in the center of everything.

Low Frequency Extension:  Grenades exploding, loud automatic gunfire, buildings crashing, crash slamming into each other, fists connecting…its all got some extra oompf with this track.

Surround Sound Presentation:  Bullets whiz all over the place in this track.  Its pretty outstanding.  During the final battle there is just action, gunfire and explosions coming at you from all speakers.

Dialogue Reproduction:  Clear and crisp. Dialogue is primarily centered.

Extras 

Firestorm comes with a neatly textured slip cover.

Making Of (SD, 21:20) – Several short pieces, all with the same intro and includes interviews and behind the scenes footage.  While ‘Play All’ is not an option, once you play one of these they will play the remaining ones to the end.

Trailer (HD, 1:45)

Summary 

Well Go USA has provided a solid release of Firestorm.  The presentation has solid video and an incredibly fun audio track.  If you’re looking for more, there’s a little bit of ok extras at your disposal.  If you’re wanting to see some really cool shoot outs and unique action, definitely give this one a try.