BLU-RAY REVIEW

21 Bridges

Featured In Issue 248, February/March 2020

Picture4.5
Sound4.5
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
64202526
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
Violcence and language throughout
(Retail Price):
$34.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
99
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
2/18/2020
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Brian Kirk
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"21 Bridges" follows an embattled NYPD detective (Boseman), who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 21 bridges and four tunnels, plus the subway system to prevent any entry or exist from the iconic island. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Brian Kirk, three deleted scenes (HD 02:55), trailers, upfront previews and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally in anamorphic Hawk Scope using the Arri Alexa XT M and Sony CineAlta Venice camera systems and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is excellent with a filmic warm and rich color palette. Production design works well with engaging imagery throughout, enhanced with effective lighting design. The nighttime city scenes are spectacular. At times, colors pop with strong saturation. Fleshtones are naturally hued. Contrast is nicely balanced with deep blacks, revealing shadow delineation and natural highlights. Resolution is excellent as well with good detail exhibited throughout, especially during close-ups of facial features, attire, and object textures. This is a very satisfying and visually engaging experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding, with intense and powerful pistol and automatic gunfire that is directionalized. Atmospherics are realistic as well as sound effects, such as police car movements, helicopters, sirens, and intense effects that heighten tension. Surrounds are often directionalized and, at times, aggressive. Deep bass is articulate and strong and provides heft to the action. The orchestral score is brooding and haunting with wide and deep soundstage, which extends to the surrounds for an enveloping soundfield experience. Dialogue is intelligible with generally good spatial delineation. (Gary Reber)