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Home Theater Movie Renter's Guide - February, 2012

"Drive" (Blu-ray) - Reviewed by Jim Milton

Synopsis

Ryan Gosling stars as a Hollywood stunt driver for movies by day and moonlights as a wheelman for criminals by night. Though a loner by nature, “Driver” can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband. After a heist goes wrong, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). Soon he realizes the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash and is forced to shift gears and go on the offense.

Commentary

Ryan Gosling plays his character with a detached aloofness, with an edge of explosive violence just under the surface of his calm demeanor. We don’t know where he came from, or even who he really is. But it doesn’t matter in the end. The movie kept me riveted to my seat from beginning to end. I expected more car chase scenes, but instead was treated to interesting and complex character developement. Nice for a change. A must see movie for those that missed it in the theaters and perhaps my favorite blu-ray release this year. Sequel? Maybe. Beware: the violence is quick, but brutal. Pure adrenaline. Definitely a guys movie and not for the kiddies…or squeamish gals.

Technical

Both sound and picture quality are top-notch. In some shots you can see lint floating in the air around the actors. Depth and details are very good. Even the dark street scenes look good with deep blacks that don’t obscure the details. The soundtrack is a very important part of what is going on up on the screen. Often when the music stops…something bad is about to happen. Powerful driving bass is heard throughout the movie. My suggestion? Turn it up, sit down and hold on.

Extras

I Drive, Under The Hood, Driver and Irene, Cut To The Chase,Drive Without A Driver: Interview With Nicolas Winding Refn.

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