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Logan Blu-ray Review

“Logan” is the best film of 2017 thus far.

Set in the year 2029 where Mutant kind is fading out, the film focuses on Logan (formerly Wolverine) who isn’t the best shape. His healing abilities aren’t what they used to be and his adamantium skeleton is essentially killing him. In this time period, Logan is driving a limo and caring for an ailing Professor Xavier alongside a mutant tracker named Caliban. One day a nurse (Gabriela) from a bio tech corporation (Alkali-Transigen) contacts Logan about a young girl (Laura) who needs to go to a place known as Eden. While Logan initially pays no mind, he is eventually swept up into this plot when the corp. tracks down Laura leaving her, Xavier, and Logan to go on the run while Caliban has been captured. The rest of the film is essentially a road story comprised of the treacherous trip to Eden, revelations about who Laura is, what this company is doing and  the corp’s security forces (led by Donald Pierce) hot on the trail of Logan, Xavier, and Laura.

Prior to “Logan,” Wolverine’s solo film outings have been underwhelming to say the least. We all know the character thrives in the X-Men films, but “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” was one of the worst comic book films to date and “The Wolverine” didn’t work as a whole. Thankfully, “Logan” delivers the Wolverine movie we (and I’m sure Hugh Jackman) have long been waiting for.

While some people out there may be scratching their head as to why “Logan” is getting so much acclaim, allow me to explain. First off, the R rating does wonders here. With the PG-13 rating for the past Wolverine and X-Men films, the character of Wolverine has always been slightly watered down. Until this point, we have not seen Wolverine’s full potential on screen. In “Logan,” we get Wolverine “unleashed” and it’s glorious (especially if you’re a devoted comic book fan). The hard R violence and the no nonsense action are brutal, effective, and riveting.

Story wise, “Logan” is also something different from the average comic book for the most part. Yes, you have villains hunting down mutants again, but the film plays with different genres. It’s part western, part comic book movie, and part road movie. Above all else, however, it’s also a moving family drama. I’m not going into spoiler territory here but the storyline involving Logan and Laura is aces.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, the film also boasts incredible performances across the board. Hugh Jackman gives it his all for his alleged last performance as Logan/Wolverine. You can tell he’s really thrilled to be given the opportunity to not only show off some dramatic chops, but to go full blown SNIKT. Patrick Stewart shows off a different side of Professor Xavier with a rewarding and surprising performance for viewers. Boyd Holbrook plays a good bad guy as Donald Pierce while Stephen Merchant gives arguably his best film performance as the albino mutant Caliban. The real scene stealer, however, is Dafne Keen as Laura/X-23. It is mind boggling that this is her first film role because she acts like a veteran pro. Not only does she make her action scenes look and feel ferocious, but she plays off of Jackman so well. Their chemistry is what makes the film work so well in the end.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The colors really pop with this hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: 7.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Play it as loud as you like it. You won’t be disappointed by what you hear.

Extras:
* “Logan” DVD copy and Digital copy.
* “Logan Noir”- The color to B&W film conversion seems to be a really unnecessary fad as of late. Did “The Mist” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” really need B&W versions? No, but I respect that the filmmakers wanted viewers to see it in that light. The same goes for “Logan.”
* Commentary by James Mangold that has some. While he does provide insight into the project, it’s largely a dull, monotone track that has several quiet spots.
* 6 deleted scenes with one scene involving a brief chat about Sabretooth. Optional commentary by James Mangold is included
* “Making Logan”- A 6 part extra that covers the script, score, cast, look, stunts, and completion of the film.
* 3 “Logan” trailers.

May 24, 2017 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Hugh Jackman, Logan Blu-ray Review, Wolverine, X-23, X-Men