Haywire

Haywire" graces Blu-ray with a visually striking presentation, thanks to an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, showcasing director Steven Soderbergh's distinctive departure from conventional color grading. Unlike the prevalent blue tint in many recent spy thrillers, Soderbergh opts for a warm, amber palette reminiscent of late summer and early autumn, imbuing the film with a refreshingly sharp and detailed visual aspect. This nuanced approach to color enhances the clarity of close-ups, revealing minute details such as the intricate lines on Michael Douglas' face. However, viewers should note the film's intentional use of darkness and subtly altered contrast in certain sequences, which, while maintaining a filmic quality, occasionally leads to slightly murky shadows without detracting from the overall detailed presentation.

Soderbergh's preference for natural lighting significantly influences the visual texture of "Haywire," especially apparent in scenes lit by exterior light sources that create a deliberate, soft haze effect. This aesthetic choice, underscored by the utilization of Red One cameras, may compromise sharpness and lead to softer edges—a calculated effect that aligns with the director’s vision, even if it occasionally impacts the perceived detail in dimly lit or brightly illuminated scenes. The natural light also plays a pivotal role in crafting the film's atmosphere, particularly noticeable in high contrast scenes where blacks seem somewhat flattened and daylight appears overly bright. Such stylistic decisions, including a striking scene featuring silhouettes backlit by natural light, underscore Soderbergh's bold visual narrative choices, rendering "Haywire" a unique albeit not quintessential reference piece for videophiles seeking pristine detail in every frame.

The Blu-ray release of "Haywire" showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, while it may not consistently explode with activity, delivers a powerful and nuanced experience when it ramps up. Scenes often begin with a calm ambiance, utilizing directional environmental sounds to set the stage, but fiercely escalate with the film’s action sequences. The meticulously crafted foley effects during fight scenes envelop the audience in a visceral audio experience, with sound effects such as the brutal connection of fists-to-face resonating with unsettling clarity through the front and center channels. The precision in sound placement immerses viewers, moving seamlessly with the on-screen action, further amplified by a pronounced LFE presence and an expansive dynamic range that highlights the track's fidelity.

Dialogue remains crystal clear throughout the film, an achievement given the varied cast and occasionally subdued delivery. The lack of a 7.1 DTS-HD mix is noted but the 5.1 track adeptly compensates, focusing the core action and sonic elements in a frontal soundscape that maintains clarity and impact. While rear channels are sparingly used, they come alive with strategic placement during fight sequences and are effectively utilized to extend David Holmes’ retro-styled score, contributing to an atmospheric depth without overwhelming the audience.

The soundtrack itself plays a pivotal role, with Holmes' compositions providing a subdued yet essential backdrop to both the high-energy and more introspective moments of the film. The audio design opts for a less-is-more approach, prioritizing sound quality and meticulous mixing over constant surround activity. This strategy results in an understated but impressive audio presentation that complements the film's aesthetic, ensuring that even in its quieter moments, "Haywire" delivers a technically sound and engaging auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Haywire" primarily focus on its star, Gina Carano, delving into her transformative journey from an MMA fighter to a film star under Steven Soderbergh's direction. "Gina Carano in Training" not only showcases her intensive training and raw fight choreography with co-stars like Michael Fassbender—who impressively didn't rely on a stunt double—but also highlights her groundbreaking role in popularizing women's MMA. It features candid interviews that shed light on her fierce dedication and the immense physical preparation that went into making her spy character as authentic as possible. Meanwhile, "The Men of Haywire" offers brief insights from the film's leading men, except for Michael Douglas, providing a somewhat cursory glance at their perspectives. This collection, though succinct, encapsulates the unique blend of real-world combativeness and star-driven narrative that “Haywire” brings to the forefront, despite feeling slightly sparse in content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gina Carano in Training: Features interviews with Gina Carano and others, showcasing her MMA background and fight choreography.

• The Men of Haywire: A collection of short interviews with the male cast members, excluding Michael Douglas.

Steven Soderbergh's "Haywire" stands as a testament to his versatility and willingness to challenge genre norms, showcasing a unique blend of action movie minimalism and narrative complexity. The film, headlined by mixed martial arts star Gina Carano, defies the traditional expectations of spy thrillers and action cinema, largely eschewing the rapid cuts and shaky camera work prevalent in much of modern filmmaking. Soderbergh's directorial hand navigates through the potentially convoluted storyline with a nuance that underscores the film’s core as a straightforward, engaging popcorn flick. The plot weaves through a series of flashbacks, revealing Carano's character, Mallory, entangled in a web of deception and betrayal, though it keeps the audience gripped with its coherent momentum and Carano's convincingly portrayed fighting prowess.

Carano's performance, while criticized by some for its apparent emotional restraint, brilliantly suits her role as Mallory, a character whose profession necessitates a certain level of detachment. The supporting cast, including Ewan McGregor and Michael Douglas in more limited roles, provides a solid foundation; McGregor, in particular, shines with his portrayal of oily charm. The action sequences, central to the film's appeal, benefit greatly from Soderbergh's decided avoidance of overly stylized filmmaking techniques. These scenes emphasize realism and physicality, allowing Carano's real-life fighting skills to captivate the audience fully.

"Haywire" is ultimately an unconventional yet highly entertaining entry into Soderbergh’s oeuvre, one that successfully marries the kinetic excitement of action sequences with a narrative that's engaging despite its complexity. Soderbergh's approach to the film reflects his broader cinematic philosophy: a dedication to storytelling that doesn’t rely on gimmicks but rather on strong character work and expertly crafted sequences. This approach has allowed "Haywire" not just to transcend the limitations often imposed on action movies but also to redefine what audiences can expect from the genre.

Haywire," directed by Steven Soderbergh, strays from the conventional action-packed pathways to deliver a film that radiates originality and challenges the norms of the genre. While some might find the deviation from expected high-octane showdowns disappointing, this film's appeal lies in its ability to maintain a brisk, entertaining pace despite its ambition for complexity. Gina Carano, transitioning from MMA fighter to actress, undoubtedly fits the role of Mallory, bringing a blend of athleticism and believability to the character that's both refreshing and compelling. The performances, particularly Ewan McGregor's portrayal of the devious head of a secretive spy organization, provide a solid backbone to the narrative's twists and turns. As for the technical presentation, the Blu-ray release does not disappoint with its high-quality audio and visual rendering, although it leaves audiences wanting more in terms of supplementary content.

Critics and fans alike seeking refuge from the monotony of action cinema's shaky-cam and over-editing will find solace in "Haywire's" clear-cut direction and storytelling. Soderbergh's decision to buck the trend pays off, offering a genre film that is as engaging as it is distinctive. The choice of Carano for the lead is both a stroke of genius and a testament to Soderbergh's ability to match role to performer, creating a believable world where an MMA fighter shines as the protagonist. However, it's noteworthy that despite its strengths, the Blu-ray package might benefit from a richer compilation of behind-the-scenes content and special features to satisfy the viewer's curiosity about the creation of such a uniquely styled film.

In conclusion, "Haywire" stands out as a refined piece within the action genre, proving that a well-executed concept can triumph over traditional expectations. Its portrayal by a stellar cast, spearheaded by Gina Carano's fitting entry into acting, couples with Soderbergh's direction to create an experience that is innovative yet thoroughly enjoyable. While the Blu-ray presentation dazzles in audiovisual quality, an expansion in special features could elevate the overall appreciation for Soderbergh's craftsmanship. For those seeking something off the beaten path of mainstream action films, "Haywire" comes highly recommended.