Plot: What’s it about?
As of this writing, it’s been four and a half decades since audiences were first treated to Mad Max. Starring a then unknown actor by the name of Mel Gibson, this movie set the stage for a few sequels…and a few more a couple of decades later. It would seem that these films put the meaning in “post apocalyptic.” Flash forward several decades and Mel Gibson is nowhere to be found, but in 2015 we got a “reboot” (something I’m not too fond of, but in that case it worked) with Mad Max: Fury Road. It was nominated for Best Picture and had some notorious fights with stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. That aside, it was also an amazing action movie that showed there was still life in the franchise.
We get some background on young Furiosa (Alyla Browne). Her mother is killed by Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). Some time later we find that he’s got a plan to take over the wasteland and this involves getting control of Gastown, the Bullet Farm and the Citadel from Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme). Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy), now an adult, gets stuck in the middle of the war and, naturally, wants to enact revenge on for her mother. This creates a perfect opportunity for her to do just that. Additionally, she’s tryingi to get back to the “place of abundance” where she grew up.
It might seem that the movie is light on plot. It’s not. Movies about revenge don’t necessarily need to be overly complicated. And, let’s be honest, if I can figure out the plot it can’t be too intricate. While Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron are nowhere to be seen, stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth aren’t exactly newcomers. Both have fun with their respective roles, particularly Hemsworth and there’s plenty of humor just below the surface (for example, Hemsworth’s characters sons names are “Scrotus” and “Erectus.” Funny). Let’s face it, if the Mad Max movies are your thing, this is more of the same. And that’s not a bad thing. Miller, now nearing 80 years old, might not have too many (if any) of these left in him, but with this latest effort – he’s still knocking it out of the park.
Video: How’s it look?
Most, if not all, of the Mad Max films are going to have a pretty unique look to them. Granted, the 2.39:1 HEVC 4K image will showcase anything and everything and make it all look beautiful, but these are very interesting-looking…We find the blown out sky that’s a shade of blue that I’ve never seen, we get earthy-tones in both the costumes, cars and the ground. It’s hard to say “flesh tones” as most everyone is caked in makeup or dirt, but I assure you that there are some pretty attractive people playing these roles. Considering that Mad Max: Fury Road was the first 4K disc we ever reviewed, things have gotten a little more complacent but suffice it to say – this one looks flat out amazing.
Audio: How’s it sound?
We’re treated to a reference-quality soundtrack compliments of the Dolby Atmos mix. Whatever way you listen to this film, I can assure you that you won’t go wrong. The action begins just after the Warner logo and really doesn’t stop until the ending credits. Yes, this is a two hour action movie that rarely stops to take a breath. Gunfire, car chases, bombs blowing up and everything in between – this has them all. Like the video presentation, this is simply a definitive example of what a HD soundtrack should sound like.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Highway to Valhalla: In Pursuit of Furiosa – While other supplements on discs tend to merely check the boxes, we get this nearly one hour feature that covers all of the bases and does it well. Production, casting and interviews with the key players of the film are all shown. This is a great supplement.
- Stowaway to Nowhere – We get a look at the “Stowaway” sequence which required nearly 200 actors and ran for 15 minutes during the film. Quite the undertaking.
- Metal Beasts & Holy Motors – No, those aren’t Tesla Cybertrucks you’re seeing (but close), rather we get a look at some of the repurposed vehicles used in the movie.
- Darkest Angel: Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa – We get a brief interview with the star as she regales us with her preparation for the role and so forth.
- Motorbike Messiah: Chris Hemsworth as Dementus – Essentially the exact same supplement as above, only this one features Chris “Don’t call me Thor” Hemsworth.
The Bottom Line
I’ve got to tip my hat to George Miller. He’s made the Mad Max franchise relevant for nearly half a century. Regardless if you’re a fan of the originals or the newer ones, likely one of them is for you. With Furiosa, we get what we expect and that’s not a bad thing. What’s more is that Warner’s disc contains some very decent supplements along with picture perfect video and amazing audio.
