22. Drive (2011) from Sony Pictures
In the neon-soaked nights of Los Angeles, The Driver (Ryan Gosling) is a stuntman by day and a getaway driver by night. He gives his clients five minutes, and he is 100 % committed to the activities. A minute later and they are on their own.
Driver’s nightlife is handled by Shannon (Bryan Cranston) who has Driver set up with mob boss Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks). But not for criminal activity but a “legitimate” front for his business.
Driver soon becomes enamored with his neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her son Benicio (Kaden Leos). When Irene’s husband Standard Gabriel (Oscar Issac) returns from prison and is assaulted by a member of an Albanian gang.
Chris Cook (James Biberi), the gang member, wants Standard to rob a pawn shop for $40,000 to pay off the debt that he owes. After Irene and Benicio are threatened by Cook, Driver agrees to help, but that is just the beginning of his problems.
Drive is awesome. It’s one of my favorite movies. The soundtrack is great. The direction is flawless. The cast is first rate. The action is badass with a driving (wink) pulse that propels the movie along a an unrelenting pace. Drive also slows down for character moments. The most brutal and sweetest occur nearly right after each other in an elevator.
Ryan Gosling is wonderful. He is so tuned into Driver that you feel each punch and each moment he is behind the wheel. Carey Mulligan is locked in as well. Her heart ache for her son is palpable on screen, as too is her finally giving into her want to be with Driver.
Grade: A+
Drive 4K Video Quality
Drive is a film I have wanted in ultra-high definition for a long time. It begs for it to be released in the best possible format, and boy, does Sony deliver.
Every color hits the road just right. The fabric in the Driver’s scorpion coat can clearly be seen, stitch by stitch. I love watching a movie I love in 4K, it’s like seeing it for the first time again.
Grade: A+
Drive 4K Audio Quality
A film that needs to be cranked up to 11, with the extra space on the disc, Drive delivers the goods. Mastered with Sony’s own Dolby Atmos, the mix packs a wallop. Dialogue is heard well and the soundtrack made my room shake.
Feeling every hammer strike and foot stomp and every moment to get swept up in Goslings’ handsome arms is felt.
Grade: A
Drive 4K Special Features
The coolest thing (most of the time) with Steelbooks is they are made with collector’s in mind. The art is more striking and original. Drive delivers this with a blue, pink and black Steelbook that perfectly captures the vibe of the film.
Back in the Driver’s Seat: This new featurette includes interviews with some crew members and cast members. It is fun to hear them relive this film 14 years later.
I Drive: A quick look at the story.
Under the Hood: A look at the cast members and their characters.
Driver and Irene: Focuses on the love story in the film.
Cut to the Chase: An all too brief look at the stunt work in the film.
Drive Without a Driver: The lengthiest feature has director Nicolas Winding-Refn talk about the film. It is a great watch.
Grade: B+
Drive is awesome. It is one of my favorite films that has come out in the last 15 years. The action and set pieces are so cool. What sets it apart from other action films is the world-class directing and heart that elevates the film. Sony’s new Steelbook is first rate and a must own.