Blu-ray

Drive Angry is a very, very silly film. But it’s one that fully embraces its inherent stupidity and is probably the closest we’ve come to a modern version of grindhouse cinema. Indeed, it’s much more in keeping with actual examples of that specific film ghetto than anything Tarantino or Rodriguez for their 2007 double-feature.

Does that mean Drive Angry is a better film than either Death Proof or Planet Terror? Not really, as director Patrick ‘My Bloody Valentine’ Lussier isn’t that accomplished as a filmmaker. That said, he knows how to cobble together a gory, action-packed tale of supernatural revenge and human sacrifice. And if that’s not enough, he’s also able get a decent performance out of Nic Cage, something better filmmakers have failed out countless times in the past.

Picture: Lionsgate’s Drive Angry Blu-ray offers both 2D AVC 1.78:1 1080p and 3D MVC 1.78:1 1080p playback options – both of which hold up a lot better than the film’s script or CG effects. Like Lussier’s previous My Bloody Valentine, Drive Angry throws all sorts of stuff out of the screen at the viewer, and it actually looks pretty good (even if the effects responsible aren’t even the slightest bit convincing in an of themselves). Colour reproduction and detailing is strong in both presentations, with the 2D option unsurprisingly looking that little bit brighter, clearer and sharper.
Picture rating: 4/5

Audio: Cars and guns. Aside from the odd badass one-liner or bit of gratuitous T&A, that’s pretty much the sum total of what Drive Angry has to offer. As such it’s hardly surprising that this Blu-ray release serves up an extremely potent DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Whether it’s room-shaking engine revving or bullets flying all around you, Drive Angry coasts along on a tidal wave of high-impact audio that will push your speaker system to its limits.
Audio rating: 5/5

Extras: Drive Angry comes to Blu-ray with a set of extras every bit as average as the film they support. Patrick Lussier and writer Todd Farmer provide an audio commentary, and also pop up to impart even more behind-the-scenes trivia on the Access Drive Angry picture-in-picture viewing mode. The disc also features a 9min compilation (with scoreboard) of the film’s kills titled Milton’s Mayhem, an 18min Making of… featurette and a pair of deleted scenes with optional commentary. The disc also comes bundled with a DVD copy of the film.
Extras rating: 3/5

We say: This Blu-ray b-movie boasts strong AV credentials and solid 3D effects

Lionsgate, Region B BD/R2 DVD, £25 approx, On sale now
HCC VERDICT: 3/5