Ladder 49
(Blu-ray)
Picture: B+ Sound: B+ Extras: C- Film: D
Films
about firemen are few and far between despite the important role they play in
our lives (not counting Fahrenheit 451)
with the results always being melodramatic and silly. Though Ron Howard’s Backdraft (reviewed on HD-DVD elsewhere on this site) was a rare
exception, Jay Russell’s Ladder 49 (2004)
remains the opposite as a cliché-loaded mess as it now hits Blu-ray.
The
likable Joaquin Phoenix plays new recruit Jack Morrison, literally goosed by
the crew after a meeting with station Captain John Travolta. He slowly fits in, but before they can know
each other better, here comes a big fire.
That is the film’s pattern until the not-so-shocking conclusion that was
just repeated in Disney/Kevin Costner/Ashton Kutcher film The Guardian (also on Blu-ray on this site) to the point that they
are almost the same film.
Robert
Patrick, Morris Chestnut and Balthazar Getty are among a cast of mostly
unknowns, which is supposed to make this more realistic, but as a star vehicle
for its leads, makes it more generic instead.
Between the “frontin”” and faux sense of camaraderie the film pushed in
place of Lewis Colick’s lame screenplay, it gets boring quickly. Skip this one.
The 1080p
1.85 X 1 digital High Definition image is not without its flaws in the
transfer, but does look better than the older and similar-themed Backdraft despite not being as nicely
shot overall. This is a newer film and
should look good. The PCM 24-bit/48kHz
5.1 mix is also more engaging with a good, if unmemorable use of surrounds
throughout. The combination makes for a
good demo, if not the best in HD. Fans
will be happy.
Extras
include a Robbie Robertson Music Video for a song tied to the film, deleted
scenes, three-part making of featurette, salute to firemen featurette and audio
commentary by Editor Bob Smith and Director Russell. They are more interesting than the film.
- Nicholas Sheffo
