Starring: Adam G. Sevani, Kathryn McCormick, Ryan Guzman
Director: Scott Speer
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Run Time: 99 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
When it comes to the “Step Up” franchise, this series has really developed into more than just a movie. The series all have decent plots and acting but really shine in the music and the dancing. That is what these movies are all about and they really succeed in doing so. “Step Up 3: The Streets” was the first to enter the third dimension, which may have seen like a way to get more money but the film really benefited from it. “Revolution” takes the 3D effects on step further or if I can say a step up (sorry). I was blown away by the dancing and the use of the 3D in this film. I was wondering how they would out due themselves this time around but they definitely delivered. If you are a fan of great dancing, fantastic choreography and looking for an overall good time…be sure to join the revolution (sorry again!). Bring on “Step Up 5”!
Kathryn Renée McCormick and Ryan Guzman take the lead in this new installment. Kathryn is known best for appearing on various seasons of the dance competition show “So You Think You Can Dance”. Even though this fourth film in the series features two new leads, it saw a flood of returning characters from the previous films. Alyson Stoner returned playing Camille Gage from the first and third films. While
Adam G. Sevani (“Moose”), Mari Koda (Jenny Kido), Harry Shum, Jr. (Cable) and Stephen “Twitch” Boss (Jason) have been with this series since “Step Up 2: The Streets”. I liked they there is that continuity and these characters return each film.
Official Premise: Emily (McCormick) arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and soon falls in love with Sean (Guzman), a young man who leads a dance crew in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called “The Mob.” When a wealthy businessman threatens to develop The Mob’s historic neighborhood and displace thousands of people, Emily must band together with Sean and The Mob to turn their performance art into protest art, and risk losing their dreams to fight for a greater cause.
Since “Step Up” franchise relies heavily on music, it is always an important aspect for me. This Blu-ray comes with a very impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, which sounds amazing…but actually gets a little showed up. I was really shocked to see that this release includes the brand new 11.1 DTS Neo:X Surround Sound track (compatible with Any DTS Neo:X-Enabled AV Receiver). That’s right kiddies, this track allows you to watch and experience this film in a room-shaking 11.1 surround sound. “The Expendables 2” was the first Blu-ray to utilize this features and Lionsgate is doing it again with “Step Up Revolution”. This is a high intensity audio experience which truly elevates the 3D home theater entertainment to a new level. DTS Neo:X is presenting the film the way it was meant to be heard. I would expect to see this quite a bit in the future.
“Step Up Revolution” comes in a combo pack with a 3D Blu-ray, which has the film also in 2D. There is also digital copy included, as well as an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy. The box presentation is also very unique. If you look at the cover, the people on it are imprinted onto a plastic cover that goes over the typical Blu-ray case. When you remove it, it is just a sunny reflection of Miami behind it. Pretty neat and clever and a nice extra touch. The film itself really looks sharp on Blu-ray. Like I said earlier, the 3D really pops well on this 1080p transfer. The colors are very vibrant and alive as well!
The special features are very impressive for this release. There is an audio commentary track with director Scott Speer, choreographer Jamal Sims and cast members Kathryn McCormick and Ryan Guzman. This is a really a must listen for all fans of the film, don’t miss it. There are four solid featurettes focusing on all aspects of the production in “Becoming A Star”, “Choreography” (my favorite), “Dancing On Their Own” and “Making The Mob” (pretty amazing). Adding to the mob featurette is also “Flash Mob Index”, which gives you a 1-click stop for all their dance sequences. There are two music video including “Goin’ In” – J Lo featuring Flo Rida & Lil Jon and “Hands In The Air” – Timbaland featuring Ne-Yo. Lastly there are a few deleted scenes, rounding out this very impressive release.