Blu-ray Review “Scenic Route”

Actors: Josh Duhamel, Dan Fogler
Directors: Kevin Goetz, Michael Goetz
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Vertical Entertainment
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out 5 stars

I was drawn to “Scenic Route” due to its cast starring Josh Duhamel (“Safe Haven”, “Transformers”) and Dan Fogler (“Kung Fu Panda”, “Balls of Fury”). But I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  “Scenic Route” was such a wild gripping ride.  It packs some really stunning performances from Duhamel and Fogler. When I think of Duhamel, I think about action star or romantic lead and when I think of Fogler, I think comedy.  “Scenic Route” packs some serious dramatic moments and keeps you on the edge of your seats.  Did I mention the entire film take place in the desert. Totally blown away here. Highly recommend this little gem!

Official Premise: Mitchell (Josh Duhamel) and Carter (Dan Fogler), life-long friends who have drifted apart, are on a road trip when their old pickup breaks down, leaving them stranded on an isolated desert road. Nobody can pick apart a man like his best friend, and as the relentless elements of the desert grind them down, they start to attack each other’s life decisions with unwavering brutality. As they question who they are and who they could have been, their agitation leads to physical confrontation and ultimately knife-wielding madness, and what begins as an inconvenience becomes a very real life or death struggle.

Vertical Entertainment delivered a very sharp Blu-ray release, which includes a Vudu digital streaming copy. The film is shot on a small scale but really has this wide wide since it’s background is the whole desert. It feels open yet still claustrophobic. The transfer is very clear and sharp.  Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which really adds a lot to the film as well from the dialogue to the haunting score. In terms of special features there is an audio commentary track included with the directors and Josh Duhamel.  I was very suprised to see him on the track but I am glad he is cause I really enjoyed it and it make it definitely worth the repeat viewing.