Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.
Directed by Oscar®-winning filmmaker George Miller (“Happy Feet”) and starring Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) in the title role and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron (“Monster,” “Prometheus”) as Imperator Furiosa, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is the fourth film in the franchise’s epic history.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “Mad Max: Fury Road” also stars Nicholas Hoult (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Nux; Hugh Keays-Byrne (“Mad Max,” “Sleeping Beauty”) as Immortan Joe; and Nathan Jones (“Conan the Barbarian”) as Rictus Erectus. Collectively known as The Wives, Zoë Kravitz (“Divergent”) plays Toast; Riley Keough (“Magic Mike”) is Capable; Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”) is Splendid; supermodel Abbey Lee is The Dag; and Courtney Eaton is Fragile. Also featured in the movie are Josh Helman as Slit, Jennifer Hagan as Miss Giddy, and singer/songwriter/performer iOTA as Coma-Doof Warrior. The cast is rounded out by well-known Australian actors John Howard and Richard Carter, supermodel Megan Gale, Angus Sampson, Joy Smithers, Gillian Jones, Melissa Jaffer and Melita Jurisic.
Miller directed “Mad Max: Fury Road” from a screenplay he wrote with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. Miller also produced the film with longtime producing partner and Oscar nominee Doug Mitchell alongside executive producers P.J. Voeten, Iain Smith, Graham Burke and Bruce Berman.
Mad Max: Fury Road is being hailed as "The Best Action Movie Ever" by many critics and while I wouldn't go that far as the story and character building is a bit too light, this is without a doubt the most thrilling, innovative, balls-to-the-wall action film to come around in a very long time. From the first few minutes when Max is captured in the desert and brought back to be a blood donor for Immortan Joe's War Boys the film rarely takes it foot off the pedal. Tom Hardy plays Max close to the vest but he opens up a bit more towards the end when he feels a duty to help Imperator Furiosa and forms a mutual respect with her. I'm sure max will be fleshed out a bit more in the inevitable sequel. Charlize Theron is for my money the main character as she is the most kick-ass heroine to come along since Sarah Connor and the most driven on completing her goal to save The Wives from slavery and go to the "Green place". Nicholas Hoult makes you sympathize for his War Boy character Nux.
Immortan Joe is a batshit crazy villain and that goes without saying his followers are too. The character design is something that sets the film apart and makes your draw drop that this was made. Every penny of the budget is seen on screen, especially in the brilliant stunts and vehicular mayhem that is on display here. When you break it down the story is basically being chased from one end back to the other but what a ride it is. I suggest you go get some chrome paint so you can get all shiny when you watch this. Witness! 10/10
Mad Max: Fury Road arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - The film is a visual feast and this demo worthy transfer brings it all home in stunning fashion. Clarity and detail was eye popping. Stitching, textures, Max's stubbly face, the insane vehicle and character designs are easily seen. I found myself upon second viewing pausing several scenes just to take in the amazing visual look of this furious, apocalyptic world. Colors range from warm, sun-drenched orange hues of the desert, gorgeous blue skies, to the cold blue moonlight of the night. Yes, it's all shiny and chrome. Blacks were nothing short of deep and inky at all times. No signs of nagging artifacts.
The 3D presentation exhibits a nice sense of depth while shying away from a lot of the cliched 3D shots most productions use. There are of course a couple but they are used to good effect. I'm happy to report I experienced no signs of ghosting on my display.10/10
Audio is provided by a Dolby Atmos 7.1 track. - This is hands down the most dynamic and powerful listening experience of the year so far. LFE performance features brutal and gut-wrenching bass that makes you feel like you are on the Fury Road. The engines rumble with startling aggression. When something explodes it will make you nearly jump out of your seat. Surrounds are utilized to perfect effect with silky smooth pans, out of nowhere directional effects, and crisp and engaging environmental support. The almost perfect score from Junkie XL was represented beautifully in the mix and is never drown out with all the ongoing action. 10/10
* Maximum Fury: Filming Fury Road (HD, 28:38)
* Mad Max: Fury on Four Wheels (HD, 22:37)
* The Road Warriors: Max and Furiosa (HD, 11:18)
* The Tools of the Wasteland (HD, 14:26)
* The Five Wives: So Shiny, So Chrome (HD, 11:11)
* Fury Road: Crash & Smash (HD, 4:02)
* Deleted Scenes
- I Am a Milker (HD, 00:32)
- Turn Every Grain of Sand! (HD, 1:49)
- Let's Do It (HD, 00:59)
