HIGH DEF UNIVERSE

Reviewed by Jami Ferguson

Bushwick, recently released on DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, is the story of a military veteran and a young stranger caught in the middle of a civil war. The Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick has been invaded by an unknown military force. Some citizens run, some hide, some fight and some turn on each other. Trying to escape the violence, Lucy (Brittany Snow) seeks refuge in the basement of Stupe (Dave Bautista), a former Marine on his way out of town to find his family. As the unlikely pair navigate through a hail of gunfire and lethal explosions, they learn they are in the middle of a civil war as Texas attempts to secede from the US. With the clash between local residents and the militia escalating, Lucy and Stupe must rely on each other in an impossible race to get out of the city and survive another day.

As Lucy (Brittany Snow) and her boyfriend emerge from the subway, they notice that there is no one around. While the idea of personal space in a New York City is unheard of they don’t think much of it. Moments later a man on fire runs past them. Lucy’s boyfriend goes to investigate and in moments, Lucy is alone.

On the street above her there is gunfire, explosions and death. There are snipers on rooftops, and men dressed in all black who are executing anyone they can find. Some citizens are fighting back and others are using the chaos as an excuse to rob, rape and murder. 

Lucy runs into a basement to hide from some locals and the occupant Stupe (Dave Bautista) saves her from their attack. Stupe tells Lucy he can’t and won’t help her. Stupe is currently a janitor but he has military training. Lucy follows him out into the war zone and Stupe’s instincts kick in to protect her. Lucy is useful when Stupe is injured and he later helps her make her way to her grandmother and sister’s homes. As time goes on, Stupe and Lucy will learn why their city is under attack and that Bushwick is not alone in its peril.

Bushwick is shot in minimalist fashion with a low budget but high quality feel to it. The 1080p Blu-ray offers a clean sharp image with much to admire. Fabric textures show a high level of fine detail. Smoke, fire, explosions and wounds are all realistic. The color palette is bleak but Lucy’s red jacket pops and makes the viewer concerned for her safety.

Bushwick’s DTS-HD-MA soundtrack handles the gunfire and related effects with ease. You will hear the gunfire and screams from the rear that make you feel immersed in the action. A helicopter overhead feels close and true. When the bass kicks in, the combat comes to life but dialogue is never lost in the action.

Bushwick amazingly does not contain a commentary. The Blu-ray contains only the following:

Bushwick is a pleasant surprise. It’s not what you’d expect out of Dave Bautista or Brittany Snow. It’s hard to imagine that it is the same guy with the infectious laugh from Guardians of the Galaxy or the acapella performer with the short skirt in Pitch Perfect. Both actors fully inhabit their characters. Snow plays hurt, scared and injured with authenticity and Bautista is very good as the tough stranger who is hard to read. Without a ton of special effects, the combat scenes are realistic and the tension is felt.