Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – Blu-Ray Movie Review

The Maze Runner trilogy is one of several young-hero/chosen-one franchises that are hot at the box office right now. Unlike Hunger Games and Divergent however, this one focuses more on the world in which it takes place rather than the characters. Thomas is clearly the hero of the story but he is not nearly as engaging as Katniss Everdeen or Tris. This is not a slight against Dylan O’Brien’s fine acting ability. It’s just that the story takes its time revealing what’s actually going on. Rather than creating a character then throwing various obstacles in his path, Thomas becomes a vehicle for a slow-reveal of the mystery surrounding a world-wide cataclysm and what different factions of humanity are trying to do about it.

Much is revealed in this second chapter and by the end you’ll pretty much know how things came to be and what the good guys need to do to stop the mayhem. The Earth is in chaos, survivors are suffering and the solution can either be used to save some or to save all. WCKD obviously wants to control the cure for its own reasons and the resistance wants to save everyone. While the plot doesn’t cover significant new ground, I’ll certainly be watching the final chapter of Maze Runner when it debuts next fall. The story and action are a lot of fun and this latest release is an easy one to recommend.

The image is superb with a large dynamic range. Dark scenes are rendered beautifully with detailed shadows, deep blacks and plenty of depth. Color is gritty with the same cool tones seen in last year’s Maze Runner film. Material shot in the daytime is bright and punchy with sharp highlights. Resolution in close-up shots is first-rate with no apparent artifacts or flaws.

Audio is rich and detailed but the mix is a bit polite. I found myself having to turn up the volume to enjoy its full potential. Dialog is crisp and clear with good balance and no distortion or sibilance. Ambient sounds are used to great effect and your surrounds will get a good workout as will your sub.

Bonus features include a nearly one-hour making-of documentary, classified de-briefing videos from principal characters, a gag reel, visual effects reel, deleted scenes and audio commentary by the director, screen-writer, producer and film editor.