Nicolas Winding Refn is one of the most fascinating of modern auteurs. There are few directors working in cinema over the past thirty years who have such a recognisable and distinctive style. The Danish filmmaker first came to prominence with his Pusher trilogy before going on to work in Hollywood. Making some of the most singular films you’re likely to see, such as Valhalla Rising and The Neon Demon. However, his masterpiece remains Drive. The film which brought him mainstream success.
While a driver (Ryan Gosling) earns a living in Los Angeles working as a mechanic and a stunt driver, his main income comes courtesy of his skills as a getaway driver. He’s the best in the business and operates under a strict code. His loner lifestyle is turned upside down when he meets Irene (Carey Mulligan), who has moved into his apartment block. However, when her husband (Oscar Isaac) is released from prison, his house of cards begins to topple.
Drive is one of the most iconic and stylish films of the twenty-first century. A mixture of drenched neon visuals, an entrancing pulsating soundtrack and Gosling’s taciturn stare affords Refn’s film an almost cult-like status. It works best when it’s being enigmatic. Less so when the drama comes to the fore, but that is maybe nitpicking because it really is such a memorable and entertaining romp. Drive tackles life in the Fastlane through an obtuse mirror.
Special features:
- A Special Edition release presented by Second Sight Films and Director Nicolas Winding Refn
- Includes UHD and Blu-ray both with main feature and bonus features
- New 4K master produced by the original post production company and approved by Nicolas Winding Refn
- UHD presented in Dolby Vision HDR graded by the film’s original colourist
- Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- New exclusive audio commentary by Nicolas Winding Refn and The Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw
- Drive: a 70 minutes conversation with Nicolas Winding Refn, Editor Mat Newman and Composer Cliff Martinez
- Cutting a Getaway – a new interview with Mat Newman
- 3 Point Turns – a new video essay by Leigh Singer
- Optional English subtitles for the hearing impaired
Limited edition contents:
- Premium box set packaging with new artwork by AllCity
- 240-page hardback book with new essays by Travis Crawford, Hannah, Strong, Alison Taylor, Matthew Thrift, Simon Ward, Thomas Joseph Watson and Emma Westwood, an exclusive interview with Drive author James Sallis by Matthew Thrift, original storyboards, stills and behind-the-scenes photos
- The original novel with exclusive new artwork by AllCity
- 7 collectors’ art cards
Drive is released on limited edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray by Second Sight on 6 June.
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