In a world where the search for identity is as paramount as it is elusive, The Bikeriders emerges as a profound and timely exploration of this quest. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter), the film provides an intimate and uncompromising look at the rise and fall of The Vandals, one of America's most notorious outlaw motorcycle clubs, capturing the essence of American masculine identity in the process.

Inspired by Danny Lyon’s seminal photographic and oral history of a Midwestern outlaw motorcycle gang, The Bikeriders is set against the backdrop of the '60s and '70s, a period when biker culture was not just a form of rebellion but a way to carve out a unique identity. This search for self is wonderfully depicted through the film's central characters, highlighting how the club becomes both a sanctuary and a crucible for its members.

At its core, the film resonates today because the search for identity remains one of the most powerful forces at work in our current society. Just as the bikers in the film turn to their culture to find deeper meaning, people today are similarly seeking belonging and purpose. Whether through social movements, online communities, or personal rebranding, the quest for identity continues to define our era.

British actress Jodie Comer stands out with her extraordinary transformation into Kathy, a prototypical Midwestern girl who falls for an enigmatic young motorcyclist, Benny, played by Austin Butler. Comer’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her Midwestern accent is flawless, transporting the audience into the heartland of America and making Kathy's experiences and struggles feel incredibly real.

She tells the story of The Vandals via a touching Voiceover that traces the origins of the club through the eyes of its founding members. Nichols pulls the dialogue from the actual audio recordings Lyon was able to capture during his time with the club. Though the fractured timeline is occasionally challenging to follow, this is a brilliant storytelling device as it allows us to meet the characters in a highly accessible way. It looks like Easy Rider, and feels like Good Fellas.

Austin Butler as Benny is equally captivating. Known for his brooding intensity, Butler brings a complex vulnerability to his character, making him both a charismatic leader and a tragic figure. His portrayal adds depth to the film's exploration of masculinity – and all the toxicity that infers, showing the allure and peril of adopting a tough exterior as a means of self-definition.

Nichols is equally instrumental to the success of the film as his direction is both raw and lyrical, capturing the gritty reality of biker life while also steeping the film with a haunting beauty. Adam Stone’s camera work complements the narrative perfectly, using stark landscapes and intimate close-ups to underscore the characters' internal and external journeys. Each frame feels meticulously crafted, drawing the audience deeper into the world of the bikeriders and their existential quests.

With The Bikeriders, Jeff Nichols has crafted a film that is both a tribute to a bygone era and a poignant commentary on the timeless search for identity. With standout performances from Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, and Norman Reedus, the film captures the essence of what it means to belong and the lengths people will go to find their place in the world.

The Bikeriders is more than just a film about motorcycles and rebellion; it's a deeply human story that speaks to our most fundamental desires. Don’t just watch it—experience it, and allow it to challenge and inspire your own search for identity.

Ready to ride along? Don’t miss The Bikeriders.

4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Edition + Digital Code Collector's Edition

Home Video Distributor: Universal Studios
Available on Blu-ray - August 13, 2024
Screen Formats: 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH; French; German; Italian; Spanish; Danish; Dutch; Finnish; Norwegian; Swedish
Audio: English: Dolby Atmos; English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; Spanish: Dolby Digital Plus 7.1; French: Dolby Digital Plus 7.1; German: Dolby Atmos; Italian: Dolby Digital Plus 7.1; Audio descriptive
Discs: 4K Ultra HD; Blu-ray Disc; Two-disc set
Region Encoding: 4K region-free; blu-ray locked to Region A

Universal hits the hi-def highway with an impressive release of The Bikeriders in a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Code Collector's edition. Included in the cardboard slip-covered two-disc set are an HDR10 video encode of the film as well as Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD audio tracks, and a handful of bonus items.

VIDEO

The 2160p 2.39:1 native 4K transfer to disc is a solid one that maintains the grungy period look and feel of the film which is set in the late '60s, and early '70s.

You aren't going to be impressed with bright, saturated colors as they are appropriately muted for the period. There is a pleasantly handled grain structure throughout the presentation which speaks to the subject matter's grindhouse look and feel.

Over all, the visuals are exactly what we expected from a biker movie! Immerse yourself in the era.

AUDIO

The film's Dolby Atmos track really sings when the throaty growl of unmufflered motors roll through your room. Yes, The Bikeriders is dialogue heavy with the fronts getting most of the work, but when the action heats up and the bikes hit the road, you'll be blown away by the rumble of the low end and rears. Hell yeah!

Supplements:

Commentary:

• Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Jeff Nichols

Special Features:

However, the best of the box is the 4-minute conversation as the director and actors talk about the original idea of the film and how it was born from the pages of a book of photographs about the real Chicago motorcycle club. Watching this first might help those who struggled to with the film's themes and subject matter.

Also included are a couple more short bits with the film's principals about the making of the film.

• Johnny, Benny, & Kathy (04:56)
• The Era of 'The Bikeriders' (03:22)
• The Filmmaker's Eye: Jeff Nichols (02:57)

	Movie
	Video
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	Extras
Composite Blu-ray Grade

MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 115 mins
Director: Jeff Nichols
Writer: Jeff Nichols
Cast: Jodie Comer; Austin Butler; Tom Hardy
Genre: Crime | Drama
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "I've been thinking, I can run this club forever. I've built this from nothing. This is our family. You and me kid."
Theatrical Distributor: Focus Features
Official Site: https://www.fandango.com/the-bikeriders-2024-233140/movie-overview
Release Date: June 21, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: August 12, 2024
Synopsis: After a chance encounter, headstrong Kathy is drawn to Benny, member of Midwestern motorcycle club the Vandals. As the club transforms into a dangerous underworld of violence, Benny must choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.s.