5.7 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.4 |
Once again, Seattle detectives Chris Lecce and Bill Reimers are teaming up on a stakeout, but this time they're bringing along a headstrong female partner, Gina Garrett, and her mischievous dog, Archie. Together, they're posing as the perfect family and it looks like these unlikely housemates might just catch their suspect . . . if they don't kill each other first.
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Emilio Estevez, Rosie O'Donnell, Dennis Farina, Marcia StrassmanComedy | 100% |
Crime | 22% |
Thriller | 4% |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
You sit, you listen, you watch. That's it. You don't participate.
John Badham is a bad man, and that's said with all the respect in the world. Here's the quintessential gotta-love-him late 80s/early 90s director, a
master of making movies that are really good at being really eh, and even better, his pictures are like perfectly-preserved time capsules into
another era, each scene a treasure trove of era-specific goodness that are about as visually dated as anything out there but that hold up thanks to
generally good stories and trademark Badham action and humor. OK, maybe eh isn't quite complimentary enough, but Badham's films --
almost every single one of them -- are great examples of well-made midrange flicks that are better than they should be but not really all that
memorable in the grand scheme of things. Wargames is exception -- what a great flick, and it's oh-so-dated, too, in traditional Badham
fashion, though to the director's defense he did find himself at his peak right at the beginning of the computer revolution during a time that was right
on the bubble of exploding towards destiny -- but films like Blue Thunder and Another Stakeout represent what he's really
all about, action-packed spectacles intermixed with a fair bit of humor and built on good stories and steady, smart direction. Another Stakeout
is one of the director's last big movies, and it's a good one, a perfect mix of action, mystery, and humor, dotted with good actors delivering strong
performances and, of course, that can't-miss trademark Badham look and feel that elevates this otherwise average Buddy Cop movie into something
that borders on being memorable.
The gang's all here.
Another Stakeout features a decent high definition transfer. Though some inconsistencies include regular edge enhancement; occasional background noise; and what is sometimes a scrubbed, flat appearance; the image is otherwise fairly strong, albeit hampered by its two primary problems. Detailing is quite strong and the image is rather sharp, though a few scenes do go a little soft and several shots showcase downright smeary details, particularly around the edges of the frame. Colors are nicely revealed, maybe a bit on the dim side in a few places but brighter hues -- particularly the red Mercedes convertible that plays prominently in the film -- are handled without a hitch. The image is practically free of pops, scratches, and other unwanted debris, and better yet, banding and blocking are non-factors. This isn't the best-looking image out there, but Mill Creek's transfer is very watchable, despite a few unfortunate drawbacks.
Another Stakeout arrives on Blu-ray with a stout DTS-HD MA 2.0 lossless soundtrack. Though it's without much in the way of flair, the track delivers smooth, spacious music and a surprisingly honest low end. It's not abundantly rich, clear, or satisfying, but it is heads and shoulders above some of the other recent Mill Creek two-channel lossless releases. This track could use a bit more energy in places; dialogue is sometimes a bit shallow and explosions could stand a touch more heft, but most action-oriented sound effects -- a chair crashing down a flight of steps, a barrage of gunfire that dots the final minutes of the movie -- are pleasantly handled, featuring a fair bit of strength and halfway decent clarity. Overall, the track manages to impress with the greater spacing, power, and clarity than previous Mill Creek Touchstone/Hollywood Pictures Blu-ray releases.
Another Stakeout features no supplemental content.
Another Stakeout is a really good mediocre movie. Nothing special, not exactly memorable, but incredibly watchable and infinitely entertaining, it's a perfect representation of the kind of movies John Badham makes. A great cast and even better interplay elevates the movie another couple of notches. This isn't must-see-cinema, but Another Stakeout is a tough act to beat for a breezy and fun no-think Saturday afternoon sort of Action/Comedy flick. Mill Creek's Blu-ray is, technically, not at all bad. Relatively strong video and audio don't cancel out the complete absence of extras, but the low price and quality of the movie both do. Recommended.
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