6.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 1.0 | |
Overall | 1.0 |
Muscle-bound action hero Dolph Lundgren returns to take the lead role in this nail-biting thriller. Frank Gannon (Lundgren) is nearing retirement from his job on the police force. Sick of the corruption that runs rife throughout the department, he decides to shop his fellow officers to the powers that be. His final days on the force subsequently turn into a nightmare for Gannon, whose colleagues decide to set him up in a drug scam that threatens to tarnish his impeccable reputation. The thrill ride really begins when Gannon tries to prove his innocence, and given just one day to clear his name, he battles against the clock and his fellow officers to ensure that justice is served.
Starring: Dolph Lundgren, Polly Shannon, Donald Burda, Rothaford Gray, Conrad DunnThriller | 100% |
Crime | 44% |
Action | 22% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
English, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 1.0 | |
Video | 2.0 | |
Audio | 2.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 1.0 |
After wowing audiences with his physical presence in such films as Rocky IV, Masters of the Universe, and the original Punisher, Dolph Lundgren slowly disappeared from the list of Hollywood’s action elite. Until recently, I assumed Lundgren had given up on his acting career, since I hadn’t seen him in a single production since the 1995 film Johnny Mnemonic. However, after taking a quick glimpse through his filmography, I was surprised to discover a steady supply of straight-to-video action flicks he’s been involved with. I guess it’s safe to conclude a recognizable face is all it takes to keep an aging action star employed.
"You have until the count of ten to give me my career back."
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 26Mbps), Direct Action sports a mediocre high-definition presentation that readily demonstrates the production's low-budget roots. Fine object detail varies from scene to scene, but I'd say the overall quality tends to land on the below average side. Facial textures lack clarity, character outlines appear a bit hazy, and distant shots seem a touch out of focus. The increased resolution still affords the transfer an appearance that's clearly high-definition, but compared with a Hollywood production, the level of clarity is somewhat pathetic. I wish I could say matters improve with the color spectrum, but the drab, lifeless hues rarely seem natural. Skin tones appear a touch on the yellow side, with most outdoor scenes generating a washed-out image. Some of the problems with the coloring could be related to amateur lighting work on the part of the crew (interior shots), but regardless of where the blame falls, this is still a weak presentation. As if the coloring and clarity weren't bad enough, contrast looks dismal during interior scenes, completely eliminating the presence of shadow detail.
Even if you cut the transfer some slack for budgetary constraints, this is still an unsatisfying presentation that will only please the most dedicated action fans.
Despite the inclusion of a lossless track on this Blu-ray release, I was entirely underwhelmed by the sound design on the front-heavy mix. As the film first opened, I assumed the entire soundtrack would follow in the footsteps of most modern low-budget action films, by infusing one hip-hop track after another. However, once we move past the initial credit sequence, the score descends into the same generic collection of drum beats and synthesizer tunes we've heard time after time. I'm beginning to wonder if there's a "generic action movie" music collection that automatically comes free with the casting of any washed up action star. Similar to the routine nature of the musical selections, the sound effects feel flat and lifeless. Gunshots remind me of a weak firecracker, kicks or punches exhibit a generic thud, and vehicle chase scenes rarely generate a feeling of tension. Add in a disappointing lack of surround use, and you end up with an experience that seems like a complete waste of time. Despite my overall disappointment with the audio presentation, I feel compelled to at least mention one positive attribute to the technical presentation. Listening to the various elements in the mix, you'll notice the volume is well-balanced, allowing every aspect equal weight in the overall sound field. It's definitely not a reason to jump up and down, but we have to take the positives when we can get them.
Thankfully, the only extra on the disc is a collection of standard definition trailers (Direct Action, Command Performance, Monster, Direct Contact, and The Code).
If you have the ability to avoid this film, consider yourself lucky. I probably waste countless hours every day with no acknowledgement that I can't have that time back, yet sitting through Direct Action felt like watching the arm of a clock as my life ticked slowly away. 97 minutes can be an eternity when watching a production with zero redeeming value, so do yourself a favor and find something far more entertaining (such as watching paint dry).
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