6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Dan Barnes is a former heavyweight boxer who hangs up his gloves to escape his violent lifestyle. Dan's life is quickly turned upside down when the resident boxing champion makes his presence felt by dominating all opponents who stand in his way. In order to put the title holder in his place, Dan prepares an unseasoned newcomer for the biggest challenge of his life.
Starring: Daniel Mags, Steve Austin (IV), Janet Kidder, Emma Grabinsky, Samuel Patrick ChuDrama | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English: DTS 2.0
French: DTS-HD HR 5.1
French: DTS 2.0
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Go make 'em nervous.
Shades of The Karate Kid for sure, but Knockout stands on its own two
feet
as a film that might follow in another's footsteps but that finds its place as a touching, honest story of perseverance, courage, friendship,
understanding, and strength. The latter seems a given in a film about boxing, but Knockout rightly espouses something other than the
power
of the punch, and that is the strength that comes from within, the mental toughness and emotional balance that's needed as much as, if not more
so than,
the raw physical power to stand up in the ring and, more importantly, to stand up in life. Indeed, Knockout -- the absence of originality and
the recycled message aside -- serves a purpose as a reinforcement of good, sound principles that apply to every area of life. The film, like all good
pictures of this sort, uses bullying, training, and fighting as metaphors for a greater good. It's the core foundational principles that count in movies
like this, and this foundation is one of the toughest, truest, most sturdy, and certainly most meaningful around. The tale of the underdog rising to
the
top with the help of an older and wiser mentor -- who's also a friend -- not through the accumulation of brute strength and stamina but instead the
development of the heart and soul towards a physical, emotional, and spiritual balance that will not only increase the skill in the ring but gain the
respect of the opponent is the true path towards victory in life, whether in the ring, in the classroom, in the place of work, in the home, or in the
body and mind and the heart and soul.
Save it for the ring.
Knockout's 1080p HD video image is best described as "mediocre." This image is so glossy that it seems to flatten and smooth out even the finest details, rendering even facial textures and close-ups of clothing and other would-be intricate objects somewhat devoid of life. A few soft scenes also contribute to the sense of lessened detailing. Colors are fairly routine, neither abundantly vibrant but far from dull. Black levels are consistently strong and flesh tones are natural in appearance. The source itself is clean and not particularly noisy, but the image is hampered by an incredible amount of banding which at best constitutes an eyesore and at worst makes several scenes nearly unwatchable. Still, the bulk of the transfer is fairly smooth and bright; it's far from perfect, but it certainly gets the job done in most cases.
Knockout's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack won't put sound systems down for the count, but it gives them just enough of a workout to break a sweat. This isn't the most robust or seamlessly spaced track out there; music can play with a slightly cramped feel, but it's certainly crisp and clear through the entire range and with every element, be it music, sound effects, or dialogue. The surround channels are rarely engaged; inconsequential ambience creeps into the surrounds, but the front three speakers carry the bulk of the material. Music is passably energetic and plays with a decent kick at the low end when called upon. Dialogue is smooth and accurate. It's not a world-beater, but Knockout's soundtrack is worthy of the material.
Only the Knockout trailer (1080p, 1:45) is included.
It comes as no surprise that Knockout is a fine film. It's the sort of movie destined to succeed through heart and message which, no coincidence, is what the characters themselves espouse throughout the film. It's a complete circle; success is no accident, and it's achieved through the intangibles -- whether in life or in film -- and not always and certainly not exclusively through the more obvious features and building blocks that might take center stage but don't necessarily determine whether someone or something wins or loses. Knockout will appeal to viewers with an open mind and an open heart and to those who can look beyond the surface and enjoy it for what it is and what it has to offer at a deeper, more personal level. Phase 4's Blu-ray release of Knockout delivers a fair technical presentation and, unfortunately, no extras of substance. Still, it comes recommended on the strength of the film.
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