Man of War Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

Man of War Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman August 28, 2026

In the time honored tradition of Ronald Reagan's famous pronouncement (actually evidently purloined from another California politician) that a new Eleventh Commandment was "thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican", I will refrain from any negative comments about another Kauf(f)man, Man of War's director and co-writer William Kaufman, other than to suggest he needs to learn how to spell his surname (that's a joke, in case it isn't clear). Kaufman has amassed a rather lengthy filmography, albeit largely in the straight to video realm, and he's a reliable provider of action scenarios, albeit scenarios which, as is also the case with this film, may tend to rely on tried and true tropes pretty heavily. In this case, Man of War plays like a slightly more paramilitary riff on Taken, with this story's focal vigilante having gained his "particular set of skills" as a former member of the Army's Special Forces.

In an arguably slightly odd tip o' the Green Beret to contemporary geopolitical fracases, the story actually plays out within the larger context of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Michael Connor (LaMonica Garrett), that aforementioned former Special Ops type, charging into the front lines of the battle in order to rescue his adopted daughter, Riley (Rosmary Yaneva). Moral shades of gray are explored as Connor has to navigate not just competing Ukrainian and Russian elements, but also British and American intelligence aspects. It's probably a bit over convoluted for its own good, but there's an emphasis on some good old fashioned stunt work and smackdown battle scenes that at least can help to pump up the adrenaline flow, which may help to elide some of the narrative clichés. The film tries to make probably noble points about the plight of Ukrainians suffering from the invasion from Russia, but the basic approach here is not exactly weighted toward a "political" message, and instead seems to be satisfied with a gritty depiction that "war is hell" for all concerned.

Man of War Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Man of War is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Well Go USA with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.38:1. As of the writing of this review, the IMDb has no technical information available and probably unsurprisingly I haven't been able to dredge up anything authoritative online anywhere else. One way or the other this is a crisp and very well detailed digital capture that doesn't shy away from the cool, glossy look of the technology. As with so many action adventure thrillers the film kind of ping pongs between burnished yellow-orange and ice cold blue gradings, though some of the former can have a just slightly green edge to them as well. Detail levels remain commendably intact throughout most of these changes, with only the very darkest blue material really tending to mask fine detail at significant levels. Outdoor location footage is very effectively utilized throughout.

Man of War Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Man of War features an appropriately explosive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that makes the most of the film's war setting, where gunfire and explosions break out regularly. Even some of the cloistered material featuring Connor and his main quasi-handler Charlie (Jason Patric) have good engagement of the side and rear channels for background clamor. The chaotic third act features a number of well designed immersive moments as basically all hell breaks loose. Dialogue is rendered without any problems. Optional English and French subtitles are available.

Man of War Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Trailer (HD; 2:04)

Packaging features a slipcover.

Man of War Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Garrett is a hulking presence throughout the film and manages to rise above some too obvious writing, as in the opening which suggests Connor is on the verge of PTSD suicide until, of course, that pesky kidnapping intrudes. The film picks up considerable energy once Connor gets into avenging angel mode, though, and a lot of the action scenes, which reportedly shied away from CGI, are effectively staged. Technical merits are solid for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.