6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A courier for a local crime lord must deliver a mysterious package while being chased by a horde of unusual gangsters.
Starring: Steve Austin (IV), Dolph Lundgren, Darren Shahlavi, Monique Ganderton, Jerry TrimbleAction | 100% |
Thriller | 53% |
Crime | 34% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
The Package is the most recent direct-to-video Action flick to star Steve Austin and Dolph Lundgren and come out of the Anchor Bay distribution chain, following tightly on the heels of Austin's Maximum Conviction and Lundgren's One in the Chamber. The Package fares a little better than both of those; the combined star power helps this along considerably, but so too does a fairly interesting plot line with a fair twist in the final act and, of course, some rough-and-tumble rowdy Action scenes that are amongst the more entertaining fans will find in a DTV film without "Universal Soldier" in the title (both of which also star Lundgren). At its center, though, is a largely routine venture, but one that comes together just a bit better than others of its kind. It's not ready for primetime, but Action fans will be hard-pressed to find something far and away better than this that's making its debut on Blu-ray rather than the local mall's multiplex.
Out for blood.
The Package features the DTV Blu-ray-basic 1080p, 1.78:1-framed high definition presentation. Typical of these HD video productions released through Anchor Bay, this one's very well done, crisp and nicely detailed and, save for a few minor blemishes, a pleasure to watch. First, the negatives. Light banding in a few scenes, a small amount of noise, and a few edge halos around a cityscape shot mar an otherwise accurate presentation. The transfer offers steady, crisp, and well-defined textures throughout; whether wear on bowling pins and the scuffs on the hardwood lanes seen in the opening title sequence or more standard faces and clothes, all surfaces appear in good, crisp order and prove quite naturally revealing and accurate. Colors are even and pleasant; the palette never drifts towards either an unnatural warmth or an unwanted dullness, instead offering a balanced, satisfying array of hues, from blood red to the silver paint job on a pickup truck seen at film's end. It does take on a deliberately cold and flat look at times, however, but colors are strong when the image is more vibrant. Black levels are fine, deep and accurate and refusing to crush, while flesh tones present no major drift from the norm. This is a good all-around presentation from Anchor Bay.
Anchor Bay delivers The Package to Blu-ray with an exciting Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The presentation impresses from the beginning forward; the film starts with clear notes, a natural room-filling presence, and hearty bass. Heavy low end elements dot some of the more sinister musical notes scattered throughout the movie, and the track's bass also gives definition to heavy thud punches and deep rattling machine gun fire in chapter five. A long string of automatic weapons fire practically shreds the listening area; it's deep and loud, so much so that listeners might feel the urge to throw on some hearing protection. The track provides some nicely spaced and naturally flowing support elements as well; gentle music and distant thunder in chapter six help set a nearly surreal sort of atmosphere leading up to a killing. Dialogue is clear and focused in the center. This is a positive, well-constructed soundtrack that serves the movie very well.
This Blu-ray release of The Package contains no supplemental content. However, a DVD copy of the film has been included.
The Package won't win over the hearts and minds with those outside its target audience, but those who enjoy DTV Action flicks will find quite a bit to like about this latest Steve Austin/Dolph Lundgren blood-spiller. It features a robust story that's serious but not overly complicated, well-staged action that's a nice blend of gunplay and fisticuffs, and a good twist in the final act. As far as DTV films go, this is one of the more polished and entertaining out there. It's expertly made, well acted, and plenty of fun. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of The Package doesn't contain any extras, but it does feature good video and aggressive audio. Recommended to diehard Action movie fans.
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