7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Frank Martin, who "transports" packages for unknown clients, is asked to move a package that soon begins moving, and complications arise.
Starring: Jason Statham, Shu Qi, Matt Schulze, François Berléand, Ric YoungAction | 100% |
Thriller | 67% |
Crime | 40% |
Video codec: MPEG-2
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps)
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The deal is the deal. Rule number one.
The Transporter has "generic action movie" written all over it. In a way, it is, but its
cartoonish-feel adds a bit of charm to this 21st century "knight in shining armor" tale. In the
film that arguably made him a household name an up-and-coming action star in the United
States (his first two major roles were in the Guy Ritchie directed British hits Lock, Stock, and
Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch), Jason Statham (The Bank Job) proves
he's worthy of the label "action star," carrying himself like one, performing many of his own
stunts, and bringing a charisma and presence to the screen matched only be a few other action
stars working today (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson comes to mind). The Transporter is
certainly not the best action movie of the decade, but it might just have the best pace of any,
each and every frame exploding with first-rate action, stunts, or Statham delivering a fine
performance that sets up the action when he isn't shooting, punching, or kicking his way through
bad guys.
Are you sure you want to give 'Transporter 2' a bad score?
Another early Fox release with MPEG-2 video, The Transporter nevertheless looks very good. This 1080p, 2.35:1 framed transfer is not quite as sharp and detailed as we've come to expect from the best releases, but it is one that is mostly impressive nevertheless. Some long distance shots suffer a bit from a smudgy appearances, but the close-ups fare rather well, exhibiting some wonderful detail in faces, clothing, and surfaces. Medium-distance shots are average. Flesh tones are a bit red but never stand out as a major issue. The print is mostly free of dirt and debris, though the rare scratch does pop up. Colors are not vibrant but rather natural, some of the shots outside of Martin's house look fantastic. The rich color of the exterior of his home, as well as that of the water and the green of the trees surrounding it are breathtakingly beautiful, the location pretty enough to be a tourist attraction wherever it is (the film was shot in various locations around France). The action visuals are fantastic, the tracer rounds seen in some of the action sequences add a bit of flair and excitement to the film (and they look great, too). Black levels are strong, and the movie never exhibits excessive film grain. The Transporter is a strong early release from Fox, a studio I believe to be one of the best in the Blu-ray business in terms of picture quality.
Fox's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless sound mix for The Transporter fits the action movie bill to perfection. It's loud, aggressive, and a blast to listen to. The film's opening car chase sequence will blow you away with excellent dynamics, directionality, fidelity, and imaging (qualities present throughout the entirety of the track). The pulsating beats of the music, the revving of the engine, and the destruction wrought along the way comes to life in your media room, and for good measure, the subwoofer will pound your eardrums on several occasions. Keep in mind this is all describing the film's opening minutes; listeners are in for a major treat the rest of the way. This is a high-quality audio presentation befitting what you'd expect to hear at a top-notch theater. The rear channels receive quite the workout in nearly every scene, be it light ambient sounds or the heavy pounding of gunshots and explosions. The movie's first major action sequence, about thirty minutes in, is a parade of violent and toe-tapping sounds. A slick hip-hop beat, bullets, axes slammed into walls, screams, and other assorted effects work their way into every speaker. All of the shootouts are fantastically reproduced as rounds impact surfaces, shell casings drop onto the floor, and shots are heard flying through every channel. Dialogue is a bit bass-y (I could feel it reverberating ever so slightly through my feet at times) but it sounds fine. Punches, kicks, and throws are not only heard but also felt with a magnificently over-the-top thump. This track is never boring. The film relies heavily on its soundtrack, and this lossless presentation from Fox adds another dimension to the film and makes the experience of watching The Transporter in high definition all the more entertaining.
The Transporter breaks one of rules of Blu-ray by failing to provide much in the way of supplemental materials. The highlight is a feature-length commentary track with actor Jason Statham and producer Steven Chasman. This is a fairly average informational track, but above average in feel thanks to the participation of Statham. Some nice tidbits about places and things are tossed into the discussion, but nothing of major relevance. A bit of dead air plagues the track, but Statham manages to entertain, bringing an easygoing attitude to his comments ("his brains actually went all over the windshield but they cut that shot"). He definitely dominates the track, his demeanor depicted here so unlike many of the characters he's portrayed in his films. This track is definitely a recommended listen for both Statham and Transporter fans. Nine 1080p trailers conclude the extras. The films previewed on this disc are The Transporter, Transporter 2, Planet of the Apes, Phone Booth, Behind Enemy Lines, Kiss of the Dragon, Speed, Fantastic Four, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
The Transporter is an entertaining popcorn action movie that's safe for audiences not quite ready for the likes of Shoot 'Em Up or Rambo. Its action is first-rate and exciting but lacks the goriness of some of the more excessively violent action movies of the past few years. Jason Statham turns in a fine performance, his acting ability well-suited to movies of this style. 20th Century Fox, one of the leaders in providing high-quality Blu-ray content, has once again delivered a disc with a fine video transfer and exceptional audio quality. Unfortunately, this release lacks a plethora of special features, the only downside of this disc. Nevertheless, those simply looking for a high-quality video and audio transfer for The Transporter need look no further. Recommended for action movie lovers and Blu-ray fans who aren't concerned with receiving a wealth of special features on their Blu-ray discs.
2002
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2002
2002
2002
Comic Con Exclusive
2002
2002
2005
Fully Loaded Edition
2008
2-Disc Extended Cut
2008
2015
2008
2001
Rogue Assassin
2007
Banlieue 13
2004
2006
Collector's Edition
1986
2012
1990
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2017
2011
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2018
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1995
Extended Edition
2013