Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Gerard Butler stars as Kable, condemned criminal and globally famous super-soldier in the ultimate multiplayer game, "Slayers". Human controllers direct each thought and move of real-life prison inmates battling in hyper-intense environments - where the goal is freedom and the penalty is death. But when Kable suddenly decides he wants out, his rebellion threatens the twisted plans of game creator Ken Castle, who will stop at nothing to crush the renegade commando in this taut, adrenaline-packed action-thriller.

Welcome to 2009’s version of “The Running Man”. Only here the convict gladiators are controlled by a wireless network that allows rich kids to control them in the war zone. There is also a version for the less violent player that is a port of “The Sims”. Butler plays a convict caught in the system who has become its most popular “slayer” and is close to being set free. But the grand wizard won’t allow that as Butler has some secrets that could undo the whole thing. I had pretty low expectations going into this one but I was actually pleasantly surprised. The film has a solid concept, good acting and plenty of kinetic action thanks to the same crew that made the jolting “Crank”. This film is very close to the concepts of the recent “Surrogates” but was far more engaging in the end.

Wow. So far this is the best looking Blu-ray of the year, hands down. I even added it to my 10 best looking of all time list! The film was shot using the Red 4K camera, similar to the recent (and also amazing looking) District 9. The detail and dimension on this transfer are breathtaking and none of the normal issues with digital captures (blown out whites, soft detail) are present. Contrast is exceptional and I know I’ll be using this one for evaluations and demos for some time to come. The soundtrack is also impressive and pretty bombastic with LOTS of low bass, explosions, gun fire and wall pounding music.

Lionsgate delivers a pretty packed special edition for this Blu-ray. You get an interactive video commentary as well as a making of feature that is strung out throughout the film. Standard commentaries are also included along with some making of features, deleted scenes, trailers and iPod exclusive features such as ringtones. A digital copy is also included.

This one turned out to be far more entertaining than I thought it would be. Its ultra violent and drenched in action, but its fun and it flies by. The Blu-ray presentation is sensational and delivers one of the best video transfers out there.