Mechanic: Resurrection

Lionsgate Films' 4K UHD presentation of "Mechanic: Resurrection" delivers a visual feast, boasting a 2160p transfer that showcases the film's vibrant and varied palette with the enhanced clarity and detail that the format is known for. Shot on Red Epic and Scarlet X cameras capable of 5K resolution, this transfer brings every location to life with stunning vividness, especially the beach scenes in Thailand, where the combination of HDR10 and the natural beauty of the setting results in images that are nothing short of breathtaking. The azure blues of the ocean and the glistening sand under the sun's warmth exhibit an incredible level of detail. However, while the presentation excels in its depiction of natural landscapes and textures, it occasionally stumbles, particularly in scenes with significantly less light or those employing excessive green screen, which can appear somewhat artificial and lack the grainy texture some might expect from a gritty action movie.

Despite minor issues, such as occasional motion artifacts and a slight lack of grain in darker sequences, the overall visual experience is highly commendable. The HDR grading works wonders for the black levels throughout "Mechanic: Resurrection," offering deep and immersive dark scenes without sacrificing detail. In brighter scenes, colors pop with an earthiness and vibrancy that feels natural yet enhanced, reflecting the capabilities of the 4K UHD format. Contrast is generally well managed, with brilliant specular highlights and rich, full-bodied blacks contributing to a picture that is both striking and nuanced. However, some blooming is noted, and contrast levels can run hotter than expected in certain scenes.

In terms of technical execution, the cinematography benefits immensely from the UHD format’s broader color spectrum and enhanced resolution. The textures, from crisply defined sands to detailed facial features, showcasing every blemish and wrinkle, are portrayed with lifelike precision that often borders on a three-dimensional appearance. While there are exceptional moments that truly showcase what 4K UHD can achieve, inconsistencies, particularly in underlit or action-heavy sequences, underscore the limitations of transferring a film finished at a 2K DI to a higher resolution format. Overall, "Mechanic: Resurrection" offers a 4K viewing experience that, despite its flaws, significantly enhances the film's visual feast and demonstrates the strengths of modern home cinema technology.

The audio presentation of "Mechanic: Resurrection" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray edition is equipped with an impressive Dolby Atmos track that enhances the viewing experience with its detailed and dynamic range. While it might not reach the pinnacle of object-based audio tracks seen in other cinematic experiences, it still offers a plethora of engaging moments, particularly during action scenes where the immersive sound truly shines. Ambient effects, such as the whisper of the wind and the chirping of exotic birds, seamlessly blend into ceiling speakers with precision, creating a captivating auditory dome. The realism of helicopters moving through the audio space exemplifies excellent use of the Atmos capabilities, with their rotor blades buzzing convincingly overhead, adding to the film’s immersive quality.

At the core of its audio prowess, the movie's front soundstage stands out by delivering an incredibly broad and expansive soundscape that showcases a remarkable balance across channels. The meticulous handling of sound effects—from bullets to cars—moves across the space with fluidity and precision, complemented by a rich blend of off-screen elements that enrich the auditory experience. The dialogue remains crystal clear amidst the chaos, ensuring character interactions are never lost. Moreover, a robust low-end foundation adds a resonant depth to the action, making every explosion and punch felt as much as heard, aligning perfectly with the visuals for an enhanced sensory experience.

Lionsgate has made no compromises in extending this high-quality audio presentation to both the UHD and the regular 1080p Blu-ray releases, each featuring a Dolby Atmos track tailored for an enveloping home theater environment. The dynamic range is wide enough to encompass the film’s varied soundscape, from explosive action sequences to nuanced dialogue and score, without sacrificing clarity or priority. Additionally, the utilization of Dolby Atmos height channels enriches the experience with overhead explosions and flying helicopters, further enhancing the film’s dynamic audio landscape. Even with occasional reports of audio dropouts on the Blu-ray version, the 4K UHD presentation plays back flawlessly, maintaining a persistent and engaging auditory journey throughout the film’s runtime.

The extras of the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Mechanic: Resurrection" fall exclusively onto the included 1080p Blu-ray disc, offering a compact yet insightful selection. Despite the lack of supplements on the 4K UHD disc itself, the Blu-ray compensates with a well-rounded suite of featurettes focused on different aspects of the film's production. Viewers are treated to an in-depth 10-minute exploration into the making of the movie, including cast and crew's insights on plot and character development, notably highlighting Jason Statham’s embodiment of the eponymous Mechanic and his synergy with Jessica Alba. Mark Isham's comprehensive discussion on scoring the action-packed film adds a fascinating layer to the movie-watching experience, revealing the impact of music in amplifying the film's emotional and action beats. Additionally, a series of mini-featurettes offer glimpses into specific elements like the Malaysian Prison setting, Michelle Yeoh’s role, and Statham's dedicated approach to stunts. Trailers for other Lionsgate films enhance the package, rounding out a robust collection of extras that are sure to please fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Engineering The Sequel: Inside Mechanic: Resurrection: A deep dive into the making of the film with cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Scoring the Action Film with Mark Isham: Insightful discussion with the composer on his approach to scoring the film.
• The Malaysian Prison: A brief look at the real-life prison used in one of the film’s key scenes.
• Michelle Yeoh - Secret Ally: Focus on Michelle Yeoh’s character and her importance in the narrative.
• Statham on Stunts: Overview of Jason Statham's commitment to performing stunts.
• Trailers: A collection of Lionsgate trailers, including "Criminal," "Hell or High Water," "Our Kind of Traitor," "Wild Card," and "Expendables 3."

"Mechanic: Resurrection," the pulse-pounding sequel nobody saw coming, sees Jason Statham reprising his role as Arthur Bishop in a display that mingles slick aesthetics with a buffet of adrenaline-charged action sequences. While the film somewhat strays from the original's darker assassination narrative, favoring instead a vibrant blend of high-risk missions across exotic locales, it undeniably marks its territory in the action genre with its visually appealing set pieces and Statham's unyielding physical prowess. This blend, as audacious as it may appear, positions "Mechanic: Resurrection" uniquely among its contemporaries — a feat in itself given its DTV-level expectations and its surprising success at storming the Chinese box office. Despite its narrative divergences from the first film, it arguably does a better service to the Hitman series than recent video game adaptations, making it an enjoyable if not entirely cohesive sequel.

The film's narrative doesn't shy away from the mechanical, with Dennis Gansel at the helm steering into the skid of tried-and-true action tropes. Yet, amidst the familiarity lies an undeniable charm - largely propelled by Statham's unwavering command of his action prowess and occasionally punctuated by daring stunt work that elevates the film's engagement factor. The utilization of exotic locations not only adds to the visual appeal but embeds a sense of global espionage adventure reminiscent of genre giants like Mission: Impossible. However, the script's predictability and underuse of a talented supporting cast, including Jessica Alba and Tommy Lee Jones, underscore areas where depth could have enhanced engagement.

On a technical note, "Mechanic: Resurrection" shines in its 4K UHD presentation, bringing out the lusciousness of its locations and the intricacy of its action in stunning clarity. The upgrade to UHD is particularly commendable for fans of Statham or the franchise, offering a visually immersive experience that underscores the film's commitment to high-octane spectacle. Though criticisms levied at its narrative depth and originality are valid, the film disrupts expectations with its audacious set pieces and global cinematography—elements that are undeniably enhanced by the leap to UHD clarity. While not groundbreaking in storytelling, "Mechanic: Resurrection" secures its place as a solidly entertaining entry into Statham's action catalog.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Mechanic: Resurrection" garners a mixed bag of reactions that tend to skew more positively on the technical side than on the film's content. The sequel to the 2011 action thriller sees Jason Statham reprising his role as Arthur Bishop, delivering adrenaline-fueled set pieces that are best appreciated in the sharpness and depth provided by the 4K video resolution. The detail levels, while inconsistent, are complemented significantly by the addition of High Dynamic Range (HDR) colors, bringing a new life to the visuals. The disc's audio experience is championed by a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, delivering a sonic clarity and immersion that almost justifies the purchase. Despite the film's narrative failings, which include a predictable plot that fails to challenge its protagonist compellingly, the technical merits of this release—especially its video and audio enhancements—offer a tangible upgrade over its Blu-ray counterpart.

The visual fidelity of this release presents several demo-worthy moments that showcase the prowess of 4K UHD technology. However, it's worth noting that while the film itself may not engage all viewers, especially those looking for a significant evolution in storytelling or action cinema, the disc's supplemental features mirror those found in the previous release, maintaining a level of continuity in the series' home media offerings. The absence of an audio commentary might be felt by enthusiasts longing for deeper insights into the film's production and creative process, highlighting a missed opportunity for added value.

In conclusion, while "Mechanic: Resurrection" might not elevate itself narratively beyond its origins or offer a groundbreaking cinematic experience, its release on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands out for its technical achievements. The enhanced visual detail and superior audio quality make it an appealing purchase for fans of Jason Statham and those with a penchant for action-packed home media releases. While acknowledging its cinematic shortcomings, this Blu-ray offers an undeniably improved viewing experience for enthusiasts keen on the latest in home theater technology, making it a worthy addition for collectors and fans alike.