The Rundown

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Rundown" delivers a mixed but overall impressive experience, primarily showcased through its 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer. The video quality is notably high, harboring a gritty and intentional messiness in its opening sequences, which sets the tone for the visual experience. The film’s color palette leans heavily towards red and orange hues, contributing to its unique aesthetic. However, this choice also introduces a level of oversaturation that persists from the original DVD through to this Blu-ray version, particularly affecting the natural tones of the jungle, skin colors, and night scenes. Despite these color imbalances, the detail throughout is commendable. From the sweat on character's faces to the intricate textures of the Amazonian environment and the dilapidated locations in El Dorado, fine details are pronounced and contribute significantly to the film's immersive quality.

The Blu-ray does not shy away from showcasing a heavy grain structure, maintaining sharpness across a variety of scenes. Blacks are deep and consistent, with only minor deviations to a dark shade of gray noted in select scenes. However, certain inconsistencies, such as the random blocking noted in a cave scene, slightly mar an otherwise visually appealing presentation. The image sharpness stands out, especially in interior shots that reveal a tremendous amount of decay and detail within the film's environments.

This release from Universal captures a distinctly harsh yet detailed vision of "The Rundown," notwithstanding some of the enduring issues from previous versions, such as color oversaturation and occasional softness in image sharpness. While the greens might appear too vibrant and the flesh tones overly warm, contributing to a departure from naturalism, the overall presentation is an improvement over past releases. It beautifully balances fine detail with the film's intentionally rugged aesthetic, making it a visual winner despite some areas where enhancements could have been beneficial.

The audio presentation of "The Rundown" on Blu-ray, featured in a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless mix, delivers an exhilarating sonic experience that stands as a testament to Universal's prowess in crafting impactful soundtracks. The mix notably shines in its reproduction of bass, which not only emphasizes the direct impacts like explosions but also the more nuanced elements such as the ambient beats emanating from a distance. This rich, bass-heavy landscape ensures a workout for the subwoofer akin to an intense session reminiscent of Dwayne Johnson's own regimen. Alongside, dialogue maintains a strong presence, adding depth with its bass emphasis. The sound design excels in directional effects, especially during gunfights where the accuracy and power of the soundstage immerse the viewer in a convincingly chaotic environment. Notable highlights include the dynamic and robust monkey sequence and a tension-filled cave collapse, both exemplifying the mix's ability to engage and envelop the audience with its finely crafted auditory world.

Comparatively, while the shift from the HD DVD's Dolby Digital-Plus to Blu-ray's full-blown DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio doesn't mark a seismic change, it undeniably fine-tunes the experience. The dynamic range is robust, bringing clarity and depth across action sequences and quieter moments alike. Despite minor shortcomings, such as slightly subdued dialogue amidst the highest octane scenes, the overall fidelity is commendable. The soundtrack and score are seamlessly integrated, with enhanced bass and mid-range that elevate the film’s score without overwhelming the intricate details.

Though the presentation isn't without its flaws—occasional dialogue suppression in loud scenes prompts some volume adjustments—these aspects hardly diminish the overall impact. Directional audio and imaging across channels have seen notable improvement, making for a more cohesive and immersive experience. While the subtleties of atmospheric sounds could benefit from further refinement, "The Rundown's" Blu-ray audio presentation firmly establishes itself as a superior auditory encounter, cementing its place as one of the most action-packed and sonically vibrant offerings available.

The Blu-ray release of "The Rundown" presents a comprehensive collection of special features that cater both to fans seeking behind-the-scenes insights and those looking for entertainment value in the extras. The disc boasts two audio commentary tracks; one with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and director Peter Berg offering a lighter, more humorous take, and another providing a deeper dive into the film's production with producers Kevin Misher and Marc Abraham, though it tends towards the technical and may not hold all viewers' interest. The deleted scenes come with optional director commentary, adding context to action-packed but ultimately extraneous footage. Featurettes cover a range of topics from the choreography of fight scenes to the transformation of locations to stand in for the Amazon, alongside a look at Christopher Walken's character. Finally, BD-Live capability adds a modern touch to the viewing experience, though the standard definition video quality of extras may not impress everyone.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Dwayne Johnson and Peter Berg: A lively and entertaining track filled with both humor and insights.
• Audio Commentary with Producers: Offers a more technical perspective on the film's production.
• Deleted Scenes: Action-packed scenes with optional commentary by Peter Berg.
• Rumble in the Jungle: Exploration of the film's fight choreography.
• The Amazon, Hawaii Style: Behind-the-scenes look at how Hawaii doubled for the Amazon.
• Appetite for Destruction: Focuses on the making of the film's explosive stunts.
• The Rundown Uncensored: A humorous take featuring the film's animal stunts.
• Running Down the Town: Details the construction of a key film set.
• Walken's World: Highlights Christopher Walken's role in the film.
• BD-Live (Blu-ray Profile 2.0): Enables online content access for more interactive features.

"The Rundown" emerges as a pivotal action-adventure film that ostensibly cements Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's stature as a leading figure in the genre, blending the robust charm and athleticism he brings to his role with a narrative that pays homage to action staples of the past while infusing a fresh vibrancy. Directed by Peter Berg, known for his adept handling of action and drama, the film is an entertaining expedition into the jungles of the Amazon, where Johnson's character, Beck, finds himself tangled in a quest involving eccentric characters, a quest for a priceless artifact, and a power struggle against a menacing antagonist. This concoction of elements makes for a film that is both an acknowledgement of action movie tropes and a standalone adventure that showcases Berg's evolving directorial prowess.

At its core, "The Rundown" is a tale of redemption and partnership, with Beck seeking one last score to achieve his dream of a peaceful life away from bounty hunting. His dynamic with Travis (Seann William Scott) offers not just comedic relief but also underscores the film's exploration of loyalty and ambition amidst chaos. The jungle setting paves the way for exhilarating chase scenes and combat sequences that, despite the film's PG-13 rating, do not shy away from showcasing robust action choreography that remains engaging without resorting to excessive violence. The inclusion of Rosario Dawson and Christopher Walken adds depth to the ensemble, enhancing the storyline with performances that blend seamlessly into the film's adventurous spirit and humor.

Despite its strengths in character dynamics and action execution, "The Rundown" navigates through familiar territory with its plot structure and thematic elements, drawing comparisons to genre classics without necessarily surpassing them. The narrative occasionally suffers from predictability and underdevelopment in areas that might have offered more innovative twists or deeper character exploration. However, Johnson's performance, combined with a competent supporting cast and Berg's direction, ensures the film transcends mere cliché, achieving a balance between homage and originality. While it may not redefine the action genre, "The Rundown" succeeds as a highly entertaining watch that solidifies Johnson's role within it and marks a significant step in Peter Berg's directorial career, all while offering viewers a fun-filled cinematic journey.

In our comprehensive review of "The Rundown" on Blu-ray, this Dwayne Johnson-led action extravaganza emerges as a commendable addition to the genre despite its reliance on formulaic elements. While not breaking new ground in terms of storytelling, the movie proves to be an engaging watch, thanks in large part to Johnson's charismatic performance and his adeptness at navigating the action-packed landscape with a commendable blend of brawn and humor. Similarly, Christopher Walken delivers a noteworthy performance, adding depth to the otherwise straightforward narrative. The pace of the film is brisk, ensuring that viewers remain entertained throughout its runtime. Furthermore, the technical aspects of the Blu-ray such as the video and audio quality are highlighted as strong points, indicating a product that has been well-crafted with fans of high-definition media in mind.

The Blu-ray release itself garners praise for its technical merits. Universal Studios is commended for presenting "The Rundown" with a high-quality transfer that accentuates the film's visual and auditory elements. The picture quality is described as fine, and the soundtrack is lauded for its clarity and depth, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the disc is packed with a solid array of supplements, offering enthusiasts further insight into the making of this action-packed flick. The upgraded audio track, specifically, provides an immersive sound experience that complements the on-screen action effectively.

In conclusion, "The Rundown" on Blu-ray stands out as a worthy addition to any action aficionado's collection. Its strengths lie not only in the compelling performances from Dwayne Johnson and Christopher Walken but also in the superb technical presentation overseen by Universal Studios. The film itself may tread familiar territory, but it does so with enough panache and spectacle to make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Coupled with high-quality video, enveloping updated audio, and a wealth of extra features, this release comes highly recommended for those looking to add an action-packed title to their Blu-ray library.