The Transporter Refueled Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Transporter Refueled" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, which generally offers a high-quality viewing experience. Digitally shot with the Arri Alexa, the film exhibits sharpness and well-defined imagery that captures lifelike textures and intricate details. Close-ups are particularly commendable, bringing out subtle nuances in facial features and objects within the frame. The color palette features a pronounced blue and yellow tone, contributing to a unique, if somewhat polarizing, visual dynamic. This grading choice may not appeal to everyone but does deliver punchy primaries and vivid tonality in fleshtones.

Despite its strengths, the presentation isn't without flaws. Reviewers noted variability in contrast and occasional softness in some scenes, particularly those involving complex lighting such as strobe lights or lasers in nightclub sequences. Certain long shots, possibly filmed from a helicopter, also suffer from a loss of focus, introducing a jarring inconsistency in visual quality. Blacks are generally rich and dynamic but can sometimes appear murky in poorly lit shots. While the transfer’s technical integrity is strong and clarity remains high, it attempts to render the overly stylized cinematography accurately, resulting in some areas of reduced depth and cinematic feel. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray offers a detailed and vibrant visual experience that stays true to its source material.

The audio presentation of "The Transporter Refueled" on Blu-ray is a mixed yet notably energetic experience delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix. Dialogue clarity is generally solid, allowing even subtle vocal intonations to be appreciated. However, there are instances where dialogue seems slightly overwhelmed by the bombastic sound design. Surround activity is frequently utilized, particularly during action sequences, providing a notable level of immersion due to its seamless sound field. Dynamic range is wide, enabling an open soundstage that extends well into the room.

This mix certainly fulfills expectations for an action-packed film with its lively and robust dynamics, providing near-field sound effects and thumping techno rhythms that energize the viewing space. The LFE channel is consistently active, delivering visceral lower bass frequencies that add a physical dimension to the soundtrack. Regrettably, while the rear channels do their job adequately, they often contribute to an overall noise level that competes with and sometimes drowns out more critical front channel content.

Overall, the audio mix is busy and boisterous, capturing the kinetic essence of the film’s numerous car chases and fight scenes. Yet, it might prove too loud for some listeners, as the impact of cranked-up sound effects can border on the overwhelming. Adjusting volume levels adequately may present a challenge due to the disparity between loud sound effects and quieter dialogue. The immersive potential and fidelity are present but somewhat clouded by an unbalanced execution that makes this audio mix more intense than sophisticated.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Transporter Refueled" are a compact yet informative bunch. Each featurette provides targeted insights into different aspects of the film, ranging from character explorations to technical achievements. "Frank Martin: The Reluctant Hero" is a standard EPK featurette offering behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and marketing-focused talking points about the protagonist. "The Coeur Brise: Les Femmes of Refueled" gives a quick yet enlightening profile on the female characters, enhancing viewer appreciation. "Rocketing from 0-60" delves into the film's high-octane car stunts and chase sequences through detailed interviews. Additionally, the disc includes the theatrical trailer and a convenient Digital HD Copy.

Extras included on this disc:

• Frank Martin: The Reluctant Hero: Behind-the-scenes with interviews and film snippets.
• The Coeur Brise: Les Femmes of Refueled: Profiles of female co-stars.
• Rocketing from 0-60: Interviews focusing on car stunts.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official movie trailer.
• Digital HD Copy: Downloadable digital version of the film.

"The Transporter Refueled" fails to capture the charisma and engaging presence that Jason Statham brought to the original franchise. Ed Skrein, stepping into the role of Frank Martin, lacks Statham's magnetic charm and physicality, resulting in an underwhelming performance. The plot is a clichéd revenge narrative, reliant on predictable and formulaic storytelling. Characters feel like mere caricatures, devoid of depth, which is further exacerbated by a script that falls flat in delivering any semblance of originality.

The film plays out like a product of automated scripting, echoing the mechanical feel akin to a "Taken" franchise sequel. With wooden dialogue and poorly staged combat sequences, it comes off as uninspired and rote. The movie’s introductory scene sets the stage with a massacre that establishes a weak vendetta, yet its clumsy execution underscores the film's lack of narrative finesse. The father-son dynamic between Skrein’s Frank Jr. and Ray Stevenson’s Frank Sr. adds an attempt at emotional depth, though it ultimately succumbs to the routine banter without substance.

Visually, "The Transporter Refueled" suffers from hyperbolic delivery with an over-stylized aesthetic that feels more like an extended commercial than a cinematic experience. Its action scenes are heavily edited to the point of incoherence, losing any potential thrill or suspense in quick cuts and disorienting camera work. Even the car chases, supposed high points for a film about a professional driver, feel derivative and lack the visceral excitement expected of the genre. Coupled with excessive sound effects intended to mask these visual shortcomings, the result is a hollow viewing experience. This attempt to reboot the franchise misfires spectacularly, failing to offer anything fresh or compelling for fans of the original films.

"The Transporter Refueled" falls significantly short in rekindling the excitement and charisma that Jason Statham brought to the original franchise. While the film attempts to deliver a high-octane experience, it ultimately succumbs to a lackluster plot and underdeveloped characters, making it feel both unnecessary and unoriginal. Despite its effort to incorporate stylish set pieces, it largely comes across as a derivative action flick that fails to stand out.

From a technical perspective, however, the Blu-ray release excels. The video and audio quality are commendable, delivering a crisp and clear viewing experience with robust sound, which will likely satisfy audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Nonetheless, the visuals do not bring anything new or exciting to the table, rendering the overall experience rather forgettable. The additional features on the disc are minimal and do little to enhance the value of this release.

Overall, while "The Transporter Refueled" may provide brief entertainment for undemanding action fans, it lacks a compelling storyline and engaging characters to make it a memorable addition to the genre. The good technical merits of the Blu-ray release are overshadowed by the film’s fundamental shortcomings. This entry is best avoided unless you are truly committed to completing your Transporter collection.