Dead Again in Tombstone Blu-ray Review

"Dead Again in Tombstone" is delivered in a 1080p AVC encoded Blu-ray transfer, shot digitally using Red Epic cameras and presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The transfer showcases a crisp and clear image, with notable sharpness that allows viewers to appreciate every minute detail, from the weathered faces of the characters to the rugged fabrics of their attire. Fine details such as fibers on rough-hewn coats and building façades exhibit impressive clarity, contributing to the overall textural richness of the scenes.

Colors are well-saturated and vibrant, proving crucial in various settings, particularly forest scenes involving Alicia and Bulldog, which display exceptional color saturation and sharp clarity. Skin tones remain accurate throughout, enhancing the visual experience. Despite a slightly digital glossy aesthetic reflective of its low-budget production, the film manages to maintain visual engagement through a consistent application of contrast.

In terms of black levels, the transfer performs admirably though shadow detail can suffer occasionally, revealing some murkiness in darker scenes. Noise levels increase in low-light situations, accompanied by mild compression artifacts and slight banding, but these drawbacks are secondary to the robust detail and overall clarity that the digital format affords. Ultimately, while the film may lack the textural depth of a traditional film shoot, the digital format's attributes provide a satisfactory and detailed viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack of "Dead Again in Tombstone" is remarkably robust and enveloping, delivering an impressively dynamic audio experience for a home video release. The film opens with an atmospheric soundscape, where thunder and rain are rendered with impeccable clarity and omnipresence, saturating the soundstage and offering distinct, trailing nuances. Action scenes are particularly noteworthy, as gunfire resonates with screen-reflective precision and depth, creating an immersive experience. Explosions provide a notably walloping bass that adds a tactile layer to key scenes, ensuring an impactful auditory element. Musical elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, with a smooth yet immersive delivery, while the dialogue remains consistently clear and front-centered.

In terms of technical execution, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix stands out for its full-bodied and aggressive nature, especially for a direct-to-home video production. The bass is consistently deep, underscoring the film's more intense moments with resonant force. Ambient sounds such as distant thundercrashes and gunfire during battle sequences are precisely positioned within the soundstage, enhancing the realism without overwhelming the primary audio elements. However, there is a noticeable lack of panning across or through the soundstage, which is somewhat surprising given the numerous opportunities for dynamic sound movement within the film. Nevertheless, the music's placement in both the front and rear channels enriches the overall audio experience, and dialogue is accurately anchored in the center channel for optimal clarity.

Overall, the audio presentation of "Dead Again in Tombstone" on Blu-ray delivers a compelling mix that maximizes engagement through its meticulous sound design, despite some missed opportunities in panning effects. Its strong bass performance, clean dialogue, and immersive ambient sounds make it a standout feature for audiophiles and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dead Again in Tombstone" feature a compelling array of content that offers insightful glimpses into the film's production and characters. The standout is the audio commentary by director Roel Reiné, editor Radu Ion, and additional contributions from cinematographer Rolf Dekens, screenwriter Ethan Wiley, and VFX specialist Jan Goossen. This track provides an in-depth look at the filmmaking process, complete with behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The extras also include a variety of featurettes that cover the making of the film and deeper dives into central characters, particularly Danny Trejo's portrayal of Guerrero. Deleted scenes offer additional context and atmosphere, rounding out a robust set of bonus materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Resurrecting the Western: The Making of Dead Again in Tombstone: Cast and crew discuss various aspects of production.
• Home in Tombstone: Danny Trejo as Guerrero: Insight into Trejo's character and his dedication to the role.
• Deleted Scenes Montage: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
• Feature Commentary: Director Roel Reiné and team provide detailed insights into the film's creation process.

"Dead Again in Tombstone" delivers a blend of supernatural western action, headlined by genre mainstay Danny Trejo as Guerrero De La Cruz. The movie kicks off with a recap of its predecessor, "Dead in Tombstone," outlining Guerrero's background as a gunslinger for the devil. Deviating from Tombstone, it places Guerrero in a confrontation with Confederate Colonel Jackson Boomer (Jake Busey) and his posse over a mystical artifact. Classic Western motifs mesh with modern supernatural elements, yielding a playful yet uneven narrative that combines rapid shootouts, gratuitous slow-motion, and excessive backlighting. Despite its low-budget roots, it maintains engaging pacing and sufficient spectacle.

Roel Reine's directorial approach leans heavily on visual flair, occasionally sacrificing coherence for style. The film's action sequences are punctuated by improbable mechanics, such as revolvers that never need reloading and ludicrous recoveries from fatal wounds. These embellishments, coupled with the overuse of slow motion and backlighting, lend the movie a distinct, albeit chaotic, aesthetic. The acting varies widely; Trejo brings familiar grit to Guerrero, while Busey infuses Boomer with a restrained villainy. Supporting roles are less compelling, with performances ranging from mundane to outright poor—a common pitfall for direct-to-video productions.

In sum, "Dead Again in Tombstone" is not for cinephiles but offers an amusing diversion for those who enjoy supernatural twists on the Western genre. Trejo and Busey harness their roles with enough conviction to keep the narrative aloft. It’s a popcorn flick that provides sufficient entertainment without demanding much from its audience. While the film's digital photography sometimes undermines its intended ruggedness, it ultimately succeeds in its goal—delivering a fun, albeit flawed, escapist experience.

"Dead Again in Tombstone" delivers a moderate dose of escapist entertainment, perfectly suited for those who appreciate action-westerns with a supernatural twist. The film, spearheaded by Danny Trejo, Jake Busey, and Elysia Rotaru under the direction of Roel Reine, excels in its clearly defined scope without overreaching its boundaries. The movie is neither excessively violent nor crude and retains a straightforward plot that results in a serviceable, if not outstanding, viewing experience. While it may not offer groundbreaking cinema, its modest yet solid action sequences and competent performances elevate its standing within the genre.

Universal’s Blu-ray release meets the high technical standards expected of the studio. The visual presentation in the 1.78:1 AVC aspect ratio is clear and precise, supporting the film’s gritty atmosphere without resorting to overly polished digital effects. Furthermore, the audio quality is particularly commendable, highlighted by DTS-HD MA 5.1 tracks in English, Spanish, and French that ensure an immersive auditory experience. Supplementary content, though limited, provides additional value to the home video package.

Is "Dead Again in Tombstone" a great movie? No. Is it a good movie? Again, no, but it’s a serviceable action-western that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a decent amount of fun for a cheap rental. The audio and video are very good (especially the audio), and there are some decent extras on the disc for a cheapie DTV film. Universal Blu-rays rarely disappoint in terms of technical specifications, and "Dead Again in Tombstone" is really no different. Worth a cheapie rental.