One in the Chamber Blu-ray Review

One in the Chamber" arrives on Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p transfer that manages to stand out, especially for a direct-to-video (DTV) feature. The presentation showcases a 1.78:1-framed transfer that delights with its consistency in delivering bright, accurate colors and sharp, detailed images from the opening scene to the credits. Viewers can expect a slight hint of glossiness attributable to its HD video source, which brings a degree of flatness that luckily never encroaches upon distraction. Minor issues like light blocking and shimmering, particularly noticeable on certain skyscrapers and clothing, like a gray striped shirt, do little to detract from the overall high-quality visual experience.

The meticulous detailing present in the transfer is worth noting; close-up shots expose an impressive depth of texture and nuance in the actors' expressions, with Dolph Lundgren's rugged visage rendered in striking detail, showcasing every stubble hair, wrinkle, and age mark with remarkable clarity. The color palette is especially praiseworthy for a DTV release, boasting bold yet natural tones that breathe life into the film's visuals. Yellows, browns, and dark reds are rich and vibrant, avoiding the trap of appearing muted or washed out, common in films of this distribution category. Shadows are rendered with substantial depth, enhancing facial features and textures without losing definition.

Despite occasional issues with unnatural warmth in flesh tones and some shadow delineation concerns, the Blu-ray video presentation of "One in the Chamber" significantly elevates the viewing experience. Its ability to handle vivid hues, including the zesty red furniture and flamboyant shirts of certain characters, with finesse speaks to the transfer's quality. Black levels are presented honestly, contributing to the video's overall authenticity and appeal. This release not only exceeds expectations for a DTV movie but also provides a visually engaging experience that underscores the capabilities of Blu-ray as a medium.

The audio presentation of "One in the Chamber" on Blu Ray, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, leaves much to be desired and falls short of expectations for a cinematic experience. Despite the potential for a compelling audio landscape, given the movie's action-packed narrative, the soundtrack is characterized by a front-heavy mix that significantly lacks immersion. The audio fails to utilize the surround sound capacity effectively, with rear channels remaining largely underused throughout the film. This is a key shortfall, especially during scenes that could have benefited from a rich, multi-dimensional soundscape.

Gunfire and explosions, pivotal elements in action films, are notably weak and lack the punch and richness one would anticipate. The handling of bass is particularly disappointing; even in scenes featuring gunfire from a heavy-caliber weapon, the bass resembles more of a feeble bump rather than a robust auditory experience. Despite clear dialogue and some attempts at incorporating urban ambiance, these positives are overshadowed by the overall inadequate execution of the soundstage. The action sequences, ripe for an intense and enveloping audio experience, are rendered tame and underwhelming due to this lackluster sound mixing.

Technical nuances aside, it's clear that "One in the Chamber" does not fully exploit its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack to create an engaging or memorable auditory experience. While the front channels deliver clarity for music and dialogue, the absence of dynamic surround sound leaves the viewer wanting more. The soundtrack's inability to deliver depth or vitality, especially in critical moments of action, significantly detracts from the overall viewing experience. This Blu Ray’s audio component fails to ascend beyond mediocrity, making it a significant letdown for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The Blu-ray release of "One in the Chamber" by Anchor Bay presents a minimalist approach to extras, focusing solely on a behind-the-scenes featurette. This concise addition, slightly varying in reported duration around the 10-minute mark, blends candid on-set footage with interviews from leading actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Dolph Lundgren. They delve into the film's plot and thematic elements, offering viewers a glimpse into the production's heart. Despite the scarcity of supplementary content, this inclusion provides an essential peek behind the curtain, enhancing the overall appreciation of the film. Notably, the package also contains a DVD copy of the movie, catering to collectors and fans preferring physical media formats.

Extras included in this disc:

• One in the Chamber: Behind the Scenes: A featurette combining actor interviews and raw on-set footage.

One in the Chamber," a direct-to-video action flick, cruises through the murky underbellies of Prague's criminal syndicates with a tale that's familiar yet mildly engaging, thanks to performances from its lead actors. Cuba Gooding Jr. portrays Ray Carver, a skilled hitman entangled in a web of mob politics and violence, aiming to navigate a path to redemption or at least detachment. His stoic, almost monotonous portrayal contrasts sharply with Dolph Lundgren's Aleksey "The Wolf" Andreev, a hitman relishing his notorious reputation and the violence that comes with it. Lundgren, embracing his role with a blend of gusto and wry humor, steals the show, injecting vitality into a narrative that otherwise treads familiar ground.

The movie’s ambition to blend action-packed sequences with deeper character introspection falls somewhat flat, as it doesn't fully deliver on either front. The action scenes, featuring standard shootouts and physical altercations, lack inventiveness and the intensity that could have set this film apart from the myriad of direct-to-video offerings. Despite this, moments shine through, particularly when Lundgren is on screen, showcasing his character's lethal efficiency with a disarming nonchalance. The directional approach by William Kaufman opts for a straightforward presentation, sidestepping flashy techniques for a more grounded depiction of the unfolding mayhem.

Despite the limitations in storyline originality and depth, "One in the Chamber" finds its footing in the performances of its leading actors and certain action sequences that echo the film’s gritty tone. Lundgren, revisiting familiar territory, embodies his role with a palpable sense of enjoyment, becoming the narrative's unintended yet welcomed focal point. Conversely, Gooding Jr.’s intense dedication to his role adds a sincere if somewhat incongruous gravitas to the film. As such, "One in the Chamber" emerges as a passable action experience primarily buoyed by its lead actors' commitment to their roles amidst the backdrop of Prague’s shadowy criminal underworld.

One in the Chamber" presents a mixed bag in terms of both its narrative execution and technical presentation on Blu-ray. The film itself, while not groundbreaking, is buoyed significantly by Dolph Lundgren's standout performance, which many may argue, is a highlight of his extensive career. Unfortunately, this charisma is somewhat overshadowed by the focus on Cuba Gooding Jr.'s character, which comes across as stiff and less engaging in comparison. The plot treads a path of complexity that might not hold the viewer's attention, with action sequences that fail to leave a lasting mark. However, Lundgren's portrayal provides a compelling reason to give this movie a watch.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release by Anchor Bay showcases commendable video quality that unexpectedly rises above expectations. This crisp visual presentation could have been a strong selling point for a purchase. However, the audio quality does not match up, presenting a noticeable disappointment that detracts from the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray package is light on extras, offering only one supplement, which might leave collectors wanting more.

In conclusion, "One in the Chamber" is an action movie that might cater to fans of Dolph Lundgren or viewers in search of undemanding entertainment. While its principal attraction lies in Lundgren's performance, the film overall does not justify a purchase due to its underwhelming audio quality and sparse supplementary material. It feels more suited for a rental rather than inclusion in a Blu-ray collection, likely rendering it a one-time watch for most audiences.