Assassins Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Assassins" is a technical showcase, drawing on the exceptional cinematographic talents of Vilmos Zsigmond. Known for his work on anamorphic widescreen features, Zsigmond employs spherical lenses with brilliant effect in this film. The video quality accentuates his meticulous lighting setups across various environments, from Robert Rath's chiaroscuro-drenched apartment to the sunlit Caribbean and the rain-soaked cityscapes of Seattle and Portland. Each frame retains a rich, textured look that remains engaging throughout the 133-minute runtime.

The 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer from Warner stands out for its finely detailed image. Despite initial concerns about the compression on a BD-25 disc, the result is exceptional clarity with solid black levels and well-balanced color saturation. Faint grain is present but non-intrusive, and there's no evidence of detrimental DNR or filtering. Detail remains sharp, especially in scenes with two-person conversations that offer a gift to compressionists. Furthermore, the encoding handles the transition from the black-and-white opening to the richly colored scenes with finesse, capturing the sharpness of intricate details like blades of grass without any neon effect, and maintaining facial detail clarity throughout.

While there are occasional soft shots, they are brief and do not detract from the overall presentation. Depth may vary slightly, with the foreground consistently delivering high levels of detail, avoiding smearing or dulling. This release proves to be an impeccable example of high-definition quality for a somewhat obscure catalog title, offering viewers an exceptionally clean and appealing visual experience.

The audio presentation of "Assassins" on Blu-ray is a nuanced and effective experience, utilizing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that complements the film's atmosphere without overwhelming it. The theatrical 5.1 track is elegant in its execution, offering a balanced and immersive sound design. Despite the film's extensive use of silenced gunfire, which prevents any flashy sound effects, the soundscape is meticulously crafted. The opening sequence sets the tone with distant thunder and ambient bird sounds panning through the surrounds, emphasizing a naturalistic approach. Throughout the film, rear channels are engaged to provide a rich sense of environment, from passing traffic during chase sequences to the clatter of mass transit and the subtle fluttering of pigeons in a plaza.

Dialogue clarity is maintained front and center, ensuring intelligibility even as the soundstage shifts with various scene requirements. Mark Mancina's mournful underscore weaves seamlessly with the on-screen action, enhancing the emotional depth without overwhelming the listener. The bass is well-extended but restrained, offering natural heft during key moments such as explosions or atmospheric rumbles. However, there are instances where the rear channels could have been utilized more effectively, as some scenes lack the anticipated auditory engagement.

Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track serves as an active contributor to the film's tension and drama. While some dialogue may suffer from slight range limitations, the strategic use of localization and ambiance keeps the auditory experience dynamic and engaging. The clicking of weapons provides an unexpectedly satisfying auditory highlight in lieu of traditional unsilenced gunfire. This careful and deliberate sound design underscores the narrative's urgency and motion, making "Assassins" a noteworthy audio experience for its age.

The Blu-ray release of "Assassins" offers a limited selection of extras, notably omitting potentially interesting behind-the-scenes material such as footage from the Puerto Rican location used in the film's final act, which was featured in earlier promotional pieces. Unlike previous DVD releases, there is an attempt to enhance the experience slightly with the inclusion of at least one notable extra.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A standard definition (SD) trailer presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, enhanced to 2:42 minutes. This trailer offers a brief insight into the film's complex categorization.

"Assassins," directed by Richard Donner and penned by the Wachowski siblings, offers a compelling mid-90s action thriller blending elements of espionage and high-stakes hitman battles. The plot centers around Robert Rath (Sylvester Stallone), a seasoned contract killer weary of his lethal profession, who clashes with the ambitious and maniacal Miguel Bain (Antonio Banderas). After Bain steals one of Rath's hits, the two engage in a fierce rivalry that intensifies when a lucrative contract involving a mysterious data disc and a savvy hacker, Electra (Julianne Moore), falls into their laps.

Donner's direction delivers intense action sequences that seamlessly transition from explosive car chases and gunfights to more cerebral espionage maneuvers. While the story involves conventional tropes and sometimes meanders into implausible territory, the performances elevate the material. Stallone's understated portrayal of Rath showcases a reserved, introspective assassin guided by a strict moral code, counterbalancing Banderas's frenetic energy as Bain, whose reckless and flamboyant style makes him a compelling adversary. Moore's role as Electra, though underdeveloped in backstory, adds another layer of intrigue and emotional nuance to the narrative.

Despite its flaws, such as noticeable plot holes, illogical moments, and outdated technological references (like the critical use of a floppy disc), "Assassins" remains an engaging watch due to its strong cast and dynamic storytelling. The cat-and-mouse game between Rath and Bain generates palpable tension, making the film's high points thrilling and its slower moments bearable. Donner's expertise in crafting action set pieces ensures a visually stimulating experience that compensates for the occasional dips in pacing and coherence.

The Blu-ray release of "Assassins" offers a compelling presentation of the often underappreciated film. Directed by Richard Donner, the movie brings together Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, and Julianne Moore in a narrative that deviates from their usual roles. The film flaunts robust performances by the trio, and while it doesn't follow conventional storytelling norms, it remains engaging throughout its runtime. The writing may have lapses in logic and coherence, detracting slightly from its memorability, but the film compensates with its unique charm and the palpable chemistry between the leads.

Technically, this Blu-ray release excels. The video quality is sharp with an untouched, authentic presentation that faithfully reproduces the film's original aesthetic. Audio is robust and enveloping, delivering clear dialogue and well-defined sound effects. Although the extras are sparse, the overall package justifies its price point. This makes it an appealing pick for both first-time viewers and those revisiting the film after a long gap.

At over two hours, "Assassins" should feel like a long film, yet it never does, at least to me. But I don't have a problem with any of the three leads in these roles, and the film is entirely about them. If you don't like any of the three actors, or if you need to have Stallone punching out bad guys, or Banderas being charming, or Moore in tears, then "Assassins" will have you shifting in your seat and checking your watch. But if you're willing to let these actors do something different, then "Assassins" is a slickly made, offbeat entertainment with a satisfying finale. The Blu-ray's technical merits are above reproach and highly recommended.