Behind Enemy Lines Blu-ray Review

Behind Enemy Lines" makes its high-def homecoming with a Blu-ray presentation that nicely showcases both its strengths and shortcomings in visual fidelity. With a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer presented in a cinematic 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the video quality on this BD-25 single-layer disc impresses with sharp, detailed imagery and a color palette that feels both natural and vibrant. Particularly noteworthy is the superb rendering of flesh tones and the inky depth of the blacks, providing a contrast that’s both smooth and eye-catching. Despite its commendable sharpness, the video is not without its flaws, including occasional print anomalies like black specks and white blotches, and a slight but noticeable presence of film grain over the entirety of the movie.

In scenes where details are paramount, such as the chilly exteriors of enemy territory or the nuanced textures of military uniforms, the transfer excels, demonstrating a level of clarity that rivals and even surpasses its predecessor on the D-Theater D-VHS format. Nonetheless, it's in these moments of high detail that some source-related issues become apparent. The effects, which were likely cutting-edge at the time of release, now reveal their age in high definition, with certain composited shots and miniatures looking noticeably out of place. Moreover, the relentless pursuit of visual clarity brings to light some softness in shots, particularly those set in wintry, barren landscapes where branches can appear slightly undefined.

Though not without its technical imperfections—ranging from minor softness in specific shots to more glaring issues like obsolete CGI and occasional noise in solid background colors—the Blu-ray presentation of "Behind Enemy Lines" largely delivers a viewing experience that is both nostalgically cinematic and pleasing to the modern eye. The transfer does well in balancing the gritty realism of military life with the polished aesthetics of a Hollywood production, maintaining a fidelity to the source material that both respects and highlights its original cinematic vision.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack of "Behind Enemy Lines" on Blu-ray delivers an auditory experience that is as immersive as it is impressive, making it a standout among home cinema experiences. The audio balancing acts as a master class in sound design, adeptly handling both the swelling crescendos of action-packed sequences and the nuanced quiet of dialogue-heavy scenes. Notably, the soundtrack’s prowess shines in its ability to convincingly recreate environmental sounds, such as the roar of jet engines or the chilling whistle of a stiff breeze, lending an unparalleled sense of presence. The dynamic range is expansive, allowing for deep, thunderous bass that engages subwoofers without overshadowing crisp, clear highs, ensuring dialogue remains intelligible throughout. The mix takes full advantage of the surround capability, artfully placing sounds in a 360-degree soundscape that pulls the listener into the heart of the action, with particular highlights being the meticulously crafted minefield and dam sequences.

Realism in audio presentation reaches new heights as even incidental sounds, like a barking dog, are rendered with startling clarity, blurring the lines between film and reality for a moment that is as amusing as it is testament to the soundtrack’s fidelity. Surrounded by this aural landscape, viewers find themselves not just watching but experiencing the scenes — feeling the rush of air as a plane takes off or instinctively flinching from the tumult of battle. This immersive quality extends to intricately detailed set pieces, where the roar of gunfire and the shattering blasts of explosions envelop the listener, creating a palpably tense atmosphere indicative of being amidst conflict.

Acknowledged for its exemplary sound design, "Behind Enemy Lines" distinguishes itself with a DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 surround mix that sets a high standard for audio experiences. It demonstrates meticulous attention to the technical aspects of sound production, from the seamless integration of effects to enhance the spatial awareness to the maintenance of dialogue clarity amidst complex auditory environments. As a showcase piece, this soundtrack serves not only as an essential demonstration of what Blu-ray audio can achieve but also places the viewer at the epicenter of the cinematic world it crafts, making it a reference-grade material for anyone looking to exhibit the pinnacle of home theater audio.

The Blu-ray release of "Behind Enemy Lines" offers a modest set of extras, prioritizing quality over quantity. Notably, it features two engaging audio commentary tracks that rise above the standard fare found in many Blu-ray extras. The first, with director John Moore and editor Paul Martin Smith, despite both suffering from head colds, provides an insightful and comprehensive dive into the film's production process, from initial development to execution. Their candid discussion about the challenges faced and the decisions made during editing is both entertaining and enlightening. The second commentary track, courtesy of producers John Davis and Wyck Godfrey, while covering some familiar ground, still manages to offer unique perspectives on the film's behind-the-scenes dynamics and its performance in the international market. Additionally, the inclusion of the movie's theatrical trailer in full 1080p and a selection of other Fox titles' trailers adds visual interest to the extras package. However, the absence of previously available video-based material such as featurettes and deleted scenes is a noticeable drawback.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director and Editor Commentary: Insightful dialogue between John Moore and Paul Martin Smith about the film's editing and production.
• Producer's Commentary: A distinct perspective from John Davis and Wyck Godfrey on getting the movie greenlit and its international success.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film’s official trailer in full 1080p.
• Fox Trailers: A collection of 1080p trailers for other Fox movies including "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," "Kiss of the Dragon," "Fantastic Four," "Speed," and "Phone Booth.

Behind Enemy Lines," featuring a steadfast Gene Hackman and a miscast Owen Wilson, delivers an action-packed but formulaic narrative grounded more in Hollywood's imagination than in the grim realities of warfare. Despite its predictability, director John Moore manages to infuse this 2001 war thriller with enough tension and spectacle to captivate viewers seeking a blend of military bravado and a fight-for-survival storyline. The film excels in its portrayal of a downed naval aviator's desperate evasion through hostile territory, complemented by dynamic sequences of fighter jets, missiles, and the rugged terrain of a war-torn landscape. Yet, it's the performances that anchor the movie - Hackman's authoritative gravitas contrasts sharply with Wilson's struggling transition from comedy to action heroism, a casting choice that undermines the film’s attempt at seriousness.

The premise is straightforward, lacking the depth and nuance of more introspective war films. As Lieutenant Chris Burnett (Wilson) finds himself behind enemy lines after his F-18 Super Hornet is downed during an unsanctioned recon mission, the ensuing cat-and-mouse chase underscores the movie’s central thesis: survival amidst geopolitical complexities and the blunt force of modern warfare. The narrative, while engaging, occasionally succumbs to clichés and improbable scenarios, leaving the audience to toggle between suspense and disbelief. Director John Moore's debut showcases impressive action sequences that, despite their implausibility, keep adrenaline levels high.

"Behind Enemy Lines" thus exists in a cinematic no-man's-land – neither a profound war commentary nor a mindless action flick. Its attempt to straddle thriller elements with war movie tropes results in an uneven but ultimately entertaining watch. While it never fully capitalizes on its potential to explore deeper themes of heroism and sacrifice, it remains buoyed by Hackman's performance and the sheer kinetic energy of its action set pieces. The film might not redefine the genre or offer new insights into the horrors of conflict, but it provides sufficient thrills for those willing to overlook its shortcomings.

The Blu-ray release of "Behind Enemy Lines" garners a blend of reactions, hovering between enthusiastic endorsements for its unapologetic action sequences and criticisms regarding its supplementary content, or lack thereof. A guilty pleasure for many, the film delivers a straightforward adrenaline rush, typifying what many seek in an action-packed cinema escape. It deviates from the intellectual demands of higher-brow war films, inviting audiences into a realm where escapism through high-octane sequences reigns supreme. Fox's execution in the audio and video departments is commendable, presenting a solid transfer that showcases the film's dynamic and explosive auditory experience. This aspect alone might satisfy the quintessential action movie aficionado's cravings for a robust home theater experience.

However, the Blu-ray presentation does not escape critique, primarily concerning its extras—or rather, the noted reduction of these from previous versions. While the inclusion of two commentary tracks adds a layer of engagement, the omission of numerous previously available supplemental materials underwhelms, especially considering the Blu-ray format's capacity for abundant content. Such decisions render the release's $39.95 price point a subject of contention, particularly for those weighing the film’s entertainment value against the comprehensive nature of its physical release.

In conclusion, while "Behind Enemy Lines" on Blu-ray impresses with its audio-visual quality, enhancing the film's appeal to its action-loving audience, it falls short in delivering a rounded, value-added package traditionally expected from the format. The balance tilts favorably towards those with a primary interest in the film’s high-energy sequences and less so for completists seeking an exhaustive collection of extras. The release stands as a graphical and auditory improvement worth considering for fans, yet it begs the question of whether the enhancements alone justify its investment amidst missing features.