Close Range Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Close Range," with its 1.78:1 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer, exemplifies the project’s digital roots with impressive clarity. Supervised by cinematographer Tal Lazar, the image boasts an exceptionally bright and overlit aesthetic, suitable for its sunny Southwest U.S. setting. The transfer maintains a video sheen throughout, with colors favoring desert yellows and bright primaries that stay true to natural flesh tones. Detail precision is notable, especially during action sequences where every movement and squib detail is minutely captured. However, in scenes set in Mexico, where the palette leans towards beige, blue, and black, black levels occasionally tend to gray, which appears to be a deliberate artistic choice rather than a flaw.

Technically, the disc is mastered at an average bitrate of 28 Mbps, effectively preventing compression artifacts even during kinetic fight scenes. The clarity and fine detail of the digital intermediate are maintained, though the video look may not appeal to purists who prefer a more filmic resonance. Black levels are consistently solid, contributing to a robust three-dimensional effect. However, motion blur presents minor issues during high-movement scenes, which can introduce slight video noise but do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Noise and distortion are absent, marking this as a strong presentation within its budgetary constraints. This Blu-ray does full justice to Scott Adkins' martial artistry, providing an immersive visual experience that aligns with the high-energy feel of the film.

The audio presentation of "Close Range" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that is both effective and somewhat problematic. Bullet flybys, punches, kicks, and roaring car engines received a well-defined and immersive treatment, essential for an action film. The dialogue remains clear, although sparse in significance, ensuring comprehensibility amid chaotic sequences. However, the mix struggles with dynamic range, requiring frequent volume adjustments to maintain balanced audio levels between intense action scenes and quieter dialogues. This inconsistency may necessitate vigilance in environments with thinner walls.

The audio track excels during hand-to-hand combat scenes, delivering impactful auditory details for each punch, kick, slap, and stab. Surround sound channels are utilized efficiently, providing a broad and immersive sound field with impressive imaging and channel movement. Stephen Edwards, known for his collaborations with Adkins and Florentine, contributes a dynamic action score. Despite its strengths in delivering action-packed audio, the uneven handling of volume peaks and valleys requires attention from the listener to ensure an optimal and non-disruptive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release for "Close Range" falls short in the extras department, offering minimal additional content. The only supplementary feature is a trailer for the film itself, presented in 1080p resolution and a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, lasting 1 minute and 31 seconds. Additionally, there are startup trailers for "Wrecker," "The Diabolical," and "Tokyo Tribe." While these startup trailers can be bypassed using the chapter forward button, they aren't accessible once the disc fully loads, which may affect the overall viewing experience for those seeking more in-depth bonus content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Presented in 1080p; 1.78:1; 1:31

"Close Range" aims to deliver a high-octane action experience spearheaded by Scott Adkins and directed by Isaac Florentine. The movie jumps directly into the thick of combat, foregoing traditional narrative buildup for immediate action, akin to a rapid-fire first-person shooter game. The plot, centered on ex-commando Colton MacReady's (Adkins) quest to rescue his niece from a Mexican drug cartel, relies on minimal exposition and character development. This approach leaves the audience grappling for context and emotional connection, undermining the stakes of MacReady's violent escapades.

Adkins, showcasing his martial arts talents, shines during well-choreographed fight scenes and intricate stunts. Yet, these moments of physical prowess are embedded in an otherwise unimpressive storyline. The film's reliance on redundant combat sequences—including monotonous car chases and extended shootouts—dilutes its intensity. Key scenes involving repetitive gunfire and drawn-out confrontations meander without driving the plot forward. Additionally, Nick Chinlund's portrayal of Sheriff Calloway provides a brief spark of character depth but is ultimately underutilized in the service of a predictable showdown.

"Close Range" is a vehicle for Adkins' action skills, yet it struggles with pacing and narrative coherence. While the initial burst of action shows promise, the film's later stages lack substance, reducing it to an uninspired series of skirmishes. This direct-to-video project may appeal to die-hard fans of Adkins and Florentine but falls short for viewers seeking a more engaging blend of story and spectacle.

The Blu-ray release of "Close Range" offers a mixed technical experience. On the positive side, the image quality is commendable, presenting a sharp and detailed visual transfer that brings out the nuances in its desert settings and action sequences. The color balance is solid, with natural tones and decent contrast levels. The audio track, while serviceable, delivers clear dialogue and adequate dynamic range during fight scenes, though it lacks the punch and immersive quality found in higher-tier action films. Unfortunately, these technical attributes do little to elevate the film's overall viewing experience.

From a narrative standpoint, "Close Range" struggles significantly. The plot is thin and fails to generate genuine engagement or excitement. Character developments are negligible, and the pacing feels off, often dragging through scenes that should ramp up the tension. Although Scott Adkins performs his stunts with typical bravado and skill, the choreography of the fight sequences offers only sporadic highlights. The gunfight scenes, meant to provide climactic thrills, are repetitive and lack the creativity necessary to keep viewers invested.

In conclusion, unless you're desperate to see Scott Adkins dropkick a Mexican cartel into oblivion, skip "Close Range". Despite a solid image transfer and a serviceable audio track, the film fails to deliver compelling action or story elements. The few decent fight sequences cannot redeem an otherwise dull and uninspired effort. For action enthusiasts or those specifically following Scott Adkins' career, there are far better alternatives available.