The Beekeeper 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Beekeeper" demonstrates a strong technical proficiency, despite some inherent limitations. The 2160p HDR10 transfer showcases a honey-colored grading which, while creating a softer, gauzy visual effect, does not detract from the impressive detail levels observable in daylight scenes. Nighttime scenes, however, appear softer. The color palette leans monochromatic due to the yellow tint, yet primary colors when interspersed, such as bright shirts or blood, stand out vividly. The fine details, especially in close-ups, are particularly sharp, capturing the minutiae of Jason Statham's rugged appearance, from creases to stubble and minor injuries. Encoding is robust, with no visible artifacts like macro blocking or banding.

A key highlight lies in the implementation of HDR technology, which enhances the depth and shadow detail significantly. This added dimension is particularly effective in low-light scenes and during explosive action sequences at locations like the gas station and Boston call center. Light sources, whether streaming sunlight or the chaotic glow of explosions, benefit from this HDR pass, pushing the contrast to impressive peaks. While black levels remain generally stable, they occasionally take on a murky quality with slight blue shifts. Despite the film’s primary reliance on amber hues, colors remain true to life and saturated effectively during specific standout moments.

Understandably, "The Beekeeper" is not laden with ambitious production design; however, Warner Bros.' transfer ensures that what is presented looks polished and refined on screen. The dual-layered 66GB disc manages a high bitrate adequately for the film’s 100-minute runtime. Though the texture detail does not always meet expectations for a true 4K source and medium shots sometimes appear flat, the overall sharpness remains commendable. With a solid handling of contrast levels and effective HDR grading, this 4K UHD Blu-ray brings the expected big-screen experience into homes with a commendable visual quality.

The Dolby Atmos track on "The Beekeeper" 4K UHD Blu Ray stands out as a highlight, providing an enveloping audio experience. The presentation initially starts with modest surround activity, exemplified during the scam artist's scene in a bustling call center. Around the 40-minute mark, the audio profile intensifies dramatically, immersing the listener with gunshots and explosions reverberating from all directions. Although it demands a 5-6 DB boost on the AVR for optimal reference levels, the sound design elevates the action to an engaging auditory spectacle. The LFE's gut-wrenching bass, active surround channels, and impeccable dialog clarity anchored at the front create a comprehensive audio environment.

Throughout the film, the Dolby Atmos mix showcases an effective blend of atmospheric and discrete effects. While overhead channels are sometimes used sparingly, their contributions—whether subtle ambiances or musical elements—add depth. Moments where sounds pan overhead or bullets travel across different points of the soundstage highlight the precision of the mix. Though some critiques point to occasional compression or inconsistent surround activity, these minor drawbacks do not significantly detract from the overall soundscape’s capacity to replicate a true theatrical experience.

In essence, "The Beekeeper's" sound design handles the demands of action sequences adeptly, delivering dynamic directionality and robust low-end effects. The integration of atmospheric elements and peripheral effects situates viewers effectively within the narrative’s environment. While not groundbreaking, this Dolby Atmos track performs solidly, ensuring that viewers are thoroughly engaged from start to finish through its powerful and immersive audio experience.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray of "The Beekeeper" directed by David Ayer with Jason Statham in the lead role delivers an action-packed thriller experience. However, it is deeply disappointing to find that this release is devoid of any extras, special features, or even a trailer—elements that often elevate the physical media experience by providing behind-the-scenes insights or additional value. The disc is featureless, which is quite shocking for a major studio release, especially one headlined by a high-profile actor and director. The package does include a digital copy, but the lack of extras sharply contrasts with the immersive potential of the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: No extras available on this disc.

"The Beekeeper," Jason Statham's latest action thriller, solidifies his standing as a dependable action star. In this film, Statham is Adam Clay, a retired operative from a clandestine group called "The Beekeepers." When his elderly neighbor Eloise (Phylicia Rashad) falls victim to a phishing scam, Adam channels his background to embark on a vengeful mission against the scammers. The movie offers nonstop action, featuring Statham's signature scowls and physicality. Despite its absurd plot and lack of depth, "The Beekeeper" delivers what fans of Statham expect: relentless, high-octane combat scenes.

David Ayer's direction and Kurt Wimmer's screenplay embrace the film’s over-the-top nature, making it clear this isn’t a story for those seeking nuanced narratives or complex characters. The film's pacing never stagnates, with Adam dismantling the criminal network in a series of brutal confrontations that could only exist in an action-packed flick. Jeremy Irons takes a supporting role, enhancing the film’s star power but raising questions about his motivation for joining such a project. Josh Hutcherson's portrayal of villain Derek Danforth feels reminiscent of 1980s antagonists—smug and ultimately inconsequential.

Technically, the film uses a honey-colored grading to highlight its thematic undertones but results in a somewhat soft image quality. Daylight scenes exhibit decent detail, though night shots tend to appear less crisp. Black levels are generally good, and the occasional bright colors are effectively striking. While not breaking new ground in the action genre or in narrative complexity, "The Beekeeper" offers an escapist romp filled with kinetic energy and visceral thrills. Suspend disbelief, enjoy the martial arts choreography, and expect nothing more than a Statham-led spectacle.

David Ayer's The Beekeeper is a straightforward yet entertaining action thriller headlined by the ever-energetic Jason Statham. The film follows Adam Clay (Statham), a retired beekeeper whose tranquil life is disrupted when his neighbor, Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad), falls victim to a devastating ransomware scam. The narrative pivots as Adam, revealed to be a former member of a covert CIA unit called "The Beekeepers," sets off on a vigilante mission to dismantle the scam operation. Simultaneously, FBI agent Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman) takes the legal route. The plot's plausibility is stretched, especially with high-tech scam call centers based in the U.S., but it balances well with its intent to highlight serious issues faced by scam victims.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release from MGM/Amazon is a mixed bag. While the Dolby Atmos track is outstanding, offering an immersive audio experience, the overall picture quality is solid but not exceptional for the format. The absence of extras is a notable downside, making this edition less appealing for collectors seeking comprehensive features. Nonetheless, the fight sequences choreographed in Ayer's efficient style and Statham's performance keep the film engaging from start to finish.

To put it simply, The Beekeeper is just simple fun escapist action. The fight sequences are well done, the budget is solid, and Statham can MOVE for being almost 60 years old. The guy is in his element here and both my wife and I were grinning from ear to ear by the time the credits started to roll. MGM/Amazon’s 4K UHD is sadly devoid of extras and the picture quality is just “good”. However, the Atmos track is reference material and the movie itself is a barrel of dumb fun. Recommended.

Technical Specifications: Starring: Jason Statham, Jeremy Irons, Bobby Naderi, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Taylor James Directed by: David Ayer Written by: Kurt Wimmer Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 HEVC Audio: English: Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core), English DD 5.1, English DVS 2.0 Sugtitles: English SDH, Spanish Studio: Warner Brothers Rated: R Runtime: 105 minutes Blu-ray Release Date: April 23rd, 2024