Soldier Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer of "Soldier" offers a visually compelling experience albeit with some imperfections. Warner's treatment ensures that David Tattersall's colorful dystopian palette is represented in a rich and vibrant manner, making skintones appear warm, lifelike, and naturally saturated throughout most of the presentation. Strong contrast and deep black levels add depth to the imagery, although the blacks can sometimes appear overly inky. Close-ups render copious amounts of facial details, from Todd's grizzled scars to the inhabitants' grimy visages on the garbage planet. However, mid-range shots can exhibit a rather waxy appearance due to noticeable DNR techniques, disrupting the otherwise high level of detail.

Colors stand out impressively with oranges, reds, and yellows from explosions burning intensely without overwhelming the image. Fine textures are markedly improved over previous releases, revealing more refined edge definition and rewarding clarity particularly in non-effects-driven scenes. Softness becomes more apparent when visual effects or green screen scenes are involved, but clean delineation and artifact-free presentation are maintained overall. The absence of compression anomalies, banding, aliasing, and errant noise further enhances the viewing experience. Though some smearing and digital manipulation are evident, fans of the film will find this Blu-ray transfer to be a significant and satisfying upgrade.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Soldier" delivers an audibly powerful and immersive experience. Characterized by a bold, aggressive sound, the audio presentation thrives on explosive action sequences that dominate with their bombastic detail. The low end is decidedly emphatic, enhancing every crumbling building, throaty war machine, and snarling fireball with significant impact. The rear speakers are actively engaged, contributing to an encompassing soundfield with seamless, albeit unsubtle, pans. This track is designed to operate in one of two modes: loud and louder, making every action scene viscerally engaging.

However, the mix's enthusiasm for impactful sound effects comes at a cost. Prioritization issues result in dialogue often being drowned out by the cacophony of action. While voices remain generally intelligible and reasonably clear, they are occasionally lost amidst machine gun fire and explosions that rattle the listening environment. Joel McNeely's score also suffers from the audio chaos, sometimes being buried beneath the relentless sound effects. Despite these drawbacks, effects are crisp, clear, and immersive, ensuring the overall experience remains thrilling.

In summation, while the action-packed moments will undoubtedly showcase the potency of your subwoofer and surrounding speakers, the audio mix falls short in balancing dynamic dialogue scenes with its resounding action sequences. "Soldier" provides an enthralling auditory spectacle that lacks nuance but compensates with sheer auditory force.

The Blu-ray extras for "Soldier" provide a solid suite of content for fans and film enthusiasts, albeit with a focus more on production details than critical reflection. The primary special feature is an audio commentary featuring director Paul W.S. Anderson, co-producer Jeremy Bolt, and actor Jason Isaacs. While Isaacs participates minimally, Anderson and Bolt deliver an exhaustive account of the production process and on-set experiences, though their discussion tends to sidestep the film's mixed reception. In addition to the commentary, the disc includes a theatrical trailer that offers an entertaining and humorous glimpse into the film's marketing approach.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: In-depth discussions by Paul W.S. Anderson, Jeremy Bolt, and Jason Isaacs on the production process, dominated by Anderson and Bolt. Trailer: A highly amusing theatrical trailer.

Paul W.S. Anderson’s "Soldier" grapples with a compelling premise but ultimately falters under the weight of its missteps. Kurt Russell stars as Todd 3465, a rigorously trained super-soldier rendered obsolete by a new breed of genetically engineered warriors. Discarded and left for dead, Todd finds a semblance of humanity among a group of stranded colonists on a volatile planet. However, Anderson's direction transforms what could have been an intriguing tale of redemption into an almost comical assemblage of genre clichés and derivative scenes borrowed from superior films like "Terminator" and "Universal Soldier."

The script by David Webb Peoples, known for "Blade Runner" and "Unforgiven," is disappointingly thin and lacks the depth his previous works are celebrated for. Russell's performance is stoic but one-dimensional, limited by a hundred-word screenplay that fails to develop his character fully. Jason Isaacs fits snugly into the stereotypical villain role, complete with clichéd mannerisms. Yet despite the lackluster dialogues and predictable plot twists, there’s a nostalgic, almost endearing charm to the film’s unabashed cheese and over-the-top action sequences, which pepper it with token 90s 'splosion-heavy excitement.

Visually, "Soldier" struggles to justify its hefty $75 million budget. The special effects and production design already seemed dated at its release and resemble mid-tier direct-to-video fare more than a blockbuster spectacle. Nonetheless, Anderson manages to imbue the film with his trademark high-octane chaos, wielding explosions and combat scenes with reckless abandon. Despite its evident flaws, "Soldier" harbors a guilty pleasure appeal, making it a memorable, if not critically acclaimed, entry in Anderson's filmography. Enthusiasts of Big Dumb Fun will find some gratification in this chaotic roller coaster, even if discerning viewers might view it as a cinematic train wreck.

"Soldier," directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, struggles to find its footing as a compelling sci-fi action film. While it possesses the elements required for a serviceable genre flick — action sequences, a dystopian backdrop, and a stoic protagonist — it ultimately falters due to derivative storytelling and lackluster execution. Despite this, the Blu-ray release brings new life to the visuals, showcasing a vivid video transfer that only occasionally succumbs to minor issues like Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). The DTS-HD Master Audio track is aggressive and immersive, delivering an experience that aligns well with the film's high-octane moments.

However, the Blu-ray's supplementary content leaves much to be desired. Sparse and insubstantial, the extras do little to enhance the overall package or provide valuable insights into the film's production. While hardcore fans of "Soldier" may appreciate revisiting the film in high definition, the lack of robust bonus features may deter more casual viewers from making a purchase.

In conclusion, "Soldier" on Blu-ray offers a mixed bag. The commendable video and audio quality make a strong case for a rental or bargain bin exploration, especially for fans of the genre or Anderson's work. However, the weak narrative and underwhelming extras limit its appeal, making it a recommendation reserved mainly for dedicated enthusiasts.