The Commuter

The Commuter" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, distributed by Lionsgate Films, showcases a transfer that both impresses and at times, underwhelms, given the expectations tethered to the 4K realm. This release utilizes a 2160p resolution with an HEVC / H.265 encoding, wrapped in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Despite being shot on Arri Alexa Minis and possessing a 4K DI foundation, the video presentation reveals an unexpectedly prominent digital grain across its scenes, more pronounced than what's experienced in the 1080p Blu-ray counterpart. Illustratively, this graininess becomes conspicuous in lighter backgrounds and nuanced details, such as the texture on a book jacket or the subtle distinctions in patterns on clothing. However, the imagery occasionally succumbs to softness, attributed mainly to the use of green screen technology, detracting slightly from the overall sharpness that the format can offer.

Where this 4K presentation gains its merit is in its handling of depth and detail, boasting a more refined clarity in facial expressions and environmental textures; Liam Neeson’s features and various set details stand out with enhanced definition. Color reproduction leans towards a natural palette bolstered by HDR, albeit with a tendency towards cooler tones accentuated by selective moments of warmth. Despite this, the expected vibrancy and contrast enhancement from HDR technology isn't as dynamic as one might hope, attributed to the film’s deliberate color scheme and lighting choices.

Black levels in "The Commuter" are notably solid and well-calibrated, delivering deep and absorbing shadows without succumbing to crush, maintaining detail even in darker suits or night scenes. However, the visual style's inclination towards dimly lit settings occasionally impedes depth perception and can engulf details into shadow. Noise is minimal, preserving the cleanliness of the presentation. Ultimately, while this 4K UHD offering enriches certain aspects over its Blu-ray counterpart, particularly in terms of detail and depth, it's constrained by stylistic choices and inherent source material limitations that prevent it from fully showcasing the format’s potential.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Commuter" impresses with its Dolby Atmos track, consistent across both 4K and Blu-ray formats, providing an immersive audio experience that's nearly reference quality. From the outset, viewers are plunged into a rich soundscape full of ambient noise—from the naturalistic clatter and hum of the train to the metallic ping of wheels on tracks, all meticulously positioned around the listener for a full 360-degree experience. This enveloping atmosphere is bolstered by realistic sound effects such as gunfire and voices, which reverberate within the confined spaces of the train, enhancing the tension and realism of the film. The audio mix excels in balancing these effects with clear, crisp dialogue and a dynamic score, ensuring a cohesive and engaging auditory experience.

As the action intensifies, the Dolby Atmos track flexes its muscles, particularly during key fight sequences and the spectacular derailment scene. The low-end frequencies are given a workout, with deep, resonant bass effects that add weight to the on-screen chaos. This is complemented by precise directionality and movement in the soundscape, from bullets whizzing past to the thunderous rumble of the train, creating an almost palpable sense of motion and impact. The sound design during these moments is not only ambitious but executed with such finesse that it places viewers squarely in the midst of the action.

Moreover, the audio presentation offers versatility through additional tracks in Spanish and French (Dolby Digital 5.1), an English 2.0 option optimized for late-night viewing, and an English Descriptive Audio track for those who require it. Subtitles are available in English, English SDH, and Spanish, catering to a wide range of audience needs. Overall, "The Commuter’s" audio track stands out not just for its technical prowess in creating an enveloping atmosphere and lifelike action but for its thoughtful inclusion of features that enhance accessibility and viewing flexibility.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Commuter" offers a succinct but underwhelming collection of extras, consisting of just two featurettes that together run for a mere 15 minutes. "End of the Line" and "Off the Rails" serve as the primary supplements, mirroring the content found on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. While Lionsgate ensures the transition of these bonuses from the 1080p version, the content itself lacks depth, focusing on standard electronic press kit (EPK) material, including cast and crew interviews, and a superficial exploration of the film’s production challenges, especially those related to the construction and filming on the train set. The inclusion of a digital copy provides a modicum of additional value, but overall, the extras package feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the making of this high-stakes thriller.

Extras included in this disc:

• End of the Line: Insights from cast and crew, including Liam Neeson and director Jaume Collet-Serra, about the making of the film.
• Off the Rails: A closer look at the design and shooting challenges of the film's train sequences.

The Commuter," starring Liam Neeson as Michael, thrusts audiences into a gripping, if not entirely original, blend of suspense and action aboard a New York commuter train. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who reunites with Neeson in what feels like a spiritual successor to their airborne thriller "Non-Stop," this film adheres closely to the formula that has seen Neeson transition into an unlikely action hero for the modern age. Here, Neeson's character, an everyman caught in the grips of financial strain exacerbated by the 2008 financial crisis, finds himself entangled in a high-stakes criminal conspiracy after a mysterious encounter with a stranger, played with chilling ambiguity by Vera Farmiga. This Hitchcockian premise serves as an engaging setup, leading Michael, and the audience, through a miasma of misdirection and moral quandaries set against the ticking clock of his daily commute.

Technically, "The Commuter" manages to navigate the constrained environment of a commuter train with sufficient creativity, particularly in its execution of action sequences. A notable fight scene, purportedly shot in a single take, stands out for its choreographic innovation and intensity, even within the film's otherwise limited spatial confines. While certain elements of the plot veer towards the implausible—Michael's death-defying antics outside and inside the derailed train being prime examples—the film maintains a commendable pace over its lean 105-minute runtime. The tension escalates effectively through Collet-Serra's capable direction, ensuring that even predictable plot twists do not wholly derail the viewer's engagement.

However, "The Commuter" is not without its shortcomings. Despite Neeson's compelling portrayal of a man pushed to his limits, the film is occasionally bogged down by clichés and dialogue that might feel at home in a less polished screenplay. Supporting performances from Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, and Sam Neill are solid yet underutilized, hinting at missed opportunities to deepen the narrative complexity. Nevertheless, for fans of Neeson's action-packed ventures and those looking for an energetically executed thriller that doesn't demand too much scrutiny, "The Commuter" delivers enough suspense and spectacle to justify its place within the genre. It might not reach the heights of "Non-Stop" or break new ground, but it remains a watchable and occasionally thrilling ride through familiar territory.

The Commuter" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray delivers an undeniably mixed bag of technical excellence and narrative shortcomings. Starring Liam Neeson, whose portrayal of a beleaguered everyman caught in a web of intrigue aboard a train, offers his trademarked blend of world-weariness and action prowess. Despite Neeson's commendable effort to elevate the material, the script leaves much to be desired, underserving the talents of supporting actors like Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, and Jonathan Banks. These notable actors are given roles that lack depth and fail to make a significant impact. The film rides the line between thrilling and absurd, offering an adrenaline rush that may satisfy audiences looking for undemanding entertainment but falls short of providing a compelling narrative.

Technically, the 4K UHD presentation of "The Commuter" is of high quality, with an Atmos track that revitalizes the train's confined setting into an audibly immersive experience. While the transfer sees an uptick in detail, the leap from standard Blu-ray might not justify an upgrade for all viewers, given the film's sparse visual spectacles. However, enthusiasts of high-definition formats and die-hard fans of Neeson's action-thriller oeuvre will find value in this edition, despite its lackluster supplemental content.

In conclusion, "The Commuter" 4K UHD Blu-Ray serves as a solid, if not spectacular, addition to the action genre's home entertainment offerings. Its technical merits underscore a competent audio-visual experience that complements Neeson's performance. However, the film's narrative weaknesses and underutilization of its supporting cast might leave viewers desiring more substance to match its stylistic execution. While it fits comfortably into a collection of mid-range adult entertainment, its purchase is best recommended for dedicated fans or those particularly enthusiastic about experiencing incremental improvements in home cinema technology.