The Sentinel Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Sentinel" presents a 1080p, MPEG-2 encoded, 2.40:1 transfer that falls short of high-definition standards. Initial scenes set in Washington, D.C., appear promising with their crisp portrayal, but this quality is short-lived. The transfer's inconsistent performance becomes evident as it fluctuates between subpar and average. Close-ups tend to fare better, exhibiting decent detail, while medium and long-distance shots are notably soft. Colors lack consistency, shifting between warm and pale tones, and are further hampered by unpredictable contrast levels. Flesh tones oscillate drastically from ghostly pale to excessively bright red. Fine details are minimal, and background elements, such as green foliage, often appear smeared.

On the more positive side, the source material is pristine, showcasing solid black levels that remain consistent throughout the film. However, these positives are overshadowed by significant issues that distract from the viewing experience. The contrast is particularly problematic, with dark upper ranges flattening depth and overblown whites causing a bloom effect. This skewed contrast adversely affects color reproduction, making vibrant hues appear burned out and processed, much like an excessively edited photograph. The polished image retains detail in close-ups, where features such as pores on faces are noticeable, but this does not compensate for the overall murkiness and videogame-like aesthetic.

Ultimately, "The Sentinel" on Blu-ray disappoints visually, reaching neither the highs of exceptional high-definition nor the lows of a complete failure but remaining marred by its inconsistent presentation and unconventional stylistic choices.

The audio presentation of "The Sentinel" on Blu-ray is noteworthy, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The soundscape excels with impressive fidelity across the frequency range, especially during action sequences where gunfire and chase scenes exhibit precise, impactful detailing. The film's score, notably by Christopher Beck, comes to life through the front speakers with a rich blend of strings and electronic percussion that enhances the overall auditory experience. Dialogue generally maintains clarity, though a few moments require attentive listening.

Ambient effects are skillfully placed within the soundstage, especially noticeable in scene settings like radio chatter or atmospheric threats to the President. The bass elements play a vital role, delivering low-end thumps that somewhat resonate without overpowering. However, the surround effects can feel inconsistent, offering sporadic ambiance and often leaning towards a front-heavy auditory experience. Nonetheless, the immersive quality during pivotal moments compensates for these discrepancies with precise channel separation and tight imagery that elevates the sensory impact.

In summary, while "The Sentinel" may not set new benchmarks in audio sophistication, it proficiently harnesses its DTS-HD MA 5.1 track to deliver a satisfying auditory experience. The track is well-balanced with specific highlights in explosive sequences and musical score presentation, ensuring a dynamic and engaging listening experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "The Sentinel" offers a reasonably comprehensive set of extras that provide insight into both the making of the film and the Secret Service. The highlight is the audio commentary by director Clark Johnson and screenwriter George Nolfi, which, despite some tedious pauses and irrelevant political commentary, offers valuable details on filming techniques and set pieces. Additional features include three interactive components—the Secret Service Intel Feed pop-up trivia track, and two behind-the-scenes Making Of segments for the Mall Scene and G8 Summit Toronto. Also included are two informative featurettes: "The Secret Service," which delves into the organization's history and recruitment process, and "In the President’s Shadow," focusing on the demands of Presidential protection. Rounding out the extras are five deleted scenes with optional commentary and a theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from director Clark Johnson and screenwriter George Nolfi.
• Secret Service Intel Feed: Pop-up trivia track with factual details.
• Making Of...The Mall Scene: Behind-the-scenes versus final product.
• Making Of...G8 Summit Toronto: Behind-the-scenes versus final product.
• The Secret Service: Examination of the Secret Service’s history and training.
• In the President’s Shadow: Focuses on Presidential protection detail.
• Deleted Scenes: Five deleted scenes with optional commentary.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film's promotional trailer.

"The Sentinel" features Michael Douglas as Secret Service Agent Pete Garrison, who is framed as a mole involved in a plot to assassinate the President. This 2006 film attempts to weave a tale of political intrigue and betrayal but fails to deliver genuine suspense or originality. The story revolves around Garrison eluding his fellow agents, played by Kiefer Sutherland and Eva Longoria, while trying to uncover the true traitor within the Secret Service. Despite the high-stakes narrative, the plot twists and revelations are telegraphed early, making the film predictable and devoid of real tension.

Douglas, once known for his dynamic roles in thrillers, appears weary and uninspired, contributing to the film's lackluster feel. Sutherland's performance, reminiscent of his "24" persona, provides some energy but does little to elevate the clichéd script. The characters, including Kim Basinger’s First Lady and Longoria’s rookie agent, are underdeveloped and fall into stereotypical roles that add little depth to the storyline. An evident factual error involving the Secret Service's service pistols further undermines the film's credibility.

While "The Sentinel" paints a glossy picture with competent direction and Christophe Beck's noteworthy score, its adherence to worn-out tropes and formulaic plotting stifles any potential it may have had. The narrative is riddled with an abundance of Secret Service jargon and technical details that fail to mask its inherent mediocrity. A few thrill sequences offer some excitement, yet the overall film feels outdated and unnecessary, akin to a forgotten relic from Michael Douglas's heyday in the 1980s. It serves more as a reminder of genre conventions than as a compelling thriller in its own right.

"The Sentinel" on Blu-ray offers a mixed experience for viewers, delivering a well-trodden plot that fails to innovate within the thriller genre. The movie's narrative is plagued by paper-thin characters and predictable arcs, resulting in a two-hour journey that struggles to maintain interest. Despite the film's effort to compensate with extensive action sequences and dialogue, the end result feels ordinary and lacks the unique elements needed to stand out. Fox's Blu-ray release does little to ameliorate this, providing an underwhelming package overall.

The technical presentation of "The Sentinel" leaves much to be desired. The video transfer is marred by noticeable post-processing issues, detracting from a seamless viewing experience. While some viewers might find it acceptable, many will find themselves distracted by the visual imperfections. Conversely, the lossless audio track is solid, enhancing the auditory atmosphere of the film substantially. The disc is supplemented with a standard array of extras, including scene deconstructions and a trivia track, but these features do not significantly elevate the overall value of the release.

In conclusion, "The Sentinel" is neither wholly terrible nor particularly remarkable. The film's predictable nature and forgettable execution are mirrored in its Blu-ray presentation. While the audio track performs admirably, the mediocre video quality and uninspired extras fail to impress. This release is best suited for a rental, particularly for those curious about the film or willing to judge the picture quality firsthand. For casual viewers, there are more compelling options available that promise a richer cinematic experience.