The Doorman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Doorman" by Lionsgate Films features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, presumably derived from an Arri Alexa Minis source and completed at a 2K DI. While the digital source inherently presents challenges, particularly in dimly lit sequences typical of the film's apartment house setting, there are several sequences where the quality shines. Bright, well-detailed scenes, including the bookend segments featuring Ali’s diplomatic assignment and the concluding coda, exhibit an attractively suffused palette with excellent detail levels. However, during darker moments, the capture tends to look murky and noise becomes conspicuous, affecting imagery and texture. This results in a few artifacts likely stemming from Blu-ray encoding.

From a technical perspective, the clarity and detail are commendable for a film produced on a relatively modest budget. Characters' details are effectively conveyed, with facial textures benefiting from the sharp detail and firm resolution that likely originates from the 2K source. The depth of field is well-handled, capturing dimensionality without introducing crush in darker areas. Although most scenes adopt a warm grading, flesh tones are slightly elevated, maintaining consistency with the overall orange filter aesthetic. Certain scenes employ monochromatic grading for dramatic effect, such as alarm-induced red splashes or dominant greens and blues in various sequences.

Overall, the encoding is clean and devoid of significant noise or artifacts, barring a few noticeable stock shots. Costumes and well-lit environments particularly benefit from vibrant color reproduction, providing a balance that enhances visual appeal. Despite its occasional flaws in low light conditions, "The Doorman" delivers an overall satisfying visual experience on Blu-ray that merits attention.

"The Doorman" Blu-ray features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, providing a satisfactory surround sound experience despite some limitations. The opening sequence exhibits effective engagement of the side and rear channels and includes a notable burst of LFE as hostilities begin. Throughout the film, combat scenes offer a pleasingly discrete placement of individual effects, especially as protagonist Ali navigates various interior spaces. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-rendered, ensuring viewers do not miss any crucial exchanges. Optional subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French are available.

However, while the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track is competent, it is not groundbreaking. The mix lacks dynamic range and volume, with low-end response from explosions and gunfire being minimal. The deepest LFE moments occur during a flashback music sting. Despite these limitations, certain sequences, such as those involving a dumbwaiter shaft, utilize echo effects to enhance spatial awareness. The front and center focus maintains a well-balanced atmospheric presence, though it does not extend significantly beyond that.

In summary, "The Doorman" provides an adequate audio experience for an action film of its caliber. The lossless track presents dynamics effectively to keep pace with the rapid-fire action, offering balance between score, dialogue, and effects. While the LFE channel receives sufficient activity from certain key moments, the overall impact is less explosive than might be anticipated. Nevertheless, this Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track captures the essence of the film's environment and character interactions proficiently.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Doorman" offer an adequate, albeit standard, behind-the-scenes look into the film's production. Highlighted primarily by cast interviews, these features emphasize the diverse international backgrounds of the actors and their appreciation for the film's character-driven approach amidst the action sequences. While the extras do not delve deeply into the filmmaking process or provide extensive content, they do offer a glimpse into the cast's reflections and the collaborative effort required for such a project.

Extras included in this disc:

• In Service of Others: Reflections of the Cast: Interviews with the cast highlighting their roles and experiences.

"The Doorman," directed by Ryuhei Kitamura of "Godzilla: Final Wars" and "Versus" fame, is an action film that aims to deliver familiar thrills. A clear homage to "Die Hard," the film follows ex-Marine Ali (Ruby Rose), who becomes a doorman at a New York apartment complex. Her quiet job is upended by art thieves led by Victor Dubois (Jean Reno), with Ali finding herself protecting her estranged family from imminent danger. While Rose’s portrayal of a PTSD-ridden ex-soldier adds an emotional layer, the film struggles to overcome its derivative nature and recycled plot points.

Kitamura’s direction, known for its dynamic action sequences, is evident yet hampered by budget limitations. The movie includes several high-energy confrontations, but many are marred by restrictive set design and occasionally sloppy editing. Despite this, there are moments where the choreography shines, consolidating Kitamura's reputation as a competent action director. Ruby Rose executes her role with determination, although she is often overshadowed by a capable supporting cast, particularly Julian Feder as Max and Reno, who adds gravitas to his villainous role.

Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its cast who breathe life into an otherwise predictable script. Moments of clever commentary on violence and its real-life consequences provide fleeting depth, although much of the dialogue remains basic. While "The Doorman" offers some entertainment and serves as a passable action flick, it falls short of its inspirations, making it more of a casual watch than a memorable experience.

"The Doorman" Blu-ray offers a mix of predictable yet serviceable action entertainment. Led by Ruby Rose, whose tenure in action films continues to grow, and featuring Jean Reno in a villainous role, the movie effectively captures the essence of a "Die Hard" redux. The plot is straightforward and follows a familiar trajectory, loaded with attempts to provide moments of tension and excitement, albeit falling into predictable territory. Despite lacking significant originality, for audiences craving traditional action movie fare, "The Doorman" serves up enough to satisfy.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray presentation of "The Doorman" lives up to expectations. The audiovisual quality is robust, delivering clear visuals and satisfactory sound that enhance the viewing experience. The cinematography, while not groundbreaking, is competently handled, ensuring action sequences are engaging and effectively staged. The technical merits make the Blu-ray a viable purchase option for those interested in solid home entertainment.

Considering his penchant for taking on any number of lower-profile, at times direct-to-video material (a lot coming from Lionsgate), Bruce Willis might have made a better stunt casting choice for the villain here, and that at least might have elevated what is undeniably "Die Hard" redux, with a few salient changes made to keep those pesky copyright lawyers at bay. The film is generally well-staged, but it is relentlessly predictable. Technical merits are generally solid for those who are considering a purchase.