Gun Blu-ray Review

Image Entertainment's Blu-ray presentation of "Gun" offers a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that delivers visual quality in line with the film's modest production values. While it boasts a moody, desaturated aesthetic, which aligns with the narrative's bleak mid-winter setting, the color palette remains largely subdued, so don’t expect bursts of vivid color. Fine details shine in closer shots—Val Kilmer's flannel shirt threads and Curtis Jackson's meticulously groomed beard are particularly sharp. Despite adequate black levels and precise contrast, the image lacks significant pop or depth. However, it maintains a natural look free from over-processing and major compression issues.

That said, the transfer isn't without faults. Color often appears washed out, affecting clarity and detail definition, even in brighter scenes. Facial details suffer similarly; while AnnaLynne McCord's skin may seem airbrushed, this likely stems from the soft, pervasive photography rather than any post-production touch-ups. More problematic is the shadow delineation in darker scenes, where muddy resolution and noticeable crushing detract from the viewing experience. On rare occasions, vertical lines, akin to barcodes, disrupt the image quality—such as during a night scene with a van entering a warehouse. Noise intermittently appears as specks and flecks but without severe artifacting issues like blocking or banding. Overall, while it showcases the film's best possible presentation, it may not suffice as a reference piece for high-end home theater setups.

The audio presentation of "Gun" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track primarily dominated by gunshots and hip-hop music. Gunfire from shotguns and automatic pistols is notably potent and loud, effectively utilizing the soundfield by spitting through the channels with impressive spatial precision. Ambient effects like shattering glass, roaring engines, and atmospheric music sporadically fill the rear speakers, although they are used more sparingly outside of action sequences. High-end frequencies, such as snare hits, remain crisp and clean, delivering a satisfactory auditory experience.

However, despite these strengths, the audio mix lacks balance. Dialogue frequently gets lost amidst the high-octane commotion, making it occasionally challenging to follow spoken lines. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are particularly pronounced, with an exaggerated bass intended to accentuate the thumping beats of 50 Cent's soundtrack and the resonance of gunfire. This heightened bass presence tends to overshadow other elements within the mix, leading to an abrasive listening experience that doesn't entirely mesh well with the rest of the film's audio. While bass enthusiasts might appreciate the thumping lows, others may find it disproportionately loud and intrusive.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track effectively captures the explosive nature of "Gun," delivering powerful gunshot effects and robust musical accompaniments. However, its imbalance and occasional overpowering bass may detract from dialogue clarity and overall cohesion, necessitating occasional volume adjustments for an optimal experience.

The extras section of the "Gun" Blu-ray edition falls flat, delivering an underwhelming experience. Both input reviews consistently highlight the paucity of additional content with limited offerings that lack depth and engagement. The only extra included is a standard definition trailer, which doesn’t add much value for enthusiasts seeking insights, behind-the-scenes details, or expanded content. In maintaining the technical and professional expectations from such releases, the extras leave much to be desired, providing minimal additional value beyond the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: This is the only feature offered on the disc, presented in standard definition.

"Gun" attempts to carve out a niche in the gangster genre by leveraging the star power of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and veteran actor Val Kilmer. Jackson, who also penned the script, portrays Rich, a Detroit gun runner navigating the treacherous waters of illegal firearms trade. His performance shows glimpses of potential, yet his writing is inundated with clichéd gangster tropes and hackneyed cop movie conventions. The film's predictability hampers any sense of suspense or originality, leaving audiences anticipating every twist long before they unfold. Val Kilmer's character Angel, a convict recently released from prison, feels equally derivative and underutilized, obscured by a screenplay that does little justice to his talents.

The plot is marred by foreseeable developments and stale dialogue, echoing elements seen countless times in other crime dramas. Characters like a pair of hardened detectives (portrayed by James Remar and Paul Calderon) feel overly familiar, spouting lines that have become almost parodic in their overuse. Rich's operations inevitably heat up as the ATF agents close in—a scenario executed without any fresh spin. Even moments meant to be climactic, such as shootouts and a supposed Scarface homage featuring a comically oversized assault rifle, lack the necessary gravitas and innovation to engage viewers fully.

Despite the film's glossy exterior and thumping soundtrack, "Gun" fails to rise above mediocrity. It remains entrenched in well-worn narrative ruts, offering little more than a platform for Jackson to flex his on-screen muscle amid uninspired set pieces. Val Kilmer's participation adds a layer of disappointment as his talents feel wasted in a role that merely limps from one predictable scene to another. This Blu-ray release is yet another addition to the cache of forgettable straight-to-video titles, underlined by its unoriginal storyline and uninspired performances.

'Gun,' featuring 50 Cent in a dual role as screenwriter and actor, sadly does not hit the target. The film’s narrative is disappointingly uninspired, characterized by a lack of engaging storytelling and an entirely foreseeable plot. Despite having the potential to delve deeply into urban crime drama, 'Gun' fails to connect with its audience, leaving its dramatic attempts flat and unconvincing.

On the technical side, 'Gun' presents a mixed bag. The video quality is merely passable, lacking the visual sharpness and quality that one expects from a Blu-ray release. The audio, too, underwhelms with misaligned priorities that detract from the overall viewing experience. Viewers seeking robust sound dynamics or visual fidelity will be disappointed, as 'Gun' falls short on both accounts.

In conclusion, 'Gun' has found its way straight to video for a reason. With lackluster video, subpar audio quality, and no noteworthy special features aside from a single trailer, it is difficult to find redeeming qualities in this release. Save yourself the time and look elsewhere for your entertainment needs.

50 Cent's Gun has come straight to video, and I think it's safe to assume its next stop will probably be the bargain bin, where it will just sit there, un-bought and unwatched. Leave it there—you'll be glad you did—and find a better way to spend 82 minutes of your time.