Lock Up Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's Blu-ray transfer of "Lock Up" presents a commendable visual upgrade, despite the film's vintage. Utilizing the AVC codec at an average bitrate of 28Mbps and maintaining a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer captures the filmic quality with integrity. The image retains its cinematic grain and natural texture, providing an authentic film-like experience. Although fine object detail is not exceptional, the face close-ups reveal sweat beads on Stallone’s brow and the five o'clock shadow on Sizemore's chin with surprising clarity. While the picture remains soft compared to contemporary releases, the added resolution offers appreciable depth, especially in crowded scenes where the three-dimensionality is subtly pleasing without being overt.

Color reproduction leans toward a muted spectrum, fitting for the film’s bleak and dreary aesthetic. Vibrant primaries, like the reds, greens, and yellows in inmates' clothing, are handled well but do not dominate the overall palette. Blacks are adequately deep without crushing detail, crucial during the film’s numerous shadowy scenes. Instances of print damage are minimal, and grain integrity is maintained without degenerating into noise in darker scenes. While occasional minor digital noise reduction appears to soften some facial details, it does not drastically detract from the overall image quality. Notably, there is no apparent edge enhancement, aliasing, or banding issues, confirming a transfer free from significant digital anomalies.

Scenes such as Frank illuminated partially in his cell or during Chink's confrontation showcase the film’s atmospheric shadow work effectively. The details like dust particles and snowflakes add a layer of clarity unseen in previous releases. Although not flawless, with some grain and soft details persisting, this Blu-ray presentation of "Lock Up" is a significant upgrade from standard DVD, offering a faithful representation that remains true to its late-80s cinematography roots.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Lock Up" delivers a solid yet unspectacular audio presentation that remains true to the film's original elements. While the sound field is predominantly frontal, with a wider stereo spread during action sequences, the rear channels see minimal use, missing opportunities to enhance the immersive experience. The various ambient noises such as clanging pipes, hissing steam, and alarms do contribute to creating a realistic prison atmosphere, although they lack the depth and dynamism one might expect from a modern surround mix. The dialogue, however, is clearly presented, which is impressive given the diverse vocal styles of the cast, including Donald Sutherland's whispers and Sylvester Stallone's distinctive delivery. Bill Conti's score shines as a standout element, occasionally making subtle use of the rear channels to elevate the film’s more intense moments.

Comparing the lossless 5.1 mix with its 2.0 counterpart, there isn't a significant difference in spatial separation, with both options exhibiting somewhat bright but clear soundscapes. The center channel is primarily responsible for dialogue in the 5.1 mix, whereas the 2.0 option delivers a slightly more balanced experience with all elements coming through the front mains. One noticeable shortcoming of the 5.1 mix is its underwhelming LFE performance; bass effects during fight scenes and car chases lack the impactful oomph necessary to fully engage viewers. Despite these limitations, the audio suffers from no glaring flaws and maintains respectability throughout, adhering closely to the film's original sound design without resorting to unnecessary remixing.

The Blu-ray extras for "Lock Up" reflect a missed opportunity to expand beyond the bare minimum provided in previous releases. The features include a 6-minute "Making Of" featurette presenting a high-level overview of the film's narrative, a brief profile of Sylvester Stallone with behind-the-scenes insights, and an 8-minute "Behind the Scenes" piece showcasing raw footage from the production. Additionally, there are short interviews with key cast members that suffer from redundancy and lack depth. Completing the sparse collection is the original theatrical trailer. The absence of new content or a commentary track is notable and disappointing, leaving the supplementary material feeling dated and insufficient for fans hoping for a more comprehensive exploration of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of 'Lock Up': Overview featuring cast interviews and filming locations.
• Sylvester Stallone Profile: Brief interview and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Behind the Scenes: Raw production clips without much context.
• Interviews: Short, repetitive interviews with the main cast.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.

"Lock Up," starring Sylvester Stallone, remains a quintessential 1980s action film that encapsulates the era's penchant for testosterone-driven cinema. Directed by John Flynn, the film effectively utilizes Stallone's underdog persona, reminiscent of his roles in "Rambo" and "Rocky." The plot centers on Frank Leone, a model prisoner nearing the end of his sentence who is suddenly thrust into the grueling environment of Gateway, a high-security prison. Here, he confronts Warden Drumgoole, portrayed by Donald Sutherland, who harbors a vindictive grudge against him. Sutherland's performance, although somewhat over-the-top, provides a formidable antagonist to Stallone's righteous hero. The film's setting and its characters add to the stockpile of classic prison movie tropes, making it engaging despite its predictability.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer by Lionsgate is commendable, presenting a no-frills yet faithful rendition of the original film. It's disappointing that there are no new extras or commentary tracks to accompany the release; however, the clarity and quality of the transfer make up for these omissions. The visuals do justice to Flynn’s hard-hitting direction and the gritty cinematography of the prison setting. The film's pacing maintains a high level of excitement, bolstered by well-executed set-pieces that exhibit Flynn's knack for creating tension-filled environments.

While “Lock Up” might not be the most innovative entry in Stallone’s filmography, it succeeds in delivering an emotionally charged narrative that capitalizes on elements such as camaraderie and revenge. The predictable yet satisfying conclusion, filled with high-stakes confrontations and a gratifying payback sequence, ensures an entertaining watch from start to finish. Fans of the genre and Stallone enthusiasts will find this Blu-ray release a valuable addition to their collection, offering a nostalgic dive into one of Stallone's robust performances before his career shifted gears in the following decade.

The Blu-ray release of "Lock Up" delivers a solid experience for fans of 1980s action cinema. Sylvester Stallone's portrayal of a reluctant hero in this prison drama remains compelling, even in a genre rife with similar storylines. While the film doesn't break new ground, it is bolstered by effective performances and an engaging, albeit predictable, plot. The character of Drumgoole, brought to life by Donald Sutherland, adds a layer of comical villainy that provides an interesting dynamic, even if it lacks genuine menace.

From a technical standpoint, "Lock Up" benefits from a well-handled audio and video presentation. Despite the film's age, the Blu-ray transfer maintains a commendable level of clarity and detail, offering viewers an immersive viewing experience. While the audio track is not groundbreaking, it adequately supports the film's action sequences and supporting score. For collectors and Stallone devotees, this Blu-ray is a must-add to their library.

In conclusion, "Lock Up" remains an obvious recommendation if you adore action films from the 1980s. Though overshadowed by multiple superior films in the mindless action genre, Stallone's take on the reluctant hero hasn't lost its luster in the past two decades, despite the declining acceptance of overly-contrived plotlines among your typical movie-going audience. If you're in the mood for adrenaline-pumping entertainment riddled with cheesy one-liners, "Lock Up" should suffice.