The Delta Force Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "The Delta Force" captures the film's low-budget origins and 1980s aesthetic authentically, albeit with some inherent limitations. Shot by acclaimed cinematographer David Gurfinkel, the 1080p, AVC-encoded image remains faithful to the original film stock, maintaining a generally soft but reasonably detailed appearance. The movie is mostly free of print damage or other wear-and-tear, evidences a notable grain structure consistent with films of its era, yet luckily doesn't exhibit signs of artificial manipulation like digital noise reduction or sharpening. Additionally, no compression errors are present, attributed to the use of a BD-50 disc.

However, the presentation is not without its flaws. The image is notably fuzzy and soft, plagued with source noise and erratic film judder—common characteristics of mid-1980s B-movies. Fine detail is most apparent in close-ups, such as when the camera focuses on Chuck Norris' visage, showcasing every bristle of his beard. In contrast, mid- to long-range shots suffer from a significant loss of clarity; lines blur, colors bleed, and there's an unwelcome light seepage into darker areas that creates inconsistent hues. Particularly disheartening are the crushing blacks and static black dirt spots detracting from the cinematic experience.

In essence, while "The Delta Force" on Blu-ray provides an 80s filmic look that may evoke nostalgia for fans of vintage action movies, the overall transfer quality leaves much to be desired. The inadequacies in video fidelity—ranging from chronic artifacts to source noise and film judder—render this presentation below average for contemporary standards.

The audio presentation of "The Delta Force" on Blu-ray is delivered via a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, staying true to the film's original stereo format. This track offers clear and clean sound with an acceptable dynamic range that ensures consistently intelligible dialogue. Alan Silvestri's electronic score is adequately present, and through a matrix decoding system like DPL IIx, the stereo track generates a reasonable amount of surround ambiance. However, it is worth noting that some viewers have commented on the presence of a 5.1 mix used in HDTV broadcasts, but this version is not available on the Blu-ray release.

While the 2.0 track manages the basics, it falls short in delivering the impactful audio experience expected from an action film. The absence of additional channels results in a lackluster performance during action sequences. Explosions and gunshots lack the necessary low-frequency effects without the aid of a subwoofer and seldom achieve a satisfying, realistic sound. Additionally, during heightened action scenes, dialogue can become overwhelmed, leading to moments where critical lines are lost in the mix.

Furthermore, this audio track exhibits notable issues with lip synchronization discrepancies, especially during scenes such as the film's opening sequence. The misalignment between audio and character mouth movements can be quite distracting and undermines the overall viewing experience. Whether these issues stem from original ADR sessions or are specific to this mix remains unclear. Consequently, this is not an audio presentation that stands out for its quality or enhances the film's action-driven narrative effectively.

The Extras section of the Blu Ray of "The Delta Force" leaves much to be desired, manifesting a minimalistic approach with its content offerings. Unfortunately, the only supplement provided is the film's theatrical trailer, presented in standard definition. Notably absent are more enriching features like director's commentary, making-of documentaries, or any form of behind-the-scenes footage. Additionally, there are technical limitations; the disc lacks a main menu, resulting in immediate autoplay and continuous looping, and it does not support bookmarking—features typically available on other discs by the same producer. This bare-bones approach significantly undercuts the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the film.

"The Delta Force" is an '80s action movie headlined by Chuck Norris and directed by Menahem Golan. The film, notable for its attempt to combine gritty realism with B-movie action aesthetics, opens with a prologue set during the failed 1980 Tehran hostage rescue. The plot then shifts to a mishap-heavy sequence where Middle Eastern terrorists seize ATW Flight 282 (a not-so-subtle nod to TWA), echoing real-life incidents from the 1980s. This setup serves as the basis for the lengthy first act, which primarily focuses on the hijackers' intimidation of the passengers and crew, invoking emotional moments as Jewish American passengers are singled out. This portion effectively builds tension but comes at the expense of screen time for Norris, who isn’t fully unleashed until after the hour mark.

One of the film’s main issues is its slow pacing in the first half. Detailed sequences of the hijack take center stage, while Norris’ character, Major McCoy, is mostly absent. Director Golan ambitiously extends the runtime over two hours, but this results in a lopsided narrative that feels sluggish until the action finally escalates. Critics have pointed out that while the film's second half is packed with explosive set pieces and signature Norris action – including motorcycle chases and high-octane rescue operations – it requires patience to reach these climax points. The cast, featuring stalwarts like Lee Marvin, Robert Vaughn, and Robert Forster, offer solid performances but draw attention away from the film's supposed focal point: Norris' dynamism.

The movie's technical execution shows competent yet conventional direction from Golan. The Blu-ray release includes adequate audio and visual quality and showcases thematic music that amplifies the patriotic undertones. However, the excessive build-up without immediate payoff detracts from what could have been a streamlined and more engaging action flick. Aspiring to merge historical contexts with quintessential ‘80s extravagance, "The Delta Force" offers fleeting moments of thrill tempered by structural imbalances, leaving one yearning for more consistent action amidst its prolonged setup.

The Delta Force, a classic Chuck Norris film from the mid-1980s, was released in Blu-ray format with noticeable technical enhancements. However, it struggles to overcome certain inherent flaws, primarily related to its pacing and action sequences. It takes a hefty one hour and twenty minutes before Norris engages in any significant combat, a long wait that could test the patience of even the most dedicated fans. While the later action scenes offer some redemption, they're not compelling enough to justify the lethargic buildup. The film, directed by Menahem Golan, involves the hijacking of an airline—a theme that has been far better executed in subsequent films like Paul Greengrass’ United 93 and Stuart Baird’s Executive Decision.

The Blu-ray's video quality is satisfactory but not remarkable, presenting a mundane visual experience that might disappoint viewers expecting high definition enhancements. Similarly, the audio falls short of expectations. The auditory performance lacks clarity and dynamic range, making it evident that meticulous care wasn't part of MGM's release strategy. This can be quite disheartening for those who look forward to a holistic home theater experience.

In conclusion, while The Delta Force holds a nostalgic value for Chuck Norris enthusiasts, this Blu-ray release does not quite do justice to the film. With competing films offering either more realism or thrilling compact narratives, Golan's execution feels archaic and melodramatic. Unless you're a die-hard fan or collector, it may be wise to seek alternative viewing methods or wait until the exclusivity period ends before committing to this Blu-ray edition.