The Package

The Package" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Anchor Bay with a coherent and technically proficient 1080p HD presentation, framed at a 1.78:1 aspect ratio that successfully navigates the fine line between capturing the gritty essence of the film and showcasing an impressive level of detail and clarity typically expected from high-definition releases. The overall video quality presents a largely crisp and detailed image, capitalizing on the textures throughout – from the intricate wear visible on bowling pins to the nuanced facial stubble on characters, ensuring a visual experience that is both immersive and faithful to the film's aesthetic intentions. Color reproduction stands out for its balance and naturalism, avoiding saturation extremes and instead opting for a palette that enhances the narrative's mood without ever seeming artificial or forced.

Despite its strengths, the transfer isn't without its minor hitches – including light banding in select scenes, occasional noise, and slight edge halos particularly noticeable against cityscapes. These issues, while not pervasive, slightly mar an otherwise stellar presentation. The deliberate choice for a colder and sometimes flatter look aids in maintaining the film's thematic atmosphere but does little to diminish the overall vibrancy during more colorful sequences. Black levels impress with their depth and fidelity, creating stark contrasts without compromising detail in darker scenes. Flesh tones are consistently natural across varying lighting conditions, further contributing to the transfer's realism.

In summary, Anchor Bay's Blu-ray presentation of "The Package" delivers a solid HD experience that respects and amplifies the source material's visual intent. Despite minor setbacks like occasional motion blur and the softened whites in heavily lit interiors, these do not significantly detract from what is fundamentally a commendable high-definition effort. This Blu-ray should pleasantly satisfy those seeking a faithful and engaging visual representation of the film, bolstered by effective color grading and sharp detail capture that together enhance the overall viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "The Package" on Blu-ray, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, presents a mixed bag of excellences and minor shortcomings that together yield a positive overall experience for the viewer. The soundtrack begins on a strong note with crisp, clear audio that fills the room, bolstered by a substantial low-end presence that adds depth to both the musical score and sound effects, such as the heavy thuds of punches and the deep, rattling sounds of machine gun fire. The audio mix succeeds in creating a vivid, engaging soundscape—especially noticeable during sequences of automatic weapons fire in chapter five, which is rendered with an intensity that could have listeners reaching for ear protection. Additionally, the thoughtful inclusion of environmental sounds and music contributes to an immersive atmosphere, particularly evident in scenes that precede significant events.

However, despite these strengths, the audio mix occasionally falls short of expectations in terms of dynamism and impact. While dialogue is consistently clear and well-positioned in the mix, ensuring easy understanding and maintaining focus on character interactions, some may find the overall audio experience somewhat lacking in power. Action scenes and gunfights, though accurately represented, could benefit from a more forceful bass response to enhance their visceral impact. Similarly, the score, though clear and never overbearing on the film’s dialogue or action sequences, does not markedly distinguish itself from those of other films in the action genre.

In summary, Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of "The Package" delivers an audibly pleasing Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack that impresses with its clarity, spatial dynamics, and effective balance among dialogue, music, and effects. Nevertheless, it somewhat underperforms in delivering the full auditory punch that action aficionados might expect, particularly in the domains of bass response and the overall power of sound in action-heavy scenes. The soundtrack admirably supports the film’s narrative and atmospheric goals but leaves a bit of room for enhancement in conveying the raw energy of its more intense sequences.

The Blu-ray release of "The Package" offers a rather straightforward package with its extras, focusing solely on the inclusion of a DVD copy of the film alongside a couple of trailers at the start of the disc. This minimalistic approach to additional content may leave enthusiasts looking for behind-the-scenes insights or in-depth explorations of the film's production somewhat disappointed. The decision to include just the film's trailers and a DVD version suggests a no-frills strategy, likely aimed at those who prioritize owning a physical copy of the movie over the allure of bonus features.

Extras included in this disc:

• DVD Copy of the Film: A standard definition version of the movie for those who prefer or require a DVD format.
• Trailers: A selection of trailers for "The Package" that play at the start of the disc.

The Package," starring Steve Austin and Dolph Lundgren, arrives as a direct-to-video action flick that attempts to deliver more than just hard-hitting scenes and high-caliber shootouts. Helmed by Jesse V. Johnson, known for his expertise as a stunt coordinator, the film leverages physical stunts over CGI, enhancing its gritty aesthetic. This move aligns with an increasing trend within low-budget action cinema to deliver authenticity amidst chaos. However, despite showcasing real crashes and practical effects, the film struggles with inconsistency in its action sequences and an overtly predictable narrative that fails on multiple fronts to break new ground.

Steve Austin's portrayal of Tommy, a loan shark enforcer entangled in a mission fraught with peril and treachery, fails to captivate, lacking the necessary gravitas and believability expected of a character with his background. This miscasting lends an uncomfortable fit to Austin, whose performance seems disengaged, particularly when juxtaposed against his more natural wrestling persona. On the other hand, Dolph Lundgren brings a nuanced villainy to his role as 'The German', channeling depth and a twisted sense of morality that outshines the rest of the casting efforts. The film attempts to weave intricate character dynamics and plot twists, but these elements are overshadowed by pedestrian dialogue and a series of action sequences that, while ambitious, feel underwhelming due to their execution.

Despite efforts to balance action with story complexity and character development, "The Package" struggles to find its footing. While it benefits from a lack of reliance on CGI and includes some laudable stunt work, these positives are undercut by the film's inability to fully utilize its cast, with Lundgren's performance standing as a notable exception. The narrative's predictability and the leads' lackluster chemistry further hinder the film's potential, making it challenging to recommend for those outside the forgiving audience of DTV action aficionados.

The Package," featuring Steve Austin and Dolph Lundgren, presents an amalgam of strengths and weaknesses according to its mixed reviews. Admirers of direct-to-video (DTV) action flicks might find the film's narrative engaging—with its straightforward but earnest storytelling complemented by a mix of gunfights and physical combat. Its technical execution is commendable for a DTV production, showcasing well-crafted action sequences and a surprising twist towards the end. The Blu-ray release, while boasting satisfactory video and audio quality, falls short by offering no additional content, which might deter those expecting a more comprehensive package.

Critics of the film argue that it underperforms both in content and in Blu-ray execution. Despite the solid audio-visual experience it provides, the overall package is considered lacking due to the absence of extras— a feature now almost standard for such releases. Furthermore, opinions suggest that the film itself leaves much to be desired in terms of entertainment value, with some advising potential viewers to explore other B-movie action titles instead.

In conclusion, "The Package" serves as a divisive entry in the action genre that will likely cater to a niche audience of DTV action enthusiasts appreciative of its simplicity and execution. While it stands out for its polished production and engaging action sequences, the Blu-ray release disappointingly misses the mark by not including any supplementary materials. This oversight, coupled with the polarizing reception of the film’s content, suggests that only dedicated fans of the genre might find it worth their time. Casual viewers or those seeking a more rounded Blu-ray experience may want to consider alternative titles.