The Expendables 3 Blu-ray Review

The Expendables 3 Blu-ray presentation by Lionsgate Films is delivered with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, showcasing an impressive high-definition experience. Digitally shot with Red Epic cameras, the film benefits from a rich, burnished palette, particularly highlighting amber and sienna hues. This transfer achieves crystal clear imagery with excellent detail clarity, rendering fine textures in both close-ups and wide shots. Wrinkles, scars, and individual hairs are vividly detailed, with every nuance of tactical gear clearly visible. Skin tones remain natural across varying scenes, supported by deep black levels and vibrant colors that maintain realistic saturation without murkiness or banding.

Exterior locations boast substantial depth of field, particularly notable in wooded scenes where foreground details enhance overall depth. While the CGI elements occasionally appear slightly soft, they integrate well within the film’s aesthetic. The video remains impressively sharp during most action sequences, despite a hyperkinetic filming style that can sometimes induce slight softness. Notably, there are no issues with digital tweaking, compression artifacts, or motion blur, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.

Overall, The Expendables 3 Blu-ray video presentation excels in delivering a detailed and immersive high-definition experience. The colors pop fantastically on-screen whether depicting green fields or the blue sky, and the impeccable black levels contribute to deep, inky visuals. Despite minor drawbacks in CGI realism, the overall package remains top-notch. Skin tones and color reproduction are on point, providing an engaging and accurate representation throughout the film.

The audio presentation of "The Expendables 3" on Blu-ray is a demonstration-worthy example of Dolby Atmos excellence, showcasing a meticulous mix that immerses the viewer in a three-dimensional soundscape. The Dolby Atmos track (core Dolby TrueHD 7.1) effectively utilizes object-based audio to place sounds with pinpoint precision around the listener, creating an enveloping experience that heightens the film’s many action-packed sequences. The dynamic range is exceptionally wide, guaranteeing a clear distinction between the smallest ambient noise and the most thunderous explosions. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible even amidst the most intense scenes, thanks to careful mixing.

Key action sequences benefit significantly from the powerful sound design, with low-frequency effects delivering room-shaking intensity that adds physical punch to explosions and gunfire. Panning effects are seamlessly executed, ensuring smooth transitions across the sound stage, while surround placement is expertly handled to create an all-encompassing aural experience. The soundtrack's directional cues, such as zipping bullets and whirling helicopters, are meticulously timed and add to the realism and excitement. The robust score complements the visuals without overpowering dialogue or sound effects, maintaining a balanced and immersive audio environment.

For those yet to upgrade to Dolby Atmos, the Blu-ray’s lossless Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track still provides an outstanding audio experience. In this configuration, all height cues and sound effects are faithfully reproduced in a more traditional surround sound setup. Listeners can expect high-fidelity audio with impressive clarity, well-defined bass, and an extensive dynamic range. Whether employing the latest Atmos technology or enjoying it in TrueHD 7.1, "The Expendables 3" delivers an exceptional audio performance that enhances the viewing experience and sets a high standard for action film sound design.

The extras on "The Expendables 3" Blu-ray are an enticing collection of behind-the-scenes content and additional footage that will delight fans of the franchise. The highlight is the extensive almost hour-long documentary, offering a comprehensive inside look at the filmmaking process with plentiful cast and crew interviews and on-set footage, particularly focusing on stunts and fight choreography. The new cast members are prominently featured in "New Blood: Stacked and Jacked," while "The Total Action Package" delves into the intricate stunt work and visual effects. Additionally, fans will appreciate the lighthearted gag reel and the intensity of "Christmas Runs the Gauntlet" extended scene. The disc also includes both theatrical and unrated versions of the film, a bonus DVD, and a Digital HD Copy, ensuring a versatile viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Expendables 3 Documentary: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes look with cast/crew interviews.
• New Blood: Stacked and Jacked: Focuses on the new cast members.
• The Total Action Package: Depicts stunts and visual effects.
• Gag Reel: Humorous outtakes.
• Extended Scene: Christmas Runs the Gauntlet: Jason Statham action-packed scene.

"The Expendables 3," directed by Patrick Hughes, brings the old guard of action stars together with a fresh, younger cast, blending old-school brawn and new-age tech in what promises to be the franchise's most personal battle yet. The plot sees Barney (Sylvester Stallone) and his team facing off against Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), who seeks to dismantle the Expendables. The film quickly dives into an array of bombastic and improbably staged action sequences that fans have come to expect, including a spectacular opening rescue mission reminiscent of the previous installments. However, despite its fast pace and robust stunt work, the film's predictable plot points and formulaic structure lag behind its action-packed facade. Notably, the absence of Bruce Willis, due to a reportedly contentious fee negotiation, doesn't go unnoticed but Harrison Ford's role as Barney’s black-ops mentor adds an engaging if unsurprising twist.

Despite its ambitions, "The Expendables 3" fails to rise above a series of high-octane vignettes strung together by thin plot threads. The film’s attempt at rejuvenation lies in new recruits played by Kellan Lutz, Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, and Ronda Rousey, though their characters lack depth and merely serve as fillers between explosive set pieces. The charm of the original stars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Antonio Banderas offers occasional respite with their lively camaraderie and meta-humor. Notably, Banderas’ character Galgo brings a refreshing youthful energy amidst the aging ensemble. The action sequences themselves are deftly handled by Hughes, allowing ample screen time to showcase physical prowess without excessive rapid cuts, which benefits scenes featuring Snipes and Rousey.

Overall, "The Expendables 3" embraces its essence as a guilty pleasure for fans of '80s action nostalgia but struggles to break new ground or evolve, overshadowed by an evident PG-13 rating meant to broaden its audience. Its self-aware humor, packed with genre in-jokes, does provide some levity amid the relentless action. In essence, while the film promises a fun ride with plenty of explosions and gunfights, those seeking deeper narrative resonance or sophisticated character development may find themselves underserved.

"The Expendables 3" delivers precisely what action enthusiasts anticipate: explosive sequences, high-octane combat, and a roster of iconic stars from the '80s action scene. While the franchise's formula may start to feel repetitive by the third installment, director Patrick Hughes ensures the film remains engaging with well-executed, adrenaline-pumping scenes. The film's unambitious and lowbrow approach to action works perfectly for the intended audience, blending banter and bravado in a manner that's both entertaining and nostalgic.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "The Expendables 3" is nothing short of spectacular. The video quality is near flawless, with crisp, clear visuals that bring the explosive action to vivid life. The Dolby Atmos audio presentation complements the visual experience, delivering an immersive auditory spectacle that captures every boom and bang with precision. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes a wealth of extras, providing an alternate cut of the film and over an hour of bonus content that adds value for collectors and fans alike.

In conclusion, "The Expendables 3" Blu-ray is a top-tier choice for action movie aficionados. Its combination of nostalgic star power, relentless action, and superior technical quality ensures a highly satisfying home viewing experience. Whether buying for yourself or as a gift for an action hero junkie, this Blu-ray is highly recommended. Don’t hesitate to add it to your collection for those times when only over-the-top action will do.