Assassination Blu-ray Review

The Blu-Ray presentation of "Assassination" offers a solid and commendable transfer, delivered in an AVC encoded 1080p presentation with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the level of detail is not exemplary, it remains agreeable, capturing fabric textures and close-up shots competently, and retaining depth in location scenes. The film grain is evident and stable, ensuring a satisfying film-like quality. Despite the overall clarity, instances of softness are noticeable, indicative of the aged scan. Color reproduction shows slight fading with skintones occasionally veering towards a pinkish hue. The source material shows a flurry of debris and scratches during the main titles but stabilizes quickly thereafter, maintaining a relatively clean appearance with minimal speckling.

Black levels are stable and present solid, inky dark tones while delivering good shadow separation which contributes to the visually pleasing three-dimensional feel. However, there are issues with edge enhancement, making the image look overly sharp at times and creating occasional banding problems particularly noticeable against the 1980s patterned clothing. Moreover, some daylight sequences exhibit boosted contrast, resulting in overly bright scenes that can soften details and slightly distort colors. These issues aside, there is no evidence of digital noise reduction (DNR) employed in this transfer, ensuring an authentic filmic texture throughout. Overall, while not without its flaws, the Blu-Ray video presentation of "Assassination" can be considered one of the finer transfers for a lesser-known Bronson Golan Globus feature.

The English DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix on the Blu-ray release of "Assassination" delivers a commendable audio experience. Dialogue maintains clarity and intelligibility even amidst sequences involving numerous gunshots and explosions. The dynamics in specific character voices, such as Bronson's distinct purr and Ireland's piercing shrillness, are well-preserved, enhancing the overall narrative engagement. The mix handles background atmospherics effectively, providing a reasonable sense of space and dimension, although the synthetic stings from the score often come across as thin and unremarkable.

Additionally, the sound effects synonymous with Golan Globus Cannon productions, including the signature sharp gunfire and robust explosions, are crisply rendered and impactful. While the track does not offer extensive depth or a sophisticated surround sound experience, it performs admirably within its 2.0 confines. The absence of age-related audio anomalies, such as hiss or pops, further reinforces the technical quality of this audio presentation. Overall, despite some limitations inherent in its format, the mix successfully balances dialogue, score, and sound effects to deliver a solid auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Assassination" offers a solid selection of extras that are both informative and engaging. Notably, the inclusion of a theatrical trailer is appreciated, though it reveals the identity of the villain, which might be considered a spoiler by some viewers. Additionally, fans of classic action films will enjoy the variety of trailers from other films featured on this disc, allowing a deeper insight into the genre's thematic evolution and cinematic techniques. The high-definition quality of these trailers enhances the viewing experience, preserving their original visual and audio integrity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for "Assassination," revealing key plot points.
• The White Buffalo Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film "The White Buffalo."
• Mr. Majestyk Trailer: Preview of the action-packed "Mr. Majestyk."
• Breakheart Pass Trailer: Extended trailer for the thrilling "Breakheart Pass."

Charles Bronson stars in the 1987 action comedy "Assassination," which marks a rare blend of his signature tough-guy persona with lighter comedic elements, a departure perhaps motivated by the enjoyment of working alongside his wife, Jill Ireland. The film sees Bronson as Secret Service Agent Jay Killion, returning from sick leave only to be assigned to protect the new First Lady, Lara (Ireland). The narrative weaves through numerous assassination attempts with a focus on the evolving dynamic between Killion and Lara, from initial hostility to begrudging alliance. Famed director Peter Hunt's involvement initially raises expectations, but the film struggles with uneven pacing and execution, making it more of an enjoyable oddity than a tightly executed thriller.

Scripted by Richard Sale, the film attempts to emulate classic Hollywood opposites-attract dynamics. Killion and Lara’s interactions, characterized by sharp banter and moments of vulnerability, form the core of the narrative. Unfortunately, this promising duo is offset by a weak romantic subplot involving Killion's partner, Charlotte (Jan Gan Boyd), which feels forced and lowers the stakes. Boyd’s enthusiastic but one-dimensional performance contrasts sharply with Bronson's more grounded portrayal, resulting in tonal inconsistencies. Furthermore, scenes designed to amplify suspense often fall flat due to the film’s heavy reliance on humor, which dilutes the tension essential for a gripping thriller.

The film's action sequences offer brief yet thrilling interludes, highlighted by Bronson’s array of heavy weaponry and explosive set pieces. However, many action scenes lack clear spatial orientation and coherence. The story arts further complicate the film's rhythm as lighter moments clash with intended high-stakes thrills, leading to diminishing returns in narrative interest. Even though Bronson’s charisma and his chemistry with Ireland bring occasional charm to their interactions, "Assassination" feels like a series of disjointed sequences rather than a cohesive action-comedy, leaving it struggling to balance fun with suspense adequately.

"Assassination" featuring Charles Bronson is a modest yet entertaining addition to the 80s action genre. Bronson delivers his signature blend of tough-guy charm mixed with occasional moments of vulnerability, which is particularly refreshing given the typically one-dimensional nature of such roles. The film's narrative revolves around typical action movie tropes—threatening baddies, high-stakes chases, and explosive confrontations—although it falls short of maximizing its thrilling potential due to director Peter Hunt's somewhat lethargic and unfocused execution. Instances of softened violence clearly aim for a broader PG-13 rating, diluting some of the raw intensity that fans of Bronson might expect.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Assassination" presents the film with commendable technical quality. The video transfer showcases a clear and well-preserved visual experience, allowing audiences to appreciate the subtleties of the 80s filming style. The audio track is robust and complements the action sequences effectively, filling the room with the expected array of explosions and gunfire that characterize such films. Extras on the disc are minimal, consisting of a collection of trailers, which might disappoint those looking for more in-depth special features or behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, "Assassination" is a solid but not spectacular entry in Charles Bronson's filmography. It offers enough entertainment value to justify its runtime and provides a nostalgic trip back to the 80s action era. The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber is technically sound with a strong video transfer and a dynamic audio track. While it may not be essential viewing for casual viewers, fans of Bronson will likely find it a worthwhile addition to their collection.