The Challenge Blu-ray Review

Kino Video's Blu-ray presentation of John Frankenheimer's "The Challenge" offers a mostly pleasing 1080p transfer in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Sourced from the same master as the Explosive Media release, this version displays slightly elevated brightness levels and marginally looser grain in some segments. Colors are impressively rendered, particularly in primary tones like vibrant blood reds, lush green forests, and clear blue skies. Flesh tones occasionally appear pinkish, though it's uncertain if this is due to color grading or an inherent aspect of the film. Film grain remains intact throughout, alleviating concerns over over-zealous degraining.

Depth is generally satisfactory, but darker scenes could benefit from greater definition. Black levels are solid and inky, adding depth without rendering characters with dark clothing as indistinct silhouettes. However, mild speckling can be seen throughout, along with occasional vertical scratches and staining. Minor edge enhancement and slight banding are noticeable at times, but these do not significantly detract from the overall image quality. The transfer avoids major compression artifacts, ensuring a relatively clean viewing experience. This Region-A locked release will require compatible playback equipment. While there is potential for further refinement, particularly in areas like nuanced color range and damage repair, this Blu-ray offers a commendable presentation of "The Challenge."

The Blu-ray release of "The Challenge" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, providing a consistently clear and sharp audio experience. The dialogue is crisp and distinctly positioned in the front/center channels, allowing for easy comprehension throughout the film. Though the audio has not been recently remastered, it still maintains a pleasing depth and balance with no audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions. Especially notable are the Japanese exchanges, which are accompanied by printed white English subtitles. However, it's worth mentioning that optional English subtitles for the rest of the film are not provided.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track infuses the scenes with a palpable presence and atmosphere, enhancing the sense of dimensionality despite minimal channel movement. The sound effects, such as the swift motion of throwing stars followed by a scream of pain, provide an engaging auditory element that effectively enhances the action scenes. Yet, what truly distinguishes the audio experience is Jerry Goldsmith's score. While it may be considered an average action movie score by Goldsmith's standards, it still surpasses the majority of other compositions in the genre, significantly elevating the viewing experience. Combined with the film's ultra-violent content, this exceptional soundtrack contributes to a memorable and immersive movie-watching session.

The Blu-ray release of "The Challenge" is a comprehensive package, but it's disappointing to note the absence of any supplemental features. Fans and collectors who look forward to behind-the-scenes content, insightful commentaries, or additional context provided by special features will find this lack of extras a significant shortfall. Despite the high quality of the film itself in terms of picture and sound, the absence of supplemental materials diminishes the overall value of the purchase for enthusiasts seeking a more immersive and educational experience with this release.

Extras included in this disc:

• No supplemental content

John Frankenheimer's "The Challenge" (1982), now available on Blu-ray from Kino Video, presents an intriguing blend of character exploration and intense action. The film stars Scott Glenn as Rick Murphy, a struggling ex-boxer hired to smuggle an ancient sword into Japan. Upon arrival, Rick finds himself entangled in a violent feud between two brothers, Toru (Toshiro Mifune) and Hideo (Atsuo Nakamura). Toru embodies the virtues of samurai honor, while Hideo utilizes ruthless gangsters to recover the family heirloom. Kozo Okazaki's cinematography adds a visual authenticity, capturing both the gritty urban landscapes and traditional Japanese settings with finesse.

Despite its ambitious narrative, "The Challenge" does not completely succeed in maintaining a consistent tone. While it aims to be a cultural, character-driven drama, it often transitions into a gory, visceral action thriller. The dynamic between Rick’s character transformation and his relationship with Toru provides a compelling human element. However, these segments sometimes drag, highlighting cultural differences without moving the plot forward meaningfully. Additional subplots, such as Rick's forced romance with Toru's daughter Akiko and his bond with a young boy, lack depth and fail to enhance the main story.

Nevertheless, "The Challenge" is engaging due to its high-stakes action sequences and the strong performances from Glenn and Mifune. The film excels during scenes of conflict and violence, especially those choreographed with Steven Seagal's input. While it may not reach the dramatic heights of Frankenheimer’s finest works, it compensates with stylistic intensity and dramatic flair. Fans looking for a blend of martial prowess and character evolution will find the film particularly satisfying, even if its journey is somewhat uneven.

John Frankenheimer's The Challenge manages to carve out a distinct place in 80s action cinema, walking the tightrope between intense character-driven drama and entertaining, if occasionally over-the-top, action fare. Starring the indomitable Scott Glenn and the legendary Toshiro Mifune, the film brims with arresting sword fights and visceral action that, despite its sometimes hokey elements, ensures a captivating viewing experience. The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber provides a robust audio/visual presentation where the film's dynamic action sequences and atmospheric settings are realized with considerable clarity. That being said, there are discernible areas ripe for further improvement, hinting at the potential for an even more polished edition in the future.

While The Challenge might fall into the category of action cinema that's more entertainingly schlocky than it is substantially profound, its directorial pedigree and notably intense scenes make it a noteworthy entry in John Frankenheimer's oeuvre. The interplay between Glenn and Mifune is particularly compelling, as their performances anchor the film amid the bloodletting and chaos. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray’s lack of substantial extras is a bit of a letdown for enthusiasts hoping for added behind-the-scenes content or deeper insights into its production.

In conclusion, The Challenge on Blu-ray is a solid recommendation for fans of 80s action films and aficionados of John Frankenheimer's directorial work. Its compelling performances and intense action make it a worthwhile watch, though room for improvement in the audio/visual department remains. Without additional extras, it may not fully satisfy dedicated collectors but stands as an engaging, nostalgic cinematic journey nonetheless.