The Marine Blu-ray Review

Fox's Blu-ray release of "The Marine" in 1080p high definition, maintaining the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, exhibits a mixed bag in terms of video quality. Initially, viewers might find themselves somewhat let down by the excessive grain that tends to dominate the early scenes, leading to a less appealing visual experience. This graininess, far from adding aesthetic value as seen in some classic films, serves more as a distraction here, contributing to an overall lackluster presentation in the first act of the movie. Colors appear drab, and there is a noticeable lack of fine detail, with several scenes suffering from smeared visuals, which detract from clarity and definition. The transfer seems to struggle with over-processing, introducing noises and an overall noisy image. High contrast levels and flawed color saturation further mar the viewing experience, making even the most scenic shots feel overly artificial and characters' skin tones unnaturally orange.

However, there is a notable improvement in image quality as the plot progresses, particularly after the kidnapping storyline kicks into gear, where the video quality elevates to better reflect an upper-tier Blu-ray release. The marshland scenes stand out with their vibrant greens and improved color reproduction, showcasing a level of vibrancy and depth that the initial parts of the film sorely lack. Despite these improvements, issues such as contrast blooming and an inconsistent handling of black levels persist, preventing the transfer from achieving excellence. Shadow detail remains mediocre, and while the overall presentation stabilizes and offers a more pleasing visual experience in its latter two-thirds, it still falls short of the expectations set by the superior visual quality witnessed briefly in the opening flashback sequence.

In summary, while "The Marine" on Blu-ray does eventually showcase some visual strengths -- notably in color vibrancy and certain landscapes -- the overall inconsistency, marked by an underwhelming start and ongoing technical issues, renders it one of Fox's less impressive efforts. The excessive grain, noise, and color saturation problems present significant obstacles to immersion, even if the video presentation recovers somewhat in its later stages. It's a presentation that fluctuates too much in quality to be considered among the better Blu-ray transfers available.

Fox continues its tradition of robust audio offerings with a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack for "The Marine." This high-octane action flick benefits from a soundscape that's as explosive as its on-screen antics, delivering a sensory buffet from the get-go. The dynamic range is wide, throwing the listener into the midst of chaos with skull-shattering bass and an aggressively engaging surround setup. The sound design meticulousness crafts an immersive experience, with action sequences pushing auditory boundaries. However, this auditory feast sometimes borders on excess. Notably, dialogues and quieter scenes maintain clarity and are well-balanced against the backdrop of relentless action, though they might lack the environmental depth seen in other blockbuster presentations.

One of the sound mix's standout elements is its commitment to intensity, cranking up the volume to deliver an unrelenting audio assault that's sure to please fans of the genre. Explosions boom with depth, and the sound field fully engages with directional effects that aim to envelop the viewer. However, this ambition sometimes overshadows finer details, with some elements, such as gunfire, losing their crispness amidst the cacophony, diminishing the overall fidelity. Additionally, the generic hard rock soundtrack—while energetically mixed into the rears—often feels overamplified, contributing to a somewhat uneven audio experience.

Despite these critiques, "The Marine" delivers a listening experience that mirrors its action-packed narrative, for better or worse. While it excels in loudness and low-frequency effects, providing a thorough workout for any sound system, it occasionally fumbles in audio clarity and balance, particularly in scenes of maximum auditory demand. The dialogue remains intelligible throughout, albeit with a slightly processed tone that detracts from its authenticity. In summary, the Blu-Ray's DTS-HD MA soundtrack for "The Marine" is a formidable force that adequately complements its visual spectacle, even if it occasionally falls victim to its own sonic ambitions.

The extra presentation of "The Marine" Blu Ray combines a modest collection of supplements that lean heavily towards promoting WWE and John Cena's crossover appeal, rather than offering substantive insights into the film's production or storytelling nuances. Despite this, there are glimpses of genuine effort to connect with the audience, particularly through Cena's background in wrestling and his respect for the military, evident in features like Cena's training at Parris Island and the World Premiere at Camp Pendleton. While some may find value in the behind-the-scenes perspectives and the promotional tie-ins with WWE, the overall offerings may leave those seeking deeper cinematic analysis a bit wanting. The extras oscillate between earnest features like "Declassified: The Making of 'The Marine'" and lighter, more promotional content, including several WWE featurettes, reflecting a mixed bag that mirrors the film's reception – part action-packed entertainment and part missed opportunity for more enriching content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Declassified: The Making of 'The Marine': A look into the production with input from cast and crew.
• World Premiere at Camp Pendleton: Footage from the film's military base premiere.
• John Cena Features: Highlights Cena's wrestling career, military appreciation, and behind-the-scenes training.
• WWE Promotional Featurettes: Ten featurettes focusing on the film's characters and scenes, with some overlap in material.
• 1080p Trailers: For The Marine and other action films like Commando and The Transporter series.

"The Marine" emerges as a spectacular throwback to the zenith of gleefully over-the-top action cinema, embodying the spirit of the 1980s with an unapologetic embrace of its genre. Starring WWE superstar John Cena as John Triton, a marine discharged for his heroics, the film dives headlong into a narrative entwined with relentless action, a high-octane car chase, and an unabashed tribute to the era of bullet-ridden showdowns and explosive heroics. Directed by John Bonito, known for his WWE television work, the presentation lacks subtlety, opting instead for a steroid-fueled pace that never decelerates from its breakneck speed. Despite its transparent plot and dialogue that teeters on the edge of self-parody, the film's dedication to delivering a pure, undistilled action experience is evident in every frame.

Technical prowess in scene construction and camera work might not be Bonito's forte, yet "The Marine" compensates with sheer spectacle and an earnestness that borders on the surreal. Cena's larger-than-life portrayal, alongside Kelly Carlson as his wife Kate and Robert Patrick as the villainous Rome, anchors the film in a reality where plausibility is willingly sacrificed at the altar of entertainment. The film’s opening sequence alone, a frenzied collage of clichés from lone warrior heroics to impossible survival feats, encapsulates its charm; it stands as a monument to the unabashed absurdity that action aficionados secretly crave.

In essence, "The Marine" not only serves as a vehicle for Cena’s transition from wrestling ring to film set but also as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of unpretentious action cinema. It relishes in its role as a piece of cinematic excess where logic is optional but enjoyment is guaranteed. Critics may easily dismiss it for its lack of nuance or depth, but they miss the point: for an audience yearning for a dose of pure escapism reminiscent of action's golden age, "The Marine" delivers in spades. Its unabashed revelry in its own ludicrousness makes it a cult classic, embodying a time when all that mattered was the thrill of the chase and the boom of the explosion.

"The Marine" stands as a testament to the formula of big, dumb action movies that paradoxically charm and entertain despite their glaring flaws. Critics and audiences alike have described it as a rollercoaster of stiff acting, poor direction, and a narrative so absurd it circles back to being enjoyable. The film, marred by its laughable script and erratic editing, somehow finds itself in the guilty pleasure category, especially for those who reminisce about the over-the-top action films of the 1980s. Although its detours into unnecessary subplots and half-baked humor occasionally hinder its momentum, the unapologetically ludicrous action sequences manage to captivate, making it a peculiar yet intriguing watch. The Blu-ray presentation by Fox has received mixed reactions, offering a video transfer that leaves room for improvement and a sound mix that, while loud, fails to fully impress. Supplements included are considered mediocre, not adding much value to the overall package.

Despite its numerous cinematic sins, "The Marine" has been championed for its potential to become a camp classic, likening it to the exaggerated exploits found in late 'Rambo' films and Dolph Lundgren's action-packed career. The Blu-ray edition, with its exaggerated visual transfer and overblown sound design, pairs perfectly with the film's inclination toward excess, furnishing a handful of extras that provide some additional amusement. Its presentation seems tailor-made for those looking for an excuse to disengage their brains and indulge in the film’s outrageous spectacle.

In conclusion, "The Marine" Blu-ray offers an experience that is as flawed and disjointed as the film itself, yet it holds a certain appeal for a specific audience. Fans of retro action films or those seeking a so-bad-it’s-good movie night might find this release compelling enough to add to their collection. For the uninitiated, approaching it as a casual, perhaps inebriated viewing with friends might unveil its inadvertent comedic gold. All considered, this Blu-ray could serve well as a niche addition to any collection aiming to celebrate the zanier side of action cinema.