The Expendables 3 Blu-ray Review

"The Expendables 3" on Ultra HD Blu-ray showcases both the strengths and shortcomings of the latest home video technology, presenting a mixed bag that will intrigue enthusiasts while offering some areas markedly ripe for improvement. Filmed using RED Epic Dragon cameras at a 5K resolution, and finalized with a 4K Digital Intermediate (DI), its transition to Ultra HD Blu-ray was highly anticipated. It makes use of a 3840 x 2160p resolution, maintaining the film's original 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The disc utilizes 10-bit color depth, high dynamic range (HDR), and a wider color gamut (WCG), all encoded through the HEVC (H.265) codec. This technical prowess is visible in the enhanced detail levels that render textures such as landscapes, clothing, and facial features with remarkable clarity, often revealing more than intended with the film’s veteran stars.

However, significant issues present themselves in the handling of HDR processing and black levels. What should be deep, inky blacks often appear as dark grey, detracting notably from the high contrast that HDR aims to deliver. This flaw could stem from problems in metadata encoding, improper tone mapping, video level settings, or an inaccurate PQ EOTF application for the transfer. Despite these setbacks, the film exhibits an undeniable upgrade in resolution and color authenticity compared to its Blu-ray counterpart, enhancing realism in numerous scenes.

Expertly captured details and a vivid color palette are unfortunately undermined by these HDR and black level missteps. Adjustments on playback devices can partially mitigate these issues, but the necessity for such tweaks underscores a fundamental flaw in this release's execution. While there's an evident uplift in textural detail, bringing the aging ensemble’s features to life with unsettling precision, and making CGI elements somewhat less convincing, the overall video presentation of "The Expendables 3" Ultra HD Blu-ray underscores a pressing need for meticulous quality control and calibration to fully unleash the potential of UHD technology.

The Blu-ray release of "The Expendables 3" showcases an outstanding Dolby Atmos soundtrack that elevates the action-packed cinematic experience to new heights. This audio marvel is a perfect example of how immersive sound tracks can transform a viewer's living room into a battlefield, from the roaring engines of the opening train attack to the relentless ferocity of the final tank battle. Lionsgate's early adoption of the Dolby Atmos format pays off, offering an audio presentation that is as pioneering as it is thrilling. Utilizing the overhead channels to their maximal potential, the soundtrack delivers an unparalleled sense of immersion. The meticulously designed sound effects, including gunfire, explosions, and the metallic churn of train wheels, envelop the listener in a three-dimensional soundscape that is both coherent and astoundingly dynamic.

Throughout "The Expendables 3," the sound design exploits the Dolby Atmos technology with an intelligence and creativity that sets a benchmark for immersive audio. Effects transition smoothly across the soundscape, making full use of the atmospheric layer to bring action scenes to vivid life. The balance between the thunderous bass and crystal-clear dialogue ensures that the storytelling remains coherent amid the chaos. This careful pacing and positioning of sound elements confirm the audio track as not only powerful but also sophisticated in its delivery.

The fidelity and dynamic range of this Dolby Atmos track stand out, presenting every sonic detail with stunning clarity and depth. Viewers with compatible receivers will notice a significant difference from the core Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track, especially in terms of directional effects which now utilize the Atmos configuration to its full extent. From the precision of sound effects to the strategic placement of dialogue amidst a tumultuous backdrop, "The Expendables 3" 4K Blu-ray offers an audio experience that is both immersive and exemplary, setting a high standard for action movie soundtracks.

The US Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "The Expendables 3" offers a comprehensive suite of extras, exclusively available on the bundled Full HD Blu-ray disc, as the Ultra HD disc features only the theatrical cut of the movie, sans extras. Notably, the Blu-ray disc, locked to Region A, presents both the theatrical and an extended version of the film, enhancing the viewing experience with additional scenes and modifications including CG blood effects. Among the supplemental materials, a standout is the detailed documentary that delves into the film’s production, enriched by candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, revealing the enthusiasm and challenges faced by the cast and crew. Additional features like "New Blood: Stacked and Jacked" and "The Total Action Package" offer focused insights into new cast members and the movie's action choreography, respectively, while a lighthearted gag reel and an engaging extended scene further complement the package. Unfortunately, the 4K UHD disc itself lacks any supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Expendables 3 Documentary: A comprehensive look at the making of the film featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• New Blood: Stacked and Jacked: Focuses on the younger cast members introduced in the movie.
• The Total Action Package: A featurette exploring the stunts and visual effects.
• Gag Reel: Behind-the-scenes bloopers and mishaps during filming.
• Extended Scene: Christmas runs the Gauntlet: An extended action sequence featuring Jason Statham’s character.

The Expendables 3 attempts to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle allure of its predecessors by amalgamating iconic action figures from the 80s and 90s, a strategy that proved spectacular in the franchise’s early days. Initially paying off with an assemblage of aging action stars, it delivered on creating what could arguably be termed the quintessential 80s action spectacle never made, marked by a delightful mix of violence, strong language, and a cast boasting names like Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sequels sought to up the ante, introducing legends such as Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme, while pushing the narrative envelope further into territories of unadulterated action bliss. This round sees the inclusion of Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, and Mel Gibson, promising on paper yet another thrilling chapter in this saga.

However, The Expendables 3 falls short of its glory days, marred largely by a deliberate toning down for a PG-13 audience and an overwhelming focus on a newer, less compelling cadre of young recruits. The film kicks off with promise, showcasing commendable performances by Snipes and Gibson, with Banderas providing comic relief that harkens back to the franchise's roots. Yet, this momentum quickly dissipates into a bogged-down narrative heavily reliant on uninteresting new characters, undermining the raw essence that defined its earlier charm. The attempt to revitalize the franchise’s vigor through digital blood effects in an extended cut does little to counteract its core shortcomings.

For avid followers of the series or newcomers intrigued by its blueprint, The Expendables 3 straddles a fine line between homage and evolution. Despite its stellar cast and initial bursts of brilliance, the film serves as a cautionary tale that even the most robust action formulas require more than nostalgia and digital enhancements to sustain their impact. Disappointment notwithstanding, hope remains for the franchise’s return to its gritty roots should there be future iterations.

"The Expendables 3" Blu-ray presentation garners mixed feelings. On one hand, the film attempts to blend the nostalgic thrill of 80s and 90s action heroes with the sleekness of modern filmmaking. Featuring an impressive lineup including Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford, and Mel Gibson, it promises much but pivots awkwardly by introducing younger, less compelling characters and reducing the series' signature violence to achieve a PG-13 rating. This shift not only sidelines the iconic stars but dampens the gritty essence that fans cherished in its predecessors. The narrative aims for evolution but slightly misses the mark, delivering a product that's enjoyable in segments yet lacks the cohesive allure of its forebears.

Technically, the Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "The Expendables 3" underscores a significant opportunity lost. Despite being finished at a 4K resolution, the HDR implementation falls short, leaving much to be desired. The detail level is commendable, and the wider color gamut hints at what could have been a superior viewing experience if not for the underwhelming grey blacks that plague this disc. It's a critical misstep, given the visual potential this format could unlock. In contrast, the regular Blu-ray version holds its ground with excellent black levels, an identical Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and an appreciable set of extras, suggesting that for now, it might be the preferable option.

In conclusion, "The Expendables 3" Blu-ray experience embodies a tale of what could have been. While the film itself struggles with identity by trying to straddle two generations, the UHD release is mired by technical inadequacies that should not exist at this level of home entertainment. Until these HDR issues are resolved, enthusiasts seeking the best visual and auditory fidelity are advised to opt for the standard Blu-ray version. The promise of an evolutionary leap in home cinema unfortunately remains unfulfilled with this release, underscoring the necessity for consistent quality control in this emerging format.