Reprisal Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's "Reprisal" Blu-ray presents a 1.85:1 AVC encoded 1080p transfer that has garnered solid ratings for both audio and video quality. The film, shot with Arri Alexas, is characterized by a stable, digitally captured image. There is sporadic digital noise and mild smearing in darker scenes, but these issues are infrequent and transient. The color grading oscillates between neutral tones and classic blue-and-gold hues depending on location changes, contributing to a distinct visual aesthetic. Fine details, such as blood squibs and facial grime, are well-rendered even during rapid motion sequences. However, darker scenes tend to reveal some artifacting and slight crush, affecting overall clarity.

The digital grain and stylistic choices in the transfer result in an occasionally fuzzy appearance, which some may find distracting. This adds a gritty ambiance that can sometimes translate into a soft or out-of-focus look. This effect is notably evident around edges and fine details, which sometimes appear jagged or hazy due to the aggressive digital tweaking. Popular color grading strategies, especially the thriller-blue tint, can detract from fine detail levels further. While these technical choices may align with the filmmaker’s vision, they occasionally compromise the presentation's crispness and intent. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray offers an impressive, though not demo-worthy, viewing experience with a few minor imperfections that prevent it from reaching the highest echelons of video quality.

The audio presentation of "Reprisal" on Blu-ray delivers a commendable 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that enhances the viewing experience with its powerful and aggressive sound design. The mix prominently features a bass-heavy approach, exemplified from the outset as the masked bank robber's carbine fires send massive shockwaves through the listening area. The immersive low-end frequencies are particularly notable during scenes of intense action, such as the car chases and gunfire sequences. While the track is not demo-worthy, it manages to impress with its robustness and clarity.

Surround channel engagement is handled effectively during high-octane moments like bank heists and motorcycle chases, providing a substantial auditory backdrop that envelops the audience. The dialogue remains crisp and cleanly rendered throughout, ensuring that no words are lost amidst the action. The front channels dominate during non-action scenes, focusing the audio experience centrally during quieter, more dialogue-driven moments. Overall, though not without limitations, the audio track stands out for its capacity to deliver an engaging and dynamic auditory experience.

The Blu Ray of "Reprisal" offers a comprehensive set of extras that delve into the movie’s production and cast perspectives. "Making Reprisal" is a concise behind-the-scenes featurette that, while standard in format, provides valuable insights into the filmmaking process. The "Cast and Crew Interviews" segment includes interviews with Brian A. Miller, Frank Grillo, Johnathan Schaech, and Olivia Culpo, offering detailed reflections on their experiences during production. However, the editing choice to include a loud beep between segments can become distracting. Additionally, the "Reprisal Trailer" is included, providing a quick glimpse into the film's gripping narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Reprisal: Behind-the-scenes featurette offering insights into production.
• Cast and Crew Interviews: Features interviews with key cast and crew members.
• Reprisal Trailer: Official trailer for the movie.

"Reprisal," directed by Brian A. Miller, offers a formulaic yet functionally entertaining action thriller where predictability and cliché narratives abound. While the film features Bruce Willis, his role as James, a retired cop, is minimal and lacks depth. Instead, the narrative centers on Frank Grillo's portrayal of Jacob, a bank manager struggling with personal and financial turmoil while trying to unravel a bank robbery. The film’s premise is straightforward: Jacob must clear his name and catch the crook with the aid of his neighbor. However, glaring gaps in logic and character development prevent the plot from becoming fully engaging.

The villain, Gabriel (Johnathon Schaech), is revealed early on, minimizing suspense. His character ostensibly possesses deeper motives linked to his father’s delirium, but these angles receive inadequate exploration, leading to a shallow antagonistic presence. The action sequences, though decently choreographed, occasionally suffer from shaky camerawork, detracting from their impact. For instance, a police shootout involving an armored car is hampered by this issue. The performances of Grillo and Schaech bring some intensity to the otherwise predictable showdown, making the climax somewhat rewarding for viewers invested in the genre.

While "Reprisal" has the hallmarks of a direct-to-video release—limited budget, basic camerawork, and straightforward plot—it remains moderately captivating primarily due to the leads. Despite its shortcomings, the action is reasonably sufficient to sustain interest. Bruce Willis’s cameo-like appearance does little to enhance the film’s standing but doesn’t detract either. Ultimately, "Reprisal" presents a rote yet mildly entertaining experience for action thriller enthusiasts looking for familiar terrain.

"Reprisal," starring Bruce Willis, Frank Grillo, and Jonathan Schaech, under the direction of Brian A. Miller, and scripted by Bryce Hammons, is a serviceable thriller that checks all the conventional genre boxes. With a runtime of 89 minutes and an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 AVC, the film falls short of groundbreaking but offers a moderately entertaining experience, particularly for fans of the genre. Technically, the Blu-ray offers a solid audiovisual presentation with English DTS-HD MA 5.1 for audio and English and Spanish subtitles.

Visually, "Reprisal" takes on a somewhat unconventional approach that might be perceived as stylistically peculiar. Whether intentional or not, this choice can be polarizing among viewers. On the audio front, the release manages to inject substantial punch during action sequences, enhancing the overall thrill without overwhelming the narrative. The character dynamics are straightforward yet effective; Bruce Willis delivers a performance with more energy than in some of his other recent works, making his interactions more engaging. The supporting cast does an admirable job, making the heroes likable and the villains appropriately detestable.

In conclusion, "Reprisal" is far from cinematic greatness but succeeds in being a passable thriller that entertains without breaking new ground. If you temper your expectations, it can be an enjoyable experience for a relaxed movie night. Lionsgate’s robust audio and video execution further elevate the film, even if the additional content is minimal. This Blu-ray may be worth renting for a laid-back Friday evening.