Entrapment Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Entrapment" offers a 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer that, while serviceable, does not excel in image quality. The presentation is often soft and lacks fine detail, with a certain haziness affecting the overall clarity. Many scenes appear muddled and undefined, with some background images showing considerable fuzziness. However, the transfer handles black levels decently, with minimal crush and generally solid dark tones. Specific shots, especially of faces and textured surfaces, fall flat and lack depth. The color scheme is bland and predominantly dark, though it retains natural flesh tones. Reds and blues occasionally pop but are mostly rendered in a somewhat muddy fashion.

Despite some limitations, "Entrapment" manages to avoid major technical flaws such as blemishes, noise, or compression issues. The source material seems to be in good shape, with excellent blacks and an absence of noticeable grain. Detail is reasonably fine in certain sequences, like a high overhead shot showing intricate features in a courtyard, including the texture of bricks and leaves rustling in the wind. Yet, the video does not possess the dynamic contrast associated with modern digital post-production.

Colors appear smooth but not particularly vivid, with even bright elements like red laser beams lacking intensity. Some artificial edge enhancement is present to counterbalance the soft-filter photography. Overall, while "Entrapment" on Blu-ray does not offer a groundbreaking high-definition experience, it stands as a competent and visually pleasing presentation within the context of '90s catalog titles.

The audio presentation of "Entrapment" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which offers an adequate yet underwhelming experience. The track provides an active surround channel presence that doesn't fully immerse the listener, often feeling more cobbled together rather than seamlessly integrated. Ambient effects, including employee chatter and ringing phones in early scenes, and later, various chirping insects, are competently delivered but lack the impeccable clarity found in top-tier Blu-ray soundtracks. More aggressive sound effects, such as gunfire, penetrate the back channels reasonably well but fail to achieve the clarity associated with high-quality uncompressed soundtracks.

The mix is predominantly front-directed, with only a few heist scenes employing lively discrete effects that utilize the surrounds effectively for both atmospheric detail and dynamic stingers. These sequences exhibit a commendable blend and extension into the rear channels, enhancing the overall viewing experience during these pivotal moments. Fidelity across the board is acceptable but not exceptional, with a decent low-end and a somewhat flat mid-range. Connery's raspy dialogue can occasionally sound muddled, and some of Catherine Zeta-Jones' quieter lines necessitated volume adjustments to be clearly heard.

Overall, while the soundtrack has its moments—it notably delivers during select heist scenes—it's generally serviceable without exceeding expectations. The lack of consistent sonic immersion and pinpoint clarity tempers the effectiveness of what might have been a more engaging audio experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Entrapment" arrives with a limited variety of extras, predominantly highlighted by an audio commentary from Director Jon Amiel. This commentary is rich with technical insights and behind-the-scenes details, covering an array of topics including the film's score by Composer Christopher Young, prop usage, shot composition, and the athletic abilities of Catherine Zeta-Jones. While professionally informative, the commentary may feel dry or monotonous unless you're a dedicated fan. The disc also features the theatrical trailer for "Entrapment" in high definition and additional 1080p trailers for other popular Fox titles. However, compared to the standard-definition special edition DVD that boasted making-of featurettes and deleted scenes, this Blu-ray edition is less robust in supplemental content despite its higher price point.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary: Jon Amiel discusses various production aspects.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer in 1080p.
• Additional HD Trailers: Promos for Fox catalog titles like "Chain Reaction," "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," "The Transporter," and "X-Men: The Last Stand."

"Entrapment," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sean Connery, epitomizes the heist genre with a touch of high-flying sophistication, though it often succumbs to mediocrity. The film's plot—featuring Connery as seasoned thief Robert Mac MacDougal and Zeta-Jones as insurance agent Virginia Baker—serves as a thinly-veiled framework to stage the memorable visual splendor, particularly the iconic laser-dodging scene. This high-tech thriller employs both gadgets and classic cunning in its execution, embodying an era poised on the cusp of the new millennium. Despite its engaging moments, the storyline feels generic, with predictable twists and turns that fail to leave a lasting impression. Director Jon Amiel does lend a steady hand, ensuring stylish cinematography and a coherent albeit formulaic narrative progression.

The chemistry between Connery and Zeta-Jones is palpable but occasionally unsettling, straddling the line between magnetic and mismatched, much like a "Harold & Maude" dynamic within a chic crime caper. The characters themselves are aspirationally glamorous, a hallmark of Hollywood’s penchant for overly attractive criminals who could easily grace the covers of fashion magazines rather than police lineups. Despite their aesthetic appeal, both actors seem disengaged from the plot's depth, contributing to a sense of rehearsed rigidity rather than genuine excitement. In contrast, the film's charm lies in its reliance on intellect and charm over technological gimmicks, despite being somewhat dated by its focus on Y2K themes.

Though "Entrapment" exhibits no glaring weaknesses, its homogenous nature places it firmly in the realm of forgettable middle-tier thrillers. The heist scenes manage to deliver moments of genuine tension, albeit amidst an otherwise bland and predictable thread. Overall, the film offers a passable if not remarkable diversion—suitable for an afternoon viewing but unlikely to be the linchpin of any cinematic discussion. Its blend of flashy escapades and meticulous plotting provides fleeting entertainment without the gravitas required to be truly memorable.

"Entrapment" is a heist thriller that garnered significant attention upon release, primarily due to a singular and iconic shot. While this moment continues to resonate in modern cinema, the film as a whole lacks depth beyond its flashy exterior. The performances by Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones are commendable yet not memorable, and the narrative unfolds in a predictably generic fashion. The Blu-ray release aligns with the film’s overall mediocrity, providing a suitable but unremarkable 1080p transfer and a serviceable lossless audio track.

The film's attempt at integrating romantic elements between Connery and Zeta-Jones may come off as unsettling to some viewers, impacting the overall reception. Technical aspects like the image clarity and sound quality hold up adequately in this medium, but they aren't exceptional. One of the bright spots in this release is the director’s commentary, which brings a spirited touch to the otherwise standard offering. However, the significantly high list price makes it difficult to recommend purchasing for anyone other than die-hard fans of the film.

In conclusion, while "Entrapment" delivers a few engaging sequences typical of the heist genre, it fails to leave a lasting impression outside of its famed scene. The Blu-ray edition does little to elevate the experience, making it a prudent choice for rental rather than purchase. Fans seeking nostalgia might still appreciate it, but new viewers may find better value elsewhere in the genre's offerings.