The Condemned Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Condemned" is an exemplary showcase of high-definition video quality, utilizing the high-end Genesis cameras from Panavision for filming, which are renowned for their excellent output as seen in films like 'Apocalypto' and 'The Lookout.' This foundation has allowed for a transfer that appears nearly flawless, presented in 1080p using the VC-1 codec. The attention to detail is impeccable, with every nuance, from the subtleties of sweat on the actors' skin to the intricate textures of the environment, being vividly displayed. The color reproduction is especially noteworthy; the lush greens and deep blues of the island setting are rendered beautifully, flesh tones are natural and consistent, and black levels are deep, enhancing the overall visual experience without compromising on details during darker scenes.

However, while the video quality is largely impeccable, there are minor criticisms regarding the handling of contrast and brightness. Some exterior scenes suffer from overblown contrast levels and hot whites, occasionally affecting the detail in these shots by giving them a somewhat flattened appearance. This stylistic choice, intentional or not, contrasts with the otherwise meticulous detail observed in other aspects of the presentation. Moreover, faint instances of posterization in scenes with stark contrasts in brightness have been noted, though these moments are few and far between.

Despite these slight inconsistencies, "The Condemned" stands as a prime example of what high-definition transfers can achieve on Blu-ray. Its visual integrity remains intact, replicating the theater experience with an almost untouched clarity that fans will certainly appreciate. The technical proficiency displayed in maintaining sharp textures, accurate colors, and perfect black levels throughout most of the film showcases Lionsgate's commitment to delivering a top-tier visual experience.

The audio presentation of "The Condemned" on Blu-ray receives an audacious and dynamic treatment, marked by a technically impressive audio experience provided by Lionsgate. This release offers a choice between a robust DTS-HD 7.1 audio track and a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track, catering to high expectations for sound quality in modern home theater setups. The audio is characterized by its powerful, bass-heavy output, which ensures that each rumble, explosion, and gunshot is felt with intense resonance. Despite this heavy emphasis on bass, distortion is minimal, allowing for a clean and immersive listening experience. The surround sound mix excels in its directionality, making excellent use of the sound field to match on-screen actions, enhancing the viewer’s engagement with pinpoint audio cues. Dialogue and crucial sound elements maintain clarity amidst the potent sound track, proving the mix’s capability to balance intensity with necessity.

However, it is not without its nuances and minor setbacks. The music, while energetically matched to the film's tone, can sometimes overwhelm, hinting at an imbalance that might prove too boisterous for some. Listeners are advised to keep a remote close by to manage the occasionally overzealous soundtrack. Furthermore, while environmental ambiance generally contributes to an enveloping experience, certain elements like interior scenes somewhat betray their staged origins, slightly detracting from the overall immersive quality.

Moreover, the track exhibits some issues with directionality and sound placement, with occasional lapses in audio logic; sounds may not always emanate from the anticipated directions given the visuals, creating a mildly unfocused soundscape at times. Despite these peculiarities and a sometimes overly bombastic approach that sacrifices realism for sheer impact, the track succeeds in delivering an engaging auditory experience. Fans of "The Condemned" will likely overlook these minor imperfections, finding satisfaction in the track’s ability to convey the intensity and action of the film through its bold and aggressive sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "The Condemned" offers an engaging selection of extras that complement the film's thrilling essence. The highlight is undoubtedly the dual commentary tracks, one featuring director Scott Wiper's detailed insights into the film's production, character development, and filming locations, and the other with Wiper and star Stone Cold Steve Austin providing lively and candid reflections on the making of the movie and their experiences on set. The Making of "The Condemned," a five-part documentary, delves deep into aspects such as fight scene choreography, the construction of the control room, and offers a peek into Steve Austin's life during filming. Additionally, fans are treated to 19 deleted and extended scenes with optional director commentary, enriching the narrative further. "Capital Carnage Reunion" and "Stone Cold at Movie World" offer lighter moments, focusing on wrestling and fan interactions, while the storyboard sequences provide a fascinating look at the film's visual planning. These extras are presented primarily in 480p, with trailers in full 1080p HD, offering both depth and variety to the home viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Scott Wiper: Offers technical and background information on production.
• Audio Commentary with Scott Wiper and Stone Cold Steve Austin: A more personal and entertaining insight into the making of the film.
• The Making of The Condemned: A comprehensive documentary covering different aspects of production.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: 19 scenes adding depth to the story with optional director commentary.
• Capital Carnage Reunion: A look back at a 1998 wrestling event featuring Vinnie Jones.
• Stone Cold at Movie World: Short fan interaction moments with Stone Cold Steve Austin.
• Storyboard Sequences: Visual planning comparison between final shots and storyboard sketches.
• Theatrical Trailer in 1080p: High-definition preview of the movie.

"The Condemned," a film produced by WWE studios, oscillates unevenly between a bombastic action-adventure and a half-hearted critique of society's voyeuristic tendencies towards violence. In this haphazard mix of gore and sermonizing, Stone Cold Steve Austin stars as Jack Conrad, a wrongfully imprisoned former special forces operative who becomes part of a brutal reality show. The film borrows liberally from predecessors in the human-hunt genre, aligning itself somewhere in the middle in terms of execution and quality. Unlike its forebears like "The Running Man" or "The Most Dangerous Game," "The Condemned" struggles to find a consistent tone, reveling in its over-the-top violence while awkwardly attempting to comment on the very spectacle it presents.

At the heart of "The Condemned" is a simple, yet gruesome premise: ten death row inmates are dropped on an island and forced to fight to the death for a chance at freedom, with their bloody battles broadcasted online for the world's viewing pleasure. Director Scott Wiper and WWE Films seem intent on elevating the film beyond mere bloodsport, drawing uneasy parallels to the Roman Colosseum's entertainments and modern media consumption. However, this message feels muddled amid the relentless action sequences and thin character development. The inclusion of broad, diverse characters, designed to appeal to an international audience, adds a layer of depth that is unfortunately not explored beyond surface level.

Despite its attempts at depth, "The Condemned" primarily caters to fans of high-intensity action films and WWE-produced fare. Its compelling action sequences and Stone Cold Steve Austin's fittingly stoic performance as Conrad are notable highlights, yet they're insufficient to fully combat the film's identity crisis. The movie thrives when embracing its action-camp roots but flounders when it tries to inject social commentary into the bloody mix. As a result, while "The Condemned" delivers the visceral thrills expected from a movie of its ilk, it ultimately leaves viewers pondering what could have been had it committed fully to either being an unapologetic action fest or a meaningful critique of violence in media.

"The Condemned" serves as a potent reminder of the entertainment value entrenched within the action genre, delivering a spectacle that is as visually arresting as it is sonically vibrant. This Blu-ray release captures the essence of high-definition viewing, showcasing a movie that, while not universally acclaimed for its narrative depth, provides a hearty dose of adrenaline-fueled excitement. Notably, the transfer's quality scarcely falters, presenting near demo-quality visuals paired with a robust audio experience that complements the film's dynamic score and sound effects seamlessly. For fans who relish in the thrills of action-packed sequences and commendable technical execution, this edition proves itself as a noteworthy addition to any Blu-ray collection.

Lionsgate's offering goes beyond mere visual and auditory enhancements, incorporating a comprehensive selection of supplements that enrich the viewing experience. Commentaries, particularly from lead Steve Austin, are both engaging and insightful, offering aficionados a deeper dive into the film’s making and thematic core. This release's attention to ancillary content suggests a broader intention to not only entertain but to inform and connect with its audience on a more meaningful level. The studio's prowess is evident in this package, setting a benchmark for what enthusiasts can anticipate in terms of quality and engagement from future releases.

In conclusion, while "The Condemned" may not sit atop the pantheon of action cinema, its Blu-ray incarnation elevates the material through stellar audiovisual presentation and thoughtful extras. This release illustrates the craftsmanship involved in bringing cinematic experiences to the home theater, balancing technical excellence with bonus material that provides additional layers of appreciation. Whether one views the film as a guilty pleasure or a testament to high-octane filmmaking, this Blu-ray undeniably offers a compelling argument for its inclusion in the collections of action aficionados and Blu-ray connoisseurs alike.