Hitman Blu-ray Review

"Hitman" is presented on Blu-ray with a striking 1080p high definition transfer, framed in the movie's original cinematic aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The detail captured within this rendition is remarkable, showcasing excellent clarity that elevates many of the film's visuals to a poster-like quality. Despite its high fidelity, viewers will note variable grain levels—some of which serve the stylized aesthetic of the film, particularly during flashback scenes, though its intention is not always clear. The color palette is rich and vibrant, with deep reds and solid blacks that anchor the visual style firmly in reality, despite occasional inconsistencies with black levels skewing towards dark gray in certain scenes. The overall presentation is undeniably polished, yet it grapples with moments of softness and fluctuating contrast that can detract from the finer details.

This Blu-ray does not shy away from stylistic decisions, leveraging intense, hard-edged colors alongside a darker palette that significantly benefits its atmospheric storytelling. Despite a pristine print and notably deep blacks contributing to its slick aesthetic, the transfer is marred by notable issues such as black crush—resulting in lost detail in darker scenes—and unexpected noise levels, particularly in shots boasting intense contrast. These inconsistencies are slightly jarring and hinder what could have been a flawless video presentation.

'Hitman's Blu-ray release is commendable for its sharp and clean presentation, free from edge enhancement, which maintains the film's natural imagery amidst its overt stylization. However, the presence of heavy grain and noise in certain sequences, along with a tendency towards overly hot contrast, introduces a level of distraction. While these issues do not entirely detract from the visual experience, they prevent the Blu-ray from achieving a demo-disc status. Despite these critiques, the Blu-ray handling of 'Hitman' offers a generally impressive visual journey through the eyes of Agent 47, capturing the essence of its source material with a visually engaging transfer that fans will appreciate.

The audio presentation of 'Hitman' on Blu-ray, delivered through a DTS-HD Master Lossless Audio track, encompasses the highest potential for an action-packed movie like this. The mix provides an immersive experience with crystal-clear dialogue predominantly presented from the front and center channels, creating a well-rounded listening experience that complements the visual thrill. The soundtrack, echoing the essence of the original game scores and a touch reminiscent of the Bourne series, enhances the drama and action sequences effectively. Nonetheless, it is within the dynamic range of explosions, sniper shots, and gunfights where the audio truly excels, offering a robust experience that showcases the capabilities of a high-end home cinema setup. While the bass offers substantial support, particularly in action scenes, it gives depth to the mix without overpowering the other elements.

However, when compared to other notable Blu-ray audio presentations, 'Hitman' falls slightly short in terms of fidelity and clarity, lacking the refined polish seen in releases like 'Independence Day' and 'I, Robot.' Although the soundtrack attempts grandeur, it occasionally comes across as harsh rather than harmonious. The surround presence is undoubtedly robust during high-intensity scenes, with effective use of discrete effects creating an enveloping atmosphere. Yet, there are moments where the mix seems to prioritize volume over nuance, resulting in a less natural soundstage. Some effects and dialogue reproduction appear forced or slightly out of sync, undermining the overall clarity of the audio experience.

Action sequences are undeniably the highlight of 'Hitman's audio track, with an aggressive approach that utilizes the surrounds intensely. The subwoofer performance is noteworthy, offering low bass extensions that compete with some of the best audio presentations. Despite its strengths in action scenes, the mix exhibits noticeable disparities between loud and quiet moments, which can distract from the immersive experience. While most dialogue remains intelligible amidst the chaos, the track's inconsistency in non-action scenes signifies missed opportunities for a more cohesive auditory experience. In summary, 'Hitman' presents a punchy and superior mix beneficial for demonstrating a high-dollar sound system's capabilities but lacks the crispness and seamless integration found in more polished mixes.

The Blu-ray release of "Hitman" remarkably enhances the viewing experience with a comprehensive selection of high-quality extras primarily in 1080p, bringing fans closer to the game-to-film adaptation process and beyond. The standout feature, "In The Crosshairs," offers an in-depth look into the transition from the popular game series to a full-fledged cinematic experience, featuring insights from director Xavier Gens, screenwriter Skip Woods, and main cast members. Fans will appreciate the addition of "Digital Hits," exploring the game's rich history, and "Instruments of Destruction," which delves into the detailed weaponry used in the film. Furthermore, "Settling the Score" provides an intriguing peek into Geoff Zanelli’s scoring process. The inclusion of deleted scenes, a gag reel, and theatrical trailers adds layers to the film's context, while the pioneering digital copy feature accommodates movie lovers on the move by allowing an easy transfer to portable devices, showcasing Fox's forward-thinking in digital media.

Extras included in this disc:

• In The Crosshairs: A comprehensive look at the making of the film, including comparisons to the game and insights from the director and cast.
• Digital Hits: Examines the history of the Hitman game series and its influence on the film.
• Instruments of Destruction: Detailed overview of firearms used in the film, showcasing safety measures and actor training.
• Settling the Score: Features composer Geoff Zanelli discussing the film's music production.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes five scenes not featured in the final cut, offering alternate perspectives.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of on-set antics and stunts gone wrong.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for "Hitman", plus trailers for other Fox movies.
• Digital Copy: A groundbreaking addition allowing a standard definition copy of the film to be transferred to portable devices.

"Hitman" emerges on Blu-ray as a visually stylish, action-packed adaptation of the beloved video game series, but it struggles under the weight of its own ambitions and comparisons to other films. The movie keeps the adrenaline pumping with a combination of sleek cinematography and relentless violence, capturing the essence of its video game roots. Timothy Olyphant embodies Agent 47, bringing physicality and a glacial stare, but the film's attempt to weave a deeply complex narrative feels convoluted and disappointingly shallow. While it aims for the dramatic gravitas found in espionage thrillers, it often misses, leaving viewers tangled in a web of plot twists and character motivations that are hard to follow without a scorecard.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "Hitman" is commendable. Fox delivers an unrated version that indulges in the game's trademark brutality with unflinching detail. Limbs fly and bullets tear with graphic intensity, showcased by top-notch video quality and dynamic audio design that immerses viewers in a world of professional assassination. The decision to include classical music scores juxtaposed against the violence initially suggests a film striving for depth beyond its action roots, yet this ambition is undercut by execution that leans heavily into genre tropes without substantial innovation or narrative coherence.

For enthusiasts of the video game series and collectors of high-octane action films on Blu-ray, "Hitman" offers enough visually appealing sequences and kinetic energy to warrant viewing. However, the film's reliance on style over substance, combined with a muddled plot and missed opportunities for character development, limits its appeal predominantly to those seeking a straightforward action experience. Despite its shortcomings, "Hitman" stands as a testament to the challenges of adapting video games into movies, providing a mixed bag that satisfies the urge for action spectacle, if not the deeper narrative resonance many had hoped for.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hitman" delivers a technically proficient package, catering to fans with its array of extras, including a portable digital copy, and solid audio-visual quality. The video presentation is described as passable, a commendation that, while not glowing, acknowledges the effort put into the home release. The audio track, characterized as loud and aggressive, although harsh at times, attempts to complement the film's action-packed nature. This coupling of decent video with assertive audio serves to elevate what many see as an otherwise middling adaptation of a beloved video game series.

Critically, "Hitman" struggles to find its identity amid a crowded field of action movies. The reviews highlight a narrative that is simultaneously derivative and overly complex, pulling from numerous sources without carving out a unique space for itself. Its ambition to blend non-stop action with deeper, more provocative storytelling is noted but ultimately viewed as its downfall. The film tries to be too many things at once, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience that lacks the straightforward appeal of its genre counterparts. This lack of focus not only impacts its reception among new viewers but also among fans of the franchise.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Hitman" may offer a satisfactory home viewing experience for those invested in the franchise or collectors seeking every extra. However, the film itself fails to resonate broadly due to its convoluted plot and lack of originality. While the technical aspects of this release are commendable, they cannot fully compensate for the movie's inherent shortcomings. For those unfamiliar with the franchise or seeking a standout action flick, it might be wise to sample "Hitman" through a rental before making a purchase decision.