Lock Up 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Lock Up's transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray, courtesy of Studiocanal in the UK and Lionsgate in the US, embarks on a visually stunning journey leveraging its strong native 4K video capabilities. The presentation shines with a 3840 x 2160p resolution, mirroring the film's original widescreen 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Enhanced with 10-bit video depth, a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) incorporating Dolby Vision, the image is encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. This setup lays the groundwork for a video quality that aims to impress, despite encountering minor setbacks initially due to the use of DNR and visible noise, particularly noticeable in darker scenes enhanced by HDR. Yet, these early hiccups give way to a more stable display of refined skin textures and the gritty prison ambiance as the movie progresses into its prison scenes.

Observations of the 4K rendition reveal an impressive palette, from the striking red lighting illuminating Sutherland’s devilish demeanor to the intense spotlight hues within the prison setting, demonstrating the peak whites and deep blacks achievable through Dolby Vision and WCG advancements. Colors burst with vibrancy, especially noted in reds and oranges, such as in scenes featuring children playing football or the iconic cherry red Mustang. These elements accentuate the film's visual allure, albeit some portions exhibit a slightly green grading or variable grain levels in interior jail sequences, suggesting a nuanced but mostly natural grain presentation throughout.

This Lock Up 4K UHD rendition excites with its density, clarity, and attention to fine detail surpassing previous releases. Improved shadow detail enriches dark scenes without overshadowing them, while occasional cool or vivid color adjustments provide a fresh perspective on this classic narrative. Despite momentary fluctuations in grain texture, particularly noticeable in some jail interiors, the overall presentation commands attention. It subtly redefines a wintry palette with moments of warmth and flashes of intense color during critical scenes, weaving through Frank's journey with aesthetic finesse that largely compensates for its initial visual inconsistencies.

The remixed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track accompanying "Lock Up" delivers a compelling auditory experience. It skillfully balances Bill Conti's earnest score, the dialogue, and the physicality of the action scenes, immersing viewers in the cinematic environment. Despite the dialogue not always being the focal point, it's intelligently mixed to ensure clarity amidst the complex soundscapes. The action sequences benefit from impactful sound design, capturing everything from the visceral impact of fights to the throaty roar of engines, enhanced with Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) for added depth. The overall mix effectively draws the audience into the film's tumultuous world.

However, the audio presentation is not without its flaws. Certain scenes, notably in the steam plant sequence, suffer from background hiss issues, which could result from challenges in distinguishing between intentional sound effects and noise during the cleanup process. Additionally, parts of Conti's score occasionally feel slightly hollow, detracting from an otherwise robust audio presentation. Despite these minor issues, the track succeeds in delivering a mostly fine presentation of both the action-packed and atmospheric elements of the soundtrack.

The updated release seems to have undergone significant audio remastering, with enhanced immersion through discrete channelization that realistically portrays the prison environment. This approach ensures that important dialogue remains clear and prioritized over the complex ambient sounds of the setting. The remastered audio track represents a notable improvement over previous releases, offering listeners a well-rendered and immersive auditory experience that supports and enhances the visual component of "Lock Up," making it a comprehensive upgrade for both new viewers and longtime fans of the film.

Studiocanal's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Lock Up" impresses with a comprehensive suite of extras, an unexpected treat for fans of this under-the-radar title, all presented in 1080p. Though the inclusion of numerous special features is commendable, it's worth noting that the content feels brief, with several interviews clocking in at under a minute. This includes comments from key cast members like Donald Sutherland and Sylvester Stallone—though Stallone's interview does extend to a more substantial five minutes, offering deeper insight into the film's production. Highlighting the extras are the Making Of and Behind the Scenes featurettes, each providing a richer look at the movie's creation. Despite some content evidently upscaled from lower-resolution sources, these extras still enrich the overall package, making it a worthwhile exploration of the film's backdrop for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: A look at the movie's production.
• Behind the Scenes: Insights into the filmmaking process.
• Featurette on Sylvester Stallone: A short piece on Stallone's involvement.
• Interview with Sylvester Stallone: Stallone discusses his role and experiences on set.
• Interview with Donald Sutherland: Brief commentary from Sutherland.
• Interview with Sonny Landham: Landham's perspective in a short format.
• Interview with John Amos: Brief insights from Amos.
• Interview with Darlanne Fluegel: A quick view from Fluegel.
• Original Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.

Lock Up," starring Sylvester Stallone, explores a middling prison narrative that fails to consistently strike the balance between a gritty drama and an over-the-top action spectacle. Released in 1989, just a year after "Rambo III," Stallone attempts to shift gears, embedding elements reminiscent of his underdog roles into the fabric of a prison drama with mixed success. The film's narrative errs on the side of the absurd, particularly in its portrayal of Stallone's character, Frank Leone, experiencing an implausible series of torturous events orchestrated by Donald Sutherland's vengeful warden. This setup potentially sets the stage for a narrative that could rival the preposterousness seen in "Tango & Cash," yet it insists on treating its material with a seriousness ill-suited to its inherently ludicrous plot.

Despite its tonal inconsistencies, "Lock Up" manages to entertain through its sheer commitment to the action genre's staples, including repetitive action sequences typical of the era and a conspiracy-laden storyline that keeps viewers engaged if not entirely convinced. The film liberally employs action tropes like repetitive blows shown from multiple angles, and a car rebuild sequence that somehow merges hope with the hopeless. The performances, particularly Stallone's earnest portrayal, offer a semblance of credibility to an otherwise shaky narrative. He is supported by a cast that seems equally committed to the cause, including a deviously villainous turn by Sutherland, adding a layer of Bond-esque antagonism that is as commendable as it is overblown.

It's hard not to view "Lock Up" without contemplating what might have been had the film embraced its more absurd elements or alternatively toned down its more extravagant action sequences in favor of developing its backstory or character motivations with greater care. Ultimately, "Lock Up" stands as a curious piece of cinema from Stallone's prolific career; a film that straddles the line between serious drama and action-packed escapade, yet falls short of fully satisfying either ambition. Its blend of over-the-top conspiracies and underdog triumphs creates an enigmatic allure that makes it a fascinating, albeit flawed, viewing experience.

Lock Up," starring Sylvester Stallone, serves as an intriguing piece in the actor's illustrious career, presenting a film that, despite its genre-straddling confusion and somewhat predictable storyline, remains distinctly entertaining. The plot, drenched in frustration and anger resulting from the protagonist's relentless battles against systemic injustices, is brought to life by Stallone's performance, which can be considered a curious amalgamation of his roles in "Rocky" and the lesser-known "Death Warrant." Moreover, Donald Sutherland’s portrayal of the tyrannical warden adds a gripping layer of intensity to the film, enhancing the viewing experience with a palpable sense of dread.

The technical presentation of "Lock Up" on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Studiocanal (and its US counterpart distributed by Lionsgate) notably enhances the film's appeal. The native 4K video transfer boosts the visual fidelity with an impressive upgrade in detail, shadow definition, and color grading, presenting the film with a newfound vibrancy. Despite the presence of variable grain that isn’t always consistent across different scenes, the overall visual presentation remains strikingly improved. The audio quality complements this upgraded visual experience well, delivering a robust auditory package. The inclusion of several, albeit short, extra features adds value for fans and collectors alike, demonstrating an appreciable effort to round out the release.

In conclusion, while "Lock Up" may navigate through a maze of genre elements and predictable plot points, its strengths lie in Stallone's compelling performance and the enhanced technical mastery of its 4K UHD presentation. Despite its challenges, this release enriches the viewing experience significantly, making it a worthwhile addition for both long-time fans and newcomers to Stallone’s vast filmography. The combination of a strong audio-visual upgrade and a collection of extra features ensures that this edition of "Lock Up" is more than just a mere enhancement; it’s a tribute to an often overlooked chapter in Stallone’s career.