Another Stakeout Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray edition of "Another Stakeout" presents a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation, maintaining the original 2.35:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio with a 22 mbps bit-rate. The transfer generally boasts impressive color depth, clarity, and overall detail, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. The image quality is clean, showing no signs of dirt, debris, or significant print damage. Furthermore, the presentation is free from banding artifacts, ensuring a smooth visual experience.

Compared to the previous Mill Creek release from over eight years ago, this new edition offers subtle improvements. While the color palette appears slightly subdued, the contrast remains consistent with solid black levels that preserve shadow detail and whites that don't exhibit clipping. Although edge enhancement is occasionally noticeable, it's likely ingrained in the HD master itself rather than the encode. The overall enhancement in detail on this release can be attributed to the superior encoding process, reducing past compression issues. Fans of the film should find this Blu-ray an admirable upgrade.

The recent Blu-ray re-release of "Another Stakeout" offers a notable audio upgrade over the 2011 Mill Creek edition, featuring both a 2.0 lossless track and a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio sound presentation. This new surround mix delivers impressive immersion, using each speaker with great effect and significantly enhancing the viewing experience with increased bass during action sequences. Comedic films often suffer from lackluster audio mixes, but "Another Stakeout" benefits from a robust and engaging soundscape. The dialogue clarity is excellent, providing an enjoyable and clear auditory experience. Optional English subtitles are provided, catering to a range of viewer preferences.

While the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track generally offers superior channel steering and a more controlled lower end compared to the 2.0 track, it is essential to highlight that the overall audio presentation, although immersive, may not be groundbreaking. Some users noticed a tendency for dialogue to sound slightly tinny, likely due to enhanced highs and reduced lows. The 2.0 track is mixed at a noticeably louder volume, which may appeal to some listeners. Nonetheless, this re-release's sound-mix dramatically surpasses expectations for its genre, making it a solid choice for fans seeking an auditory upgrade.

The Blu Ray release of "Another Stakeout" offers a limited selection of extras, primarily comprised of trailers for other Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures films licensed to Kino Lorber from Disney. Each trailer retains its original standard definition quality, varying between theatrical and home video formats. While the inclusion of these trailers provides a nostalgic look back at 90s cinema, fans hoping for deeper, more insightful special features or a hidden bonus movie may find this offering sparse.

Extras included in this disc:

• Another Stakeout Trailer: The theatrical trailer.
• The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag: Feels like a home video trailer.
• Aspen Extreme: Appears to be a theatrical trailer.
• The Marrying Man: Also seems to be a theatrical trailer.

Another Stakeout, directed by John Badham and featuring Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez, revisits the antics of the unconventional Seattle detectives from the 1987 hit comedy Stakeout. This time, they're joined by ADA Gina Garrett, played by Rosie O'Donnell, in a new assignment that has them surveilling a vacation home to protect a key witness in a mafia case. The dynamic between Dreyfuss’s Chris Lecce and Estevez’s Bill Reimers remains engaging, bolstered by their humorous exchanges and genuine chemistry. O’Donnell attempts to blend in as the third-wheel who disrupts the seasoned detectives' rhythm with her naivete and comedic blunders. The film's setup mirrors the original film's narrative structure, setting the stage for a series of entertaining yet predictable mishaps.

Despite its attempts to capture the charm of its predecessor, Another Stakeout falls short in several areas. The movie lacks the romance and suspense that enlivened the original, instead opting for a more formulaic approach that leans heavily on the recognizable dynamics of its characters. While Farina and Strassman shine as the suspicious vacationers, and Estevez and Dreyfuss deliver consistent banter, the film doesn’t quite achieve the balance necessary for a truly standout sequel. Cathy Moriarty’s limited presence as a Federal witness and Miguel Ferrer’s unimposing hitman diminish the stakes, leaving the plot feeling underwhelming.

Overall, Another Stakeout offers moments of humor and nostalgia for fans of the original but doesn’t evolve beyond being a repetitive retread. The film's technical quality on Blu-ray ensures clear visual fidelity and enhanced surround sound, contributing positively to the viewing experience. However, the narrative remains subdued compared to its energetic forerunner, making it more of an echo than an evolution of the original Stakeout.

Another Stakeout" on Blu-ray offers a mixed viewing experience. The film itself struggles with a weak script and average production, falling short of classic comedy status. However, the engaging performances by Richard Dreyfuss, Emilio Estevez, and Rosie O'Donnell inject a layer of fun through their goofy antics, which salvages entertainment value despite the movie's inherent flaws. The Blu-ray release significantly improves upon its predecessor, notably providing a lossless 5.1 surround sound track that enhances the auditory experience.

The Blu-ray does fall short in terms of supplementary features, which could disappoint those looking for comprehensive extras. In the absence of these features, the release does not achieve the excellence that would make it a definitive edition. Nevertheless, those seeking to complete their collection or enjoy the film in its best available quality will find this edition to be a valuable acquisition.

In conclusion, while "Another Stakeout" is not a masterpiece, its Blu-ray release presents it in its optimal format with notable sound improvement. The engaging cast performances make the film worth watching despite its shortcomings. This edition is modestly recommended, especially for die-hard fans who appreciate the enhanced audiovisual fidelity.