Killer Elite Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Killer Elite" impresses with its meticulous 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, showcasing an exceptional high-definition experience that honors Simon Duggan’s stylized cinematography. The resolution is outstanding, rendering both people and objects with a clear definition that achieves a filmic quality. Close-up shots are particularly noteworthy, revealing stunning detail such as every wrinkle and skin texture. Colors are accurate yet stylized, primarily sticking to sepia and de-saturated neutral tones that shift according to the story's location—from warm sepias in desert scenes to steely blues in London. This controlled palette enhances the cold, gritty tone of the film.

Contrast and black levels are particularly well-handled, adding dynamic emphasis to bright sequences while maintaining deep, inky blacks that only occasionally exhibit slight crush. The resolution remains consistently high, with edge definition being razor-sharp and free from any distracting ringing or aliasing. Furthermore, the presence of film grain adds a touch of authenticity without impeding the refined textures visible throughout the majority of the movie. This pristine quality extends to scenes with dim or uneven lighting, though these may lack the dimensional perspective seen in brighter environments. Overall, the visual presentation on this Blu-ray disc is executed with high fidelity, delivering an engaging and immersive viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio surround mix of "Killer Elite" excels in bringing the film's action to life. Dialogue intonation and clarity are top-notch, enabling even subtle vocal changes to be discerned clearly. This balanced audio presentation occasionally engages the entire system, producing excellent dynamic range and an expansive soundstage that extends into the room. Despite limited discrete rear channel activity, the action sequences—enhanced by near-field sound effects and robust dynamics—provide an immersive experience. The LFE channel is remarkably active, reproducing both music and lower bass frequencies with visceral impact and excellent tactility.

Gunfire, explosions, engine roars, and physical impacts are robustly rendered, making Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track a thrilling ride for action enthusiasts. The track's high-rez quality highlights a generally front-heavy presentation that feels broad and spatially engaging. Directionality is decisive; pans are slick and smooth, while dynamics remain frenzied and fiery. The midrange maintains excellent clarity, and channel separation is beautifully balanced. The rears come alive during action scenes, pulling the viewer into the midst of chaos with Reinhold Heil and Johnny Klimek's score. Though certain ADR moments may sound thin and tinny, the precise rendering of vocals in the center makes up for it, ensuring an overall impressive audio experience.

Vocals are consistently precise, with clear dialogue remaining intelligible throughout. The deliberate sound design ensures that even during quieter scenes, the broad soundstage and well-balanced channel separation create an engaging audio environment. Sudden commotion activates the rear speakers compellingly, while bass joins with commanding authority and solid force. This meticulously crafted lossless mix proves to be a remarkable auditory experience, empowering "Killer Elite's" already aggressive soundscape with an impressive level of immersion and overall presentation quality.

The Blu-ray edition of "Killer Elite" provides a minimalistic yet technically proficient selection of extras. The primary feature consists of thirteen deleted scenes presented in HD, totaling ten minutes. These scenes offer additional characterization but lack compelling impact. Notably, the disc includes interactive features like BD-Live and Pocket BLU, enhancing user engagement despite the slim bonus content. Universal's usual robust offerings are curiously absent, making this release more barebones compared to other studio titles. The limited supplement may hint at production challenges or budget constraints, leaving fans wanting more.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes: A collection of thirteen scenes removed to conserve time but actually add a bit to the characters.

My Scenes: Bookmark feature for easy access to favorite moments.

BD-Live: Online content and updates.

Pocket BLU: Mobile app for enhanced interactive experiences.

"Killer Elite," directed by Gary McKendry and based on Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ controversial novel, "The Feather Men," is a high-stakes action thriller that sees Jason Statham as Danny, a retired contract killer pulled back into the fray to rescue his mentor, Hunter (Robert De Niro). The film follows Danny as he navigates a convoluted plot involving secret military societies, international assassinations, and a series of high-adrenaline confrontations against Spike (Clive Owen), a diligent operative with loyalties to his SAS comrades. The premise, stacked with explosions, gunfights, and intense hand-to-hand combat, carries a familiar Jason Statham trademark – unrelenting action and stone-cold intensity.

While "Killer Elite" offers some engaging elements, it struggles under its own weight. The narrative is a convoluted mess filled with cliched dialogue and rapid-cut sequences that render key plot points almost unintelligible. The film's claims of being grounded in a true story amplify scrutiny but fail to add depth or credibility. Statham's performance, while embodying his rugged charisma, feels one-dimensional and repetitive. Clive Owen’s miscast role and Robert De Niro's diminishing screen presence further contribute to the movie's chaotic undertone. Though the action scenes are dynamic and the fight choreography visceral, they lack the finesse and impact needed to lift the film above mediocrity.

Cinematography by Simon Duggan and McKendry's earnest attempt to emulate Tony Scott’s style provide fleeting moments that save "Killer Elite" from complete disregard. The focus on character moments does offer reprieve from relentless action sequences, though inconsistencies in script and direction leave the audience wanting. Overall, "Killer Elite" underperforms on many fronts despite notable efforts by the lead cast, resulting in an action film that excels in sporadic bursts but deflates under the expectation of delivering a cohesive and thrilling narrative.

"Killer Elite" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag, benefiting significantly from its high-quality technical presentation while stumbling in other areas. Directed by Gary McKendry, making his feature-length debut, the film features a star-studded cast including Jason Statham, Clive Owen, and Robert De Niro. Despite the talent involved, the movie fails to capitalize on their potential, presenting a somewhat generic espionage plot with stilted dialogue and uneven performances. However, it still manages to be an entertaining crime-caper filled with action and thrills, delivering an easy, guilt-free couple of hours for viewers.

The Blu-ray release from Universal is particularly notable for its outstanding video transfer and excellent DTS-HD Master Audio mix, providing a top-tier audiovisual experience. The clarity of the picture and the immersive sound quality elevate the viewing experience considerably. The supplemental features, however, are lackluster, with only a 10-minute package that does little to enhance the overall value for fans or new viewers alike.

In conclusion, "Killer Elite" may not live up to its full potential in terms of story and characterization, but the high-quality Blu-ray presentation makes it worth considering for action movie enthusiasts. While the film itself might only warrant a rental before purchase, dedicated fans of the genre or the actors involved could find enough enjoyment here to justify adding it to their collection.