The A-Team Blu-ray Review

The A-Team's Blu-ray video presentation is a stunning demonstration of the potential of high-definition media, showcasing a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that's nearly devoid of flaws across its 50 GB dual-layer disc. The film, regardless of its reception, shines as an exemplary piece of home theater demo material, with a level of clarity and detail in facial expressions and textures that's outstanding. The color reproduction is vibrant, offering a rich visual experience whether the team is navigating the deserts of Iraq or the lush German landscape. This comes along with deep blacks and a degree of three-dimensionality that nearly leaps off the screen. Despite occasional softness in composite shots, and CGI elements that sometimes break the illusion, the natural grain structure remains pleasantly subtle, with no significant edge enhancement or compression artifacts to mar the viewing experience.

The visual style follows the action-packed and stylized approach familiar in contemporary action films. The Blu-ray's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 (2.35:1) encode retains a glossy finish without sacrificing a touch of grittiness essential for the genre, featuring slightly oversaturated colors and bright whites. While some might find fault with brief moments where the picture softens or action blurs—attributable to the frenetic pace rather than the transfer itself—the image generally maintains impressive depth and detail. High levels of definition bring out even minor aspects, like facial textures so clear they could spell out messages in Braille.

Comparing this U.S. release to its Hong Kong counterpart reveals negligible differences, highlighting a consistency in quality that fans worldwide can appreciate. Despite minor issues such as occasional edge enhancement and a propensity towards slight softness in some scenes, these do not significantly detract from the overall visual experience. Moreover, the film includes a few language translations aptly incorporated into the active image area, ensuring accessibility without disrupting the film's visual appeal. Thus, The A-Team’s Blu-ray stands as a visually captivating rendition, solidifying its place as a worthwhile addition to any high-definition library.

The Blu-ray release of "The A-Team" sets a high benchmark for audio excellence with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, catering specifically to home audio aficionados with a penchant for dynamic soundscapes. This immersive sonic experience consistently utilizes the entire soundfield, featuring enveloping ambience, precise cross-channel effects, and an unyielding barrage of action-packed audio cues. Viewers are plunged into the chaos with helicopters that audibly beat the air, rockets that whizz by, and gunshots that tear through the soundscape, complemented by deep, resonant explosions. The attention to audio detail extends to quieter scenes as well, capturing the unique atmospherics of varied environments with clarity and depth. The mix itself is celebrated for its loudness, clean execution, and dynamic range, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and unfettered amidst the cacophony, although the score by Alan Silvestri might leave some pining for the classic A-Team theme.

Beyond the relentless action audio, the sound design excels in dynamic range and smooth pans that effectively transplant viewers into the heart of the action. The rear channels are tirelessly active, delivering a 360-degree auditory experience that features everything from overhead chopper swoops to a symphony of gunfire and vehicular mayhem across the soundscape. The handling of subtleties in quieter scenes also stands out, with ambient sounds and dialogue achieving a balanced mix. Notably, the bass performance can only be described as monumental, with an array of explosions and heavy artillery fire testing the limits of home audio setups.

For international audiences, the Hong Kong version offers a slightly broader range with alternate DTS 5.1 tracks in French and Italian, and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in multiple languages including Spanish and Portuguese, not to mention an extensive subtitle selection. The primary Blu-ray release focuses more narrowly on additional Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks in French and Spanish alongside English SDH and Spanish subtitles. This audio presentation showcases not just an exemplary execution of action sound design but also underscores a slight variation in accessibility through language options, making it a staple for both technical enthusiasts and international viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The A-Team" extras section is a comprehensive compilation that caters especially to those with a penchant for behind-the-scenes content and film-making process insights. The standout feature is "The Devil's in the Details: Inside the Action with Joe Carnahan," which offers a unique viewing experience combining director's commentary with bonus view-styled footage, enhancing the watching experience by adding depth to the film's action scenes. Though some may find the gag reel slightly over-extended, it, alongside deleted scenes and a making-of documentary, provides a rounded look at the film's production. Technical enthusiasts will appreciate the high-definition presentations of visual effects breakdowns and character studies. Additionally, the inclusion of both the theatrical and unrated extended cuts allows for a tailored viewing experience, complementing the package is the convenience of a digital copy for on-the-go watching. Unique to this release are the in-depth look at military costuming and a thematic mash-up montage set to the iconic A-Team music, summarizing a well-curated selection for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Unrated Extended Cut: Includes both PG-13 theatrical and extended versions.

The Devil's in the Details: Inside the Action with Joe Carnahan: A mix of director's commentary and behind-the-scenes footage.

Deleted Scenes: Six short excised scenes in high definition.

Gag Reel: A compilation of outtakes and bloopers.

A-Team Theme Mash-Up Montage: Film clips set to original series music.

Plan of Attack: A detailed making-of documentary focusing on stunts and behind-the-scenes insights.

Character Chronicles: Features profiles on the film’s characters and interviews with the actors.

Visual Effects Before and After: A showcase of the film's visual effects work.

Theatrical Trailer

BD-Live Exclusive - Dressing Down: Focuses on the film's military costuming.

In the film adaptation of "The A-Team," director Joe Carnahan takes a beloved 1980s television classic and transforms it into a modern spectacle of explosions, over-the-top action, and slick one-liners that attempt to ignite nostalgia while appealing to a new generation. The movie kicks off by reacquainting us with the iconic quartet in an origin story that feels both familiar and freshly packaged for today's audience. Liam Neeson's portrayal of the cigar-chomping Hannibal Smith alongside Bradley Cooper's charismatic Face, Sharlto Copley's unhinged Murdock, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's formidable B.A. Baracus, collectively encapsulate the essence of their TV counterparts while bringing a new level of charisma to the screen. Despite shifts in backdrop—from Vietnam to Iraq—and modernized contexts, the essence that made "The A-Team" a household name seems to be intact, if somewhat glossed over for cinematic effect.

The plot, which involves the team being framed for a crime they didn't commit and their quest to clear their names, serves mainly as a vehicle for the eye-popping action sequences. Carnahan's direction leans heavily into the realm of the implausible, with physics-defying stunts such as flying tanks that, while entertaining, stretch believability to its breaking point. This indulgence in the "empty action" Carnahan is known for is both a strength and a weakness; it ensures the movie moves at a breakneck pace but sacrifices coherence and depth for spectacle. However, amidst the mayhem, there are moments of character interaction that remind us why these characters became beloved in the first place, showcasing a brotherhood forged in the heat of battle and bound by loyalty.

The reboot's decision to place the A-Team in a post-Iraq context updates the narrative for contemporary audiences but also risks alienating purists who cherished the original's Cold War backdrop. The casting choices reflect a thoughtful nod to the original, with Neeson and Cooper standing out for their performances that blend nostalgia with novelty. However, the movie's tendency to veer into almost cartoonish violence and convoluted plot mechanisms mirror criticisms long leveled at its TV predecessor, suggesting that while its form has been updated, its essence remains provocatively unchanged. As a mixed bag of homage and innovation, "The A-Team" movie invites viewers on a bombastic ride that manages to entertain and frustrate in equal measure.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The A-Team" reboot offers a high-octane experience that bridges nostalgia with modern action-packed cinema, perfect for enthusiasts seeking to indulge in the cinematic advancements while reminiscing the charm of the '80s. Despite some critics labeling it as a cash grab on nostalgia, this reboot stands out for its sheer entertainment value, blending the corniness of the original series with high-flying action sequences that are both fun and visually spectacular. The high definition transfer is praised for its pristine quality, accompanied by a powerful lossless audio track that brings the adrenaline-fueled adventures of the A-Team to life. It's a treat for the eyes and ears, equipped with supplements that add depth to the viewing experience. The inclusion of a digital copy in this edition offers added value for collectors and tech-savvy viewers alike.

Notably, this Blu-ray release mirrors the Hong Kong edition in terms of its audio/video excellence and supplement bounty, many of which are exclusive to the high-definition format. This aspect underscores the universal appeal of "The A-Team" revival, ensuring that regardless of region, fans can expect a consistent level of quality. This commitment to preserving the essence of the beloved series while maximizing the potential of modern home theater technology is commendable, making it a recommended acquisition for fans of action cinema and those looking to showcase their home entertainment setup.

In conclusion, "The A-Team" Blu-ray presentation triumphs as a dynamic blend of nostalgia and contemporary action cinema. Its technical accomplishments in audio and visual quality, alongside valuable supplements and the thoughtful addition of a digital copy, make it a standout release. While it navigates the fine line between homage and innovation, it does so with explosive flair, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection. Whether you're revisiting these iconic characters or experiencing their antics for the first time, this Blu-ray delivers an unforgettable ride.