Extraction Blu-ray Review

Extraction is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The digitally shot film features a generally sharp and well-detailed image. Director Miller and DP Brandon Cox employ a variety of stylistic choices, including a gritty, faux grainy prologue with pushed contrast, which surprisingly offers excellent fine detail in close-ups. Throughout the film, color grading varies significantly; some scenes exhibit a sickly green-yellow hue that distorts flesh tones. Furthermore, shoddy establishing shots that seem to be sourced from stock footage detract from the overall visual quality.

The overall visual experience of "Extraction" is highly dependent on personal taste, especially if you enjoy the hyper-colorized teal/orange aesthetic commonly associated with Michael Bay films. The film's application of various color and grain filters aims for a gritty and grimy feel but can often be distracting. While the details are plentiful and generally very sharp, they sometimes get lost in the hyper colorization. Black levels are mostly strong, contributing to the image's depth, but periodic grain filters introduce noise, making the image appear flatter and more contrasty. The unpredictable color palette, with hues rapidly shifting from yellow to red to blue and green, makes it challenging to grade this transfer consistently. However, it undeniably captures the desired aesthetic, even if that choice is visually polarizing.

The audio presentation of "Extraction" on Blu-ray features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that excels in delivering a dynamic and immersive auditory experience. The surround activity is notably impressive, especially during the film's large-scale action set pieces. The mix ensures a rich sense of space and directionality through the constant engagement of the surround channels, enhancing the overall kinetic energy of the movie. Environmental sounds, particularly in outdoor scenes, are well-placed and add to the nuanced auditory landscape.

One standout feature is the clean and excellently prioritized dialogue, consistently anchored to the center/front channels. This strategic placement allows side and rear channels to effectively manage the more intensive audio elements, such as bullets, explosions, car engines, and Ryan Dodson’s booming score. While Dodson's score is emphatically thumping and repetitive, which may come across as distracting to some listeners, it lends a lively backdrop that contributes significantly to the action-driven ambiance.

Overall, "Extraction's" DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is a technically proficient and engaging component of the Blu-ray that ensures an energetic viewing experience without compromising clarity or balance. Even amidst its high-decibel soundtrack, dialogue remains crisp and clear, providing a cohesive audio experience that pairs well with the film's visual intensity.

The Blu-Ray release of "Extraction" offers a suite of extra features that provide an insightful glance into the film's production process. The Audio Commentary by Director Steven C. Miller and Actor Kellan Lutz is a mixed but moderately engaging track; the conversation flows with interesting tidbits on casting, locations, and shooting, albeit peppered with the occasional lull. The Deleted/Extended Scenes offer minor character insights but are not crucial to the storyline. The Making of Extraction feature is a standard EPK with minimal depth into production nuances. The collection of Cast/Crew Interviews provides a range of perspectives from those involved, though missing input from Bruce Willis and lacking substantial detail. Additionally, the Trailer rounds out the extras. Overall, these features add modest value to viewers seeking behind-the-scenes content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A lively track with insights on casting, locations, and shooting.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: Minor character insights.
• The Making of Extraction: Standard EPK material.
• Cast/Crew Interviews: Perspectives from most of the cast and crew.
• Trailer: Promotional material.

"Extraction" delivers a standard, if uninspired, action movie experience. The narrative struggles with predictability as it follows Harry Turner (Kellan Lutz), a CIA analyst yearning for field action despite constant setbacks. After his father Leonard Turner (Bruce Willis) is kidnapped during a mission involving a dangerous technology called Condor, Harry goes rogue to save him. The film attempts to present a complex father-son dynamic with a strained relationship set against the backdrop of CIA espionage but lacks the depth to make it compelling. The inclusion of Victoria (Gina Carano), a former romantic interest now tasked with bringing Harry in, adds a thin layer of drama but fails to rejuvenate the formulaic plot or create meaningful tension.

The movie’s action set-pieces are competently staged but offer no innovation, resulting in scenes that feel tired and routine. Car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat sequences lack the spark needed to keep the audience engaged. Compounding this issue is the underwhelming performance by the cast. Kellan Lutz and Gina Carano appear to be going through the motions, while Bruce Willis and D.B. Sweeney contribute listless portrayals, with Willis’s limited screen time feeling particularly perfunctory. The story ultimately culminates in a predictable climax, leaving viewers without any real surprises or emotional engagement.

Technically, the film's presentation on Blu-ray is solid, featuring high-definition visuals that fail to conceal the movie’s inherent flaws. The artwork and title sequence, reflecting a Saul Bass-inspired retro aesthetic, provide brief moments of charm, yet these stylish touches don't translate into substantial cinematic enjoyment. "Extraction" endeavors to invoke a sense of 80s action film nostalgia but falls short due to its derivative and uninspired execution, leaving it as just another forgettable entry in the action genre.

"Extraction" might pique the interest of action aficionados with its recognizable cast and a hefty share of explosively choreographed fight sequences, car chases, and gun battles. However, it's hard to ignore the film's formulaic approach. The narrative follows a predictable path, often failing to surprise or innovate. As expected for a direct-to-video release, the storyline treads familiar territory without challenging the viewer or offering fresh takes on action tropes.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release is commendable. The transfer by Lionsgate is commendably clean, delivering visuals with crisp details and vibrant colors. The audio mix is solid, ensuring that the cacophony of gunshots and engine roars resonate effectively through a well-balanced soundstage. Accompanying the main feature are some decent extra features which provide additional context and behind-the-scenes insights, adding some value for the dedicated few who might seek it.

At the risk of being accused of being too cute with my dismissive comments, my hunch is the only thing most viewers will want to extract from "Extraction" is…themselves. This by-the-numbers outing hits all the expected plot points and set pieces without an ounce of originality or innovation. Adrenaline junkies may find enough here to warrant a rental, at least if "The Transporter Refueled" isn't available. Technical merits are strong for those considering a purchase.