Wire Room Blu-ray Review
Score: 57
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Bruce Willis' limited role fails to spark, yet the film's straightforward premise offers modest engagement; technically competent, worth a casual rent.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 74
The Blu-ray of 'Wire Room' from Lionsgate Films delivers a generally competent 1080p transfer with a 2.00:1 aspect ratio, showcasing vivid colors and strong details despite some low-level noise; the digital capture, likely from a 2K DI, maintains a solid HD presentation throughout.
Audio: 74
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of 'Wire Room' delivers a robust and engaging experience, with clear dialogue and dynamic action scenes, interspersed with ambient effects; although surround activity reflects the film's vicarious storytelling approach. Subtitles available in multiple languages enhance accessibility.
Extra: 6
Witness the treatment of 'Wire Room' extras with high-definition trailers and a digital copy offering, all housed in an attractive slipcover, delivering a concise yet premium experience for fans.
Movie: 36
"Wire Room" brings Kevin Dillon and Bruce Willis together in a predictable yet engaging surveillance thriller. Dillon's wire room agent struggles with the absurdity of his mission amidst limited dynamics, while Willis, with fleeting screen presence, echoes a bygone era of action prowess. Despite somnambulant performances, the film's low expectations and sporadic action may appeal to viewers seeking light entertainment.
Video: 74
The Blu-ray presentation of "Wire Room," distributed by Lionsgate Films, boasts a competent AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.00:1 aspect ratio. The film appears to be crafted from a 2K digital intermediate, resulting in a generally clear image, albeit with some noticeable low-level noise throughout. While this noise might be unexpected given the film's mostly moderate lighting, it remains present without detracting significantly from the overall viewing experience. The production design and color grading heavily utilize a thriller-inspired blue tone, which adds a stylistic flair. In brighter scenes, the palette pops with vibrancy, offering a sharp contrast and preserving detail effectively.
As a relatively new release likely shot on digital cameras, "Wire Room" presents little in the way of blemishes or imperfections. The high-definition resolution accentuates the film's strong color reproduction and crisp detail levels, ensuring an engaging visual experience for viewers. While there is some noticeable banding, particularly on the Lionsgate masthead before the main feature begins, it is not pervasive throughout the film's runtime. The 2.00:1 aspect ratio has become increasingly common in recent releases and is used advantageously here, contributing to the film's overall aesthetic.
This Blu-ray release offers a visually satisfying experience with effective use of color and detail, despite minor noise artifacts. It stands as a testament to the clear advantages of digital filmmaking in providing audiences with a high-caliber presentation that maintains engagement from start to finish.
Audio: 74
The Blu-ray release of "Wire Room" presents a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that offers a surprisingly immersive experience, especially for a direct-to-video product. The audio design capitalizes on the dynamic shifts between the action-packed and more dialogue-driven scenes, effectively utilizing the full surround setup when transitioning from the quieter world of closed-circuit television to the intense reality of firefights. This dynamic balance ensures that environmental ambient effects are used judiciously, enhancing the scenes without overwhelming the dialogue.
Action scenes are notably engaging with robust, well-balanced audio that complements the on-screen visuals. The depth and range of audio during these explosive sequences keep viewers audibly immersed in the unfolding drama. There's a noticeable clarity in the mix, allowing for consistent volume levels throughout. This ensures that quieter moments still maintain their impact without the need for frequent volume adjustments, providing a seamless viewing experience.
Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly across all scenes, maintaining intelligibility even amidst chaotic action. The inclusion of optional English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese subtitles supports a wide audience, ensuring accessibility alongside rich audio content. Overall, the audio track of "Wire Room" stands out for its ability to maintain engagement through skillful audio differentiation between action and narrative-driven moments.
Extras: 6
The Blu-ray of "Wire Room" offers a compelling set of extras, providing both depth and insight into the film’s production. The high-definition presentation of these supplemental features enhances the overall viewing experience, allowing fans and viewers to delve deeper into the nuances of the movie. The inclusion of a digital copy and elegant packaging with a slipcover adds additional value, making this release more attractive to collectors and enthusiasts. The extras provide a mix of behind-the-scenes content and promotional material, serving as a well-rounded package that complements the film itself.
Extras included in this disc:
- Trailer: A high-definition presentation of the movie's official trailer.
- Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer as shown in theaters.
Movie: 36
"Wire Room", featuring Kevin Dillon and Bruce Willis, showcases a premise that orbits around government surveillance and criminal intrigue. Dillon, who takes center stage, plays Justin Rosa, a wire room operative tasked with monitoring Eddie, a gun runner under surveillance. Willis makes a limited yet impactful appearance as Shane Mueller, Rosa’s superior. The storyline quickly spirals into a predictable series of events, punctuated by obligatory action tropes, as Rosa confronts unexpected circumstances that challenge his adherence to protocol.
While the film navigates the well-tread path of thrillers plagued by inflated depictions of conspiracy and action, some viewers might find themselves reasonably engaged. Critics note the screenplay’s struggle to escape predictability, offering an array of clichéd moments including larger conspiracies, inevitable firearm exchanges, and supposed casualties. However, Dillon's presence manages to infuse some energy into the portrayal of the routine operations within the wire room, offering a narrative twist to an otherwise formulaic plotline.
Despite being overshadowed by its simplistic depiction and apparent lack of depth, "Wire Room" retains an element of entertainment for those not demanding high stakes or originality in cinematic experiences. The movie does not demand excessive scrutiny; rather, it offers casual viewers a mildly entertaining watch, provided expectations are managed. Notwithstanding the somnambulant performances and often glaring improbabilities in the storyline, the film maintains a pace that could resonate with audiences seeking a low-commitment action offering, with Dillon’s contribution ensuring it is not a complete misfire.
Total: 57
"Wire Room" on Blu-ray is an experience marked by both professional predictability and competent technical delivery. The film's narrative, while basic, hinges on a premise that is moderately effective in maintaining viewer engagement. Despite its shortcomings, particularly in terms of plot innovation and character depth, the story does possess moments that could suffice for a casual watch. Bruce Willis’ involvement brings a nostalgic allure; however, his role is predominantly underutilized, echoing the sentiment of his recent late-career entries. It's a performance that seems to reflect a broader trend of familiar faces in diminishing roles—an unfortunate contrast given his storied cinematic legacy.
The technical execution of "Wire Room" offers a middling yet stable Blu-ray presentation. The audio quality, although not extraordinary, provides an immersive experience with clear dialogue and adequately managed sound effects. The visual transfer, while not particularly outstanding, delivers consistent clarity and color balance. It adequately captures the film’s tone and enhances its watchability. While the release may lack the cutting-edge dynamics seen in more polished mainstream offerings, it suffices for a practical viewing scenario. This technical consistency makes it a viable option for casual home viewings.
In conclusion, "Wire Room" may not demand urgent acquisition or viewing but presents itself as an unpretentious option for audiences tolerant of its limitations and seeking a straightforward film experience. Bruce Willis' participation is a highlight, albeit within a constrained framework. Ultimately, its overall merit teeters on the edge of mediocrity, appealing primarily to those open to a low-stakes narrative backdrop. In scenarios where options are limited, this might warrant a rental consideration—for it's a cinematic endeavor fulfilling expectations to an adequate extent without advancing them.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 70
This is another generally competent digital capture that I'm assuming had a 2K DI, though this effort has some low level noise that is clearly visible throughout the presentation, something that's perhaps...
Audio: 80
A lot of the "action" is delivered vicariously, at least intermittently, courtesy of the many video monitors the "wire room" employs, and as such, surround activity tends to come in fits and starts, when...
Extras: 10
Trailer (HD; 2:04) Additionally, a digital copy is included and packaging features a slipcover....
Movie: 40
The wire room is keeping track of a gun runner named Eddie (Oliver Trevena), but when a bunch of other "gun runners", or at least guys with guns, show up at Eddie's place, Justin, who or course has been...
Total: 40
Technical merits are kind of middling but certainly competent, for anyone who may be considering making a purchase....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt MaloufRead review here
Video: 90
...
Audio: 80
The quieter moments had good clarity as well as I didn’t need to adjust the volume too often....
Extras: 10
...
Movie: 0
Some of the action can seem repetitive and without much really at stake, but I was also never bored with it....
Total: 70
I am not saying rush to buy it or see it, but should you stumble across it, you could do a lot worse....
Director: Matt Eskandari
Actors: Kevin Dillon, Bruce Willis, Oliver Trevena
PlotIn a world of high-stakes surveillance, a seasoned federal agent oversees a sophisticated wire room, designed to monitor dangerous criminals around the clock. After getting partnered with a young and ambitious recruit eager to prove himself, the duo begins tracking the activities of a notorious arms dealer, hoping to gather critical evidence. As the young agent becomes more engrossed in the dealer's activities, he stumbles upon conversations hinting at an imminent attack. Riddled with tension, he grapples with the responsibility of acting on this partial information without compromising their operation or revealing their presence.
As the plot thickens, the intel proves volatile, with old grudges and hidden agendas surfacing among the involved parties. With each move monitored and resources stretched thin, the agents face immense pressure to decode and intercept this looming threat. Maintaining their cover is paramount, even as they find themselves questioning alliances and racing against time. The story explores themes of duty and accountability, encapsulating the harsh realities of those living in the shadows for the greater good. Amid twists and growing danger, internal conflicts rigidify, pushing them beyond conventional limits in pursuit of justice. As they edge closer to uncovering the truth, they must grapple with moral dilemmas while navigating a perilous labyrinth of deceit that tests their dedication and resolve.
Writers: Brandon Stiefer
Release Date: 23 Sep 2022
Runtime: 96 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English