Bad Samaritan Blu-ray Review

"Bad Samaritan" delivers a striking and robust 1080p 2.39:1 transfer that captures the film’s visual essence with remarkable clarity. Shot using Red Weapon cameras at a native 6K resolution, the Blu-ray maintains a high level of detail, evident even in the dark, challenging scenes. While it is disappointing that this high-resolution origin wasn't employed for a 4K release, the 1080p Blu-ray nevertheless offers impressive visuals. The dark scenes maintain minimal black crush, while lighter scenes, especially the snowy outdoors near the climax, are nothing short of stunning, showcasing a broad range of details and textures.

The film's AVC encode is exemplary, providing neutral color tones that suit its desaturated, wintery aesthetic. Colors are stable with primary hues like yellow from street lamps and reds and blues standing out against the generally muted palette. Black levels are deep and consistent throughout most of the film, although they do become slightly hazy in some lower light scenes. Noise is minimal, and there are no significant issues with banding or aliasing. This meticulous transfer manages to preserve lifelike skin tones and intricate details from dense cityscapes to intricately composed interior environments, making it an engaging viewing experience.

Overall, "Bad Samaritan’s" Blu-ray offers a high-quality video presentation that carefully translates its digital origins into a compelling 1080p format. The consistency of black levels, the crispness of white contrasts without any blooming, and the film's scenic visuals from Portland and its surroundings all contribute to an immersive viewing experience. Despite the constraints of its budget and the absence of a 4K UHD release, this Blu-ray remains a testament to keen encoding techniques and quality mastering by Sony.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Bad Samaritan" is expertly engineered to create an immersive auditory experience. Dialogue is clean and clear with consistent front-center placement, ensuring it remains intelligible amidst the action. The film thrives on tension, and this mix leverages dynamic sound effects to heighten the suspense. Moments, such as when Sean attempts to rob the mansion or during the climactic battle in the snow, are enhanced by a powerful bass that adds depth and impact. Ambient noises, like the crunch of snow underfoot or engines revving, enhance realism and place the viewer firmly within each scene.

The soundtrack's balance of atmosphere and sound effect placement is commendable. The mix maintains a potent yet non-intrusive presence, supplying surround activity that enriches the viewing experience without overpowering the primary audio elements. City ambiance effectively utilizes spatial audio to place passing traffic, footfalls, and chatter within various scenes, particularly noticeable during the valet parking sequences and within law enforcement environments. Music scores are deep and dense with broad clarity, supporting the narrative tension effectively.

Overall, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track delivers a rich, fuller audio profile compared to its Dolby Digital predecessor. It shines in crucial moments with precision engineering, offering a thrilling blend of intensity and ambient detail that enriches the entire auditory landscape of "Bad Samaritan".

The Blu-ray release of "Bad Samaritan" provides a compelling variety of extras that will appeal to fans seeking deeper insights into the production. The Audio Commentary, featuring Director Dean Devlin and Writer Brandon Boyce, offers engaging discussions about the filmmaking process, adding substantial value for those interested in the film's behind-the-scenes dynamics. The 7 Deleted Scenes, presented in high definition with a runtime of 8:59, include sequences such as "Insufficient Funds" and "Beaverton", which shed light on the editing decisions and highlight the skilled narrative trimming. These deleted scenes augment understanding but also reinforce the effective storytelling choices that shaped the final cut.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Dean Devlin and Writer Brandon Boyce: Insightful discussions on the production.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content including "Insufficient Funds," "Let Us Do Our Job," "Look After Yourself," "The Next Step," "Eyes on You," "Beaverton," and "The Ending."

Dean Devlin’s "Bad Samaritan" emerges as an unexpectedly engaging thriller, deviating sharply from his past endeavors with Roland Emmerich. The movie swiftly hooks viewers with its tale of two valets-turned-burglars, Sean (Robert Sheehan) and Derek (Carlito Olivero), who bite off more than they can chew when they attempt to rob the house of a wealthy sadist, Cale Erendreich (David Tennant). The discovery of a captive and bloodied woman sets off a tense cat-and-mouse game where Sean, initially depicted as a morally ambiguous anti-hero, transforms into a desperate savior. Tennant's portrayal of Erendreich channels a chilling blend of cold-hearted ruthlessness and calculated menace, reminiscent of his role as Kilgrave in "Jessica Jones."

The film's premise, while straightforward, is deployed with sufficient psychological intensity and paranoia. Devlin wisely avoids overcomplicating the narrative initially, focusing instead on building character depth and empathy. Sheehan’s portrayal captures the nuance of Sean’s desperation and moral conflict effectively, making his journey from petty thief to determined rescuer believable. Tennant’s performance stands out, delivering a cold yet captivating villain whose wealth and tech-savvy nature place him several steps ahead of the authorities and Sean alike.

However, "Bad Samaritan" falters in its latter half, becoming bloated and succumbing to cliché tropes. The runtime feels overextended by about 10 to 15 minutes, with tension that dissipates only to be forcefully reintroduced in a repetitive cycle. The technological elements, while adding modern relevance, come across as convoluted and overdone. Nonetheless, the film retains an undercurrent of suspense that keeps the audience engaged, primarily thanks to the committed performances of Sheehan and Tennant. Despite its flaws, "Bad Samaritan" stands as an entertaining thriller that showcases Devlin’s growth as a director and offers a fresh spin on familiar themes.

"Bad Samaritan" offers a thrilling ride with its gripping story and exceptional performances, particularly by David Tennant and Robert Sheehan. Director Dean Devlin's shift from large-scale productions like "Geostorm" to a more focused, character-driven narrative pays off, resulting in a highly entertaining film. While there are pacing issues and the script occasionally falters, the film's tension and dramatic moments largely compensate for these flaws. Sony's Blu-ray release shines with top-notch audio and video quality, enhancing the viewing experience on larger displays.

The aspect ratio of 2.39:1 AVC and DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio ensure an immersive cinematic feel. The disc includes essential subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish, catering to a broader audience. Although the special features are minimal, with only a commentary and deleted scenes, they offer some additional insight into the film’s development. The performances by the cast elevate the material, providing a solid by-the-book horror thriller that, while not groundbreaking, effectively maintains viewer interest.

In conclusion, while "Bad Samaritan" could benefit from some re-editing and tighter direction, it stands as an intriguing entry in Devlin’s directorial portfolio. The film is significantly more engaging than his previous works and showcases his potential as a director. Despite its imperfections, "Bad Samaritan" is a substantial step forward for Devlin and a suspenseful treat for audiences. The Blu-ray upgrade is justified by its superior audio-visual presentation, making it a solid recommendation for an evening of thrilling entertainment.