Security Blu-ray Review

"Security" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive video presentation for a low-budget film captured digitally. The movie is framed at 2.35:1 and presented in 1080p resolution using the AVC codec. The overall visual quality is commendable with a slight glossy and flat appearance, characteristic of its digital origin. The color palette primarily revolves around blacks, blues, and grays, befitting its nighttime setting in an abandoned mall. Despite the drab palette, fine details are prominently rendered, including facial features, clothing stitching, and various textures, especially evident in better-lit scenes at the movie's boundaries.

The sharpness of the image is notably good, enhancing the portrayal of intricate facial hair, minute skin imperfections like pockmarks, and texture details on clothes. Black levels are consistently deep, contributing to strong contrast throughout the film. While flesh tones remain accurate across varying lighting conditions, occasional instances of banding and slight softness in dark scenes are present but not significantly distracting. Additionally, the minimal noise level in low light environments ensures a smooth viewing experience. Subtle departures from the primary palette, such as the pink girl's sweater and vibrantly colored children's walkie-talkies, add a dash of visual diversity.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer of "Security" is solid, effectively balancing visual clarity and atmospheric moodiness aligned with its gritty storyline. The division into 20 chapters allows for convenient navigation. Despite minor flaws like occasional banding and softness in specific scenes, the detailing and color accuracy make for a satisfactory viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Security" on Blu-ray is defined by a competent and well-balanced DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The audio mix demonstrates significant attention to detail, providing a robust and hearty experience. Dialogue is crisply prioritized and securely positioned in the center channel, maintaining clarity throughout, although some whispered lines by Antonio Banderas may be less discernible. The soundtrack effectively utilizes its channels, creating a well-defined soundstage with notable LFE support, enriching gunfire and various explosions with substantial weight and vigor.

Noteworthy scenes, such as an early shootout accompanied by falling rain, showcase the mix's capability to deliver intensity and dynamism. Music by FM Le Sieur consistently engages the surround channels, enhancing the immersive auditorium. Although light atmospherics help shape certain locations, their usage remains subtle and adequately integrates into the overall auditory landscape. Despite some sequences, like a hallway shootout, lacking significant punch, and directional placement occasionally being imprecise, the overall presentation is sufficiently powerful to deliver an engaging audio experience.

A car crash into the mall stands out as the apex of subwoofer activity, producing a commendable low-end heft. While the continual firepower might not achieve reference-level precision in all instances, the balance between dialogue, effects, and music ensures a fulfilling auditory experience for viewers. The mix's competency lies in its consistent delivery without overwhelming nuances but maintains a pleasing and robust soundscape in line with the movie's demands.

The Blu-ray release of "Security" offers a singular bonus feature titled Security - Behind the Scenes (8:10, HD). This featurette presents insightful perspectives from producers David Harris, Jeff Greenstein, Jonathan Yunger, and Les Weldon, as well as director Alain Desrochers. Cast members including Antonio Banderas, Ben Kingsley, Katherine de la Rocha, Gabriella Wright, and Liam McIntyre provide commentary on the plot, character development, and action sequences. An intriguing behind-the-scenes revelation is that the movie was filmed on a meticulously recreated mall set built in three sections on a soundstage, rather than a real mall. The Blu-ray package also includes promo trailers for other films and a digital copy via a code sheet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Security - Behind the Scenes: Insights from cast and crew, including on-set secrets and character commentary.
• Promo Trailers: Teasers for Boyka: Undefeated, The Fate of the Furious, Cult of Chucky, Lowriders, Sleight.
• Digital Copy: Code sheet enclosed for digital download.

"Security," directed by Alain Desrochers, is a quintessential low-budget action film that deftly blends familiar themes from action classics like "Die Hard" and "Lethal Weapon," with an unexpected dash of "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" humor. Featuring Antonio Banderas as Eddie Deacon, an ex-Army Captain grappling with PTSD and unemployment, the film follows a predictable yet entertaining trajectory as he takes on a night security job at a desolate mall. On his first night, Deacon finds himself defending a young federal witness, Jamie (Katherine de la Rocha), from a ruthless team of mercenaries led by Ben Kingsley’s character, Charlie. Despite the film's limited budget and a hybrid genre approach, it transforms its cliched components into a competent and surprisingly engaging action flick.

Banderas’ portrayal of Eddie Deacon as a weathered soldier seeking redemption brings an essential gravitas to the otherwise conventional character. His quiet desolation and earnest combat readiness evoke a John Rambo-like presence, making him a character worth rooting for. However, the film's supporting cast oscillates between endearing and forgettable. Liam McIntyre stands out with his comedic timing, adding levity where needed, while Kingsley’s villainous role, though charismatic, often delves into excessive verbosity. The mall setting, while essential to the plot, lacks creativity and fails to become an immersive or critical element within the film.

Action-wise, "Security" sets up convincing fight sequences that complement its narrative constraints. While some scenes risk verging on the ridiculous—such as a Spyder bike used as a makeshift torpedo—the overall choreography remains solid. The use of makeshift defenses and tactical improvisation underscores the desperate yet resourceful nature of Eddie and his motley crew of guards. Despite its predictability and sporadic bouts of implausibility, "Security" manages to inject spirited humor and suspense into a formulaic narrative, making it an entertaining watch within its genre constraints.

"Security" is a low-budget action thriller that maximizes its potential within the constraints of its direct-to-video (DTV) format. The film, starring Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley, delivers an engaging performance by both leads who bring a surprising depth to their otherwise conventional roles. Although the plot follows familiar tropes and lacks originality, it remains a thoroughly entertaining shoot-em-up experience. Director Alain Desrochers is able to craft a solid, if not groundbreaking, narrative that positions "Security" well within the top tier of DTV action flicks.

Universal's Blu-ray release ensures that viewers will appreciate the technical aspects of this film. It features an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 AVC and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, which together offer an immersive viewing experience with crisp visuals and robust sound. The stunning picture and sound quality can enhance the overall enjoyment of the film, even if the setting fails to offer much in terms of unique character. The only downside, in terms of extras, is the single eight-minute featurette included, which adds little value to the package.

In conclusion, "Security" doesn't reinvent the wheel but is competently acted and directed, providing an unexpectedly enjoyable ride for fans of the genre. Its predictability is mitigated by strong performances and solid technical presentation. While the Blu-ray extras are sparse, the outstanding audio and video quality make it a worthy rental for action enthusiasts looking for an entertaining evening. Recommended as a decent rental option for fans of low-budget action films.

Technical Specifications:

• Starring: Antonio Banderas, Ben Kingsley, Cung Le
• Directed by: Alain Desrochers
• Written by: Tony Mosher, Josh Sullivan
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 AVC
• Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1
• Studio: Universal
• Rated: R
• Runtime: 92 Minutes
• Blu-ray Release Date: September 5th, 2017