I Am Wrath Blu-ray Review

"I Am Wrath" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, framed at a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The transfer generally offers decent clarity with good sharpness and detail in well-lit scenes, capturing fine details appreciably. However, the presentation is marred by ungainly noise and crushed black levels in darker scenes, which is notably detrimental during several nighttime sequences. The issue of excessive film grain and overly dark shadows can be distracting, undermining the overall viewing experience. Skin tones appear more natural in brighter settings but can become unflattering under extreme lighting conditions.

The visual presentation demonstrates a varied experience; while the color palette maintains a natural and warm tone, some scenes are washed out or blown out, affecting the visual coherence. The film does not seem heavily color graded, often sticking to a more organic appearance. Despite these efforts, the inconsistency in lighting and color reproduction leads to a lackluster and uninspired visual style. The limited depth perception further accentuates this issue, making darker scenes blend into the background and reducing the immersive quality of the film. The visual fidelity doesn't aim to impress but rather to maintain simplicity and efficiency, typical of a low-budget production.

In summary, the video presentation of "I Am Wrath" on Blu-ray showcases competent technical attributes but falls short of delivering a visually arresting experience. The problematic black levels and lighting inconsistencies detract from the film's intended gritty aesthetic, resulting in a transfer that feels 'paint-by-numbers' rather than something visually engaging. This presentation won't significantly elevate the movie itself, aligning well with the middling production quality of the film.

The audio presentation of "I Am Wrath" on Blu-ray is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that aims to punctuate the action sequences with vibrant and immersive sound design. Despite the limited frequency of gunfights, the soundscape capitalizes on strategic placement of ambient environmental noises and renders everyday sounds, such as clothing rustles during close-quarters interactions, with lifelike precision. Dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized, exhibiting excellent fidelity throughout the film.

This audio track excels mainly during the film's more energetic moments, supported by a punchy LFE (Low Frequency Extension) that accentuates both action scenes and the film's minimalist yet effective score. The rear speakers are primarily employed for the score, which compensates for the movie's relatively sparse action sequences. Although the surround sound presentation isn’t overly aggressive, it adds a suitable level of immersion and mood that complements the cinematic experience.

Overall, while not groundbreaking, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track serves "I Am Wrath" well. It utilizes front and rear channels effectively, balancing dialogue clarity with low-frequency impact when needed. The audio design does not aim to overwhelm but rather to match the narrative's tone, contributing capably to the film's atmosphere without overshadowing the visual elements.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "I Am Wrath" provide a multifaceted look at the film's production, blending insightful commentary with engaging anecdotes from the creators. The standout feature is the Commentary with Director Chuck Russell and Writer/Actor Paul Sloan, which marries detailed production insights with lively banter. Highlights encompass behind-the-scenes stories on practical vs. CGI effects, character prep for key scenes, and reflections on prior works like "Eraser". This commentary is a robust complement to the movie and benefits from Russell and Sloan's chemistry, making it informative and entertaining.

Extras included in this disc:

Filmmaker Commentary: Features Chuck Russell and Paul Sloan discussing production details and character insights.

Ultraviolet Digital HD Copy: Digital version of the film.

Also From Lionsgate: A preview of upcoming releases.

"I Am Wrath" attempts to channel the spirit of classic revenge thrillers but ultimately falters under the weight of its predictability and lackluster execution. The film kicks off with a montage depicting a rise in urban violence, aiming for a sense of urgency and relevance. Despite this promising setup, it quickly devolves into a cliché-ridden plot. John Travolta stars as Stanley Hill, who witnesses the murder of his wife Vivian (Rebecca De Mornay), setting off a chain of events that sees him take the law into his own hands. His quest for vengeance includes unmasking a network of corrupt cops and a duplicitous governor, themes that feel both overfamiliar and inadequately developed.

The narrative’s predictability is its biggest downfall. The film is laden with genre tropes—corrupt police officers, political conspiracies, and an ex-Black Ops protagonist—which hamper any sense of originality or surprise. Travolta’s portrayal of Stanley is disappointingly detached, lacking the intensity needed to sell a character driven by rage and loss. His partnership with Dennis (Christopher Meloni) provides some entertainment value, thanks largely to Meloni’s more engaged performance, but cannot rescue the film from its lethargic pacing and uninspired storytelling.

Visually, "I Am Wrath" fails to impress. Directed by Chuck Russell, known for his previous visually striking works, the film's aesthetics are surprisingly flat and uninspired. The action sequences intended to add excitement often fall victim to awkward choreography and overuse of slow-motion effects. The supporting cast, including characters like the token bad guy Lemi K (Paul Sloan), are unremarkable and contribute little beyond filling screen time. Ultimately, the film’s attempt at combining political commentary with a vigilante story falls short, resulting in a forgettable experience that fails to ignite any real wrath or engagement from its audience.

"I Am Wrath" on Blu-ray showcases an unoriginal and formulaic revenge fantasy that struggles to maintain any significant energy. The narrative, peppered with initial scenes implying a commentary on police violence and corruption, quickly dissolves into a lifeless and rote storyline. Although John Travolta offers some unintended humor through his disinterested performance, this does little to elevate what is largely a flat and uninspired film. The slow-motion action sequences further exacerbate the film's lack of vitality, transforming moments intended to be dramatic into sources of inadvertent amusement.

The technical presentation of the Blu-ray is competent but unremarkable. The video quality is at best average, with inconsistencies in sharpness and detail that are unlikely to impress those accustomed to higher standards of home media. The audio delivers clear dialogue and solid effects, but it fails to achieve the level of immersion expected from a high-quality release. While some fans of Travolta and Meloni might find something to appreciate, the overall production does little to stand out among countless other entries in the revenge thriller genre.

"I Am Wrath" is simply too derivative and formulaic to ever muster up much energy. The film's occasional stumbling attempts to inject meaning into what is in essence nothing more than a revenge fantasy film similarly fall flat. Travolta or Meloni completists may want to check this out, and for those folks, technical merits are generally very good to excellent.