Under Siege Blu-ray Review

Warner's 1080p/VC-1-encoded presentation of "Under Siege" in a 1.85:1 widescreen format offers a mixed bag in terms of video quality. Despite its age, the film's transition to high definition has not been entirely graceful. The print shows signs of wear with minor blemishes and a noticeable graininess that is more pronounced in darker scenes, affecting the overall clarity and detail. However, it remains a step up from the DVD version, showcasing a fair degree of depth and detail that was previously unseen. The blacks, while solid at times, do not reach the depth expected of Blu-ray quality, leaving some scenes feeling flat and lacking in dimensionality.

The color palette of "Under Siege" appears muted, lacking vibrancy and resulting in a somewhat lifeless presentation. This issue contributes to a general flatness in the image, undermining the strengths of the high-definition transfer. Additionally, video noise and grain often disrupt the picture, particularly in areas of uniform color and texture, detracting further from the overall viewing experience. Despite these issues, there are moments where the video quality shines through with better sharpness and saturation, especially in well-lit scenes and exteriors, suggesting potential that is not fully realized.

In summary, while "Under Siege" on Blu-ray does remember certain improvements over its DVD counterpart, particularly in revealing more detail and depth, it falls short of what one might expect from a high-definition release. The presence of grain, muted colors, and occasional softness contribute to a presentation that can best be described as mediocre. Fans of the film might appreciate the upgrade for the added clarity in some scenes, but overall, this release does not stand out among other high-definition transfers.

The audio presentation of "Under Siege" on Blu-ray, featuring a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, decidedly falls into the category of being serviceable without standing out as particularly engaging. The overall sound quality is somewhat muted, necessitating a higher volume level than usual to aptly capture dialogue and fine auditory effects. While the track does provide a consistent ambient backdrop, such as the hum of the ship’s engines, which adds a layer of immersion, it fails to deliver the dynamic auditory experience expected from an action-packed blockbuster. This lack of punch and immersive depth renders the audio experience as lacking, particularly when the film's age is considered against current sound design standards.

Technical aspects of the mix highlight both its strengths and shortcomings. Discrete sound effects employed do a fair job in conveying the oppressive atmosphere aboard the battleship, with notable segments involving gunfire, explosions, and specifically the submarine versus SEAL helicopter encounter, demonstrating some degree of aural excitement. Nevertheless, transitions between channels can appear clumsy, compromising the seamlessness of the mix. The soundtrack's frequency response is passable but not devoid of issues, with instances of harshness and crackling evident during more intense sequences, indicating a disparity with the crystal-clear and finely-tuned soundtracks of contemporary films.

Furthermore, while certain elements of surround sound action are commendable, the dated nature of the film's original sound design is palpable, marked by a lack of depth in low-bass outputs and occasional detectability of Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) work. This culminates in an audio presentation that, despite its ambition, ultimately feels constrained by its era, offering only fragments of what could potentially be a much richer sonic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Under Siege" falls notably short in the supplements department, delivering merely a 480p theatrical trailer as its sole extra. This sparse inclusion is a missed opportunity considering the potential for enriching the release with promotional materials or behind-the-scenes insights. Viewers and fans of the film might have expected more from Warner Brothers, especially considering the transition to Blu-ray exclusivity could have been an ideal moment to enhance the disk with additional content. The hope for a more robust special edition in the future remains, reflecting a growing expectation for a richer, more detailed home entertainment experience as the format continues to evolve.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Only extra feature provided, showcasing the film's original promotional material.

"Under Siege," often likened to "Die Hard" on a battleship, sits comfortably in the annals of early '90s action cinema as Steven Seagal's most commercially successful venture. While it doesn't quite reach the narrative or charismatic heights of its skyscraper-bound cousin, the film carves out its identity through a blend of solid action sequences and a plot that, though stretching the bounds of plausibility, remains engaging throughout. Directed by Andrew Davis, who later helmed "The Fugitive," the movie benefits from his adeptness at crafting action with a keen eye for pacing. Seagal's portrayal of Casey Ryback, a cook with a concealed background as a Navy SEAL, offers a unique twist on the action hero archetype. Despite limitations in his acting range, Seagal's physical prowess and martial arts skills are on full display, distinguishing him from contemporaries like Schwarzenegger or Willis at the peak of the genre's '90s explosion.

The film's narrative takes us aboard the USS Missouri, setting the stage for a showdown against formidable antagonists played by Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey. Their performances, coupled with the high-stakes scenario of nuclear brinkmanship, elevate "Under Siege" above typical fare through credible threats and well-staged confrontations. The inclusion of Erika Eleniak adds a layer of superficial glamor typical of the era, though her role does little to advance the narrative. What distinguishes "Under Siege" is its ability to blend the incredulous with a degree of tactical authenticity, thanks to Ryback's calculated guerrilla warfare against the commandeering terrorists.

Reflecting on "Under Siege" today reveals more than just nostalgia for action films where the good guy triumphs through sheer wit and brawn. It's a document of an era where American cinema could package and sell the belief in the lone hero's ability to thwart grand-scale adversities with aplomb. While it may not have reinvented the action genre wheel, it certainly left its mark through Seagal's most lauded performance and a formula that ensured box office success. Despite being overshadowed by its more illustrious peers, "Under Siege" represents both a pinnacle and a turning point for Seagal and the '90s action thriller—a genre reflective of simpler times when might was right, and one man could make a difference.

"Under Siege," starring Steven Seagal and Tommy Lee Jones, certainly carves its niche as an entertaining action flick, though it may not climb to the pinnacle of acclaim that "Die Hard" has reached in the genre. Regarded as Seagal's standout performance, the movie offers a thrilling ride, aptly described as 'Die Hard on a Boat.' While the film itself delivers a fun, albeit not groundbreaking, experience, the Blu-ray presentation leaves much to be desired. This release is bogged down by a mediocre transfer that does little to improve upon the DVD's visual and auditory qualities, suffering from outdated audio and video enhancements. The supplementary content is scant, with only the film's original theatrical trailer included, which hardly adds value for collectors and fans looking for an immersive experience.

The trend of studios releasing high-definition versions of films without significant upgrades in quality or additional features is highlighted by this Blu-ray. It seems there was minimal effort in remastering or enriching the original HD masters for a truly premium high-definition experience. The lack of significant improvement over the DVD version, coupled with an audio and video quality that doesn't meet current Blu-ray standards, makes this release a hard sell for owners of the previous format or those expecting a significant upgrade.

In conclusion, while "Under Siege" itself remains a fun and engaging action movie worth watching for fans of the genre and Steven Seagal enthusiasts, the Blu-ray edition fails to justify its purchase for anyone looking for an enhanced viewing experience or significant extras. This release might best serve those without the DVD version or collectors aiming to complete their action movie archive. However, for a definitive home cinema experience, this Blu-ray does not set its sights high enough, leaving much room for improvement in terms of both quality and content.