Altitude Blu-ray Review

"Altitude" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films, utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The film, captured using the Red Epic Dragon camera, is listed in 6K resolution but ultimately delivers a somewhat middling visual experience. Heavy grading toward deep blue and purple hues suppresses fine detail. Odd framing choices and frequent jiggly cam and whip pans reduce sharpness, possibly as a budget-covering strategy. The most significant downside is the CGI, which ranges from unconvincing clouds in the opening credits to comically unrealistic jet maneuvers and fiery crashes, suggesting the reach exceeded the budget.

The picture quality is competent but not exceptional, with reasonably good detail despite the film's dark tones. The CGI may be obvious, yet it is passable within the context of a DTV release. The overall sharpness and clarity are commendable, though some scenes appear dingy due to set conditions or lighting. Dimensional work is standard but effective, with no noticeable blurring or jittering during fast movements. Black levels are well-maintained without crushing, providing decent shadow detail.

Color reproduction offers a muted palette, occasionally tinged green, though blues and reds stand out effectively. Flesh tones remain natural and consistent, capturing fine facial details such as wrinkles and textures. Notably, Denise Richards' heavy makeup is especially apparent in well-lit close-ups, giving a slightly surreal effect in certain scenes. Overall, while not groundbreaking, the "Altitude" Blu-ray presentation delivers a serviceable visual experience appropriate for its genre and budget constraints.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "Altitude" offers a generally solid performance, but it falls short of delivering a truly immersive auditory experience. While the dialogue is rendered with commendable clarity and fidelity, allowing for crisp and intelligible character voices, the overall track exhibits a somewhat subdued volume. The mix predominantly favors the front channels, with ambient plane noises effectively simulating the onboard environment but lacking in dynamic range and impact. Although the low-frequency effects such as engine roars, foot stomps, and physical confrontations provide some degree of subwoofer activity, they fail to produce a truly floor-shaking rumble.

The surround sound presentation complements the film with decent ambient sounds in the rear speakers, supporting the scene's atmosphere and enhancing character placement accurately with respect to their on-screen actions. Despite this, the rear channels primarily offer plane ambient noise, which minimizes their potential for deeper immersion. Furthermore, while certain sound effects like gunshots and scuffling are distinct and effectively localized, there is occasional blending and muffling that detracts from an otherwise solid audio track. Overall, while the audio presentation of "Altitude" provides a clean and clear listening experience, it lacks the dynamic depth and immersive qualities that could significantly elevate the film’s high-tension sequences.

The Blu-ray edition of “Altitude” offers a well-rounded package of extras that enhance the viewing experience and provide additional context to the film. The standout among these features is the high-definition trailer, which is presented in a crisp 1080p resolution. Additionally, the inclusion of an UltraViolet digital copy allows for versatile viewing options across multiple platforms. These thoughtful additions indicate a commitment to providing value beyond just the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Altitude Trailer: A high-definition trailer with a runtime of 1 minute and 42 seconds.
• UltraViolet Digital Copy: A digital version of the film for flexible viewing on various devices.

"Altitude", despite its ambitious premise, is a predictable and heavily formulaic action thriller. Denise Richards stars as FBI agent Gretchen Blair, who happens to be embroiled in an airplane hijacking plot orchestrated by a gang seeking hidden loot and aiming to free notorious criminal Matthew Sharpe, played by Dolph Lundgren. The storyline is marred by various contrivances, such as Blair's improbable knowledge of the plane's layout and her fortuitous reassignment to first class, positioning her next to a character (Terry, played by Kirk Barker) with his own predictable secret. This predictable nature strips the film of any real suspense, making it difficult for viewers to engage fully.

Despite its shortcomings, "Altitude" does have its moments. The opening sequence presents a clever deception involving a hostage negotiation turned rescue mission, hinting at an innovative approach that the film largely fails to sustain. Unfortunately, the remainder of the movie relies on recycled tropes and lacks the necessary humor or self-awareness to make these elements enjoyable. Technical merits are also lacking, with low-quality CGI contributing to an overall "made-for-television" aesthetic. Performances are uniformly average; Richards and Grammer Greer manage an earnest effort but are hampered by a lackluster script. Lundgren’s limited scenes feel underutilized, reducing the potential impact of his character.

When taken for what it is—a B-level action flick—"Altitude" can offer fleeting moments of enjoyment. While it doesn't fully embrace its own campiness, it occasionally hints at a so-bad-it’s-good charm. However, these moments are not enough to redeem the film wholly. In sum, "Altitude" is a passable option for a lazy afternoon where expectations are set low, and one seeks mild entertainment rather than a groundbreaking cinematic experience.

"Altitude" on Blu-ray provides an unspectacular but surprisingly engaging cinematic experience. Greer Grammer shines as Sadie, executing her role with a spirited and daring performance that offers a discernible highlight amidst a film that largely adheres to predictable conventions. The storyline does not inspire much awe, marked by a plot that unfolds as expected and only occasionally stirs real excitement. The supporting cast appears to operate more on autopilot, their contribution leaning towards mere functional presence rather than adding depth or dynamism.

Technically, the Blu-ray delivers a dependable yet unremarkable presentation. The audiovisual quality meets basic high-definition standards, but it lacks the polish and fine-tuning that enthusiasts might seek for their collections. There are no additional features or extras included, which further diminishes its appeal for those looking for a more comprehensive package. This makes the Blu-ray version viable mainly as a casual viewing option rather than a definitive acquisition for home theater aficionados.

In conclusion, the standout element of "Altitude" is undeniably Greer Grammer's bold portrayal of Sadie, injecting a necessary dose of energy and awareness into an otherwise uninspired film. However, with a foreseeable plot and an ensemble cast that often feels disinterested, the movie does not soar to great heights. Given its mediocre technical merits and the absence of supplementary content, renting or streaming is advisable before considering a purchase—unless it becomes available at an exceptionally low price point.