Hammer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hammer," put forth by Olive Films, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This effort by Olive Films aligns with their prior releases of Blaxploitation classics, although certain imperfections are evident. The transfer is characterized by occasional dirt, density issues, and minor scratches reflecting the film's age. Colors exhibit a general fade towards brown, though this is not as pronounced as seen in "Coffy." Blues maintain their vibrancy, and while reds and yellows may appear slightly skewed, fine detail remains commendable, particularly in close-up shots. However, there are moments when the transfer appears generally soft or out of focus, which could be attributed to the original use of diffusion filters. Clarity is consistently high except for sporadic segments likely sourced from secondary elements, which exhibit increased grain and fuzziness.

Technically, the 1080p resolution offers considerable periods of sharp detail that can be stunningly clear, juxtaposed with softer or slightly out-of-focus moments. Depth portrayal in the transfer is notable, with characters and objects displaying significant dimensionality as they move fluidly within various scenes. Black levels appear to be faithful to the film’s original projection quality, contingent on scene lighting. Colors reproduce naturally; blues are especially prominent without bleeding, and vibrant clothing colors stand out effectively. Flesh tones are consistent and natural, contributing to the facial detail that is unexpectedly impressive given the film’s background.

Throughout the presentation, a visible but organic grain structure lends an authentic texture to the viewing experience, imparting a genuine vintage feel. Minimal compression and blocking artifacts are present but are subtle enough to avoid detection by the untrained eye. While not flawless, this Blu-ray transfer excels in revitalizing "Hammer" with careful attention to preserving the film’s integrity and visual impact.

The audio presentation of "Hammer" on Blu-Ray features a robust lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that delivers a surprisingly full-bodied support for the bass-heavy score by Solomon Burke. Although the audio effects and foley work lack finesse, resulting in noticeable synchronization issues such as off-sync lip movements during the opening dialogue scene and mismatched sound effects, these anomalies are minor and do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Dialogue, effects, and score are presented with good fidelity, offering at least intermittently decent dynamic range on this otherwise issue-free track.

The 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA format ensures distinct and well-rounded sound distribution, effectively orchestrated within the mono mix. The balance between the scoring and vocal tracks stands out, maintaining integrity and delivering a faithful reproduction of the original theatrical audio experience. While there are a few moments where the audio may feel dated or noticeably analog, particularly in some ADR segments, it generally enhances the viewer's experience through clear and loud dialogue reproduction. This meticulous yet authentic mono track successfully envelopes listeners, providing an immersive and nostalgic audio backdrop.

The Blu-ray release of "Hammer" is disappointingly devoid of any additional content, failing to include even the most basic supplemental features. Users will find the menu limited to just "Play Movie" and "Chapters," with no extras to enhance the viewing experience. This lack of supplementary material significantly detracts from the overall value of the disc, which could have otherwise benefited from commentary tracks, making-of documentaries, or other common Blu-ray enhancements.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: This Blu-ray release includes no supplemental content whatsoever.

Fred Williamson’s 1972 film Hammer presents a fascinating blend of Blaxploitation and boxing tropes that solidified his place as a leading figure in 1970s action cinema. Known for his physical prowess and charismatic screen presence, Williamson’s character B.J. Hammer transitions from a dock worker to a professional boxer entangled with mobsters. The film navigates familiar yet enjoyable storylines including corrupt match-fixing, dramatic showdowns, and personal dilemmas intensified when Hammer’s girlfriend Lois is kidnapped as leverage.

While Hammer boasts memorable performances, especially from Williamson, and evocative character portrayals such as Big Sid played by Charles Lampkin, the direction by Bruce Clark occasionally falters. Scenes like the initial dock fight are notably poorly staged, with awkward actor reaction shots and disjointed editing. Despite these flaws, the film’s use of experimental camera angles and innovative chase sequences impress for their time, though they add a mixed layer of efficacy to the overall cinematic experience.

The film’s strength lies in its engagingly raw energy and Williamson’s dynamic presence, bolstered by a competent supporting cast. Particularly of note is Vonetta McGee's adept balance between allure and resilience as Lois. Though not flawless, Hammer combines action, drama, and cultural impact to deliver an entertaining and notable early addition to Blaxploitation cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Hammer" offers a mixed but generally positive viewing experience for fans of Blaxploitation cinema. The film, while occasionally suffering from weak framing and subpar fight choreography, showcases an engaging performance by Fred Williamson. His casual demeanor, though not Oscar-worthy, adds a certain charm that anchors the film. The supporting cast, rich and colorful, significantly enhances the entertainment value, making up for some of the film's obvious shortcomings in narrative coherence and staging effectiveness.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is commendable. The video quality stands out as very good, offering a sharp and vivid visual experience that faithfully reproduces the gritty aesthetic of early 1970s cinema. The audio quality is even better, rated as excellent by multiple reviewers, delivering clear and immersive sound that enhances the overall viewing experience. For those particular about technical aspects, this high-quality transfer ensures that "Hammer" looks and sounds better than ever.

In conclusion, while "Hammer" might have benefited from a more skilled directorial hand like that of Jack Hill, it remains a noteworthy entry in the Blaxploitation genre. Its predictable plot is offset by a charming lead performance and a vibrant supporting cast. For enthusiasts of the genre, the technical merits—especially the outstanding audio—make it a worthwhile addition to their collection. Those interested in cinematic history or classic exploitation films will find enough here to warrant checking out this release.