Abduction Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Abduction" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio that delivers a somewhat variable viewing experience. On one hand, the presentation offers a sharp and well-detailed image, especially in the numerous location shots around Pittsburgh, which appear vibrant and visually appealing. Colors are bold and richly saturated, and the detail in close-ups, including skin textures and facial hair, is impressive. Night scenes benefit from strong contrast and consistent shadow detail, enhancing the overall image quality without noticeable artifacting.

However, the transfer does exhibit certain weaknesses that detract from its overall effectiveness. Notably, some sequences appear flat, with highlight details lacking and shadows occasionally crushed. This discrepancy is particularly evident when compared to the more vibrant HD special features included with the Blu-ray. The green screen replaced backgrounds in specific scenes are noticeably grainy and fake, which can be distracting. Additionally, there are occasional issues with focus that might affect viewer immersion.

In summary, while the Blu-ray transfer of "Abduction" boasts strong moments of resolution, detail, and clarity in specific scenes, it does not consistently impress throughout. The highlights include the depiction of Pittsburgh’s gleaming skylines and detailed close-up textures, whereas the lower points involve flatness in certain scenes and less-than-perfect green screen substitutions. Despite these inconsistencies, the presentation is free from compression issues like banding or macro-blocking, ensuring a generally clean visual experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Abduction" showcases a state-of-the-art lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio mix that impresses with its robust and dynamic sonic profile. The track excels in creating an immersive experience from the get-go, with standout moments like the truck careening down the highway and the explosive sequences delivering floorboard-rattling impact. The attention to detail in quieter moments is equally commendable. For instance, Nathan and Karen's outdoor scenes feature subtle ambient sounds like rustling winds and gently flowing brooks, highlighting the impressive dynamic range of this track.

However, while technically proficient, the track occasionally feels restrained given the film’s action-oriented narrative. Dialogue, music, and sound effects are crisp and well-placed, but the mix doesn’t consistently match the expectations set by other high-octane thrillers. Although there are moments that shine, like the rumbling train fight and the diner shootout, these are contrasted by sequences where the pop-rock soundtrack seems to overshadow the on-screen action. Thus, while the audio presentation is competent and mostly effective, it falls short of fully leveraging its potential for an action thriller in a 7.1 surround sound format.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Abduction" provide a compact yet insightful glimpse into the film's production process, clearly tailored for fans and filmmaking enthusiasts. The standout feature is Taylor Lautner’s perspective in Abduction Chronicle, offering a detailed, first-person account of the shooting experience. Complementing this, Initiation of an Action Hero delves into Lautner’s stunt training and preparation, highlighted by contributions from cast and crew. The Fight for Truth provides brief but engaging behind-the-scenes peeks at key production elements, including on-location shoots and special effects. Lastly, Pulled Punches, the gag reel, adds a touch of levity, though it’s primarily entertaining for those involved in the production. Overall, the offered extras are well-crafted, concise, and provide substantial information on the making of "Abduction."

Extras included in this disc:

• Abduction Chronicle: Lautner's first-person account of shooting the film.
• Initiation of an Action Hero: Highlights Lautner's stunts and training.
• The Fight for the Truth: Behind-the-scenes of fight sequences and key filming locations.
• Pulled Punches: A gag reel with humorous outtakes.

"Abduction" attempts to build tension with an intriguing premise often found in thrillers: What if your entire life was a lie? Unfortunately, John Singleton's direction struggles to maintain credibility and coherence. Nathan Harper (Taylor Lautner), our teenage protagonist, discovers through a high school sociology project that he might be a missing child. This sets off a series of implausible events, including a clumsily executed conspiracy involving Serbian terrorists and the CIA. The narrative stretches believability past its limit, with coincidences piled upon coincidences, leaving logic at the door.

Lautner's performance is hampered by his limited emotional range, reducing his portrayal to alternating between trying-to-look-cool smiles and generic action-hero scowls. Despite his undeniable physical prowess, which shines in choreographed action sequences, Lautner fails to convey the profound inner turmoil required for a character whose world is turned upside-down. While the film is supported by veteran actors like Sigourney Weaver and Alfred Molina, their roles feel underused and strictly functional, providing little depth to an already fragile storyline.

The film's pace dwindles because it overemphasizes Nathan's ostensible perfection before he enters his quest for identity and survival. Repetitive scenes establish Nathan's invincibility and draw away from advancing the plot effectively. This includes redundant moments such as father-son boxing sequences, which, although revealing some character relationships, ultimately feel superfluous against the more pressing narrative needs. "Abduction" manages to deliver some visually engaging action set pieces but lacks the necessary storytelling and character development to sustain long-term interest. Overall, the movie serves more as a platform for Lautner's action star aspirations than a coherent or compelling thriller.

"Abduction" starts with a solid premise and initially garners intrigue, but quickly devolves into a series of ludicrous coincidences, reducing the plot to a predictable cat-and-mouse game devoid of surprises. Taylor Lautner's attempt to transition from Twilight fame to action stardom is undermined by a script that fails to capitalize on his athleticism, despite John Singleton’s competently staged action sequences. Box office performance was underwhelming, though the Blu-ray release has generated some interest among Lautner’s loyal fan base.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Abduction" showcases high-quality visuals marred by an overall flatness and inconsistency in detail across bright and dark scenes. While the audio mix offers moments of clarity, particularly in sequences such as the diner scene, it falls short of expectations for a 7.1 surround sound action thriller. The special features, though minimal, are well-produced and likely to please die-hard fans of Lautner.

In conclusion, "Abduction" on Blu-ray is a visually competent but flawed release with sporadically impressive audio. It remains an essential addition only for dedicated fans of Taylor Lautner. For others, the lack of engaging content and scant special features make this more of a curiosity than a necessity.