30th April 2008

Hello, good evening and welcome to the next of my now more regular HD/BLU RAY columns. My absence from these parts is due in large part to international travels working on my huge horror documentary INTO THE DARK, which I will spill more beans on at some future date.

So, on with the reviews.

COMMANDO Blu Ray Disc (20th Century Fox ) available now. £22

This highly quotable slab of 80’s fuelled action craziness is a hoot from start to finish. Featuring Big Arnie Schwarzenegger as the titular hero back when he was playing kill crazy good guys in over the top ridiculous situations.

A really fun Friday night with friends movie that starts briskly and rockets towards it’s high body count over the top ending.

The BR disc looks fairly decent, with the transfer often belying the films low budget roots. It has that 80’s soft look to it. The sound, complete with the frankly ridiculous music cues is suitably robust and solid.

No extras, but for lovers of 80’s retro fare a solid addition to your library.

CRANK HD-DVD (UFA Home Entertainment) available now £22

So we jump from an 80’s slice of action exploitation trash to a noughties equivalent in the shape of this perfect thrill a minute film from this decades Arnie – Jason Statham.

This HD is under most peoples radar as it is only available in this form from Germany. The HD offers extraordinarily detailed picture information which is essential if you know the film as it was shot in such a crazed, colour saturated, hyper edited style.

The other key selling point is that the disc features an exclusive never before seen unrated cut of the film which runs 4 minutes longer than any other release. The new footage includes a brief visit to a hardware store to keep the fabulously named Chev Chellios’ heart pumping.

Lots of other standard def extras found on an additional disc round out the package including ‘B” roll footage and out-takes, making ofs and the usual special edition style features.

For all fans of this recently released slice of high octane entertainment (and I am one) this presentation is the ONLY way to go!

RESERVOIR DOGS HD-DVD (Dutch Film Works) available now £15

Another regional anomaly comes in the form of this Dutch import of Quentin Tarantino’s seminal hard boiled first foray into films.

This ground-breaking minimal masterpiece is a revelation in the HD format.

Gorgeous colours and detailing abound in the eye popping transfer of what was a low budget indie affair. The skin tones are sometimes a shade harsh but this was probably due to the lighting conditions and budgetary restrictions.

Bountiful extras include trailers, interviews, tributes, directors commentary and music videos which make this an essential upgrade for all QT fans.

The film after seventeen years since its initial release stands up as being a true classic of the genre and this perfect release really does it justice.

Paul.

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