Incredible bits of bass are the highlight of this Dolby Digital Plus audio effort. When the soundtrack picks up towards the closing of the film, the LFE begins pounding underneath the action, flawlessly mixed to avoid drowning out other aspects of the sound. Rear surround work is on the light side, with gunfire sadly staying placed in the front channels. Separation is fine, though there should be far more going on in all the speakers when the action becomes heavy. 
While the film is a miss, the HD DVD version offers some of the best features on the format to date. The in-movie feature used Google maps to track the progress of the assassins, easily accessible with Universal’s U-Control feature. While not necessarily a needed piece, it’s a fun accompaniment to the film and an excellent example of how the new technology can enhance viewing.
Other U-Control features, ranging from video to pictures can be accessed as you’re watching, or through the chapter selection screen which will take you direct to the spots of the film where relevant information is presented. Also while watching, two commentaries are available, one with director Carnahan and editor Rob Frazen. The second features Carnahan again and cast members Common, Zach Cumer, and Chris Holley. There’s plenty to discuss, and the cast member track is lively with joking along with stories from the set.
Deleted scenes were proper cuts, and last a little over nine minutes. Some hilarious outtakes run around the same length as the latter, especially from Ray Liotta and Ben Affleck. An alternate ending is a little over a minute, and doesn’t work anywhere near as well stylistically or dramatically as the one chosen for the finished film.
The Line-Up is a somewhat wasteful, discussing the characters on a surface leaving this in the realm of promotional material. The Big Gun is a focus on the director, loaded with some funny behind-the-scenes material. Shoot-em-up is a brief look at the special effects and action. While a HD combo disc, all special features are on the HD side as well as the SD.
Some critics have compared the film to Tarantino’s dialogue-driven efforts, but the character discussions are nowhere near as enthralling here. The action is low on gore, and stylistically it’s something else entirely. Don’t fall for the comparison.
Article comments