Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Legendary DEA agent John “Breacher” Wharton (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his task force infiltrate a drug cartel and confiscate $10 million, which immediately disappears. Caught between suspicious Feds and vengeful drug lords, members of Arnold’s team start turning up dead…but who’s killing them? Schwarzenegger excels as both hero and anti-hero in one of the most complex and demanding roles of his career. David Ayer’s directorial style—war correspondent realism with a Michael Mann vibe—is highly flattering to both stars and subject matter.

Viewed as serious drama, Sabotage disappoints. Look beyond the predictable dialogue and improbable story line, however, and you’re treated to a fast-paced action thriller lavish with gushing blood, horrific violence, and amazing special effects. Image quality is stunning. Facial details and textures of camouflage fabrics are resolved with razor-sharp accuracy. Fleshtones are highly realistic, and colors pop with deftly balanced saturation. Black levels achieve reference quality, while shadow detail is subtle and nuanced. Still more impressive is the manner in which images adapt to contrived lighting and filming schemes. Despite the flood of detail and color, viewers will find Sabotage inviting and non-fatiguing.

Audio quality surpasses that of the video, distinguishing Sabotage as a first-class Blu-ray transfer. Frequency range, dynamic contrast, and detail resolution are virtually beyond criticism. Bass is pounding and plentiful yet pitch-defined. Abundant atmospheric and hard surround effects are masterfully integrated into an immersive, encircling soundfield. During the drug bust sequence, Arnold blows up a mountain of cash, and the thunderous impact flows seamlessly from front channels to surrounds as the subwoofer growls with delight. Dialogue is consistently distinctive and intelligible. In short, this audio track embodies the best of modern sound engineering; unfortunately, a true state-of-the-art surround system is necessary to demonstrate its accomplishment. Second-rate systems will blur and distort much of what makes Sabotage so special.

Extras are both generous and worthwhile. We’re treated to two alternate endings and six deleted scenes. An excellent making-of mini-documentary features informative discourse from Ayer and his stars.

Sabotage tempts with delicious eye and ear candy while proudly providing zero intellectual nourishment.

Blu-Ray
Studio: Universal, 2014
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio Format: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Length: 110 mins.
MPAA Rating: R
Director: David Ayer
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Joe Manganiello