BLU-RAY REVIEW

Absolution

Featured In Issue 199, September 2015

Picture4.5
Sound5
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
47976
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
(Retail Price):
$$19.99
(Disc Type):
BD-50
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
96
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
(Direct-To-Video Release):
(Disc Release Date):
7/7/2015
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Keoni Waxman
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

Absolution is about a contract killer (Seagal) who encounters a girl on the run from a mob boss (Jones) with powerful political ties. He becomes torn between protecting the girl and remaining loyal to the government agency that hired him for the mission. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Co-Writer/Director Keoni Waxman, Actor Josh Barnett, and Producer Binh Dang; a behind-the-scenes featurette (HD 15:01); a cast interview (HD 47:01); the trailer; upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 1080p AVC picture was photographed digitally using the Red One camera system. The imagery is sharp and detailed, with an overall natural appearance, except when stylized during flashbacks and during torture segments, which are hued in a greenish tint. Otherwise, the color palette is nicely saturated with rich and vivid hues and naturally rendered fleshtones. Contrast is excellent with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Resolution is excellent, with fine detail exhibited throughout, for a realistic visual experience. This is a nicely produced picture that provides engaging environments and interiors. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is robustly dynamic, with an almost constant energized music score enhanced with a .1 LFE foundation that effectively intensifies the constant action. The music spreads wide and deep across the soundstage and extends aggressively to the surrounds. Atmospherics and sound effects provide a spatially dimensional soundfield, and combined with the music score provides an engaging holosonic® experience. Dialogue is consistently intelligible and spatially integrated. This is a terrific soundtrack that will not disappoint fans of Steven Seagal. (Gary Reber)