BLU-RAY REVIEW

Bad Samaritan

Featured In Issue 233, November 2018

Picture5
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):
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
54283
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
Violence, language throughout, some drug use and brief nudity
(Retail Price):
$14.96
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
107
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
8/14/2018
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Dean Devlin
(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):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"Bad Samaritan" is a terrifying cautionary tale of two thieves uncovering more than what they bargained for when breaking into a house they thought would be an easy score. After making a shocking discovery of a woman being held captive by a serial killer, they must choose to run and hide, or face the killer whose dark secrets they have exposed. (Gary Reber)

Special features includes commentary with Director Dean Devlin and Writer Brandon Boyce and seven deleted scenes (HD 08:59).

The 2.38:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally using the Red Wagon camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture is hauntingly and atmospherically beautiful with numerous scenes that are stylized. The air is often thick in scenes within the killer's house, which enhances the tension. Other scenes exhibit clarity and sharpness. The color palette exhibits natural hues that are effectively saturated with accurate fleshtones in various lighting conditions. Resolution is excellent with fine detail seen in facial features, stubble, hair, clothing, furnishings, computer screens, and all manner of object textures. Contrast is excellent with solid blacks, revealing shadow delineation, and natural lighting highlights. This is an effective atmospheric thriller that is visually engaging. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is atmospherically enveloping with a strong surround presence that often is directional. Dynamics are effective in creating suspense and terror. Intense violence is enhanced with sharp transient attacks boosted with deep bass. Atmospherics, Foley, and sound effects also are effective in creating realism. The orchestral score is beautiful and perfectly supportive of the story-building terror. The music extends wide and deep across the soundstage, extending strongly to the surrounds, which creates a holosonic® soundfield. Fidelity also is excellent. This is a well-crafted soundtrack that really sets the mood in each scene for an incredibly scary experience. (Gary Reber)