Marksman, The

In "The Marksman," ex-Marine and hardened Arizona rancher Jim Hanson (Neeson) simply wants to be left alone as he tries to make a living on an isolated stretch of borderland. But everything changes when he witnesses 11-year-old migrant Miguel (Perez) and his mother (Ruiz) fleeing from a band of assassins sent by a ruthless drug cartel. After being caught in a shoot-out, Miguel’s mother begs Jim to take her son to the safety of their family in Chicago. Defying law-enforcement, Jim and Miguel hit the road and slowly begin to forge an unlikely friendship, while the cartel’s relentless assassins blaze a bloody trail, hot on their heels. (Gary Reber)

Special features include "The Making Of The Marksman" featurette (HD 08:19), upfront previews and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 2.39:1 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 Arri Alexa Mini camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture exhibits naturalness and realism throughout. The color palette is naturally saturated and vivid with well-balanced hues that exhibit warmth and richness. Fleshtones appear accurate. Most of the scenes involve earthy settings, including a dusty Mexican village. Contrast is excellent with natural black levels and revealing shadows, as well as natural white levels. Resolution is revealing of nuanced object and clothing textures, as well as facial features such as Neeson's beard stubble and wrinkles. The detail depicted in the various locations, whether Hanson's home, a motel room, a barn or a convenience store, establishes excellent realism. This is a compelling picture that delivers the tension of the storytelling. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is steady with excellent atmospherics that set the wind and insect ambiance of a Mexican village. As the movie progresses, the action intensifies, but sound effects lack the heft that would appear appropriate. The music spans the soundfield with extension to the surrounds, providing envelopment. The shootouts lack the depth that deep bass would provide. Dialogue is a focus here and spatial integration is good. Overall, this is a satisfying soundtrack. (Gary Reber)