Machete

Set up, double-crossed, and left for dead, Machete (Trejo) is an ass-kicking ex-Federale who lays waste to anything that gets in his path. As he takes on hit men, vigilantes, and a ruthless drug cartel, bullets fly, blades clash, and the body count rises. Any way you slice it, vengeance has a new name—Machete. (Gary Reber)

Special features include a Bonus View audience reaction track, 10 deleted scenes (HD 10:58), the theatrical trailer, the theatrical trailer (red band), up-front previews, a digital copy of the film, and BD-Live functionality. D-BOX® Motion Code is credited on the box jacket but there is no file on the disc.

The 1080p AVC picture presents in the beginning of the film the artificially "distressed" film techniques that were used in the Grindhouse movies. Purposely induced artifacts, such as jitters, scratches, intentional fuzziness, and other degradations are visible. The distressed look switches to a respectable high-contrast production that is visually superb. Imagery is crisp, clean, and super-saturated. Resolution is impressive, especially evident in Danny Trejo's uniquely rugged facial features. Minutely detailed clothing and object textures are sharply defined. Much of the imagery exhibits a dramatic sun-drenched color palette, with bold hues, especially blood reds and warm fleshtones that are generally exaggerated for effect. Contrast is excellent, with solid black levels and generally revealing shadow delineation. This is one of those rare stylized visual experiences that push the color palette for dramatic effect and deliver an exciting visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack delivers a solidly dynamic punchy sonic experience that perfectly enhances the intense action sequences. Sound effects are intensely punctuated during gun battles, with crunch sonics that are powerful. Surround envelopment is effectively aggressive and directionalized. Dimensionality is quite active, with plenty of panning effects during action scenes. All this is delivered with intense SPL energy that is exciting. The music score rocks loudly as well and is performed by Chingo, the band that Director Robert Rodriguez formed in 2003 to score the soundtrack for Once Upon A Time In Mexico. Bass extension is deep and effectively energized in the .1 LFE channel to sub-25 Hz frequencies. Dialogue is intelligible, though, quite forward at times and wanting in spatial integration. For some unusual fun, select the Dolby® Digital 5.1 "Audience Reaction Track," which puts you in a virtual audience surround setting with a crowd of people alternately laughing, applauding, whistling, groaning, and cheering. This is a dynamic and engaging soundtrack, with plenty of high-energy sonics that are sure to lift your spirits. (Gary Reber)