In Catch .44, Tes (Akerman) and her two cohorts Kara (Reed) and Tara (Woll) take a job that sounded simple enough: intercept a double-cross drug shipment for their crime boss Mel (Willis) at an isolated diner. But when an unstoppable chain of events unfolds, everyone soon realizes no one is who they seem and the job may be something other than eliminating the competition. What started as simple instructions has now turned into a deadly cat-and-mouse game-with large guns pointed at everyone. (Gary Reber)
Special features include a filmmakers' commentary and up-front previews.
The 1080p AVC picture is decent but not distinguished, with an overly rough "plugged-up" appearance. The imagery is softly focused with at times revealing detail in facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. The picture is generally dark, with lighting highlights to create visual drama. Contrast is generally good but shadow delineation is not always revealing. The color palette is at times strong, but blacks are a bit crushed. Overall, this is a stylish but not distinguished picture experience. (Gary Reber
The Dolby® TrueHD 5.1-channel soundtrack conventionally produced with a dialogue focus. The music score provides an effective backdrop but is pretty much just that, a backdrop presence that at times is dominant and surround enveloping. Atmospherics and sound effects are supportive, with intense realistic gunfire sequences. Surround envelopment is limited and not particularly engaging. Deep sub- 25 Hz bass is accentuated in the .1 LFE channel on occasion and provides dramatic intensity. Dialogue is always intelligible and at times nicely integrated spatially. In essence, the soundtrack is proficient but undistinguished. (Gary Reber)