Marvel fans who like their films gritty and ghastly choose The Punisher for an action packed movie. The character’s been one of the best protagonists to ever come from the Marvel community and in Punisher: War Zone actor Ray Stevenson tops all who came before him. I would be remiss if I did not mention Director Lexi Alexander for her amazing eye for combat and imagination that makes the film work.
Now, for the first time the movie comes out completely remastered in 4K Ultra HD with sound by Dolby Atmos and video quality by Dolby vision. The movie is stark raving mad and your 4K TV with its 4K system should blow the doors off.
Most followers of the revenge filled vigilante Frank “The Punisher” Castle (Ray Stevenson), a former FBI agent and Special Forces Instructor, knows the ferocity of the character. Not one of those superheroes who have special powers, Castle fights with fists, hand guns and military weapons to take down his adversaries. He pulls no punches so if you’re a bad guy, expect to be killed as he also takes no prisoners. The roadblocks in Castle’s way to getting even with or saving friends from New York’s biggest criminals, are his former FBI Agents, local cops and the difference between right and wrong.
It all started 6 years prior to this episode where his own family, a wife and two children, were gunned down after witnessing a mob hit. Since then he’s been blind to the law’s rights for criminals and thinks more about the rights of the victims. In this sequel we find Castle eyeing Cesare (John Dunn-Hill), a mafia head responsible for over 200 murders in the city. But, in order to get to him he has to go through Loony Bin Jim and his mob brother Billy “Jigsaw” Rossioti (Dominic West) two of the most ferocious killers of them all. Out to set up a deal with the Russians, Jigsaw will let no one stand in his way, even The Punisher. When things start going down in the Bronx however, they both come face to face with reality.
The rough and raw action in the film may remind you of a few other high profile characters like John Wick played by Keanu Reeves, Jason Statham as Chev Chelios in Crank and First Blood star Sylvester Stallone, but Ray Stevenson does an equally good job here as he manhandles the adversaries in Punisher: War Zone. Sure any brutal film makes for a lot of excitement and cringing fights, but Director Lexi Alexander, a female, shows the kick-ass retribution up close and spares no guts and skull cracking. Each scene gets more ruthless and cruel as the film rolls out, so get ready to gasp and wince with every take down.
Ray Stevenson pulls off a very scary performance of the man out of control. He makes his character a blunt killer, smashing and slashing and stabbing, and especially shooting any bad guy in his sights. You can see the pain in his eyes, his body and fists throughout the movie as the story gets fierce and extremely violent. He definitely out shines any of the previous Punishers and the ones following him right up to last year’s remake of The Punisher.
4K Dolby Vision™, HDR, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1 makes the film movie theater quality when played with the complete system. The ultra-high-definition 2160p image makes the presentation four times sharper than any previous video release and holds its own against most other 4k presentations of films I’ve viewed in the format. The dark scenes are crisp and clear just showing enough of the brutal action to give you a more visual sensation of the punishment. This ultra-high-definition image presentation should make your experience greater, especially if you watch a lot of videos in your home. As for the sound, Dolby Atmos®, Immersive Audio is multidimensional providing an ultra-clear noiseless presentation. When bones crack, you hear them and when a shot is fired, it’s like being in the same room with The Punisher.
BONUS FEATURES in the 4K Ultra HD/Combo with Ultra Blu-Ray
“Audio Commentary with Director Lexi Alexander and Director of Photography Steve Gainer”
“The Making of Punisher: War Zone” Featurette
“Meet Jigsaw” Featurette
“Weapons of The Punisher” Featurette
“Training to Become The Punisher” Featurette
“Creating the Look of the Film” Featurette
Punisher: War Zone has been rated R by the MPAA for pervasive strong brutal violence, language and some drug use. Please be sure that immature children are not present as there are strong relentless battles with parts that look blatantly real and affecting.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Definitely the way you want to see this classic thriller. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Starring: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Julie Benz, Doug Hutchison, Colin Salmon, Wayne Knight, Dash Mihok, Stephanie Janusauskas
Directed by: Lexi Alexander
Genre: Action, Crime
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive strong brutal violence, language and some drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 43 min.
Original Theatrical Release: December 5, 2008
Video Release Date: September 25, 2018 in 4K
Language: English (changeable to Spanish)
Reviewed Format: 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack
Audio: Dolby Atmos®, Immersive Audio
Video: Dolby Vision™, HDR, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Number of Discs: 2 discs, Digital Code
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released in: 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
