It’s a treat to see one of Antoine Fuqua’s best films, Shooter, in 4K Ultra Blu-ray as it’s crystal clear like it was released in a movie theater. And the presentation brings you up close to all the action in this thriller that’s relentless throughout. One of Mark Wahlberg and Michael Pena’s early films, the energy from the two stars makes all the action work.
The film opens with Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg), a topnotch sharp shooter, and Donnie (Lane Garrison), his spotter, protecting a column of US Army soldiers in Ethiopia. During a skirmish Donnie takes a fatal hit. The death of Donnie has a deep effect on Swagger and he leaves the service. Three years later we find Swagger living a secluded life with his dog Sam in the mountains still grieving from the loss of Donnie. Later that day Swagger gets a visit from FBI Operative Colonel Isaac Johnson (Danny Glover) who’s determined to Get Swagger as a consultant involving a possible assassination of the President of the United States.
So begins a thrill a minute story that will keep you glued to the home screen. Director Antoine Fuqua takes very little time to get his audience into all the action, and the action is what this film is all about. With excellent acting by the then upcoming stars Mark Wahlberg, Michael Pena and Kate Mara amid this explosive production, the entertainment meter for thrill seekers is through the roof. The very talented Fuqua makes the difference here having cut his teeth with Training Day under his belt and already becoming known to deliver a taught thriller.
Special Features:
“Survival of the Fittest” The making of Shooter
“Independence Hall”
“7 Deleted Scenes”
The big thing with this release of Training Day that opened in 2007 is the advancement of the presentation to 4K and delivering it in a Steelbook for long library retention. The quality played on the Ultra Blu-ray with Dolby Master Audio sound makes like having a theater in your own home. While blowing the windows out with superb sound, the war, chase and other combative scenes are sharp and sometimes 3D-ish.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Rhona Mitra, Danny Glover, Lane Garrison, Elias Koteas, Sarah Fenn
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong graphic violence and some language
Running Time: 2 hrs. 4 min.
Video Street Date: March 16, 2022 (Originally released in 2007)
Language: English
Reviewed Format: 4K Ultra Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio
Video: 4K Ultra High Definition
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French, Portuguese
Distributed by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Released on: Steelbook 4K Ultra Blu-ray and Digital Copy
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
