review: VANTAGE POINT (Blu-ray)

Sony  //  Buy from Amazon.com During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain, the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill, but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness, the reality of the assassination takes shape. But just when you think you know the answer, the shattering final truth is revealed. Vantage Point is a mind-bending political action-thriller! I recall seeing the trailer for this film in the theater at the beginning of the year and thinking to myself, "Damn, that is going to be a kick-ass film." So, needless to say I was very excited to receive this one for review, and I couldn't get it into my Blu-ray player fast enough (literally no more than 7 minutes passed from delivery to me pressing play!) The first 10-15 minutes were interesting - the movie kind of slipped you into the story sideways, unsuspecting-like, and admittedly I was struck by the choppy, wooden dialogue that Sigourney Weaver was stuck with. However, once the format of the movie took hold (same sequence of events repeated over & over, each time from the perspective, or "vantage point," of a different character), I found myself engrossed and enjoying the ride. Now, I do find irony in that it's a great story & premise, but with weak writing and character development, but the action and "whodunnit?" aspects are just so damn engaging that I found myself able to overlook those cerebral failings and instead just enjoy a damn fine action flick. And so you should you! Video Presented in a 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, the 1080p high def transfer for this film is outstanding, delivering razor-sharp detail that is jaw-droppingly clean & crisp. This is how good high def was meant to look! Audio The included Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround mix is also fantastic, with full use of the surround set up and effects that seem to literally transport you into the middle of the action. Extras audio commentary w/ director "Vantage Viewere" GPS Tracker" interactive mode vider "An Inside Perspective" featurette "Plotting an Assassination" featurette "Coordinating Chaos: Stunts" featurette outtakes trailer Closing Thoughts Well-crafted, highly entertaining action fare + nice selection of extras = solid evening's entertainment