Detonator II
New Line Home Entertainment
Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Alexandra Paul, William Devane
Extras:
Rating:
Just before he slipped in to the role of James Bond for the first time, Pierce Brosnan appeared in this TV production, based on a novel by Alistair MacLean. The film is actually not too far from Bond territory as Brosnan plays an undercover agent on a mission to investigate the theft of Rembrandt’s famous ’The Night Watch’ painting. As he follows the trail he uncovers much more than a simply art theft, but a plot by the Communists to destroy all of Earth’s communication systems and take control.
’Detonator II: Night Watch’ is a pretty good action flick with some great action and explosive moments. It was the perfect precursor to James Bond, I daresay. It is well cast, well paced and being based on a story by political thriller-meister MacLean, it also features an absolutely solid story.
New Line Home Entertainment presents the movie in a 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio on this DVD in a transfer that is enhanced for 16×9 TV sets. The image is absolutely clean and clear, without speckles or blemishes. Colors are vibrant and never bleeding, rendering skin tones absolutely naturally. Solid black levels give the image depth and render shadows without breaking up or losing detail, and the highlights of the image are nicely balanced without bleeding. No edge-enhancement is evident and the compression is free of artifacts.
On the audio side, New Line has sponsored the release a brand new DTS track, as well as a 5.1 channel Dolby digital mix. The mix is wonderfully engaging with aggressive surround usage and a wide dynamic range that makes the best of the action-filled moments in the movie. Bass extension is very good and high ends are free of distortion, making this a great film to experience sonically.
The release has no extras unfortunately but still remains a very cool action flick that is a good notch above your traditional television action fare, so check it out some time.
