MovieFreak.com - The Transporter DVD Review

Transporter, The (2002)

Starring: Jason Statham, Matt Schultze
Director: Corey Yuen

Rating: PG-13

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Review Posted: 4.21.03

Spoilers: Minor

Synopsis

Ex-Special Forces operator Frank Martin (Statham) lives what seems to be a quiet life along the French Mediterranean, hiring himself out as a mercenary "transporter" who moves goods--human or otherwise--from one place to another. Carrying out mysterious and sometimes dangerous tasks in his tricked-out BMW, Frank adheres to a strict set of rules, which he never breaks. Frank's newest transport seems no different from the countless ones he's done in the past. He's been hired by an American known only as "Wall Street" to make a delivery; but when Frank stops along the route, he notices his package is moving. Violating Rule Three, Frank looks inside the bag, finding its contents to be a beautiful, gagged woman.

>Read Harvey S. Karten's Film Review!

The Video

THE TRANSPORTER is presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 on this double-sided DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. Fox has done a great job with this video transfer; picture looked amazing. Colors were brilliant and dazzling; I felt the color palette demonstrated its surroundings well. Black levels were deep; with no negative feedback on this transfer; Fox delivers a delightful transfer that was just amazing to watch.

The Audio

THE TRANSPORTER is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. This is truly an engaging DD5.1 mix. Crank this one up if you want to give that receiver a good work out! The DD5.1 mix created fantastic ambience, which makes the environmental surrounds relatively noticeable throughout the film creating an all-encompassing atmosphere. Sound effects seemed to pop up all over; the room is engrossed with gunfire and a vivacious score. Similar to the video transfer, Fox has created an engaging mix and for this reason this is why audio receivers are created; this mix is truly an exceptional mix that should be shown off.

The Extras

Commentary by actor Jason Statham and producer Steven Chasman
Theatrical trailer(s)
15 minutes of unrated, never-before-seen extended fight sequences with optional commentary
"Making-of" featurette

Overall

Efficient action scenes and slyly choreographed fight sequences are director Cory Yuen’s specialty: he was martial arts choreographer for Kiss of the Dragon and The One and martial arts supervisor for Romeo Must Die. His extensive background in the genre shows in this film, but while THE TRANSPORTER is visually exciting and theoretically well done, it loses points for adding some really cheap elements to an otherwise action-packed flick. Writers Robert Kamen and Luc Besson have a great grip with the Frank Martin character, but they introduce too many cheesy elements.

Overall, THE TRANSPORTER comes highly recommended for all action fans; turn your brain off and get ready for some mindless action. If your looking at a purchase, you simply can’t go wrong; the video transfer and audio mix are absolutely outstanding; fans of the TRANSPORTER will be thrilled. One of the best action flicks in recent months, THE TRANSPORTER is enjoyable with terrific action sequences. As much as I like TRANSPORTER, I can only recommend the film to true fans of the genre.

Film Rating: 3 out of 4

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

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