DVD Corner

No Escape Blu-ray Review

“No Escape” is an intense, but tedious thriller.

An American man (Jack) moves with his family to Southeast Asia where Jack has a new job. Alas, he couldn’t come at a worse time as he and his family become caught up in a violent political uprising which happens to involve the company Jack is now working for. As Americans are being executed, Jack, his wife and two children have to try to get to safety. Can a mysterious British man (Hammond) help them survive?

“No Escape” (not to be confused with the Ray Liotta film of the same name) is better than it looks and better than you might think it is. Yes, it’s simple, overlong, exhausting, and lacks characterization, but as a thriller, it works. Director John Erick Dowdle does a fine job of taking viewers on a hellish journey filled with terror and danger at every turn by dishing up effective long shots, Hard R violence, and ultra intense sequences (the roof tossing scene immediately comes to mind).

In terms of the cast, Lake Bell has little to do here, but Owen Wilson and Pierce Brosnan manage to shine even with underdeveloped roles. You might not picture Owen Wilson as much of an action star, but he is convincing here as a father who will do anything to protect his family. Brosnan doesn’t get much screentime and unfortunately sings again, but his character is easily the most interesting one in the film.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Superb. This is a very well shot film and the hi-def transfer doesn’t disappoint.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is a very active 5.1 DTS track. What more can you want?

Extras:
* The Weinstein Company trailers.
* DVD copy and Digital copy.
* 2 deleted scenes with optional commentary by John Erick Dowdle.
* 4 short behind-the-scenes segments featuring interviews with Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan and the Dowdle Brothers.
* A lively commentary by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle.

November 12, 2015 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Lake Bell, No Escape Blu-ray, Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan