DVD Corner

Law Abiding Citizen 4K UHD Steelbook Review

“Law Abiding Citizen” is preposterous but engaging. 

Written by Kurt Wimmer, 2009’s “Law Abiding Citizen” is a Philadelphia set legal action thriller. The story begins with a horrific home invasion in which 2 criminals (Clarence and Rupert) are responsible for the murder of the wife and daughter of a CIA engineer (Clyde). The 2 criminals are caught, but the prosecutor (Nick) opts for a deal in which Clarence (the real killer) gets jail time while Rupert is sent to death row (much to the displeasure and heartbreak of Clyde). 10 years pass and Rupert is executed by lethal injection which has been tampered with to cause a painful death. Clarence, meanwhile, is out on the streets but is captured, tortured and brutally murdered by Clyde. Clyde is jailed for the murder despite any evidence, but this is all part of his plan. Clyde has set in motion an elaborate plan of revenge/murder spree against the Philadelphia justice department. Only Nick may be able to stop him.

Directed by F. Gary Gray (best known for “Straight Outta Compton” and “The Fate Of The Furious”), “Law Abiding Citizen” plays like a cross between “Saw” and “Se7en” with a legal angle about the broken justice system and accountability. It’s a violent and intense thriller that wears its influences on its sleeve, but there’s never a dull moment here. With that said, the movie is flat-out ridiculous. Clyde’s elaborate plan becomes more absurd with each passing moment as he is always one step ahead of everyone in his mad plot. If you can turn off your brain and not think about the plausibility too much, you may find yourself getting swept up by this preposterous popcorn thriller. You don’t really see movies like this these days so there’s something kind of refreshing about watching it in 2025. At least it’s an original film and not a remake or reboot.

The star-studded cast certainly helps make swallowing the over-the-top film easier. Jamie Foxx shines as Nick, but Gerard Butler steals the movie as the scheming villain Clyde. The two stars are aided by a stellar supporting cast featuring Leslie Bibb, Colm Meaney, Regina Hall, Bruce McGill, Roger Bart, and a pre-superstar Viola Davis.

Note: The 4K Steelbook is an Amazon exclusive.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? Viewers can expect a glossy 4K print. This is a quality upgrade to be sure.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos track is respectable but perhaps not as potent as the standard Atmos track.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* Commentary by producers Alan Siegel and Lucas Foster.
* Theatrical trailer
* “The Justice Of Law Abiding Citizen” breaks down the legal situation of the case in the film.
* “Law In Black And White- Behind The Scenes”- An all purpose extra that contains interviews, story discussions and discussions about various aspects of the production, location shooting, and more.
* “Preliminary Arguments- Visual Effects Progressions”- A look at 5 visual effects scenes in various stages.
* “The Verdict- Winning Trailer Mash-Up”

June 14, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Action Thriller, Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Law Abiding Citizen 4K UHD Steelbook Review