Why So Blu?

Sniper: Reloaded (Blu-ray Review)

It’s DTV (Direct to Video) week here at Why So Blu where we bring you more than just your average popular release on Blu-ray; we’ve got DTV material too!  In this installment we will bring you Sniper: Reloaded which is the fourth film in the Sniper quadrilogy that started with actor Tom Berenger in the lead way back in 1993.  To be completely honest I have not seen parts two and three, so I can’t comment on those.  In fact I don’t remember much about the original Sniper film either.  How will the latest installment in the dueling sniper franchise stack up to the original?  Stay down, watch your step, and come on in. 

Film 

Sniper: Reloaded is the story of Marine Sgt. Brandon Beckett (Murray) who receives special orders to go into the Congo to rescue a stranded European farmer before it’s too late.  Beckett is a sniper as well just like his father was (Tom Berenger in the original Sniper films).  Sniper: Reloaded is pretty much a “Son of the Sniper” film.  Literally.  When Beckett and his team get ambushed on their dangerous U.N. mission, sniper (now an instructor) Richard Miller (Zane) is sent in to help Beckett before time runs out.  Miller used to be the senior Beckett’s protege.  Works for me.

Again, here’s another direct-to-video sequel that’s an actual sequel that’s connected to all of the previous films that is actually entertaining.  And again, here’s another film that I actually ended up liking more than I should have.  The kills come fast and furious as there is a sniper lurking in the weeds that is picking off the entire team sent in to rescue the farmer.  That’s just in the first twenty minutes or so.  As it goes further the fire fights escalate and everyone whips out  their gigantic sniper rifles.  Sniper: Reloaded is full on sniper vs sniper action.

Sniper: Reloaded does good in not taking itself too seriously and is cool in that they even used a picture of Tom Berenger in uniform to tie the rest of the franchise together.  Director Claudio Faeh does great with the budget afforded him and stretches that dollar to the limit.  Sniper: Reloaded may be low budget, but doesn’t look it.  Faeh was also responsible for the direct-to-video sequel Hollow Man 2 which was a pretty sweet film in its own right.

For those interested in snipers and weapons, etc., Sniper: Reloaded does not disappoint in that department as there are many kills where people just get spun in a circle by high caliber sniper guns.  Since I have not seen parts 2 and 3, I can only say that Sniper: Reloaded is a valid entry to the franchise that compliments the first film really well.

Video

Sniper: Reloaded is presented in 1080p 1.85:1.  Shot in South Africa, but taking place in “Africa” the color palette really lends itself to the Blu-ray format.  There are many shots of dessert and wilderness that just look amazing!  The grass is definitely greener on this release.  I did not detect instances of dirt or scratches and the grain level is pretty consistent.  I did spot instances of mild edge enhancement, but other than that the presentation of Sniper: Reloaded is spot on.

Audio 

Sniper: Reloaded is presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1.  Robust this track is I must say.  You will not know where the bullets are coming from as they take down their targets, which is great, because the sound mixers did their jobs.  The directional sound effects are awesome.  The LFE bumps when the higher caliber weapons are used and you can feel it in your guts.  Dialogue is clean and crisp and easy to follow.  Sniper: Reloaded sounds great.

Special Features 

Nein.

Final Thoughts 

Sniper: Reloaded is much more entertaining that we are led to believe, in my opinion.  What hampers this release is that it’s a bare bones release.  The special features are nonexistent.  That’s a shame as I would have like to have gotten some insight on what snipers do (besides sniping).  I’d suggest a rental, but I would also suggest brushing up on your Sniper franchise (the previous films) before diving in, because you may enjoy it even more that way.  Oh, and I think Billy Zane’s mustache rocks.  \m/(>.<)\m/

 

Order Sniper: Reloaded on Blu-ray!