U.S. Marshals Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "U.S. Marshals" offers a commendable visual experience with its 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer. The work of cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak is effectively conveyed with rich yet understated colors and almost tactile textures. Detail is consistently strong, capturing every wrinkle and crease, especially in close-ups of Tommy Lee Jones. Action sequences, particularly those featuring stunts and models, are rendered with impressive clarity that predates the heavy use of CGI. Extended scenes, such as those set in the Tennessee swamp, offer clear visibility of leaves, aquatic vegetation, and mud, enhancing the film's realism.

Blacks are deep and solid, critical for scenes like the aftermath of the plane crash. Colors strike a fine balance—rich without veering into oversaturation. The transfer is notably clean, devoid of specks, scratches, or dirt throughout the entire film. Although there are sporadic instances of mild aliasing and a noticeable vertical judder at the 8:43 mark, these are minor issues in an otherwise strong presentation. The preservation of the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio further ensures an authentic viewing experience.

Despite these strengths, some variability in sharpness and detail is present. Certain scenes exhibit striking detail, revealing pores and stubble, while others appear softer and less textured. Digital noise, banding, and compression artifacts are pleasantly absent due to a high-quality BD-50 disc. There is minimal evidence of edge enhancement, preserving a natural look overall. Flesh tones lean slightly warm but remain within acceptable limits. This Blu-ray transfer ultimately provides a substantial improvement over previous DVD releases, delivering a visually engaging experience for an older catalog title.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "U.S. Marshals" stands out with its dynamic and engaging auditory experience. From the opening snowy surveillance footage, the surround effects amplify the tension, echoing in a way that surpasses typical surveillance outputs. The major action sequences, such as Mark Warren's bone-crunching tow truck crash and the decompression and crash landing of the prison plane, are rendered with stunning precision, filling the room with impactful and realistic sounds. The cemetery shooting scene is particularly notable, where bullets whiz by, hitting various objects and creating a symphony of mayhem. Scenes set in downtown New York (notably shot in Chicago) also add to the sonic landscape with constant traffic noises.

This high-grade mix is consistent, ensuring the rear speakers and subwoofer are fully engaged during action-packed sequences. The helicopter effects are seamlessly distributed around the listening area, enhancing immersion. However, the mix does display some inconsistencies during quieter scenes, where dialogue can sometimes be overshadowed by other elements, leading to instances where vocal clarity is compromised.

In these quieter moments of dialogue and investigation, sound tends to localize to the front channels, resulting in a slightly front-heavy mix. Despite these instances of muddled dialogue, Jerry Goldsmith’s score remains a highlight, effectively building on elements from James Newton Howard’s score for "The Fugitive," while establishing its unique identity for this film. Overall, the audio presentation of "U.S. Marshals" on Blu-ray is powerful and immersive, despite the occasional overshadowing of dialogue in high-tension scenes.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "U.S. Marshals" are comprehensive, albeit somewhat dated since they are ported directly from the 1998 Warner DVD release. While not in high definition, these features provide substantial insights into the film's production. The most notable inclusion is the "Anatomy of the Plane Crash," a nearly thirteen-minute, segmented featurette that delves into the intricate details of one of the movie's key action sequences. In contrast, the commentary by director Stuart Baird is dry and sparse, marked by lengthy pauses and sporadic insights. "Justice Under the Star," a nearly twenty-minute featurette, serves more as an educational piece on the U.S. Marshal's Service than a behind-the-scenes look at the film, feeling somewhat out of place. Overall, these extras cater to fans who appreciate detailed production insights, though they lack the polish of modern Blu-ray features.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Stuart Baird: Insightful but extremely dry commentary with lengthy pauses.
• Anatomy of the Plane Crash: Step-by-step breakdown of the crash sequence divided into short segments.
• Justice Under the Star: History of the U.S. Marshal's Service in reality and cinema.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer showcasing film restoration effort for Blu-ray.

1998's "U.S. Marshals" serves as a spinoff to the acclaimed "The Fugitive," positioning Tommy Lee Jones' U.S. Deputy Marshal Sam Gerard at the forefront. Jones, who won an Oscar for his portrayal in the original, is again the central draw, infusing depth and gravitas into his character. The film brings back most of Gerard's team, adding LaTanya Richardson's Deputy Cooper to replace L. Scott Caldwell's Deputy Poole effectively. The plot centers around the pursuit of Mark Roberts (Wesley Snipes), a fugitive whose arrest is linked to a high-stakes espionage case involving murdered federal agents. Unlike Harrison Ford’s everyman Dr. Richard Kimble, Snipes' Roberts is introduced as a seasoned covert operative, rendering his escape and subsequent chase more like a standard spy thriller than an innocent man's desperate flight.

Directed by Stuart Baird, "U.S. Marshals" opens with a gripping scene of a murder in a New York City parking garage, captured on grainy surveillance video. The action quickly shifts to Chicago, where a tow truck driver, Mark Warren (Roberts under an alias), is apprehended following a dramatic car crash. Roberts' transport on a plane with Gerard leads to a sensational mid-flight incident, culminating in a spectacular crash that allows him to flee. What follows is a high-octane pursuit through various terrains and urban settings, showcasing Baird's adeptness at staging action set-pieces such as the riveting plane crash and ensuing manhunt.

While the action sequences are commendably executed with practical effects that impress even years later, "U.S. Marshals" lacks the straightforward narrative and emotional heft of its predecessor. Snipes delivers a solid performance, but his character's inherently clandestine nature fails to evoke the same level of audience empathy as Ford's beleaguered doctor. The addition of Robert Downey Jr.’s slick Agent Royce adds a layer of intrigue but can't fully compensate for the absence of Ford's compelling presence. Overall, though less potent than "The Fugitive," "U.S. Marshals" remains an engaging film with notable action and strong performances, particularly from Jones and Downey Jr.

"U.S. Marshals," while not destined to be a classic like its predecessor "The Fugitive," is a well-crafted and entertaining action thriller. Tommy Lee Jones delivers a stellar performance as the indefatigable Marshal Sam Gerard, supported competently by Wesley Snipes and Robert Downey Jr., although the latter's portrayal of a straight-laced government agent is somewhat out of his element. The plot, though derivative, is coherent and thoughtfully executed, distinguishing it from many of today's thrillers. This Blu-ray edition enhances the experience with superior technical quality, ensuring fans will appreciate watching it anew.

The Blu-ray release of "U.S. Marshals" excels in audiovisual presentation, delivering a strikingly clearer and more dynamic experience than previous editions. The film's action sequences and impressive stunts benefit greatly from the high-definition upgrade. Additionally, there are informative, though brief, special features that provide some interesting insights into the film's production, satisfying enthusiasts of behind-the-scenes content. The disc rights the wrongs of earlier subpar releases and completes the film collection in impressive form.

Conclusion: For fans of "The Fugitive," "U.S. Marshals" is a compelling, though not superior, follow-up that merits viewing. The Blu-ray release, with its enhanced audio and visual quality, provides an excellent opportunity for both first-time viewers and returning fans to enjoy this action-packed thriller as never before.