THE PUNISHER 4K REVIEWED
“The Punisher” arrives in stunning 4K. While not as sharp as the recently released American Psycho, it’s not an upscale job. Still, what is to be made of Jonathan Hensleigh’s attempt to bring The Punisher to the big screen. Much like those that came before and came after, he made a vigilante movie and not The Punisher. It’s hard to get right, but Hensleigh almost willing leaned into the odder aspects of the Ennis run. It’s just that he didn’t get the damn point.
A lot of this is chalked up to the fundamental disagreements that Hensleigh had with Marvel Studios during pre production. Still, the entire film plays like a lesser Bronson movie from the 1980s. Don’t let that thought go anywhere, as we will revisit it later this week. Rewatching the film for the first time in ages revealed something to me. Thomas Jane could’ve made an excellent Frank Castle…now.
In 2004, the Marvel formula hadn’t been nailed down and what we got was reasonable Cannon Films homage. John Travolta was pretty much playing the Henry Silva role in literally any movie between 1978-1990. What is so hard about actually nailing tone? As much as I don’t love the Netflix series, it’s about 85-90% there. If there was ever a franchise screaming for Thomas Jane and a talented team to revamp…now is the time.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- Music Video
A/V STATS
- 2.35:1 2160p transfer
- Dolby Atmos
RELEASE DATE: 9/25/18
