PUNISHER: WAR ZONE (4K ULTRA HD)

PUNISHER: WAR ZONE 4K REVIEWED

Punisher: War Zone gets the 4K treatment from Lionsgate. While it is an upscale job, the film also plays darker than I remember seeing on the DVD. Continuing to ape aspects of the successful Garth Ennis run, director Lexi Alexander seem to have a better grasp on the character. The problem with that is The Punisher is still a difficult translation to film. After all, Frank Castle was created as a direct response to Death Wish making a big bow in 1974. When a sourced character comes from the over-used point of 70s ultra violence, then what makes him stand out as original? Alexander leans hard into the supporting cast and villains to powder out the difference. Still, it’s a Catch-22 of trying to find a way to translate the page to screen. Can it be done? Sure. The kicker is that it’s going to take an insane level of planning to translate. Punisher: War Zone has its fanbase and I know they’ll get out there and buy this release. My feeling is that, it shouldn’t get such immediate love. Understand what works and what doesn’t. If that’s not enough, then realize it’s better than the Hensleigh take.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Commentary
• Featurettes
• Trailer

A/V STATS

• 2.35:1 2160p transfer
• Dolby Atmos

RELEASE DATE: 9/25/18