- Aspect Ratio: 2:40:1
- Video Codec: AVC MPEG-4
- Resolution: 1080p/24 (23.976Hz)
- Audio Codec: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
- Subtitles Color: Yellow
- Region: A (Region-Locked)
- Rating: R
- Run Time: 93 Mins
- Discs: 1 (1 x Blu-ray)
- Digital Copies: N/A
- Studio: IFC Films
- Blu-ray Release Date: September 25th, 2012
- List Price: $29.98
–
Overall
[Rating:3/5]
The Film
[Rating:3.5/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:0.5/5]
Click thumbnails for high-resolution 1920X1080p screen captures
(All TheaterByte screen captures are lightly compressed with lossy JPEG at 100% quality setting and are meant as a general representation of the content. They do not fully reveal the capabilities of the Blu-ray format)
–
The Film
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Samaritan tells the story of Foley (Samuel L. Jackson), fresh out of prison after a 25-year bid. Swearing that he’s done with what put him behind bars (grifting), Foley soon finds himself entangled in the “business” again after running into Ethan (Luis Kirby), the son of a former business partner. Initially Foley wants nothing to do with Ethan, but secrets from the past have come back to haunt Foley, resulting in him needing to finish this once and for all. What results is an entertaining action film thanks in part to a convincing performance by Jackson.
Jackson, as per a majority of his films, is able to carry his films in a manner that, even though the film isn’t perfect, is still worth checking out. The plot here isn’t groundbreaking in the slightest sense, however Jackson brings a sense of style and toughness to his performance. In fact, I rate this film like another of his via the 1408. You know that movie, the one that really isn’t anything remotely solid, but still ends up being entertaining. Jackson has the know how to carry films, similar to Robert De Niro (and his recent Stone). No, I won’t put this one on any ‘best of’ lists, but I will say that if you’re looking for a purely entertaining film, then give The Samaritan a look.
Video Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
The Samaritan debuts on Blu-ray with a 2:40:1 framed, AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer, which is quite solid for a low budget film. The film’s palette takes a kind of darker approach during the film’s initial moments, but soon brightens up. It’s during these scenes that the palette is given some room to breath. Here flesh tones are accurate, as are contrast levels. Grain is somewhat present during a few of the flashback sequences, but it’s never overly obtrusive. All in all, I was pleased with what IFC put together here.
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Featuring an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, I found this lossless offering to be just fine. Dialogue, as one might expect, is well reproduced via the center channel. Atmosphere can range from quiet during a few of the lower key sequences, to downright impressive during a few of the club moments. It’s also during these scenes that LFE offers up solid low end, as well as a good use of the surrounds. Discrete effects like that of background music, emergency vehicles zooming by or bullets zipping from left to right, all help to bring home a solid aural experience. All in all, this mix handles the film well.
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:0.5/5]
The included supplements are featured in High Definition:
- Trailer – The film’s trailer (2:21) is shown.
The Definitive Word
Overall:
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Samaritan won’t win any awards – ever, however, Samuel L. Jackson is able to carry the film thanks to his convincing performance. IFC’s Blu-ray for the film hits on both technical fronts, but lacks features. I’d say give this one a rental on a night when you’re looking for an entertaining action movie.
Additional Screen Captures
[amazon-product]B008B9JSKU[/amazon-product]
Purchase The Samaritan on Blu-ray at CD Universe
Shop for more Blu-ray titles on Amazon.com
–
[amazon-product]B008B9JSKU[/amazon-product]
Purchase The Samaritan on Blu-ray at CD Universe
Shop for more Blu-ray titles on Amazon.com
Overall
[Rating:2.5/5]
The Film
[Rating:2/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:0.5/5]
–
