SRP $24.95 2.35:1(16:9) DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 COLUMBIA TRISTAR

There have been many prison flicks released in the past few years, and with the exception of “UNDISPUTED,” most have been horrible.  Another exception can be found in the newly released, “LOCKDOWN,” available from COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME VIDEO. 

The story is about three friends sent to prison for a crime they didn’t commit.  Instead of trying to imitate “SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION” or “HURRICANE,” “LOCKDOWN” concentrates on its depiction of friendship and how even a great one can’t hold together, when it’s needed the most, if faced with certain situations. While one of these guys in particular, “Cashmere” isn’t really a great example of a victim,(he’s a drug dealer) it’s hard not to empathize with the plight of all of these characters as they’re thrown in with far more savage and just plain awful people. 

Because it is a prison film, there’s a good deal of violence and brutality throughout the film, and many will be turned off by it. However, none of it feels exploitative. And, this would probably make for a much better deterrent for youth than “SCARED STRAIGHT” ever did!  There are some subplots that we’ve all seen before, but to the film’s credit, there’s enough creativity throughout the film to make it worthwhile, and never feel derivative. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  While the prison setting calls for a gritty atmosphere, colors values aren’t as restrained as they are in most prison flicks.  As was the case with “UNDISPUTED,” there are various sequences wherein the colors are even rich and vibrant!  Contrast is extremely good, with deep blacks and grays.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix for this release.  While ther soundmix isn’t nearly as aggressive as in “UNDISPUTED,” the surrounds get a fair share of usage, and the score is complimented throughout all speakers. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

Several trailers are included.