The Transporter 3 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
THE SET-UP
Frank Martin (Jason Statham) is forced to transport a mysterious woman who holds the key to a crooked business venture, forcing him to break his usual rules. Also stars Natalya Rudakova, Francois Berleand, and Robert Knepper.
Directed by Olivier Megaton
THE DELIVERY
The Transporter film series has always been an enjoyable ride, even if the plot and the logic behind it is a little thin. Transporter 3’s logic and story are so thin they’re almost non-existent, but it’s got Jason Statham and cool car chases, so there you go.
Transporter 3 is basically one long car chase, with a spattering of dialogue and some semblance of a plot. It seems Frank Martin (Statham) is living the quiet life and putting his past behind him. After he recommends a replacement driver for a potential client, the job goes sideways, and the client forces Martin to complete the mission.
That involves driving a young woman (Natalya Rudakova) to Bucharest, but things get complicated when Martin continuously (and inexplicably) tries to get out of the job. That’s not as easy as it sounds when he has an exploding bracelet attached to his wrist.
We are then treated to a series of over-the top car chases and fight scenes, most of which make the film worthwhile. Some, however, are almost laughingly dumb, especially when Frank gets separated from his car (which will set off the exploding bracelet), and he has to chase it down on a bike.
The film is hurt seriously by the incoherent editing. Fight scenes, which are always a highlight and showcase Statham’s abilities, features cuts so manic that you cannot even tell it’s Statham half the time. Director Olivier Megaton also has the annoying habit of speeding up the film during fight scenes, making the film look more comical than intense.
Statham is his same stoic self, which makes watching him emotionally melt half the fun. Natalya Rudakova is a newcomer to acting, and it shows. She doesn’t doesn’t have much range, and her accent should have required subtitles half of the time.
The film’s best asset is actor Robert Knepper (Prison Break), whose intense presence makes him a perfect foil, and a menacing villain that keeps the film’s momentum going. The final showdown between he and Statham ends the film on the proper high note.
Transporter 3 is a bit of a mess, but it’s a fun mess. Statham manages to keep the action fairly interesting, and Knepper a satisfying bad guy. Just don’t try to think too much, and you’ll enjoy the ride.
VIDEO AND AUDIO
The 4K transfer isn’t jaw-dropping, but I do give Lionsgate credit for not doing a digital clean-up on the film, which I feel gives it an artificial look. Instead, you do see some film grain, while detail remains sharp. For a film that’s ten years old, I expect to see film grain, so I don’t mind it at all. Colors, for the most part, are natural and subdued, but the use of filters at times for a stylized look does affect that. Blacks are deep and rich.
The Dolby Atmos mix on the 4K disc is nice, with fantastic range and satisfying bass for the movie’s dance music soundtrack. The 4K set also includes a standard Blu-ray disc, which includes a 7.1 DTS-HD MA track. A French 5.1 Dolby Digital track is included on both discs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
There are decent set of extras on the disc, from behind-the-scenes featurettes to an audio commentary.
Bonus features included on the disc are:
“Special Delivery: Transporters in the Real World” featurette. This featurette doesn’t deal with the film directly, but instead features interview with military and security personnel who discuss those who act as “transporters” for VIPs. Running Time: 13:49
“Making of Transporter 3” featurette. Director Olivier Megaton, Jason Statham, Robert Knepper, and Natalya Rudakova discuss the making of the film. The video quality is not HD, and appears to be standard DVD quality. Running Time: 16:16
Storyboard Comparison. Director Olivier Megaton shows off storyboards from the film, in comparison to the end result on the screen. Running Time: 2:47
Visual Effects featurette. This featurette explores how the stunts were all real, and how visual effects were used sparingly in order to sell the shot. Running Time: 2:33
“The Sets” featurette. The construction of the sets, particularly Frank’s house and the train car, is explored. Running Time: 2:10
Trailer. The original theatrical trailer is included.
Audio Commentary. Director Olivier Megaton provides a rather lackluster commentary. It’s not the easiest to listen to with his heavy accent, and he honestly does not provide much pertinent or otherwise interesting information into the making of the film.
Digital Copy. A code for a digital copy of the film (in HD only) is included.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Transporter 3 is mindless fun, thanks to Statham and Knepper
The Transporter 3 is hardly classic cinema, and it was never meant to be. That doesn’t excuse some obvious shortcomings, but if you sit back and try not to think about it, you’ll enjoy the ride.
4K ULTRA HD SPECS
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Running Time: 104 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English, English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Spanish
Special Features: “Special Delivery: Transporters in the Real World” featurette; “Making of Transporter 3” featurette; Storyboards; Visual Effects featurette; “The Sets” featurette; Theatrical Trailer.
Audio Commentary: With Director Olivier Megaton
Label: Lionsgate
Click here to order The Transporter 3 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from Amazon.
