DVD Review: The Big Hit – Superbit Edition

Studio: Columbia Tristar
Year: 1998
Rating: R
Running Time: 98 mins

Here is a title that really takes advantage of the Superbit line; The Big Hit gets a remaster in both image and sound.

The criminal anarchy is hilarious when a foursome of full-time hit men looking to score extra cash kidnap the boss’s goddaughter. And when beleaguered wise guy Mel is set up to take the fall, underworld antics and domestic absurdities collide for a working weekend no one will soon forget.

This is a great action flick with some great martial sequences. No doubt as Wesley Snipes was one of the producers of this flick and John Woo executive producer. Mark Wahlberg and Lou Diamond Phillips, who was almost invisible for the longest of times before this flick, are perfect for the roles.

Image Quality

The movie is presented to you in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Though the image quality is superior than the regular edition, it isn’t perfect. There are still some area, more at the beginning of the movie, that are a little bit grainy. It’s very obvious as well and surprising. Black levels are a tad bit off too. Just a little lighter than they should be.

Now will this put your enjoyment of the movie in jeopardy? No it will not, these problems are mostly at the beginning of the film, but it is still surprising that something like this was overlooked especially when “Superbit” is suppose to be all about image and sound quality. For your information, if you don’t know, three quarters of the RSDL disc is reserved for image quality.

Sound Quality:

Oh man; if you want an experience in what sound is: this is a must. The sound of this DVD is just awesome (can you say DEMO disc…oh yeah!). The term “high bit rate” for “Superbit” titles is well deserved here.

You will hear every single bullet shell hit the floor, every little piece of shattering glass, every explosions, and on and on. The levels are very balanced making this a perfect sounding DVD. Careful, this DVD is extremely LOUD. You won’t need to put your sound dial up to much on this one.

Special Features:

This is a disc in a separate kind of category than other DVDs. There are no features included in order to have the most space possible for image and sound quality on the DVD. In that effect, the marks here are not applicable.
However, if you absolutely want a disc with features, you can always pick up the regular edition of this DVD which is still available.

The Final Word

If you enjoyed The Big Hit or you need a good demo disc, this is definitely for you. If you have never seen this flick, seeing it from this “Superbit” edition will make you yet another fan of the film. 

 

Image:
Sound:
Features:	Not Applicable
Movie:
Final Mark:

Review originally written by: The Dave (March 11th 2002)