Blu-ray Review: Features-Packed Edition of ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’

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CHICAGO – “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” may have been overly slammed by critics but audiences definitely liked the film, pushing it to over $370 million worldwide, more than 20% more than its predecessor (even if the domestic total for the sequel was less than the first film). Paramount has put together a solid release for the film, including over an hour of behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, a commentary track, and a great transfer. It’s what one wants from a major theatrical Blu-ray.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Seriously, “Retaliation” checks most of the major boxes when a critic approaches a Blu-ray review. How’s the transfer? Solid. Almost all modern Paramount films look good in HD, especially one so heavily based on a visual experience as this once-3D action hit. Is there a commentary? Check. Deleted scenes? Yep. Although they were all wisely deleted, especially a melodramatic bit of overacting at a cemetary. Featurettes? Over an hour and they’re actually informative, tying the development of this film back to the original “G.I. Joe” saga. “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” has a lot of naysayers, people who found it too far over the top to enjoy. Personally, I was right on the line, embracing the nonsense while recognizing that it could have and should have been better. Maybe they’ll get it right the third time around. And hopefully that film will have a Blu-ray release that treats its fans as well as this one.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation was released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 30, 2013
Photo credit: Paramount

Synopsis:
“The greatest American Heroes are back” (Julian Roman, Movieweb.com) and they’ve been set up to take the fall for a terrible crime they didn’t commit. Now, Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Duke (Channing Tatum) and the other G.I. Joes must once again face their mortal enemy, COBRA, as well as dangerous new threats operating within the government. When all else fails, one option remains: Retaliation. Roadblock steps up to lead a new team (including Bruce Willis) on this explosive adventure critics are calling “unlike any action movie you’ve ever seen. A thrilling ride that leaves you wanting more” (Raquel Baldwin, Talking Pictures).

Special Features:
o Over An Hour Of Behind The Scenes Featurettes
o Deleted Scenes
o Commentary By Director Jon M. Chu And Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura
o Digital Copy Included

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com