Blu-ray Review: Dark Blue

Synopsis: Set in the Los Angeles Police Department in 1992, "Dark Blue" is a thriller that takes place just days before the acquittal of four white officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King and the subsequent L.A. riots. In this racially charged climate, the LAPD's elite Special Investigations Squad is assigned a quadruple homicide. As they work the case, detective Eldon (Kurt Russell), tutors SIS rookie Bobby (Scott Speedman) in the realities of police intimidation and corruption.

Main Feature: Before he became a marquee name, David Ayer was cutting his teeth writing scripts about gritty lives of police, particularly the shady ones and the ramifications they experience from their behavior. Dark Blue is co-written by Ayer but still has his distinct fingerprints and subject matter on the film. Between this, Training Day, Street Kings, Harsh Times, and End of Watch (the latter three directed by him), Ayer fans can enjoy a nice film fest binge of his common thread work. Dark Blue allows Russell to bring that vibe and persona he's fine-tuned and headlined over the years to such a role (think if Snake Plissken went legit). The film is no Training Day but does work as an under-the-radar cult film that no doubt will have it's fans. Hence why Australian boutique label Imprint is coming out with a full-on 4K set. Sadly, this is not the same on the standard Blu-ray, but Imprint knows it has it's fans. For those looking to keep it regular, the Blu-ray serves as a decent presentation, with nice lights and shadows balance. 

Bonus Features: A commentary track with director Ron Shelton is carried over from a past DVD/Blu release; some featurettes also from past releases; and a trailer and photos round out the otherwise bare bones release. No digital code included. 

Final Call: Considering past HD releases (including one from beloved defunct Olive Films) now out-of-print, this basic Blu-ray will serve fans not looking to fork over a lot of green for Dark Blue and should be satisfied for this physical media release. 

Grade: B-