Rescued as a child and raised by legendary assassin Moody (Jackson), Anna (Maggie Q) was trained to become the world’s most skilled contract killer. When Anna learns that Moody has been brutally killed, she vows revenge. On the murderer’s trail, Anna is entangled with an enigmatic hit man (Keaton) and, as their confrontation turns deadly, the loose ends of a life spent killing weave themselves ever tighter in this adrenaline-fueled action-thriller from the director of Casino Royale.
For in-depth thoughts on The Protégé, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of The Protégé offers a lovely uptick in quality over the already incredible accompanying Blu-Ray, making it one heck of a feast for the eyes. Skin tones appear more natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores. The increased range of the color spectrum is stunning to behold. The Dolby Vision and HDR enriches the colors from already impressive to out of this world when it comes to vibrancy. You can take a look at any of the various environments throughout the film and be blown away. Don’t get me started on all of the nuanced colors present in the production design that is overflowing with eye-popping hues.
The highlights in the film are more defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Elements in the film taking place in the cover of darkness are more vivid and finely delineated. The black levels are especially strong in this presentation, staying deep and inky with great detail. This 4K UHD presentation really delivers on all fronts including strong gains in clarity and color. The Blu-Ray is great, but Lionsgate has delivered another demo-worthy transfer on this latest 4K release.
Audio Quality
This disc comes equipped with a wonderful Dolby Atmos presentation that packs one heck of punch from beginning to end. From the opening, the soundscape is set to deliver an expansive experience with rain falling from overhead. Sounds are appropriately rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic action scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. Ambient details are plentiful and quite satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The overhead channels serve to complement the other channels rather than carry the main load, which adds a nice sense of space to the mix. Musical cues and the serviceable score envelope the room with a vengeance. Dialogue is presented perfectly clear without ever being overwhelmed by any of the competing sonic elements. The heavy gunfire and crashes provide an all-encompassing soundscape that kicks in throughout all the speakers. The low end is engaged in a really solid way that will have your house shaking. The mix offers up the best experience for those with the home theater system to support it.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director Martin Campbell delivers a perfectly serviceable commentary track that is none too spirited but informative enough on the basics. Campbell details some of the challenges of working during COVID and the various locations they filmed around the world.
- Scars Of The Past – Making The Protégé: An impressive 37-minute featurette in which the cast and crew discuss the themes of the story and relay anecdotes about the production of the film. There is a lot of revealing behind-the-scenes footage and insightful interviews that enhance your appreciation for the feature.
- Anna Vs. Rembrandt: An eight-minute featurette that details the dynamics between these two characters and the knockdown, dragout fight that proves to be one of the highlights of the film. The best part of this one is hearing what is going through the minds of the performers during this sequence.
- Deleted Scene: A two-minute scene featuring Anna undercover at an art gallery.
- Theatrical Trailer: The two-and-a-half minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
The Protégé does not blaze new grounds on a narrative level, but it does surprise in elevating its action sequences to something noteworthy. The film is immensely entertaining thanks to its stylish direction and standout performances from Maggie Q and the rest of the ensemble. Do not let the generic title and standard trailer fool you, this one is a step up in quality from the typical throwaway action films we get these days. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a knockout A/V presentation and a couple impressive special features. If you are in the market for some solid action thrills, this one is worth a watch. Recommended
The Protégé is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
