Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

The Urban Dictionary defines “"Ben Affleck" as "cursed, tainted, ruined, spoiled." Wow -- and that was the nice definition. People really seem to hate the guy.

No doubt it's because of brainless action flicks like Paycheck. While many think Affleck should remain behind the camera (see Gone Baby Gone), we like to give him the benefit of the doubt. To take a quote from Jessica Rabbit, he's not bad, he's "just drawn that way."

Paycheck was adapted from a short Philip K. Dick story. Affleck plays Michael Jennings, a super-smart engineer. Right there, we know the movie is going to be unbelievable, right? Well, Jennings does all kinds of top-secret work -- so secret, that after every mission, he gets his memory erased. When he's offered his biggest paycheck to date (hence, the film's title), he jumps at the chance, even though it will cost him three years of his life and his favorite pair of sunglasses.

When the project ends, Jennings finds out that he has forfeited his payment. Instead, he is left with a random envelope filled with random items that guide all of the action in the movie.

So yes -- the movie requires suspension of disbelief... and a lot of it. We didn't even happen to mention that this all revolves around a machine that allows people to see into the future. Really, can you blame Affleck for this dud? The guy just wanted -- yeah I’m saying it -- a paycheck. Give him a break. Then again, the film also stars the incredible Paul Giamatti and Aaron Eckhart, and there aren't endless websites devoted to loathing either of them.

Just because Paycheck is mindless doesn't make it all bad. Fans of the author, director John Woo, and yes, even Affleck might enjoy this popcorn action flick. Otherwise, proceed with caution and check your brain at the door.

The Picture

The best part about Paycheck is that it's filled with action. Luckily, this 2.35:1 transfer delivers the goodies when it comes to detail. In some spots, Affleck looks unnaturally tan, but that could be the actor or his makeup, because most other fleshtones seem pretty realistic. Outside scenes, however, are sharp and the colors are spot on. Two of the most notable spots that showcase detail are an outside chase that pits a motorcycle against cars (got to love that), as well as the climactic ending, which has a lot of shiny metal and explosions that won't disappoint.

The Sound

Paramount gave Paycheck the Dolby TrueHD treatment, which plays well to the film's non-stop action. Expect all of those explosions and gunfire to scare the neighbors plenty. The dialogue was also very crisp and clear. Our only knock is that the film's score seemed to overshadow a bit of the action at times.  But overall, this disc should certainly give your surrounds a nice workout.

The Extras

We're not sure who would want more of this movie; apparently Paramount is thinking the same thing. All of the extras are from the DVD version, which includes two commentaries, obligatory deleted scenes, and a featurette on the stunts. If you must endure one of the extras, check out "Paycheck: Designing the Future," which actually has nothing to do with the future. Instead, it's all about how they stretched and shaped the Dick tale into a feature-length action flick.  It also lets slip that Matt Damon was actually the filmmaker's first choice for the lead -- zing!

Final Thoughts

There aren't many surprises or new advances in the Sci Fi action genre here. Still, Paycheck is worth a quick spin in your Blu-ray player. It looks good and sounds good, but does that make some of those goofy moments and bad dialogue right? Best to rent it first.

Where to Buy:

• Paycheck on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Ben Affleck, Aaron Eckhart, Uma Thurman, Paul Giamatti, Colm Feore, Joe Morton, Michael C. Hall
• Director: John Woo
• Audio/Languages: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (French, Spanish)
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: PG-13
• Studio: Paramount
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: May 19, 2009
• Run Time: 118 minutes
• List Price: $29.99
• Extras:
  • Commentary by Director John Woo
  • Commentary by Screenwriter Dean Georgaris
  • Paycheck: Designing the Future
  • Tempting Fate: The Stunts of Paycheck
  • Extended/Deleted Scenes