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The plot: When a CIA agent is killed during a nuclear arms purchase, his partner Oakes (Anthony Hopkins) recruits the operative's streetwise twin brother Jake Hayes (Chris Rock). Now "Michael Turner," the stunned Hayes has only nine days to hone his CIA skills and take his brother's place to fool the bad guys. Of course, the enemy terrorists soon learn of this bait-and-switch and kidnap Hayes' fiancee (Gabriel Macht). Can Oakes and Hayes stop the terrorists, rescue the girl and save New York City from nuclear disaster?

Bad Company is one of those action movies where I just don't know whether it is supposed to be funny or not. It is so utterly cliched and prepackaged that it almost seems intentional, as if we are supposed to nod in appreciation at the postmodern regurgitation of every other, better action movie of the past twenty years. It's not that Chris Rock isn't funny or Hopkins isn't slumming in his usual dignified way, and the film's overdone visual chic is anything but a model of Hollywood self-indulgence. But there just doesn't seem to be a point to any of it, unless director Joel Schumacher is taking one very costly piss at the studio's expense?

I could take a risk and say it is all intentional, that this is supposed to be a satire of action film insipidness, and it wouldn't be that ludicrous of an idea. Here's a director who hasn't had a hit in years yet continues to secure A-list projects. His past work is littered with self-referential humor, and if you have listened to any of Schumacher's audio commentaries on such recent DVDs as Tigerland and Flawless, he's not completely unaware of his place in the industry. Perhaps he realized the absurdity of landing a big Bruckheimer would-be blockbuster, and is just having fun with the incongruity of it all? My sad, sinking feeling is that of course Bruckheimer couldn't really be that inspired to go along with the gag, but perhaps Schumacher just tricked him? So I'll just believe in the fantasy, that this is the most brilliant parody of a Hollywood action movie ever made. I can still dream, can't I?

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

Presented in a THX- certified, 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, this sure looks great. The film has a heavily processed look, with tons of overdone blue and orange filters and computerized, fast-cut gimmicks. Colors come off very well saturated if artificial, but at least they are free of any bleeding or noise. Fleshtones look accurate all things considered, although most scenes are so processed it hardly matters. Blacks are excellent throughout with contrast a bit too pumped up for my taste, although this is likely intentional. Detail is good but shadow delineation suffers in some scenes due to all the heavy style. However, daylight exteriors look great, with a nice three-dimensional appearance and superior detail and sharpness. The processed nature of the film keeps it from looking truly film-like, but there is little ringing and few halos around hard objects, and no noticeable compression artifacts. Pretty dang good.

Audio: How Does The Disc Sound?

Presented in English Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, this is one of those heavy-duty Hollywood action spectacles that sure delivers. Constantly aggressive with a relentless neo-techno score by Trevor Rabin and Paul Linford, this is a very engaging experience. Dynamic range is excellent with perfectly recorded dialogue, which is thankfully not drowned out by all the action. Surround use is quite aggressive, with noticeable discrete effects and a constantly-engaged rear soundfield that rocks. The low end is also quite powerful, making Bad Company a serious contender for great demo material.

Comparing the DTS and Dolby Digital tracks on three scenes, including the film's very loud climax, there isn't that much noticeable difference. I preferred the slightly punchier bass and fuller rear presence of the DTS track, but this is such an aggressive mix that either way you go, it shouldn't disappoint. Great stuff.

Also included is a French 5.1 Dolby surround track, English captions encoded as subtitles, Spanish subtitles, and true English Closed Captions.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

Given the film's lack of box office muscle, it is no surprise that Buena Vista didn't expend much energy or cash to come up with a special edition. All we get is the EPK In Bad Company: An Inside Look. This 12-minute featurette is actually rather amusing, because it almost seems as if all involved knew this was just a cheesy action movie destined to be forgotten in minutes, and the questions asked are pretty goofy. All the main principals are interviewed, including Bruckheimer, Rock and Hopkins, and mixed in with the usual behind-the-scenes snippets. Pretty standard if fun.

No other extras are included, not even the film's theatrical trailer. We do get the usual Buena Vista Sneak Peeks, featuring a bunch of full frame video trailers for upcoming action releases such as Reign of Fire.

DVD-ROM Exclusives: What do you get when you pop the disc in your PC?

No real ROM extras have been included, aside from a customary Touchstone interface with DVD controls and embedded weblinks. However, there is the "Register Your DVD" feature which, after you insert your disc in the drive, allows you to become eligible for Buena Vista's "Disc Replacement Program" (exchange a disc you have damaged after purchase for a $10 fee), as well as receive free DVD technical support and email notification of special offers and updates on other Buena Vista titles.

Parting Thoughts