TBS Superstation presents…
When it comes to DVD, these are frightening words. They conjure up images of bad acting, bad sets, and terrible scripts. Unfortunately, all of this proves true in the “action” film “Counterstrike”, staring Rob Estes (Silk Stalkings) and Joe Lando (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman). The plot is tired and familiar; two bothers are the only ones that can stop terrorists from holding the President of the United States hostage, and stealing China’s nuclear codes. Ho-Hum.< ...p>
The film tries to break new ground by having the President be a woman, but the attempt is not near enough to save this sinking ship. Huge holes in the plot and inexpensive sets rule the day here. I actually saw one of the steel walls on the ship bounce when someone was thrown against it. Now that’s one cheap set.
Granted, there are some pretty decent fight scenes, but there is no blood to make it seem as though any of the actors are in any real danger. It’s a made for TV movie, so there is likewise very little language for realism. These are some seriously polite terrorists.
Finally, the film suffers from some pacing issues. It is halfway over before anyone is even taken hostage. The entire first half of the film was meant to create a sense of foreboding, but instead it creates a curious sense of writers block. Awkward commercial pauses also add to the jumpy pacing. The Superstation strikes again.
Audio
Audio quality is poor on this release. Action movies should be filled with booming explosions and snappy gunfire, with the occasional ricochet or spent shell bouncing off of the rear channels. This film is presented in the Dolby Pro Logic format, and it’s not even a good mix besides. Almost all of the sound comes from the center channel, leaving virtually no room for surround effects or bass tones. The film sounds, in fact, like the TV broadcast for which it was mixed.
Video
The video quality of this release is surprisingly good, save the occasional underwater shot. The many bright colors pop, and the black levels are quite deep. There is the occasional problem with the white tones blooming outside of their borders, but as a whole, this is a sharp, clear picture. It’s one of the better ones that I have seen come from a TV product.
Special Features
I’m afraid it’s trailers only in this department. In addition to the one that matches the feature, there are also spots for the horror film “Cabin Fever”, and the Ed Burns film “Confidence”. If you go to the video store to pick up a film, and these are your three choices, I would put “Counterstrike” at the bottom of the list.
Closing Thoughts
Honestly, it’s a TV movie. There’s really not much more to say. If you insist on watching an action film made for broadcast, I highly suggest you check out one of the seasons of the clever crime drama “CSI”, now available on DVD. Or just tune in to CBS’s hit “Without A Trace”. It may not be on DVD, but the picture and sound are just as good, and the acting and story are even better.
Special Features List
- Theatrical Trailers
