Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

You're the gay!

Nope, he's just Jason Statham, and yes, that's an actual line from the movie. However, you don't go into any of the Transporter movies expecting great dialogue. Not even Statham expects that. Like the action star, you need to just strap yourself in and grab the cash, the action, the adrenaline, or whatever else is being waved in front of you.

So here we are again. Frank Martin (Statham) is back for another round of transporting and kicking ass, only one of which requires the regular use of a shirt. This time he is driving the extremely beautiful and even more annoying Valentina (Natalya Rudakova), the kidnapped daughter of a Ukranian official. The kidnapper in question is Robert Knepper (Prison Break's T-Bag, except with two hands), who does a nice job of broadening his bad guy persona to the big screen.

The dialogue, the storyline, the acting; it doesn't amount to a hill of beans in Transporter land, kids. We're here for action, and action you shall receive. Still, the "strip for the keys" foreplay portion and pretty much every word that comes out of Rudakova's mouth will make you want to karate chop your TV set.

For another take, check out David Kempler's review of the theatrical release of Transporter 3.

The Picture

Transporter 3 is like a video game. If you blink you might miss something. If you don't, expect a seizure or two. Also, just in case the action isn't high-paced enough for you, director Oliver Megaton actually speeds it up in some parts. It doesn't add much to the movie, but it looks kind of cool in high-def. After all, how great is a chase scene that involves Statham having to chase his car on a bicycle to avoid blowing up?

The whole thing looks pretty cool, from the chases to the fights to the funky wallpaper in government official Leonid Vasilev's (The Fugitive's Jeroen Krabbé) office. One piece that's hard to ignore: Rudakova's dark eyes and bold, numerous freckles. Those practically pop off the screen in this 2.35:1. It's a good thing, too, because she adds absolutely nothing else to this movie.

The Sound

What part of "music video" was unclear? Whether it's Transporter 3, 7 or 17, the sights and sounds are what draws you into the movie. The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio is loud and the dialogue is low. However, with this one, that's probably a good thing.

The Extras

Like the movie, don’t expect to find anything too deep here. Statham steered clear of the commentary, and one measly 2-minute featurette covers the special effects. The only other semi-interesting item is a piece called "Transporters in the Real World." Sadly, it has nothing to do with crazy drivers that double as a kung-fu killing machines. Still, it seems kind of interesting, although maybe the fact that one interviewee is anonymous just might make it seem that way.

Final Thoughts

Most likely, you sat through the first two Transporter flicks. Did you expect the third time to be a charm? Still, with all of the action, audio and kung-fu fighting, it's hard to resist this as a rental, if not just for the high-def experience.

Where to Buy:

• Transporter 3 on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Jason Statham, Natalya Rudakova, Francois Berleand, Robert Knepper
• Director: Oliver Megaton
• Audio/Languages: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (English), Dolby 5.1 Digital (French)
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 2
• Rating: R
• Studio: Lionsgate
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: March 10, 2009
• Run Time: 104 minutes
• List Price: $39.99
• Extras:
  • Audio Commentary with Director Oliver Megaton
  • Special Delivery: Transporters in the Real World
  • Making of Transporter 3
  • Storyboard Compare
  • Visual Effects
  • The Sets
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • MoLog
  • Digital Copy