Shaft (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner       
Release Date: September 24, 2019
Rating: R
Film: 3/5
 
Plot
JJ, aka John Shaft Jr. (Jessie T. Usher), may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, he needs an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly. And while JJ’s own FBI analyst’s badge may clash with his dad’s trademark leather duster, there’s no denying family. Besides, Shaft’s got an agenda of his own, and a score to settle that’s professional and personal.
 
My Thoughts
I vaguely remember watching some reruns of the original Shaft on TV when I was a kid, but that’s about it—nothing specific either good or bad. I had heard the movie was quite funny, so I thought I’d give it a spin despite its tepid reviews. While not a great movie, I have to say I was entertained. It’s more of a buddy cop film between an estranged father and son that does have quite a few laughs involved, but don’t expect anything in the way of reality or serious drama. It’s a check your brain at the door affair and be prepared for a healthy dose of Mother &%&#ers from Jackson.
 
The audio and video quality is quite good and I found myself wishing it was in UHD for that extra pop and sizzle that the higher resolution provides. The highlight of the Atmos track are the gunshots, which there are plenty of. The music also provides some nice bump on the low end.
 
 
Video 4.5/5 
 
Audio 4.5/5 (Dolby Atmos)
 
Special Features:
 

• Can Ya Dig It? The Making of Shaft
• A Complicated Man: The Shaft Legacy (three parts)
• Deleted Scenes
• Gag Reel
• Blu-ray+ DVD + Digital Copy

 

 
Conclusion
I have to admit that I laughed quite a bit during this film, but I’m not sure its something I’d watch again. Jackson doesn’t break any new ground as the lead and the story itself is somewhat predictable and I think the jokes would fall flat the second time around.
 
    
Reference Review System:
 
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor 
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player 
 System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)

Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner