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A former football player and wrestler, it’s no surprise that a big, muscular guy like Dwayne Johnson would become an action star. While I appreciate his tough guy persona, I really became a fan when I realized he was trying to stretch himself a bit, showing up in comedies like the Tooth Fairy. Heck, he even did a little singing as Maui, in Moana, a recent animated hit for Disney. Given that track record, it’s no surprise Johnson starred in Snitch. Originally released in 2013, it’s an action/drama blended with a social message. While ultimately bogged down by a plodding script, Johnson appears capable of meatier roles.

Based on a true story, John Matthews (Johnson) is a construction company owner whose bright, yet slightly naïve 18-year-old son Jason (Rafi Gavron), finds himself set up in a DEA sting for which the federally mandated sentence is 10 years. The only way his sentence can be reduced is if he helps the DEA catch other dealers. But Jason, who stupidly agreed to accept a package of ecstasy for a friend, isn’t a dealer or drug user, and doesn’t know any.

Desperate to help his son, John makes a deal with the prosecutor (Susan Sarandon) to find a big-time drug dealer himself. He convinces reluctant ex-con employee Daniel James (Jon Bernthal), to put him in contact with a bad dude named Malik (Michael T. Williams), completely unaware that John is working with feds, and risking both their lives.

Writer/Director Ric Roman Waugh does a good job of keeping the focus on the characters. Even as a lot of the action pieces take place, and John is taking care of business to bring down a drug dealer, we’re reminded that young Jason is suffering, being beaten in prison. Snitch doesn’t mince words. The message is clear: The war on drugs is a bad joke. Targeting the wrong people, and imprisoning those whose biggest crime is naïveté. Subtle as a brick, Snitch isn’t trying to be a comprehensive look at the drug laws in America. At its core, Snitch is the story of how far a father will go to save his son’s life.

Presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, Snitch looks very pleasing on 4K. The image looks clear, and natural throughout. Black levels are appropriately deep. While the color palette isn’t necessarily vibrant, it’s appropriate for the film throughout; there’s a dreariness to it at times. Given the realistic setting, I’m happy to report that details are top notch.

The Dolby Atmos track delivers a crisp, and clean audio experience. There’s a nice level of immersion throughout, and forceful LFE during action sequences. The discreet placement of effects is also good, while dialogue is clean, clear, and concise. The audio quality here is superb.

English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Audio Commentary with Writer / Director Ric Roman Waugh and Editor Jonathan Chibnall: This conversational commentary covers a lot of material including some of the reasons for making the film, the screenplay, the characters, the actors, various aspects of the story, and more.
  • Privileged Information: The Making of Snitch (HD, 49:37) A Compendium of features that look at everything from writing the screenplay, to casting, to the shoot.
  • Deleted Scenes (HD, 5:35)
  • Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:27)
  • Blu-ray of the film.
  • UV/Digital Copy