Marvel Comics presents a second big-screen version of THE PUNISHER, with this action-packed adaptation from screenwriter-turned-director Jonathan Hensleigh. Frank Castle (Tom Jane) is a retired F.B.I. agent spurred into action after the merciless slaying of his wife, father, and son. Adopting the superhero guise of The Punisher, Castle aims to wreak vengeance for his dead family by tracking down the culprits responsible for their demise. All clues point to Howard Saint (John Travolta), a ruthless businessman and nightclub owner whose son was mistakenly killed by Castle in a botched undercover operation back in his F.B.I. days. Unique amongst Marvel superheroes, The Punisher possesses no special powers, just remarkable strength parried with a blind determination to avenge his family. As he hunts down Saint, Castle surrounds himself with three fellow societal outcasts to get the job done, namely Joan (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos), Bumpo (John Pinette), and Dave (Ben Foster). Director Hensleigh eschews flashy CGI effects for the bulk of the movie, and instead reverts to old action-movie staples such as thrilling stunt work, gunfights, and huge explosions. The old-fashioned feel suits The Punisher well, providing an apt mirror of the hero's own lack of super powers. Hensleigh winds the film through a thrilling white-knuckle ride to its spectacular conclusion, ultimately providing a highly appropriate movie for one of Marvel's lesser-known comic book heroes.
Blu-ray Disc Features:
Blue BD Case
1080P High Defintion Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete Audio - English
Dolby Digital Surround Sound 5.1 EX - English
Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus powered by Metamenu Technology
Stars
Thomas Jane:
John Travolta: American actor, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Laura Elena Harring: Actress/ FORBIDDEN DANCE (1990), Lynch's MULHOLLAND DRIVE
Samantha Mathis: Actress, PUMP UP THE VOLUME, BROKEN ARROW (1996)
Will Patton: American Actor
Rebecca Romijn-Stamos: American model, actress, UGLY BETTY, X-MEN
Rob Schneider: TV/Film Comedic Actor/Snl
John Pinette: Comedian
Ben Foster: American actor, ALPHA DOG, SIX FEET UNDER
Director
Jonathan Hensleigh: Screenwriter
Producer
Avi Arad: Executive producer, many Marvel Comics properties
Screenwriter
Jonathan Hensleigh: Screenwriter
Composer
Carlo Siliotto: Music, THE PUNISHER (2004)
Editor
Steven Kemper: Editor, THE RELIC (1997)
Director of Photography
Conrad W. Hall: Director of Photography, Son of Conrad L. Hall
Executive Producer
Christopher Eberts: THE WATCHER
Production Designer
Michael Z. Hanan: Production Designer, THE PUNISHER (2004)
Production Designer
Rick Heinrichs: Production Designer, THE PUNISHER (2004)
Costume Designer
Lisa Tomczeszyn: Costume Designer, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (2006)
Review 1:
"Jonathan Hensleigh's movie version of the Punisher's origins stays true to its hero by being similarly stripped-down, efficient and mean."
Source: New York Times
p.E20 04/16/2004
Review 2:
"THE PUNISHER is that rare comic book movie that actually feels like a comic book....These battles are a cost-effective throwback. They depend on the physical side of moviemaking...and top of the line stunt work..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.C1 04/16/2004
Review 3:
"[Z]ippy and amusingly cast....A film whose primary plus is a sense of humor."
Source: USA Today
p.5E 04/16/2004
Review 4:
"[K]ick back, and wistfully remember a time when someone named Dolph could be a movie star."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.147 05/01/2004
Review 5:
"[T]he film, directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, is consistently well-acted, and has some scenes of real power."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.33 04/16/2004
Review 6:
"[The] gloriously violent action sequences have a refreshingly downbeat '70s exploitation edge. Nasty, brain-dead fun."
Source: Uncut
p.148 10/01/2004
Review 7:
"[The director] takes a retro-action route with tributes to pre-CGI stuntwork. Most impressive is a frantic car-chase..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.63-4 11/01/2004