Under Siege 2: Dark Territory

"Casey Ryback... Casey Ryback's on this train???"

You bet your AK47 he is, and he’s gonna kick some bad guy butt. Steven Seagal reprises his role as ex-Navy Seal Casey Ryback in this thrilling sequel to the 1992 release, Under Siege. Since the last instalment, Ryback has moved to Colorado where he works in the kitchen of a local café. After the death of his brother, Ryback decides to take his now orphaned niece Sarah (Katherine Heigl) on a vacation. They board a train to Los Angeles, and that is when all the expected Seagal martial arts drama begins.

Rogue C.I.A. agent Travis Dane storms the train, and uses it to obtain control of a secret government weapon. Dane built the weapon, but was fired by the agency for being twisted, insane and nasty - very, very nasty. Jilted, Dane decides to get revenge on the American Government by conspiring with Middle Eastern terrorists to blow up the eastern seaboard with his powerful super-weapon. He thinks the plan is fool proof, but he didn’t count on one man… Casey Ryback!

Some say that Under Siege 2: Dark Territory is less exciting than its predecessor. However it has more thrills, spills and kills then you can poke a gun at. Sure it may be a similar scenario, just a different form of transport – yet it comes off as fresh and exciting. Although you can’t say much for the class of acting in Seagal films the cast is all together acceptable, and Seagal's low talking wise cracks occasionally bring a smile to your face. It is a definite must see for Seagal fans, and anyone into action flicks.

Released in 1995, the video quality on this title looks a little more dated than it really should. The film has been rendered at a widescreen-enhanced aspect ratio of 1.85:1.

The transfer itself is quite clear, the colours are well rendered and there are no compression problems. Unfortunately the overall detail is a little disappointing. The picture is fairly full of grain and never gets much of a chance to shine. Film artefacts are pretty common and range from the overly common tiny black dots, right to the occasional big white specks. Still quite acceptable, but far from reference material for its age.

Wow, this soundtrack is far more exciting than I had ever expected! Be prepared for gunfire and screams of mercy to be exploding right around your lounge room in this beautifully transferred Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack.

The subwoofer is put to great use for all the big bangs, and the surrounds are in constant action. The definition is not spectacular, but the dialogue is clear despite Seagal's constant muttering under his breath. No matter what though it'll be the constant explosions in the surrounds that will keep that childish smirk on your face.

Scene Selections are NOT an extra feature, but that's the best I can offer you on this one... Sorry!

Oh, but don't let me forget to mention the subtitles in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Arabic, Portuguese, English - Hearing Impaired, and Italian - Hearing Impaired.

What it lacks in transfer and extras it makes up with in big action and lounge-room crashing explosions. It might not be as original or clever as the first movie, but it is just as intense. Under Siege 2 will provide all the action and adventure required to keep even the most hardened armchair anti-terrorist happy.