The Dogs of War Blu-ray Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Sourced from a fresh 2K scan (so says the marketing blurb), Scorpion Releasing does generally fine work on this print. Stray dust/dirt is the only sign of age on an otherwise spotless film stock. There is slight concern over the grain structure, often too light while leaving a muddier image as opposed to something crisp. It's nominal, and plentiful fidelity ensues thankfully, so whatever the mastering process, there is care involved. Likely, some filtering hides faults in the source.

The rest glows, bringing a rich, warm color base to the palette. Color suggests a minor digital touch-up, if nothing severe or betraying the 35mm stock's purity. Flesh tones succeed in staying natural. Scenery around Africa generates plentiful, deep greens along with other primaries.

Exterior scenery allows sunlight to drench the scenery, and Dogs of War looks quite dazzling as a result. Contrast is never lacking, and likely helps the disc appear even sharper than it is. Add in the densest black levels possible and Dogs of War gains further visual energy. The story tone is gritty, but the gloss afforded to the film in this new master almost betrays that. Almost.

Audio

A widely spaced stereo track stretches everything from bustling city streets to dialog when actors take up position on opposite sides of the frame. It's precise.

In DTS-HD, clarity wobbles a bit. Inherent flatness in the older source material doesn't stretch the range during action scenes, and the score falls behind the explosions or gunfire, lost in the chaos. Given the early '80s time frame though, it's acceptable.