Poison Rose, The

"The Poison Rose" is a detective thriller about murder and corruption in Texas. Carson Philips (Travolta), a hard-drinking L.A. private eye takes a case in his old hometown of Galveston, Texas. While searching for a missing woman, Philips must confront a crime boss (Freeman), a shady doctor (Fraser), a sexy club singer (Graham), his former lover (Janssen) –– and his own dark, disturbing past. Based on the novel by Richard Salvatore. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director George Gallo and Writer-Producer Richard Salvatore, a trailer, and upfront previews.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is excellent. The color palette is nicely saturated with rich and warm hues that are deep and beautiful looking, especially in night club and gambling environments. Primaries are solid and bold. Fleshtones are perfectly natural throughout, Contrast is well balanced with deep blacks and stylized shadows that are nicely delineated. Lighting effects effectively create a stylized appearance, especially in interior and nighttime scenes. Resolutions is excellent as well with fine detail revealed in facial features, skin pores, hair, beards, clothing and Texas hats, and object textures. The imagery is striking and beautifully lush with detail that enhances the visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is hauntingly dynamic with a prominent orchestral score that is nicely recorded and spread wide and deep across the soundstage with an aggressive surround presence that envelops the soundfield. Atmospherics and sound effects enhance the realism of the locals and settings. Traffic sounds, birds chirping, ocean waves, fist fighting, gunfire, phone rings, explosions, etc. all enhance the proceedings. Deep bass often enhances the dynamics, both as sound effects and the orchestral score. Surround envelopment is strong, but not directionalized specifically, but theatre filling. Dialogue is intelligible with generally good spatial integration. Travolta's narration is nicely positioned slightly frontal. This is an effective holosonic® surround experience that works well in this mystery thriller. (Gary Reber)