Comedy-drama starring Luke Wilson as a successful businessman who gets caught up in the profit and pitfalls of early 1990s internet commerce. Jack Harris (Wilson) enjoys a comfortable life in the suburbs with his wife (Jacinda Barrett) and two children. He has a reputation as an outstanding and trustworthy financial operator, which encourages ruthless lawyer Jerry Haggerty (James Caan) to direct two of his clients his way. Wayne Beering (Giovanni Ribisi) and Buck Dolby (Gabriel Macht) are non-business savvy drifters who have come up with an innovative idea: using the newly hooked up World Wide Web to set up a pornographic website and charge for access. The millions start rolling in, but it isn’t long before Jack’s status as a middle man puts him in touch with the other side of the industry – Russian gangsters, FBI investigations and entanglements with 24-year-old porn stars…
Codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Audio
Subtitles
$29.99
In stock
Comedy-drama starring Luke Wilson as a successful businessman who gets caught up in the profit and pitfalls of early 1990s internet commerce. Jack Harris (Wilson) enjoys a comfortable life in the suburbs with his wife (Jacinda Barrett) and two children. He has a reputation as an outstanding and trustworthy financial operator, which encourages ruthless lawyer Jerry Haggerty (James Caan) to direct two of his clients his way. Wayne Beering (Giovanni Ribisi) and Buck Dolby (Gabriel Macht) are non-business savvy drifters who have come up with an innovative idea: using the newly hooked up World Wide Web to set up a pornographic website and charge for access. The millions start rolling in, but it isn’t long before Jack’s status as a middle man puts him in touch with the other side of the industry – Russian gangsters, FBI investigations and entanglements with 24-year-old porn stars…
Codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Audio
Subtitles
Us –
**Middle Men Blu-ray Review**
*Reviewed by Alex Martin, October 29, 2017*
**Synopsis:**
“Middle Men” thrusts us into the tumultuous early days of internet commerce, entangling us in the gripping world of online pornography through the eyes of a Texas businessman, Jack Harris. Directed by George Gallo, the film oscillates between comedy and drama, exploring the grey morality of the booming industry and its effects on those who dip their toes into its murky waters.
**Movie: 4/5**
The late 1990s saw the internet evolving into a commercial juggernaut, and with it came opportunities for profit – both legitimate and dubious. Jack Harris, played convincingly by Luke Wilson, embodies the dilemma of moral compromise in the face of enormous wealth. His interactions with Wayne Beering (Giovanni Ribisi) and Buck Dolby (Gabriel Macht), creators of a pioneering pornographic website, catapult him into an underworld of Russian gangsters, FBI scrutiny, and seductive entanglements. The narrative’s strength lies in its portrayal of Jack’s inner conflict as he navigates the blurry lines between business acumen and ethical decay.
**Video Quality: 3.5/5**
The 1080p resolution rendered with an MPEG-4 AVC codec provides clear visuals, capturing the essence of the 1990s. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio, staying true to its original 2.39:1, offers a wide view of scenes, immersing the viewer in Jack’s world. However, some scenes could have benefitted from sharper detailing and better color grading to truly transport the viewer to that era.
**Audio Quality: 4/5**
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers clear dialogue delivery and an ambient soundscape. Moments of tension, drama, and comedy are accentuated by apt audio cues, ensuring an engaging auditory experience throughout.
**Overall Score and Recommendation: 4.0/5**
“Middle Men” serves as a stark reminder of the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of unchecked technological advancement. With its intriguing plot and commendable performances, especially by Luke Wilson, the film provides an engaging watch. While the Blu-ray offers decent video and audio quality, the lack of extras might disappoint some enthusiasts. Nonetheless, for those interested in a dramatic take on the birth of internet commerce and its darker sides, this is a recommended watch.