Nothing is ever as it seems in the world of David Mamet. On its surface, Redbelt, the latest cinematic offering from the prolific writer/director/playwright, would seem to be a sleek homage to the Hollywood sports film, spiced with plenty of Mamet's trademark dialogue and penchant for triple and quadruple plot twists.

But digging deeper into Redbelt reveals that Mamet has slightly more weighty issues on his mind, particularly those of justice, honor and pride (which, yes, have been tackled previously and extensively in his works). A samurai film of sorts dolled up with mixed martial arts action, Redbelt saves its roundhouse punches for the final moments, landing blows that will linger long after the final frames fade.

The always solid Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Mike Terry, a Los Angeles-based jiu-jitsu instructor whose gym becomes, late one rain-soaked night, the scene of a potentially lethal altercation between an off-duty police officer and skittish attorney Laura Black (Emily Mortimer). That sets in motion a chain of events that causes Mike to cross paths with prominent actor Chet Frank (Tim Allen), procure an advisory role in Chet's latest project and somehow find himself partly responsible for a death and some sudden debts, which strains his marriage to Brazilian-born Sondra (Alice Braga). Faced with few pleasant options, Mike is forced to step into the competitive ring for the first time in his life, potentially forever altering his code-bound way of life.

Redbelt is minor Mamet, to be sure -- nothing on the level of Glengarry Glen Ross or House of Games here -- but alongside other minor works like Heist or Spartan, there is still much to be enjoyed, not least of which are the terrific performances from both the Mamet newcomers (Ejiofor, Mortimer, Allen) and the regulars (Joe Mantegna, Ricky Jay, Ed O'Neill and Mrs. Mamet herself, Rebecca Pidgeon, all pop up in Redbelt). Couple those spot-on turns with some sparkling cinematography from previous Mamet collaborator Robert Elswit and you've got a sleek piece of brain candy.

There's an unshakable sense of the elegiac about Redbelt, a furious sadness at the seeming lack of honor and integrity in sport, not to mention a yearning for the clean, rigid code of the samurai (something Mamet alludes to in the commentary track). Mike Terry's principles lead him along the straight and narrow, but his life is such that he cannot help but find himself in precipitous situations. That such compromises are presented as inevitable lends Redbelt some of its sting; that such compromises can be met and possibly conquered with iron will and indefatigable brawn are what gives Redbelt its spark.

The Video:

Presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1, this anamorphic widescreen transfer sparkles throughout, handling the numerous nighttime and dimly lit scenes with aplomb. The colors are vivid throughout, blacks are inky without becoming noisy and the level of detail is expectantly crisp. An all-around great image.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track has plenty of opportunities to shine, not least of which are the crowded fight sequences near the film's conclusion; dialogue, score, sound effects and the ambient hum of the audience all blend seamlessly but never dissolve into mush. Throughout the film, dialogue and score are well-balanced and warm. An optional French Dolby 2.0 track is included, as are optional French subtitles and (curiously) optional English subtitles for the commentary track only.

Mamet sits for a commentary track with actor/ex-MMA fighter Randy Couture (who has a role as commentator Dylan Flynn in Redbelt) to discuss the genesis of the project, its themes and the world of MMA. It's an interesting listen, if only because Mamet seems utterly fascinated by MMA. The 19 minute, seven second featurette "Behind-the-scenes of Redbelt" (presented in anamorphic widescreen) touches upon some of the same material as the commentary, as does the 18 minute, 51 second featurette "Inside MMA" (presented in anamorphic widescreen). A 26 minute, 18 second Q&A with Mamet (presented in anamorphic widescreen) is moderated by Kent Jones; a 16 minute, 52 second interview with UFC president Dana White is presented in anamorphic widescreen as is the four minute, 10 second featurette "Fighter Profile," which consists of a montage of fighters from the film. The four minute, 34 second featurette "The Magic of Cyril Takayama" (presented in anamorphic widescreen) reveals the actor's tricks, while the film's theatrical trailer (presented in anamorphic widescreen) and previews for Married Life, Standard Operating Procedure, The Wackness, Baghead, The Children of Huang Shi, When Did You Last See Your Father?, Brick Lane, The Counterfeiters, The Band's Visit, CJ7, Persepolis, The Art of War II: Betrayal and Felon complete the disc.

There's an unshakable sense of the elegiac about Redbelt, a furious sadness at the seeming lack of honor and integrity in sport, not to mention a yearning for the clean, rigid code of the samurai. Redbelt is minor Mamet, to be sure, but alongside other minor works like Heist or Spartan, there is still much to be enjoyed. Recommended.