Lockdown is the story of three close friends wrongly accused of murder and sent to prison. But perhaps more importantly is what this film is not about. It's not about the trial. It's not about their friends' fight for justice on the outside. It's not about racial disputes. Sure, Lockdown touches on these things (which is when the film is led astray), but its essence is the exploration of what prison can to do a man, and how the pressures of the community inside those walls can destroy a friendship.

Once inside, the three friends quickly grow apart because of the invisible lines they can't cross unless they want trouble. Avery (Richard T. Jones) is the "good guy" who tries to stay out of trouble, while Cashmere (Gabriel Casseus), a drug dealer on the outside, chooses to distance himself from his friends when he joins forces with Clean-Up (Master P), the inmate/drug dealer/all-around bad guy who pretty much runs the cell block. On the other hand, Dre (De'Aundre Bonds) immediately falls into the hands of the prison's white faction and is forced into some very unmanly acts of submission.

Lockdown holds no punches. It's hard. It's violent. It's real. It never flinches at the portrayals of men at their limit, fighting to survive in any way they can, even if that means killing, doing drugs, or becoming someone's girlfriend. And the inner turmoil is readily apparent in the three main characters despite the fact all of them snag a fair share of screen time, which usually means there will be very little depth added to any one character. I saw some of me in each of them, and through their eyes, I could imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes. It wasn't a pretty site.

Although the primary actors give solid performances, the best is delivered by rapper-turned-actor Master P, who is more than credible as the prison yard's ring leader. It's this character that really gets the action rolling and supplies much of the film's tension. Master P's personality demands attention, and it's easy to see why other inmates cower in his presence.

The film does stumble a bit, however. At times, some of the plot points scream out as being presented solely to get the action from point A to point B. For example, the scenes involving Krista, Avery's girlfriend (Melissa DeSoussa), and her attempt to set them free are rushed to get back to the action back at the prison. This lessens the impact these scenes could have offered. It also forces Krista's actions to appear unbelievable, if not downright ridiculous.

Another slight down point is the film's predictability. Once the friends step foot in the prison, audiences pretty much know what to expect. And for the most part, Lockdown doesn't stray too far from the norm. But luckily, the heart of this film doesn't depend on twists or surprises. Instead, the power of this film rests in the journey. And sometimes it's okay to know where you're going, as long as the trip is worthwhile.

THE VIDEO
Lockdown is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Being a lower budgeted film, I wasn't expecting much in the way of a quality transfer, but I was pleasantly surprised. With the subject matter being as it is, the director didn't choose many bright color schemes. But when they do appear on screen, the colors come across vividly. Detail is solid, the black level is good, and the flesh tones seem spot on. There were no spots or specks evident, but occasionally, edge enhancement came into play.

THE AUDIO
Lockdown features a 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack that fits very nicely with the film. The somber yet powerful score overlays the action perfectly. The dialog comes through nice and sharp, and although the rear channels aren't used extensively, the back speakers are used effectively throughout the film. This track may not be the one you use to impress you buddies, but it does impact the movie in a positive way.

This disc also features a 2.0 French track.

THE BONUS FEATURES
Static menus with no sound, and three trailers. Yippee. At least the previews (Lockdown, Bad Boys II, and Half Past Dead) are presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital sound, but that hardly makes up for such a pitiful display of DVD supplements.

FINAL THOUGHTS
I'll admit, Lockdown has its flaws. But it's still a good prison flick with everything you've come to expect from the sub-genre. It's a gritty and realistic portrayal of life on the inside that's not sugar coated. Sadly, the extras are nowhere to be seen—whichever executive made that decision deserves to be locked up for that blown call. Still, I can't help but recommend this disc based solely on the film and the quality of the sound and audio.