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kal
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 Link Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 3:01 pm Post subject: Argo [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Argo (Blu-ray/DVD Combo+UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2013)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | In every practical sense, 'Argo' is your standard, conventional political thriller, but the film is so well-crafted and exceptionally designed that we overlook this fact and simply enjoy the suspenseful thrill-ride. With excellent performances from John Goodman and Alan Arkin, director Ben Affleck demonstrates a remarkable talent for crafting tense, dramatic scenes that make for greatly satisfying popcorn entertainment. The film arrives with an outstanding audio and video presentation and worthwhile bonus features, making this Blu-ray highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Argo' storms Blu-ray with a stunning, highly-detailed 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.40:1). The picture comes with sharp, well-defined lines in the architecture of Iranian buildings, streets, and the marketplace. Foliage and tree bark are distinct and clear from a distance. Stitching in the groovy 70s clothes, stylish hairdos, and the gaudy interior furnishings of the Canadian ambassador's home are crystal-clear and discrete. Facial complexions are revealing and lifelike, with visible pores and negligible blemishes during close-ups. A few scenes are noticeably softer and blurrier than the rest, but that can be attributed to the deliberate photography and is not a fault of the encode.
Along those lines, the cinematography of Rodrigo Prieto ('Broken Embraces,' 'Water for Elephants') displays a strong yellow-amber push, giving the film an aged, antiquated feel that's fitting to the plot's setting and period. Thankfully, this doesn't affect the overall palette, as primaries remain richly-saturated and often sumptuous, while secondary hues are bold and cleanly resolved. Flesh tones appear natural and appropriate to the region's climate. Contrast isn't exactly the strongest, but it's stable and consistent, allowing for excellent visibility and clarity into the distance. Black levels are mildly affected by the film's intentional look, with a couple murky moments, but overall, they remain true and deep, with great shadow detailing, making this a first-rate high-def presentation.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The political thriller also debuts with this terrific and far-better than initially expected DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. The rears are employed in equal measure to the fronts during several scenes, particularly the most suspenseful moments. Delivering discrete effects with excellent directionality and flawless panning, a wide assortment of sounds move throughout the room, creating a highly-engaging and immersive aural experience. Helicopters fly overhead, street traffic is all-encompassing, and the terrifying chants of angry protesters are often enveloping. Quieter segments display a more subtle approach as the wind blows in the distance, the noise of a busy market surrounds the listener, and conversations echo in the large hallways of the CIA.
Of course, being a dialogue-driven story, the majority of the film displays a front-heavy design. With exceptional channel separation, the soundstage feels wide and spacious. Off-screen effects are discrete and convincing while vocals are precise and well-prioritized in the center. The mid-range exhibits remarkable detailed clarity and distinction, with several moments pushing into the upper frequencies without fault or a hint of distortion. The low-end is deep and potent, providing action sequences with tremendous weight and substance. The music, and the great rock selection in particular, really demonstrates the quality of the lossless mix best with brilliant depth and superb stereo fidelity. Overall, it's terrific high-rez track for an intensely suspenseful film. |
Kal
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jask
Joined: 17 Mar 2006
Posts: 10165
Location: kamloops BC
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| Link Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2015 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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Going to give this a watch again tonight. Ken Taylor was the Canadian ambassador portrayed in this movie, he and his wife received the Congressional medal of honour and he was made an office of the order of Canada for his actions.
He passed away a week ago today ( Oct 15 2015 )
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AnalogRocks
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| Link Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 1:52 am Post subject: |
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| jask wrote: | Going to give this a watch again tonight. Ken Taylor was the Canadian ambassador portrayed in this movie, he and his wife received the Congressional medal of honour and he was made an office of the order of Canada for his actions.
He passed away a week ago today ( Oct 15 2015 ) |
I saw this a while ago. Good store despite Ben Asscrack being in it
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jask
Joined: 17 Mar 2006
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| Link Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 2:55 am Post subject: |
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AnalogRocks
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| Link Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 10:25 am Post subject: |
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| jask wrote: | |
My thoughts exactly
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