kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 5:15 pm Post subject: Les Misérables [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Les Misérables (Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | 'Les Misérables' was one of my favorite films last year. I know that it received a lot of backlash as the award shows rolled around, but I found the entire movie to be an enthralling experience. It isn't without its faults though. Russell Crowe is outmatched by the immense singing talent surrounding him. Anne Hathaway destroys them all though. Her performance alone is worth the money. With absolutely beautiful video and audio this one comes highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Universal's 1080p transfer of 'Les Misérables' is just what you'd expect it to be, pretty much perfect. The visuals here are absolutely stunning. From the crashing waves of the shipyards where Valjean is imprisoned to the rolling country hills that he traverses to find a new life, this movie has some big time production values that are perfectly rendered on screen.
The beginning of the film is predominately dark. Stark shadows and low light are the movie's setting. I first saw 'Les Misérables' on a DVD screener from the studio during awards season. This is the first time I've seen it how it was meant to be seen and it's an absolutely huge improvement. The blacks are perfectly refined. Deep inkiness is persistent in every shadow. However, even though the shadows engulf so much, there is still a wealth of visual information left over. Edges are neatly defined in the shadows. No crushing or banding exists. Even details as small as Fantine's hair strands can be seen waving in the darkness.
Hooper's intended close-ups reveal a ton of fine facial detail. Strained faces, furrowed brows, and anguished age lines are all present and accounted for. Pores, facial hair, dirt, scrapes, bruises, and blood is as clear as is could be. There isn't any glaring artifacting going on either. This is as smooth and as splendid as Blu-ray transfers come.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
This is where you'd really expect 'Les Misérables' to shine. Universal has provided an absolutely stellar DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track that truly engulfs the viewer. The weight of the music and the lyrics being belted by the actors is tremendous. The front channels provide a very loud and very clear rendition of the famous songs being sung.
Ambient sound is expertly mixed here. The extra side channels provide for some amazing surround sound. Whether it be the cat calls of the working girls during Fantine's segment or the hollering of the French revolutionaries, the side speakers offer an added dimension that truly encompasses the listener. The rear channels are replete with even more ambient sound. We say it a lot, but I only say it when it's true: 'Les Misérables' provides a "like you're there" listening experience.
Every lyric is crystal clear. LFE is beautifully deep. Right from the outset, during the opening number, your sub-woofer will be working overtime. The deep rumbling of the bass in that song is fantastic to hear and feel. This is an, all around, spectacular audio experience. |
Kal
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