kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 8:12 pm Post subject: Cloud Atlas [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Cloud Atlas (Blu-ray/DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack) (2013)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | A daring attempt to explore the human condition in six vastly different epochs, 'Cloud Atlas' is an all-encompassing and sprawling cinematic examination of the things which inspire and motivate us as a species. Adapted from the sweeping David Mitchell novel, the multi-genre film is a dazzling piece of entertainment that manages to stay focused and delivers a satisfying conclusion. It debuts on Blu-ray with reference-quality video and an excellent audio presentation. Supplements aren't very extensive, but they're amusing and surprisingly insightful nonetheless, making the overall package recommended for fans and a strong rental for others.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Cloud Atlas' debuts on Blu-ray with a stunning, reference-quality 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, allowing viewers to really appreciate the mesmerizing cinematography of John Toll and Frank Griebe. Stylized yet subtle in its approach, the photography has an intriguing, classic Hollywood elegance to it with brilliant, spot-on contrast and vivid, crisp whites throughout. With an ultra-fine layer of grain just barely present, black levels are rich and penetrating, providing a great deal dimensionality and depth while also adding to the film's cinematic appeal. Delineation in the darkest portions is always visible and intelligible. A sumptuous and full-bodied color palette with richly-saturated primaries gives the production an intensely animated and energetic feel.
Along with the beautiful cinematography, the rest of the high-def transfer is razor-sharp, with crystal-clear clarity from beginning to end. The 2.40:1 image displays clean fine lines on various buildings and the several differing architectural styles of each period. Individual hairs are distinct, and natural facial complexions reveal every pore and trivial blemish with incredible lifelike textures. Every thread and stitch in the varying costumes is clear-cut and very well-defined while each detail and imperfection on rock formations, surrounding trees, the wooden sailing ship and the metallic-concrete future is plainly visible at all times. All in all, this is a dazzling presentation for a bold film.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The multi-layered film arrives with a great DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that will keep viewers generally engrossed. The design is bit more front-heavy than initially expected, which is in perfect tune, I suppose, with the filmmakers' intentions and it being a character-driven narrative at its core.
Dialogue is crystal-clear, with splendid intonation of each actor's emotional state and excellent intelligibility during many whispered conversations. Imaging is broad and expansive with a good deal of background activity, and the mid-range is very dynamic with detailed clarity in the instrumentation and the couple action sequences. There's not much going on in the LFE department, but there's a decent amount happening in the mid-bass, providing just enough of a punch to give some weight to the music and action. The rears are employed sparingly, typically during Neo Seoul and The Big Island scenes, with several convincing and mostly satisfying atmospherics and amusing panning effects. In the end, it's an excellent and enjoyable lossless mix, but not one to give the sound system a good workout. |
Kal
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