kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:55 pm Post subject: Oz the Great and Powerful [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Oz the Great and Powerful (Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy) (2013)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | In my mind, there always will be only one 'Wizard of Oz,' but Disney's energetic prequel succeeds as a high-voltage kiddie action flick, nothing more. The rest of Sam Raimi's cluttered fantasy lacks whimsy and charm, and the entire enterprise is presented without much reverence or finesse. Though there's plenty of magic performed on screen, 'Oz The Great and Powerful' is hardly magical in tone or execution. The 2D Blu-ray sports a sumptuous video transfer that's superior to its 3D counterpart, potent audio, and a solid supplemental package. If choosing between 3D and 2D, I'd stick with 2D (the 2D disc also contains all the supplements, while the 3D release only offers them through the digital copy), but either way, a rental for this title will surely suffice, even for diehard Oz fans like myself.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
I actually much prefer the 2D rendering of 'Oz The Great and Powerful' to its ragged 3D counterpart. While obviously not as dimensional, this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer still possesses a palpable sense of depth and an elegant lushness that makes the fantasy world of Oz truly come alive. Whereas the 3D version feels heavily processed and stiff, the 2D edition nicely integrates all the elements and exudes a pleasing smoothness that helps immerse us in the story. Grain is entirely absent and not a speck, dot, or errant scratch sully the pristine source material. Clarity is superb and contrast is spot on, allowing all the brilliant hues and garish tones to shine with appropriate vitality.
Reds, greens, blues, and especially the essential yellow of the iconic brick road are all deeply saturated and project just the right degree of artifice. Black levels are deliciously inky and shadow delineation is excellent, with no incidents of crush perceivable. Background elements are razor sharp; individual faces in massive crowd scenes are not only visible, but also strikingly detailed, and the fabrics of costumes exhibit a fine textural feel. Fleshtones tend to look a bit orangey, but they're not off enough to spoil the overall picture.
The black-and-white opening sequences also possess a nice look, with solid gray scale variance helping the image achieve a good degree of depth. Though I wish sepia tones had been employed as a nod to the original 'Wizard of Oz,' and some grain had been added to accentuate the period feel and more clearly differentiate drab Kansas from sumptuous Oz, what Raimi has done works well enough. The gradual transition from black-and-white to color, as well as the widening of the aspect ratio, is subtly and effectively done, though nothing can match the wow factor that sweeps over viewers when Dorothy opens the door to Oz in the classic original.
No banding, noise, or pixilation disrupt any portion of the film, although there's a bit of slightly perceptible break-up in fast motion sequences, and no enhancements, such as edge sharpening or noise reduction, could be detected. This 2D transfer definitely enhances the 'Oz' experience and trounces its 3D cousin.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track supplies plenty of full-bodied, robust sound. With so many high-end effects, including a tornado, sizzling fireballs, and flying monkeys, there's a lot of opportunity for surround activity, and this track manages them all well. Discreet elements are marvelously distinct, yet there's a unity to the mix that keeps it from feeling overly processed and choppy. A wide dynamic range handles the highs and lows with ease, keeping distortion at bay and allowing all the special effects free rein.
The tornado sequence packs an appropriate wallop, as the raging wind funnels across all the speakers and the subwoofer makes its presence felt. Explosions also wield some hefty weight, but nuances come at a premium. Danny Elfman's music score is nicely textured during its softer moments, but when it goes big it goes bold, bursting with fidelity and tonal depth as it effortlessly fills the room. Despite many competing elements, dialogue remains properly prioritized throughout, with conversations always clear and comprehendible.
Disney usually provides well constructed, muscular audio for its major releases, and this track is no exception. It's a solid effort that complements the film without overpowering it. |
Kal
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