kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 1:19 pm Post subject: Epic 3D [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Epic (Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack) (2013)
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| Quote: | Because the trailers for 'Epic' made it out to be a mish-mash of other family films, I literally expected nothing from it when I popped in the Blu-ray. Much to my surprise, I found it to be quite enjoyable and much better than the most of this summer's other family films. My daughters joined me for my second viewing (the 2D disc) and both enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story of 'Epic' isn't the most unique, but it also isn't without its creative charm. The 3D Blu-ray set includes every possible digital format of the film (3D BD, 2D BD, DVD, Digital Copy and Ultraviolet), it also comes with extracurricular family entertainment. A packet containing two sets of easy-to-grow seeds is included. Truthfully, I look forward to planting them with my girls when spring rolls around again. The flawless audio and video qualities of the 3D Blu-ray are just another reason this set is a worthy purchase. Most of the special features are directed toward children, but there's a decent 25-minute making-of for the adults. To the casual moviegoer, 'Epic' may only be worthy of renting, but if you have children, I definitely recommend owning it.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Fox has given 'Epic' an absolutely flawless 3D 1080p/MVC (at 41 MBPS) encode in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Animation is always the best format for 3D Blu-rays and 'Epic' is no exception.
'Epic' doesn't use gimmicky 3D of forcing images off the screen – which is rare for a 3D kids movie. Instead, it pushes the world of the film deep beyond the face of the television, as if the borders of the screen are the framing of a window. The world created is visually appealing, appearing like the images of fantasies in the mind of a child. Taking place in large settings, there are layers upon layers of material that extend the picture far into the background. From dust particles floating through the foreground to the blowing trees of the background, the distance between the two is an infinite playing field for the action of the film. There is never a lack of depth. The filmmakers ensured that objects are constantly placed in all areas of this setting. While some movies make you forget that you're watching a 3D movie, with 'Epic,' the amazing environments are subconscious reminders.
I appreciate the amount of detail that 'Epic' was given. The lighting of the forest gives the picture a warm and glowing softness that carries a stark contrast with the lifeless world of the Boggins. No matter which of the two settings we're in, fine details are visible. Be it hairs on a bee's body, leafy patterns, rough bark or oily bird feathers, textures and fine features can always be seen.
The animation is so strong that it leaves no room for banding or aliasing. Colors are so vibrant that when we see the gray result of the Boggins' decay, the gravity of their rot carries a strong emphasis. Black levels are deep and rich without removing the fantastic fine details. After watching the film twice – once in 3D and once in 2D – I cannot find a single fault with the impressive picture quality.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
I love that more and more studios are starting to go with 7.1 audio. Fox has given 'Epic' the 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio treatment. Just as much love was put into the audio mix as the video quality.
From the very opening scene, the amazing dynamics of the audio mix become evident. Set mostly in forests, environmental sounds of cicadas, birds and bugs are layered throughout the channels. The sounds of a breeze blowing through leaves of a tree creates an imaging effect that allows you to follow the direction of the wind. Other sounds, such as soaring arrows or passing bats and birds, also show off the strength of imaging. All speakers are constantly lit up with these great examples of environmental effects mixing.
The vocal tracks are absolutely clean and clear. Large crowd scenes offer background banter that emits from all channels. Music also plays perfectly. Be it Steven Tyler's in-movie song, Beyonce's closing credits track or Danny Elfman's score, the music is a great-sounding spacer-filler. |
Kal
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