kal
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| Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:02 pm Post subject: Monsters University 3D [Blu-ray] |
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Monsters University (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) (2013)
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| Quote: | 'Monsters University' is an engaging and funny prequel that doesn't quite live up to the original 'Monsters, Inc.'. However, I found myself opening up to the film upon multiple viewings. There are tons of gags and references and details to enjoy, along with likable characters. Our readers who have young kids -- kids who didn't exist when the first film came out -- will no doubt have this movie on repeat for years to come.
As a Blu-ray, the 4-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition is the way to go. For a $5 premium, it includes reference quality Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray 2D presentations, both of which boast a terrific 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. The Special Features are also very extensive. And you get an HD Digital Copy to play on any of your mobile devices. If you, or your kids, enjoyed 'Monsters University' and love quality 3D, this is an easy recommend.
If you don't care for 3D, check out the 3-Disc Collector's Edition, which features everything in this pack save for the Blu-ray 3D. There's also a 3-Disc Combo Pack, which doesn't include 3D or a Digital Copy.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Monsters University' scares its way onto Booooooo-ray with a wonderfully textured and colorful AVC MPEG-4 encode framed in the film's original 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio.
While I may personally prefer the 3D version, the film's 2D incarnation is another example of reference quality high definition. Colors are bright, bold, and vivid. Resolution and the sense of depth are exemplary. Contrast is incredibly dynamic, especially the gothic lighting inside the Scare School when we meet Dean Hardscrabble -- (this scene, along with the first Scare Games tunnel race, are really going to test some displays). Shadow detail is extraordinary; not only are black levels deep and inky, but the film's lighting palette is complex. The film's darker, less saturated third act is particularly impressive and pays a nice homage to the woods sequences in 'E.T.' Finally, there are no signs of banding, aliasing, macro-blocking or other encoding errors.
As I said in the 3D video review, Pixar movies truly set the standard for computer-generated animation. What always surprises me is how well they render various textures. From shiny metal busses to cobble stone sidewalks to rusty hand railings to grassy lawns to furry hides to scaly skin to sunlight reflecting off the water, the Pixar universe runs a fine line between cartoon and photo realistic.
Each new Pixar film floors me with new technical and artistic achievements. 'Monsters University' is a Blu-ray stunner.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'Monsters University' roars onto Blu-ray with a wonderfully atmospheric 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.
'MU' certainly isn't as bombastic as the more action-oriented Pixar films, but this is an incredibly complex, dynamic, and precise mix. Starting with the dialog, everything is perfectly clear, and character voices are well placed around the front sound stage. LFE levels are generally subdued, until various moments (bigger monsters roaring, the heavy dance beat at frat parties) call for more of a presence. Randy Newman's collegiate score fills the entire room, uniting front and rear sound fields. Effects pan nicely and the filmmakers utilize the rear channels nicely to build out the world -- you really feel like the MU campus is an actual environment.
MU's 7.1 Dolby TrueHD sound mix recreates the theatrical experience perfectly. This is one of those soundtracks that gets better with volume -- enjoyable at all levels, but crank this one up and you'll discover more and more complexity. However, those looking for their next aggressive-bash-your-head-in demo probably won't find it here. Also, the only reason it's just-so-ever-shy of a full 5-star rating is because I've heard better from Pixar.
Other audio options include English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English DVS Dolby Digital, Frech 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital.
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Kal
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