kal
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| Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 2:15 pm Post subject: Noah [Blu-ray] |
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Noah (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD)
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| Quote: | With notable performances by the cast, Darren Aronofsky's 'Noah' is a marvelous production of a classic myth motif that's both inspiring and stimulating. The talented filmmaker of usually dark themes takes a familiar tale and reinvigorates with splashes of the Hollywood blockbuster epic, making it entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The film arrives on Blu-ray with amazing video and a reference-quality audio presentation. Supplements appear to be exclusive to the format, making the overall package easy to recommend and a satisfying purchase for fans.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Noah makes it rain on Blu-ray with a gorgeous and stunning 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that stays true to the stylistic intentions of the filmmakers. By this, I'm mostly referring to Matthew Libatique's downcast and joyless cinematography, a palette that is purposefully grayish and dull with a few splatters of bold colors when certain scenes require them. And on that note, primaries are true to life and animated while secondary hues are cleanly rendered, providing a bit of warmth to an otherwise gloomy presentation. Contrast is spot-on and crisp, allowing for every object in the distance to be plainly visible. Brightness levels and shadow delineation could be a tad stronger, but overall, blacks are accurate and opulent.
Shot with a combination of traditional 35mm and HD digital cameras, the freshly-minted transfer is highly-detailed, with razor-sharp lines throughout. Individual leaves are distinct, and the crude stitching in the costumes is perceptible while the tiniest blemish and imperfection in the ark is crystal-clear. On the whole, the faces of the cast display excellent lifelike textures, especially during close-ups that reveal pores and every wrinkle. A few moments are not quite as sharp as others, but they're easily excused when the rest of the 1.85:1 image looks utterly fantastic.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The biblical epic continues to make a big splash with an awesomely engaging and far-reaching DTS-HD Master Audio soundstrack. The front soundstage is broad and expansive with convincing off-screen effects and superb separation between the channels, generating an effectively engaging wall of sound that’s continuous from beginning to end. Dynamic range is extensive with rich detailed clarity in the various noises, from the screams and yells of battle to the grinding movements of the Watchers. This is particularly impressive in the dramatically percussive score of Clint Mansell where individual instruments are heard with excellent acoustics and distinction. Vocals are pristine and precise in the center with the smallest change in intonation perfectly heard.
Though not earth-shattering, the low-end is amazingly deep and powerful, providing palpable, responsive weight to the action with awesome rumbling effects that resonate throughout the room. A couple moments, such as the battle for the ark sequence, hit even lower with appreciable realism. (Bass Chart) Rear activity is also effective and tremendously satisfying with outstanding directionality and flawless panning. Even quite scenes fill the room with the sounds of wind blowing in the distance, and when Tubal-cain's clan shows up, there is endless chattering and grunting everywhere. The best moment is by far when Noah's family survives the weather inside the ark, where noises of animals and the rocking of the wood vessel create an immersive 360° soundfield that's highly pleasing, making this a terrifically enjoyable, reference-quality lossless mix. |
Kal
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