kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 5:21 pm Post subject: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (3D) [Blu-ray] |
|
|
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (3D/Blu-Ray/DVD/UltraViolet Combo Pack)
Disclaimer: Using the affiliate links above helps support our forum at no extra cost to you. CurtPalme.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
| Quote: | Many aren't down with Webb's vision of Spider-Man, but I am. I'm all about "(500) Days of Spider-Man." The way he treats the characters, tip-toes through their relationships, and isn't afraid to change up what's perceived as comfortable, creates a satisfying unknown, something that is sorely missing in the Disney/Marvel 'Avengers' storyline. With demo-worthy audio and video – including a wonderfully consistent, deep and always-impressive 3D transfer – and a truckload of special features, 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' is highly recommended viewing.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Not too many blockbusters are shot on film anymore, but 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' is. This gives the 1080p image a very rich, cinematic look. In high-def it looks flawless. A wonderfully deep picture that never wavers in clarity. The CGI is never called into question by the crystalline visuals either. It all looks utterly superb.
I don't think you'd expect anything less from a recent Sony release. This is demo-worthy material from beginning to end. With distinct clarity and attention to detail, 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' Blu-ray offers up a robust video experience. Fine detail is optimal, whether the camera is gliding around New York filming Spidey as he swings in between historic skyscrapers, or when it captures small moments between Peter and Gwen in a small alley. It all look fantastic. Close-ups are full of all sorts of clearly defined facial features. Long-shots take in the entirety of New York without missing a single thing.
The greatness of the 3D element begins immediately. As Sony's logo gradually appears through the darkness via backlighting, the colorful prism of lens flares beam through the foreground with brilliant defined clarity, extending from the back into the close foreground. Once we dive into the actual movie, the strength of the deep and unfailingly natural 3D effects continue. While Peter's parents battle a bag guy on a private jet, despite the herky-jerky and fast-cutting action, there's never a bad bit of 3D. The depth and layering is consistent and smooth, never warbling or warping. Even the debris that blasts through the screen in quick blurs is properly placed in this dynamic field.
A few scenes later, we see Gwen impatiently talking to Peter over the phone while he misses out on graduation hooplah in order to stop Russian mobsters from stealing radioactive materials. Without looking odd or distracting, Gwen almost appears to pop out of the screen – something that gimmicky 3D movies attempt, but never successfully achieve. That's where 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' excels. Even its subtle moments offer the wow factor. During the most unexpected moments - like Gwen talking on a phone - the 3D is just as good as during the expected parts - like Spidey dodging bullets from a madman's machine gun.
Black areas remain controlled the entire time. I didn't notice any unsightly banding, even during the tricky fade-in scene that begins the movie. Those are usually where banding can be spotted, and there isn't anything there at all. This is one of the best looking Blu-rays of the year.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Originally mixed for Dolby Atmos consumption in the theaters (perhaps a re-release once Dolby Atmos home theaters become common?), 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' sounds just as great as it looks. Possibly even better.
The surround sound capability of this release is off-the-charts great. This is a fully immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Even if a 7.1 mix were provided, I'm not sure it'd be any better than what we're offered here. That's because the 5.1 mix is so well-produced and perfectly prioritized that it creates an all-encompassing listening environment. The rear channels feature a ton of action. Both Spidey vs. Electro fights send all sorts of action to the rear channels. As they fly around the screen beating each other up the sound flies with them without missing a beat. The transitions from speaker to speaker are flawless.
The LFE is as deep as it gets. Electro's power thrives on deep thundering bass. The sub is constantly working overtime as the movie is full of multiple action scenes and soundtrack choice that need the accompaniment of thundering bass. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
