|
As this forum is rarely used anymore, we've locked it. Feel free to browse and read. Questions? Please reach out to us directly. Cheers! |
|
 |
|
|
| Author |
Message |
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 3:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc with a title that nobody can pronounce or remember so it's usually called 'that owl movie':
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | If you enjoyed Zack Snyder's 'Legend of the Guardians' in the theater (as I did, on home video), then picking up this Blu-ray is kind of a no-brainer. With exemplary, reference-quality audio and video and a whole host of special features that will keep everybody happy, especially the little owlets. The movie itself is a surprisingly dark fantasy fable which looks absolutely incredible and gets along with some punch (despite the somewhat fragmentary nature of the narrative). If you're looking for something that can entertain both you and the youngins, then you could do a lot worse than this (especially since you also get a DVD and digital copy for the sticker price). Excuse the pun, but 'Legend of the Guardians' is a hoot.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
It would be easy to call 'Legend of the Guardians'' MPEG-4 AVC-encoded 1080p (2.35:1 aspect ratio) perfect, because it is. It's one of those amazing, pick-your-jaw-up-off-the-floor flawless presentations that only comes around once in a while (and mostly in conjunction with a direct-from-the-digital source computer animated movie).
Still, we can recount the basics: absolute clarity, dynamic amount of detail, colors that pop (again: look at those streaks of blue paint on the echidna - love it!) and deep, dark blacks. Not a spot of grain or anything else even remotely filmic for that matter, but still deep and textured and not too phony. There aren't any technical glitches to speak of, either.
I watched this movie for the first time on Blu-ray and thought, for the first time in a while, "Man, I wish I had seen this in the theater in 3-D" because it really is that gorgeous. One of the more interesting things, stylistically, is how lifelike and naturalistic the creatures look and feel, and this aspect is really highlighted by the outstanding video presentation on this disc.
There really isn't much to say besides - check this out! If you want to really wow your buddies with your upgraded home theater set-up, then throw this disc on - there's a scene where the owls are learning to fly through a rainstorm, with lightning crashing behind them, and at one point Snyder slows the film down so you can see individual water droplets as they strike the birds' feathers. It's incredible stuff, made even more so by the transfer.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
But wait! The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is just as perfectly perfect as the video!
Zack Snyder movies are LOUD, and this film is no exception. Every sound and sound effect that could be rendered in a staggeringly beautiful way is - the flap of wings, the crash of thunder, the sound of fire as it engulfs a small area. And all of the animal sounds - the screeching of the bats and owls to the way that the echidna's spines prickle, it's all there, never overbearing or too in-your-face.
There's near-constant (but never superfluous use of the surround channels) which adds a much needed layer of depth and believability. The movie's tactile visual style crosses over to the sound design aspect of things, and this mix, with strong directionality and excellent use of the various channels, really brings all the scampering, skittering, soaring creatures to life.
Additionally, dialogue (in a variety of accents that vary in their level of intelligibility) sounds crisp, clear, and well prioritized, even when two owl brothers are having an emotional chat in front of a roaring, out-of-control fire. Dialogue obviously isn't a huge part of the movie, but it's good to know that they didn't forget about all the loud crashing stuff and forget about the spoken word; dialogue is never overwhelmed or smothered out by other aspects of the mix.
This is just a super solid mix, one of the best I've heard in a while, that is totally active and dynamic without ever sacrificing that for the clarity of dialogue and quieter scenes. Totally well done and every bit as good as the video presentation.
Also included on the disc are the following audio options: French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1 and subtitles in English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
MarqueeMan
Joined: 17 Dec 2010
Posts: 9
Location: England
|
| Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 9:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Interesting you have Se7en as a reference disk. I remember the movie as very dark and noisy from the cinema.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 10:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| MarqueeMan wrote: | | Interesting you have Se7en as a reference disk. I remember the movie as very dark and noisy from the cinema. |
When you say dark and noisy, are you referring to how you saw it in the theater or the actual blu-ray disc? The reference list is a list of reference *blu-ray* discs. When you watch something in the theater it may look completely different (usually much worse). I've never seen anything projected in the theater that actually looks better than what I see at home. The film stock quality they use when they make prints of movies to show in theaters is typically crap. They use cheap stuff.
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc:
Resident Evil: Afterlife [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' will sit comfortably as the middle shelf in this series, a film that doesn't come close to reaching the lows of 'Apocalypse,' but fails to come anywhere close to the fantastic original. It lacks a real point, and takes us from one unsatisfying tease of an ending, through a ridiculous story, to yet another unsatisfying tease of an ending. Hardly fulfilling stuff. The Blu-ray met all of my expectations, though, with solid video, superb audio, and a large heaping of extras. 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' comes recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The 2D release of 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' is given a 1080p AVC MPEG-4 encode at 2.35:1 that is amazingly impressive, but occasionally annoyingly flawed. Clarity is amazing, with only the tiniest hint of grain ever on display, an infinitely deep picture, and enough fine detail to put the fear into viewers where the film itself fails to. Blacks are inky as all get out, whites are sharp, and not even harsh in the pure white sequences. Edges are superb, skin tones are accurate for the entirety of the program, and colors are bold and pop beautifully. The detail levels are so high that it's a double edged sword, where the duplicate Alices stand out too much, whereas digitally created people are clearly undefined, ruining a few scenes due to the distraction. How any film can put so much effort into some parts of the effects, while going the lazy way out and just quitting or calling it good enough on others, it's beyond me, but that's what it is. To be fair, this is a live action cartoon of sorts, so fake people are to be expected. While aliasing and DNR are nowhere to be found, I had a fairly large problem with the artifacting that came to life in dark sequences. Pools of black are often stunning and realistic, though other times they just look horrific and ugly, like the nastiest, most decayed zombie possible. As much as I loved the superb detail in the tiniest debris in the action sequences, this one gets a hearty recommendation that should have been the most rapturous of praise. I don't think I've ever given out a score this high and felt bad about it before.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The movie may not have a point. The video may have its flaws. But damn if the audio isn't wall to wall awesome. If you aren't impressed by this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, then you're dead to me. Maybe undead.
This one is worth more than the sum of all parts. It's an immersive experience, that pulls you into the experience so accurately and frequently that it helps the shortcomings of the film become less of a concern, as you wait for the mind-numbingly ridiculous action sequences to go above and beyond what they already have, in a film that constantly tries to raise its own bar. The soundtrack separates through the channels throughout the entire film, and despite its bravado at some points, never drowns out the rest of the goods. Of course, usually spiked soundtrack volume is accompanied by an exponential rise in the amount of firepower in use, but it all mixes together brilliantly. Dialogue is sharp and accurate, though occasionally a tad unnatural (due to some probable ADR work), despite otherwise amazing room dynamics. Rears get more movement and localization in this film, per capita, than any other film I've heard. It's damn near constant, and literally stunning. The undead horde outside the prison sequence literally fill the room with the sound of a half-a-mile wide army groaning with the hunger for fresh flesh. The film has an appropriate sense of weight, amazingly unchecked range, and one of the coolest sounding explosions in film history in the first act.
Amazing audio. Stupendous audio. Demo material, for sure. Much like the way this film was one of the biggest reasons I wanted a home 3D set up, after reading this review, I hope any homeowners without a high end surround set up realize that discs like 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' also make that a necessary splurge. This is one film experience that just cannot be told through the television speakers or an outdated last generation home theater in a box. Ever. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc - this time one of my favourites of 2010! Great movie!
Despicable Me (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | Overall, I was very impressed with this three disc package. 'Despicable Me' is a fun movie that folks of all ages should enjoy. This is a no brainer for a family movie night selection or just a relaxing sit down for that matter. This package features demo video and audio as well as a fairly large amount of extra content. This Blu-ray comes highly recommended for both fans of the movie and anyone who hasn't seen it yet.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Despicable Me' arrives on Blu-ray with a stunningly beautiful 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer. Simply put, this baby is flawless. Sit back and enjoy it!
Notice the vibrant color palate with colors so bright, they threaten to burst out of your screen, and blacks that appear bottomless. Enjoy every last detail, like the bright blue sky, bight yellows from the sun, each individual blade of green grass, and banana yellow of the minions. Each frame seems to look better than the last. As far as digital artifacts go, there are none, this is probably about as good as an animation film can look on the Blu-ray format.
'Despicable Me' easily ranks right up there with the top transfers of 2010. The animation style may not be as realistic as a film like 'Toy Story 3' but that is perfectly fine since what it lacks in detail it makes up for by featuring some of the brightest colors you will find anywhere. Enjoy this demo disc!
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Equally as impressive as the video quality is the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. This track will give your home theater system a great workout. All speakers will be engaged throughout, especially during some of the more action packed sequences like Gru's air fight with Vector. You'll be able to hear each missile work its way around your speaker system. The bass effects will also threaten to bring down walls in your house at times.
With all those powerful effects, speech remains perfectly clear throughout. Notice some of the more minor details as well, like the realistic surround effects at the amusement park; at times, it felt like standing in the middle of a crowd. Overall, the audio, like the video presentation, is perfect. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
genit
Joined: 23 Jan 2011
Posts: 2
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 5:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
Any chance to get the released bluray list in excel or other database format?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 2:38 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I know of a database, but they do not offer any means of downloading it for any use. Its www.bluraystats.com.
_________________
Trust no one. Absolutely no one. Advice of the board.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
genit
Joined: 23 Jan 2011
Posts: 2
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 10:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
| WanMan wrote: | | I know of a database, but they do not offer any means of downloading it for any use. Its www.bluraystats.com. |
Thanks Guys.. I have only a dvd list (from http://www.hometheaterinfo.com/dvdlist.htm). I don't find yet similar list for bluray. Btw, great thread..
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc - one of my all time favourites that I've owned and bought in probably 1/2 dozen versions over the years. This Blu-ray version's my last. (right!) 
Apocalypse Now (Three-Disc Full Disclosure Edition) (Apocalypse Now / Apocalypse Now Redux / Hearts of Darkness) [Blu-ray] (1979)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | Hands down, 'Apocalypse Now' is one of the greatest motion pictures ever made. I've even come to appreciate the revisionist 'Redux' cut over the years (but am still grateful that the Blu-ray contains both versions). Other than the ugly package art, the Full Disclosure Edition Blu-ray set from Lionsgate is very nearly a home run. It has strong (though just a bit shy of perfect) video quality, amazing audio, and tons of supplements – including the essential 'Hearts of Darkness' documentary. No fan of the cinematic art form should be without this Blu-ray set.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Any proper discussion of the 'Apocalypse Now' picture quality must cover two important (and controversial) topics: aspect ratio and color. The Blu-ray represents the first time that the film has been presented on home video in its full 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Although the movie was originally composed for 2.35:1 and played at that ratio theatrically (both in 1979 and 2001), all previous widescreen home video releases were cropped to a narrower ratio of 2.0:1 at the instruction of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. In the late '80s, Storaro concocted a goofy theory he calls Univisium, which states that all movies should be displayed at a universal aspect ratio of 2.0:1. Unfortunately, he has been retroactively imposing this rule even on his older movies that were clearly not originally composed with this in mind. ('The Last Emperor' suffers this fate on Blu-ray.) As a result, significant portions of the image were removed from the sides of the frame.
Storaro claims that he always composed 'Apocalypse Now' (and 'The Last Emperor') with a 2.0:1 crop in mind, but that was belied by the uncomfortably cramped nature of the Laserdisc and DVD pictures and the fact that the visible portion of the image panned and scanned from one end of the frame to the other. If Storaro had genuinely composed the movie with the intention of cropping, he should have framed all of the important picture information within the 2.0:1 safe area. That was not the case.
In the past, director Francis Ford Coppola had conceded to Storaro's wishes and approved these cropped video transfers. However, in preparing this Blu-ray release, Lionsgate managed to talk Coppola into restoring the entire original 2.35:1 frame. The result is a huge improvement. The picture is much better balanced now. Countless scenes throughout the movie are plainly composed with important activity occurring at the extreme edges of the frame, far from the 2.0:1 center zone. The film is really not watchable at any other aspect ratio than the full 2.35:1.
Next is the issue of color. Because he's an incessant revisionist tinkerer, Storaro has adjusted the movie's color scheme numerous times over the years, making a new change with every release print or video transfer he approved, from Laserdisc to DVD to the 'Redux' theatrical release and to the 'Redux' DVD, none of which is quite the same as any other. In most cases, his inclination has been to give the movie more vibrant primaries reminiscent of the old three-strip Technicolor process.
The video transfer for this Blu-ray was not supervised by Vittorio Storaro. However, its colors are closest to those of dye-transfer prints struck for the 'Redux' theatrical release in 2001, which were overseen by Storaro. Representatives from the production team at Lionsgate claim that they attempted to strike a compromise between the dye-transfer print supplied by Francis Coppola and the 'Redux' DVD transfer. Overall, the Blu-ray color scheme leans toward yellow and golden hues. It also has many heavy color washes that were not present back in 1979.
While the purist in me would like to see the movie's original colors, I honestly don't have much to complain about here. The new colors are quite aesthetically beautiful on their own, and feel appropriate for the film's setting and mood. For as much as I may decry his Univisium nonsense, Vittorio Storaro is a brilliant cinematographer with an unparalleled eye for color. (Thankfully, I didn't spot a single instance of teal anywhere in the movie.) As far as I'm concerned, if he has to revise the movie, he can do what he wants with the colors. I'll trust his judgment on that, and I like the results.
In other respects, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer has a very nice representation of detail, far better than DVD. It's not necessarily the sharpest picture you'll find on Blu-ray, but it has a pleasing film-like appearance. There are scenes when the amount of detail is extraordinary, and other scenes that look soft. A lot of this stems back to the original production. (Being photographed with anamorphic lenses in the jungle probably didn't help matters.) I've read some complaints from bit rate statisticians that the disc doesn't cause their players' meters to spike as high as they'd like, but I tend not to give things like that much credence unless there are visible artifacts in the picture. As far as that goes, I will admit that there are instances where film grain looks a little mushy, notably the opening montage (though I must point out that this was a multi-generation optical composite). Also, a few of the jungle scenes lack grain and have a mildly rubbery texture that makes me suspect some Digital Noise Reduction was employed on occasion.
Keep in mind that I only say the above because it's my job to be a nit-picker. This is a nearly 3 ½ hour long movie, and my overall impression is that it looks gorgeous, even breathtaking. Is it perfect in every objective sense? Perhaps not, but it's still one of the most beautiful things I've projected in my home theater all the same.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The sound design for 'Apocalypse Now' is the stuff of legend. In fact, it was during production of this movie that editor Walter Murch coined the term "sound design." He not only helped to develop the 5.1 sound array that is the primary standard for most modern feature film production, he also created expressionistic aural montages that are nothing short of visionary in their approach to telling the story through sound effects, music, and ambience. Even more than 30 years later, this soundtrack puts most brand new movies to shame. In fact, this very well may be the greatest motion picture soundtrack ever created.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray is sterling in its fidelity. The songs by The Doors that bookend the film have never sounded better. Dialogue is crisp no matter no matter how much is going on in any given scene. Subtle audio details are reproduced with outstanding clarity. The track makes full use of all 5.1 channels to create a fully alive and immersive soundscape. It also matrixes well to 7.1 format with Dolby ProLogic IIx decoding. The helicopter rotors in the opening scene seamlessly cycle through every speaker in the room. The film has selected moments of powerful bass, but is never loud just for the sake of being loud.
Ironically, the only scene in the movie I might find disappointing is the one I expected to be the best audio showcase. The "Ride of the Valkyries" attack kind of blurs together into a big mass of noise without as much distinction to individual sounds as the rest of the movie. That's not necessarily inappropriate to the content of the scene (which is meant to be chaotic), but it doesn't provoke the same type of hyper-real auditory response as the rest of the film. Even so, this is a 5-star presentation of a 5-star soundtrack. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:41 am Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc:
Piranha [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | In my estimation, Alexandre Aja's balls-out 'Piranha 3D' is some kind of gonzo masterpiece. Relentlessly entertaining and often side-splittingly hilarious, it's a sharp combination of visceral, bloody thrills, and pointed political satire. Oh, and boobs. Lots and lots and lots of boobs. The 2D Blu-ray edition looks and sounds superb and has many special features that can’t be found on the DVD or the 3D Blu-ray version of the film. Yes, I sort of miss the geysers of blood shooting out at me from the movie screen, but it doesn’t dull the movie's considerable edge. Not in the slightest. If you want a guilty pleasure romp that you don’t have to feel too guilty about afterwards, then you should really let ‘Piranha 3D’ sink its teeth into you. It's highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Yes, the film was released in theaters as 'Piranha 3D.' No, it’s not in 3D here. (That’s a separate release, which will be getting a separate review, although not by me.) Instead, you get a perfectly acceptable 1080p/AVC-MPEG4 transfer (aspect ratio: 2.40:1). And you know what? There’s not a whole lot that’s lost in the lack of dimensionality.
In fact, for what it is, the transfer looks quite good. The movie is extremely colorful (a fact they go into in the special features) and I worried that so many colors, popping off the screen in luxurious high definition, would be more of an eyesore than anything else. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. From Kelly Brook’s shimmery red bikini, to the outlandishly attired spring breakers on their boats and barges, to the fountains of gore that erupt anytime a school of piranhas shows up, everything looks sharp and crisp and the colors never clash or bleed (although there is some slight banding during the murkier underwater sequences – a forgivable flaw that doesn’t dilute the excellence of the transfer).
The only drawback to such a crisp presentation is that the visual effects (particularly the computer-generated piranhas and a whirlpool that shows up towards the beginning of the film) look phonier than ever. This is one of the pitfalls of high definition, but it shouldn’t adversely affect your enjoyment, but it is worth noting and pointing out.
Otherwise, the transfer stands up ably – skin tones look good, detail is sharp but never over-pronounced, and there's a layer of grain that gives it a lived-in, filmic quality (they shot the movie on film and converted it to 3D later, since the 3D cameras wouldn't have worked with the glare from the water). 'Piranha' is a big, bright movie… about dozens of people dying. But this transfer more than retains not only the look of the film, but the feel of it as well, which is about the biggest compliment you can award a transfer.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'Piranha' runs about 80 minutes long, and there's never a dull moment. Because of this, the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix really needed to bring the heat. Thankfully, it did.
Like the movie itself it's always active but never overwhelmingly so, and perfectly captures the king of spring break sensory overload director Aja and his co-conspirators were aiming for. For example: there's a spring break sequence where the camera dips below "sea level" and this is remarkably rendered here, because not only is the party music blaring (but never blown out), when the camera goes underwater you here the "blip" of breaking the waterline and then the distorted music. This could have been totally lost, turned into cacophonous mush, but this mix more than outdoes itself.
Time and time again you’ll be floored by how well and consistently the surround sound channels are used – when the fish of piranhas encircle an unsuspecting teen, when a party barge buckles and falls into the water, when a whirlpool gobbles up Richard Dreyfuss – it’s all there and it sounds beautiful. Sound effects are strong without being overbearing, dialogue is crisp, clear and easy to understand, the music (both source and film score) comes through loud and mean… It’s all just really, really excellent. If you aren’t sold on the quality of the sound mix by the time Adam Scott grabs a shotgun and jumps onto a jet ski, well, there may be no hope for you at all.
While this is the lone audio option on the disc, there are subtitles available in English, English SDH, and Spanish. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc:
The Social Network (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'The Social Network' is one of the finest films of 2010, a probing, fascinating examination of genius and character, business and betrayal. It's sublimely entertaining and brilliantly written and filmed, and this stellar two-disc Blu-ray set provides us with terrific video and audio transfers and excellent supplemental material. This is a movie that stands up well over repeat viewings, and with such quality picture and sound, this Blu-ray set is that rare animal that features both first-class content and presentation. Without question, this is one to own.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Social Network' possesses a strong, natural-looking transfer that benefits from excellent clarity and contrast. Warm tones distinguish the image, casting just a hint of a yellowish glow on some scenes. Though digitally shot, the film lacks that sterile, hyper-sharp look that often lends an air of artificiality to some movies. Despite the lack of grain, Fincher somehow manages to evoke a very cozy feel that resembles celluloid and aids our immersion in the story. At times, the picture looks a shade or two darker than normal, but such a style enhances the mood, and makes certain exteriors, such as the rowing sequence, exhibit wonderful pop. Details are never obscured, however, and textures come across well.
Colors remain a tad muted, but still exude solid vibrancy. The office interiors and bland dorms don't offer many opportunities for brilliant hues, and Fincher wisely chooses to leave well enough alone and maintain a utilitarian look that suits the story well. Black levels are especially deep and inky, yet crush is rarely a concern, and whites are nice and bright, pushing the envelope, but never blooming. Contrast is well pitched, so the picture looks clean and sleek, but there's not a high degree of dimensionality. Close-ups are crisp, but won't bowl anyone over.
A slight bit of banding could be detected, but noise is completely absent - quite a feat, considering the dark nature of many scenes - and no enhancements or other detrimental digital issues could be detected. Sony has done a terrific job bringing 'The Social Network' to Blu-ray, and the film's many fans will be quite pleased with this top-drawer transfer.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
I must admit I was not expecting much from the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. After all, 'The Social Network' is largely a dialogue driven film, but boy, does this track deliver! From the opening scene in a crowded bar, the audio offers a superior immersive experience that thrusts us into the thick of every situation. The surrounds are in play most of the time, providing essential atmosphere and sonic accents, yet the mix seamlessly integrates them into the whole, so we're never really conscious of them. The dance club scene is especially impressive, distinguished by loud techno music and thumping bass tones (amazingly, my subwoofer got more of a workout from this track than it has from many so-called kick-ass action flicks), yet dialogue is always properly prioritized, and distortion is never an issue.
Dynamic range is superior, with highs maintaining a clear, bright tone, while lows are lush and weighty, adding marvelous depth - both subtle and overt - to many scenes. Dialogue is an essential aspect of this film, and though occasionally we have to strain a bit to catch all the words (and don't always succeed), the lively conversations and heated exchanges are surprisingly easy to understand, especially when taking into account the active backgrounds that are such an essential part of many scenes. Details, whether they be keyboard tapping or footsteps on pavement, are wonderfully distinct, and the music score enjoys fine fidelity and tonal depth.
Rarely does a drama incite this much audio excitement, but 'The Social Network' possesses one of the best soundtracks for this type of film I've ever heard. It's not perfect, but it's darn close. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc:
Secretariat (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Secretariat' is much more than a stirring, beautifully mounted story about a legendary racehorse; it's a tale of perseverance, heart, and personal evolution that's emotional, exciting, and, yes, inspiring. It's a film the whole family can relate to and enjoy, and features excellent performances, thrilling race sequences, and a thoughtful, flowing script. Superb video and audio make this true-life yarn incredibly immediate and involving, and the extensive extras package, which contains a slew of Blu-ray exclusives, provides further history, as well as context and perspective from Penny Chenery herself. It may not have garnered a Best Picture nomination, but 'Secretariat' stands as one of my favorite films of the year, and I highly recommend it to all who love film, sports, and humanity.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Secretariat' gallops onto Blu-ray sporting a spectacular 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC transfer that consistently dazzles the eyes with pitch-perfect contrast, razor sharp clarity, and gorgeous color saturation. From the opening moments, this transfer thrusts us into the thick of the action, be it an exciting race, frenetic press conference, or quiet domestic scene. Just a hint of grain lends the image a delicate film-like feel, and no specks, scratches, or stray marks dot the pristine source material. Despite the film's crisp look, the picture exudes a lovely warmth that adds subtle impact to many scenes. Background details, such as distant falling leaves and the brick exterior of the clubhouse, are especially strong, and costume patterns - tweeds, plaids, and argyles - are always rock solid. During the race sequences, we can see the flying clumps of dirt the horses kick up, and wide shots are distinguished by marvelous depth that heightens dimensionality.
Brilliant color really punches up this transfer's wow factor, providing striking accents that enhance many sequences. Lucien's loud wardrobe - magenta shirt, peach jacket, and red sport coat - looks vibrant and lush, as do the jockey's uniforms, the royal blue blanket draped over Secretariat, and the yellow roses Penny receives after a victory. Black levels are deep and inky, whites are bright but well modulated, and fleshtones, though occasionally a bit ruddy, remain largely stable and natural-looking. Shadow delineation is quite good, and there's a breathtaking silhouette shot of Secretariat that's beautifully defined and textured. Close-ups, from the creases on Penny's fingers to Secretariat's bushy mane, flaunt a natural appearance despite astounding clarity.
Digital noise is completely absent, and no banding, pixelation, or edge enhancement destroys the picture's integrity. Disney enjoys a fine reputation regarding its Blu-ray transfers that dates back to the dawn of the format, and this superb effort will only gain the studio more well-deserved kudos. It's darn near perfect.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Not to be outdone by the video, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track outputs outstanding sound that intensifies the viewing experience. Realism is the name of the game here; no matter how much enhancement studio engineers have layered onto the track, the audio always sounds natural. Dynamic range is superior, with bright, clear-toned highs and resonant lows producing a polished aural tone that complements the story well. The surrounds are active but are sewn well into the mix. Distant rumbling thunder early in the film gives us a taste of multi-channel action, but the races ramp up the involvement of the rears, as crowd noise, music, and various ambient effects gracefully emanate from all corners of the room. Front-channel separation is also distinct, with seamless pans lending a nice fluency to the audio. The well-integrated bass frequencies especially impress - at times subtle (listen closely to the breathing of Secretariat and the voices of several male actors), at times weighty (the horse hooves pounding the racetrack), but never overpowering.
Dialogue is crisp, well prioritized, and always easy to understand, while various accents, such as the echoing loudspeaker at the stadium and kicked-up dirt on the track, further immerse us in the on-screen action. Finally, the sweeping music score by Nick Glennie-Smith enjoys excellent fidelity, filling the room with deep, pure tones and a marvelous presence.
Sports movies demand top-flight audio, but it's the nuances and naturalism on this track that set it apart from others in its class. From beginning to end, this is superior audio that approaches reference quality. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc:
Red Hill [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | I loved 'Red Hill.' It's a balls-to-the-walls Australian revenge film and is part western and part horror film; the slasher movie that Sergio Leone never made. The video captures both the widescreen beauty of the film, as well as its down-and-dirty ruggedness, and the exemplary sound mix will have you ducking in your living room. With a compelling story, great characters (including Ryan Kwanten shaking off the Southern Gothic chains of Jason Stackhouse), and loads of style to spare, 'Red Hill' is the perfect late night treat – something you weren't expecting, but still so fun. If you thought 'Animal Kingdom' was bit too highbrow, then this is the movie for you. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The 1080p/AVC-MPEG-4 transfer (aspect ratio: 2.40:1) isn't exactly perfect, but it does perfectly emulate what the film SHOULD look like. I'll explain this in a minute.
First, the basics: skin tones look natural, detail is superb (everything you could want to see from this hardscrabble way-of-life, you get, from the craggy topography to the stitching of the cowboy hats). There's nice dimensionality when it comes to the locations, with rolling hills stretching out past forever. The color palette is fairly warm and simple, but when color erupts (say in a plume of smoke and fire), you really get a jolt.
The black levels are sometimes too dark, obscuring things that are only meant to be cloaked in shadow, but this only happens every-so-often and doesn't largely impact your enjoyment of the film. Additionally, grain is quite heavy at times, which is odd considering the youth of the movie. But here's where I say that this is more than okay: because this is a down-and-dirty Australian exploitation film. If there wasn't a heavy shellacking of grain, then it would look TOO pristine, too perfect, too legitimate. It has to look a little banged up, as far as I'm concerned. And banged-up it does look.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Faring somewhat better than the video quality is the audio quality on this disc, with a great lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that really kicks things up a notch.
Like I said before, 'Red Hill' really is a kind of slasher western, and staples of both genres are well represented here. There are some frightfully intense shoot-outs, in which bullets ping around the screen (and you will think they're pinging around your living room too). There are also quieter moments when the atmosphere is intensified (and the surround channels reacting in kind), which give you some more great jolts (there's a moment where someone who you think has been killed, well, hasn't, and I jumped out of my chair like a sucker!)
All of the sound effects are perfectly placed and never overwhelming; dialogue is crisp and clear and always well prioritized, and the music (both the Ennio Morricone-aping score Dmitri Golovko and the chosen rock'n'roll songs) sounds absolutely great. This is a kind of wide-open movie and the mix really fills that great amount of space.
It's the kind of muscular mix that isn't afraid to temper things in moments when mood outweigh violence, and everything sounds really, really great. There are really no complaints here.
While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is the only audio option, there are subtitles available in English, English SDH, and Spanish. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc:
Never Let Me Go [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | I loved 'Never Let Me Go.' It's so simple, and yet so beautiful. It's full of human emotion, substance, and feeling. It's magnificently shot, acted, and directed. Why it's been passed over by the Oscars is simply a mystery. This is one of the rare gems from 2010. To make matters even better, this one has received a stellar looking release on Blu-ray with demo-worthy visuals, and an audio presentation that accurately represents the film's somber mood. The special features are a huge disappointment though, I was really hoping for a commentary on this one. Still, this film comes highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Fox's 1080p transfer for 'Never Let Me Go' is simply stunning. It's never boastful or over indulgent, yet it dazzles with its understated majesty of richly detailed countryside vistas, fields, and beaches. Clarity is top-notch, featuring scene after scene of stellar visuals that pop off the screen with life. The entire transfer is filled with the tiniest details that make it a demo-worthy option. As the three main characters sit in the sand on a beach, watch as the wind blows the long grass around them. Each blade is visible, and the colors are astounding. It's a beautiful scene, that almost defines the kind of wonderment that is in store for you throughout this Blu-ray.
Blacks are superbly defined. Shadows provide detail-oriented delineation that adds depth and feeling to the picture. Lush greens dominate the color landscape. The entire presentation has a perfect thematic feel to it.
From intricate brickwork to finely woven sweaters and school uniforms, this transfer does it all without the least bit of aliasing getting in the way. As a matter of fact technical anomalies stay away along with any examples of egregious edge enhancement or DNR. This is simply a beautiful transfer, subtle in its brilliance. Many of the scenes here could easily be used as demo material.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
This is a quiet, thoughtful film full of long periods of silence and simple dialogue. However, that doesn't stop the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation from wowing us on a couple of different levels.
Rear channels are used nicely, as ambient noise like gusting wind or chirping birds engulf us into the listening environment. Dialogue is presented clearly as it's piped through the center and front channels. The voiceover narrations provided by Cathy have a certain oomph to them that draws our attention quickly. Conversations between characters are always intelligible without anything being lost in the fray. Rachel Portman's rousing score is piped throughout the soundfield offering an encompassing feel as her beautiful music surrounds you. LFE is much left untouched, except for a few dramatic scenes that call for some intense feelings to be conveyed.
All in all, this is a very solid audio presentation for a film that relies mostly on somber dialogue. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc:
Alice In Wonderland (Two-Disc 60th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (1951)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | Although there was great potential to do much more with Carroll's source material, Walt Disney created an entertaining trip to Wonderland for children and kids at heart. The film remains one of the most impressive adaptations. The presentation on Blu-ray is excellent, both from a technical standpoint and in its collection of Bonus Features. If consumers want high quality in their high definition products, the Disney Company continues to demonstrate they're a brand to trust. Highly Recommended!
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Disney is one of the best companies releasing Blu-rays today. This is another stellar disc. The video is presented with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer at aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and suffers no blemishes or artifacts.. For those who want to fill the empty sides on their screen, the DisneyView option is present again, which provides themed artwork that matches the scenes.
The source looks extremely clean for a 60-year-old film. The colors are brilliant, especially impressive when there's a great mix of them close together, such as the scene with the Momeraths and the Cards marching in formation. The bright yellow of Alice's hair and the blue of her dress shine, except when in a darkened area, and the Reds on display during the Queen of Hearts sequence are vibrant. Blacks are deep and inky, which contribute to a solid contrast.
When the animators include texture on objects and drew scenes with depth, those elements are apparent, though they aren't consistent throughout. Watercolors were used for the backgrounds on 'Snow White,' so the soft lines contribute to the appearance of depth. In contrast, 'Alice' used the same techniques on all objects, so everything has the same level of brightness and sharpness, diminishing distinction between the planes.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The audio is available in 5.1 DTS HD-MA mix and the original 2.0 Theatrical mix for the purists. The songs benefit most from the surround mix as the music and vocals immerse the viewer. The dialogue is clear and never hampered by the frequent chaos of the effects as a result of a well-balanced mix. The bass is apparent without being required to draw too much attention to itself. While items don't move around channels and the dynamic range isn’t required to be overly expansive, the 5.1 mix delivers a very satisfying experience for a 60-year-old film that barely reveals its age. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 12:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
Do the time warp again to see what's on the slab... and buy another reference disc:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (35th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray] (1975)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | Whether you're a midnight movie pro or a first timer, 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' on Blu-ray is highly recommended. The movie is absolutely genius, filled with catchy, unforgettable songs and truly great performances, wrapped inside a candy shell of B-movie clichés. The disc, in commemoration of its 35th anniversary, is just as artful and fun. Between the impeccable audio and video and more special features than you can shake a ten-foot pole at, it'll have you under its spell. But the real triumph of this disc is the way that, through the 'Midnight Experience' option, it totally puts you in the theater late on a Friday night, chanting along with the film and throwing things with wild abandon. They maxed out the technological prowess of the format for this disc, and we the viewers are all the better for it. Absolutely phenomenal.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Rocky Horror' comes to Blu-ray in a big way – a brand new master that gets a 1080p AVC-encoded transfer (1.66:1 aspect ratio). This will make your eyes pop out of your head like a Tex Avery cartoon.
You can tell that a lot of work went into this transfer, but the transfer doesn't ever seem belabored. What's really amazing, though, is that for all of its extensive digital cleaning, there aren't noticeable signs of overt monkeying – there isn't any dreaded DNR to be seen.
There is a fine layer of grain that lends a cinematic quality to the transfer (it's noticeably heavier during the narration sequences), but the overall level of refinement to the transfer is shocking. Colors absolutely pop, skin tones look amazing, detail is great (the costumes look dynamite), and everything just looks a thousand times better than it ever has before. Sincerely.
If you've never seen the movie before, you'll be suitably tickled, but if you've done the time warp again and again and again, this transfer is something slightly short of revelatory. It's a really amazing transfer.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Fox really went all out on the audio for this disc, giving us a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. That's right a 7.1 track!
The mix sounds amazing, even if those extra channels are only occasionally utilized (the movie was original released in mono for crying out loud) for maximum ambience. But still, this mix ROCKS.
Honestly, these songs have never, ever, ever sounded better. If you've seen (and heard) the movie a thousand times before, your ears will still perk up to this new mix. It's really that good. The sounds have an extra bounce, an extra body, a dimensionality that I have never heard either on home video or in the theater. It's enough to make you want to scream "*******" at Brad, because you feel like you're a part of that experience so wholly.
And it's not just the jaunty rock n' roll numbers that get you going, no, it's the crispness and clarity of the dialogue, the well-placed (but never obtrusive) sound effects, the way the mix seems to fill the entire sound field (even when it isn't). And this is a 35-year-old film we're talking about here! Amazing stuff! |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
Some of these scenes would probably be best to NOT watch in flawless HD, but I digress.... I don't want to give away any spoilers... Another reference disc!
127 Hours [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | '127 Hours' tells an inspiring, exciting, and somewhat grisly story of survival with vigor and heart, and rightfully earns its place among the best movies of 2010. Director and co-writer Danny Boyle follows up 'Slumdog Millionaire' with another affecting, optimistic film, and actor James Franco gives by far the best performance of his young career. Excellent video and audio quality and a solid spate of supplements enhance the value of this disc and make it easy to heartily recommend.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'127 Hours' takes place in one of our country's most scenic and unspoiled areas, and Fox's superior 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer maximizes the beauty of Utah's sweeping vistas, dramatic landscapes, and colorful rock formations, while maintaining a natural, rugged feel. Boyle's style, employing fast-motion photography, split screens, and varying film stocks, presents a unique set of challenges, yet the image remains surprisingly clear and crisp throughout. An occasional bit of fuzziness or slightly blurred pan creeps in now and then, but never disrupts the immersive feel of this transfer. The amount of grain flucuates, depending on Boyle's choice of camera, but even low-rez shots from handheld devices exhibit well-defined lines. Contrast is also quite good, and the varying hues of red and orange that comprise the barren terrain and towering monoliths are lush and distinct.
Sharp details really catch the eye, from the nooks and crannies of the rocks to fine sand granules on the ground, and extreme close-ups of such items as keys, a camera, and water droplets possess marvelous clarity and dimension. Background elements are equally vivid, and shadow delineation is strong, too. Black levels are appropriately deep, and bright sequences never look washed out.
Digital noise, banding, and edge enhancement are all absent, and no incidents of crush obscure any picture elements. This is a top-level effort from Fox, one that immerses us in the intimate, claustrophobic atmosphere where this inspiring tale of survival plays out.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track matches the video in terms of quality, and really ramps up the film's excitement quotient. Though it's not a showy track per se, the sound field brims with detail and clarity, allowing subtleties to shine and balancing big elements well. During the film's early stages when Boyle employs a trio of split screens, three distinct channels of audio across the front speakers correspond to the images. The striking effect really draws us into each strip and creates a fluid and engaging whole.
The soundtrack tunes are powerfully presented as well, supplying a potent surround feel laced with hearty bass accents. Wide dynamic range allows high-end tones plenty of leeway, while lows possess solid weight, and no distortion breaks up the mix. Even delicate sounds, such as an ant crawling across a knife blade, come through with clarity and nuance. Dialogue isn't a driving force in the film, but it's always clear, comprehendible, and well prioritized, and the music score nicely fills the room.
The strong audio really enhances the experience, making Ralston's ordeal that much more immediate and involving. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 8:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc!
Treme: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Treme' is one of the most moving television shows I've ever watched. It draws you in with its characters and doesn't rely on engineered suspense to keep you intrigued. It's a beautiful portrait of humankind and what American culture can overcome. Its video is superb, but it's audio is out-of-this-world amazing. There's a good helping of informative special features that fans will love. This set comes highly recommended for anyone who wants to get into one of the best shows on TV.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
HBO constantly puts out great looking Blu-ray video presentations, and 'Treme's 1080p presentation stays true to that track record.
The show is wonderfully detailed, peppered with the bright colors of Bourbon Street which are contrasted by the gloomy look of the outlying neighborhoods. The destruction of the Hurricane has washed away many of the houses, and we're left with earth-colored rubble. The earth tones are rich and bold, even though the destruction isn't pretty to look at. However, when the parades start marching all sorts of colors pop off the screen with vibrant clarity. Purple, green, and gold are present almost everywhere. The feathery Indian costumes are simply amazing to behold. Chief Lambreaux's purple and red suit is both intimidating and eye-catching. The colors are stunning.
Detail is top-notch here too. Long, elegant feathers that make up many of the costumes are clearly defined. They ebb and flow with the movements of their wearers, creating a trance-like effect. Tiny specks of powdered sugar on benyas are visible. Close-ups hold marvelous facial detail. Blacks are deep, making delineation superb. Skintones always seem natural even though many of the characters spend their time in the sun-soaked outdoors.
Artifacting is kept at bay. In the second episode there is a scene where Chief Lambreaux is driving into town. There are a couple shots of him that seem to harbor an inordinate amount of noise crawling over his face. This is the only instance of this happening during the presentation. The only other minor gripe I had with this presentation is that on more than a few occasions suit jackets or tightly-lined shirt patterns flicker and shimmer constantly when they're on screen. There's a moment in the final episode where Creighton is talking to his class and his tiny checkered sport jacket throbs incessantly. It's a bit distracting at times. Although, with those two things being my only real complaints, the rest of this video presentation will please anyone who watches it.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
HBO's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is, in one hyphenated word, demo-worthy. This is as good as audio quality gets on Blu-ray. It helps that the show is packed full of wonderful jazz performances, marching bands, and beautiful vocals.
Dynamics are stunning. Listening to this track is like being smack-dab in the middle of a rocking jazz club. Trumpets blare and trombones blow as each distinct instrument is mixed perfectly. Music seep through all the channels giving the soundfield an immersive environment. Large crowds, busy restaurants, raucous concerts, reveling partiers, and surging parades will all test the limits and fidelity of your rear channels. Gulls caw in the distance when Creighton and his young daughter visit the coastline. The audio presentation is just as detailed and nuanced as the video presentation.
Dialogue is perfectly presented through the front and center channels. Directionality is spot-on, keeping track of a wide variety of people and sounds that are constantly coming in and out of frame. LFE rumbles to life during the opening credits and never lets up. Whenever someone runs along a bass line with their cello or beats a bass drum, the sub pumps out full-bodied low-end sonics that seem to only exist during concerts.
Like the show itself, the audio presentation here is nothing short of perfect. This is definitely a set that you'll use to show off your system. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:09 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Another reference disc!
Mad Men: Season Four [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | I shouldn't have to be a Don Draper-like ad man to sell you on 'Mad Men' Season 4 on Blu-ray. It's more or less one of the most perfect television shows-on-Blu-ray packages I've come across, with peerless audio and video and a wealth of informative, entertaining special features. This is a "Must Own" as far as I'm concerned – for both longtime fans and casual viewers alike. A phenomenal package.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Mad Men' season 4 comes to Blu-ray equipped with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer (aspect ratio 1.78:1) that looks much better than the compressed HD broadcasts from summer 2010.
'Mad Men' is one of the handsomest shows on television, with a keen eye towards period detail, particularly when it comes to props and costumes, and this transfer captures it all perfectly. Colors pop beautifully, accenting the genuinely beautiful textures – the bright red of the ladies' lipstick, the shimmery glow of Joan's dresses, the black and white spacecraft modernity of Roger's office; they all look marvelous. Skin tones look naturalistic.
Few television programs look as good as 'Mad Men' when it airs, but the high definition transfer is just dynamite. It has a striking amount of scope and detail (the episodes set in Los Angeles allow for some great visual variety) and, thanks to the transfer, said scope and detail looks even better.
I didn't pick up on any visual issues, and aside from some slight crush, it's mercifully free of technical glitches too. As far as television-on-Blu-ray goes, 'Mad Men' season four is pretty hard to beat.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
There's only one audio option for 'Mad Men' season four but thankfully it's an ace, lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 job.
The main focus of 'Mad Men' is on the dialogue, which is reproduced here crisply and clearly. You can hear the deep rumble in Don Draper's voice, and the shrill high pitch squeal of Betty Draper (and everything in between – like Joan's husky purr). Things are kept front and center but there's a surprising amount of depth to the dialogue. It sounds great.
The surround channels are mostly used to heighten the atmospherics of the show; during Don's prolonged sojourn to California, you can practically hear the rays of sunlight. Elsewhere, the additional channels are used for the show's vivacious pop music soundtrack, which culls from the era with great panache.
It's not the kind of mix that'll rattle your crystal tumblers, but it is the kind that exceeds through subtlety and dimensionality. It certainly sounds punchier than it did on television, and there aren't any noticeable technical issues to speak of, either. Like everything else on these discs, the audio mix is pretty spot on. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
|
Forum powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
|
|
