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kal
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| Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Iron Man 3 (Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack) (2013)
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| Quote: | Thanks to a series of smart and subversive choices by the filmmakers, 'Iron Man 3' is a character-based thriller that harkens back to the 90s action movies where co-writer/director Shane Black came of age. Not only is it a fun blockbuster, but the picture and audio are outstanding. The special features are a little light, but otherwise this is a nice package. Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Iron Man Three' blasts onto Blu-ray with an ever-just-so-shy of perfect MPEG 4 AVC transfer, framed at the film's original 2.40:1 aspect ratio.
As we expect from modern, digitally shot blockbusters, 'Iron Man 3' excels at resolution and fine details. Everything is sharp and crisp and in focus, even things in darker areas of the frame. The film's color palette ranges from golden sunsets to cool winter exteriors to lush and vibrant tropical Miami; all render well. Skin tones are even. Visual Effects integration is seamless.
The only minor (minor!) flaws are a couple quick moments of banding in night, or underwater shots, and some slightly gray black levels. Blink and you miss it type stuff. If HDD gave out 4.75 or 4.90 star ratings, I would score 'IM3' thusly.
Overall 'Iron Man 3' is a fantastic high definition presentation that is, for 99.9 percent of the time, clearly demo material.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The only thing better than the video on 'Iron Man 3', is the highly detailed 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack.
To be fair, I do have one huge complaint, though I can't knock off any points for this. You see, I was extremely lucky, thanks to my work here at HDD, to see 'Iron Man 3' at the very same ToddAO mixing stage in Hollywood where the filmmakers mixed the film in Dolby ATMOS. Meaning, I experienced 'IM3' in one of the world's best sounding cinemas in something like 42.4 surround sound -- complete with subwoofers bigger than my couch at home and the dual overhead arrays.
I say all of that not to brag (again, just lucky), but to point out there's no way my 7.1 home system can compete with my new favorite theatrical sound format...
But it's damn close.
I'm not sure if they went in and did a near-field or home cinema specific mix, but 'Iron Man 3' is a reference quality surround experience. Sure, there's all the stuff you'd expect from an Iron Man movie -- thunderous and robust and deep LFE, extremely articulate panning effects, and extreme rear channel activity during the action sequences. But the filmmakers are very smart to not overuse the mix. There are plenty of quiet moments in the film -- even in the normally deafening action sequences -- which really highlight the track's clarity and precision. You can hear wind in the trees outside, or even little pieces of glass pinging around the room. And Brian Tyler's excellent music really shines.
So, while it may not compare to the theatrical Atmos mix, this 7.1 home cinema mix is a stunner all around. No complaints.
In addition to English 7.1 DTS-HD MA, audio options include English 2.0 Descriptive Video Service, Francais 7.1 DTS-HD High Resolution, and Espanol 5.1 Dolby Digital. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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The Hangover Part III (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2013)
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| Quote: | 'The Hangover Part III' manages to slightly redeem the series from the all-too-familiar retread that was Part II, but in doing so, the style and tone is vastly different. The humorous moments are few and far between here, but this isn't a money grab, either. The actors put forth good performances, and the movie is well-directed by Todd Phillips. Despite what appears to be an effort to appease fans by not repeating the premise for a third time, 'Part III' is so different from what came before, that it's best to rent before making a purchasing decision.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Although it tends toward the 'warm' side (i.e., slightly oversaturated), Warners has provided a nearly flawless video transfer of the film, full of sharp details, deep blacks, and solid contrast. Both the daytime scenes that take place in the hot desert sun and the nighttime sequences in the heart of Las Vegas are wonderfully rendered and convey the kind of crispness and clarity one expects from a great HD transfer.
Frequently seen glitches like aliasing, artifacting, and banding are non-existent here, and almost every shot is rich in color and dazzling in depth of detail. The movie is presented at the 2:40:1 aspect ratio, with a MPEG-4/AVC encode. In short, this is reference-quality stuff and while viewers may not fall in love with the film itself, they should have no complaints about the quality of the video.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The Hangover III's' soundtrack is loaded with recognizable hit songs (both past and present), so it's nice to report that, like the video, the lossless audio track is also reference-quality. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is full of activity throughout, and although there are a ton of action sequences in the movie, they're thankfully properly balanced with the dialogue so those sequences never seem overbearing or louder than they should.
Directionality is used frequently throughout – both for the big sequences in the movie, as well as for more subtle moments. Rear speakers get a nice workout throughout, as does one's subwoofer, adding some appealing low-end noises to several of the film's scenes. Since 'The Hangover III' often feels more like an action piece than it does a comedy, the quality of the audio comes off as a pleasant surprise and as one of the better mixed movies I've reviewed this year.
In addition to the English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, 5.1 Dolby Digital options are available in both French and Spanish. Additionally, subtitles are offered in English SDH, French, and Spanish. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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Pacific Rim (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2013)
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| Quote: | Thank you, Guillermo del Toro and Warner Brothers for delivering my latest and greatest demo disc. I'll proudly play the opening 17 minutes of 'Pacific Rim' to show off my system. I was originally a disbeliever of del Toro's ability to create a worthwhile monster/robot punch 'em up blockbuster, but I had to eat crow when it proved to be as all-out entertaining as it is. The story is solid fun and it's told through fantastic set pieces and top-notch CG effects. To our advantage, the perfect video and audio qualities show off the big-budget production value. The 3D video does a fantastic job showing off the grand scale and perspective of the battling monsters and robots. And the loud and immersive audio places you in the center of the action. Loads of special features are included, more than enough to keep the film's fans happy. While 'Pacific Rim' may not be Oscar bait – perhaps aside from VFX and sound mixing – it definitely deserves to be on the shelves of anyone looking to show off their sweet home theaters. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Get ready to add a new demo disc to your system. No matter whether you're watching the 3D or the 2D version, both of the 'Pacific Rim' Blu-rays are absolutely flawless. The opening 17 minutes make for prime demo content.
I screened the IMAX 3D version of the film theatrically and found it to be too dark. With the vast majority of the movie taking place during the dead of night, the consuming darkness became the downfall of the theatrical experience; however, the 3D Blu-ray experience seems to have brightened the dark images to a much nicer point. I didn't expect the nighttime exterior settings to look as good as they did. Suddenly, a lot more details can be seen - Kaiju skin texture, soaring destruction debris, even previously invisible set pieces. Even though the darkened lenses, the fine details shine through and make the 3D video quality perfectly match the 2D quality.
The film's design carries strong characteristics for defining the grand perspective of the Kaijus and Jaegers. One aspect from which the 3D Blu-ray is better than the 2D Blu-ray is in the way that the image's depth offers even more emphasis on the grandeur. The subtle effects of slowly falling ash, as well as the not-so-subtle effect of constantly raining environments, show the strength of the film's 3D quality. My favorite of the 3D enhancers is within the Shatterdome setting. If you focus on the wet flooring, you'll see that even the reflections in the water are perfectly three dimensional.
Although the settings and set pieces are damaged, scuffed and flawed, the video quality of 'Pacific Rim' is not. It's perfectly clear, allowing only the intentional set flaws to show. The video allows you to see the great visual effects and sets as they're meant to be seen. This film carries a great level of production value and the video quality really shows it.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Whether you have a 5.1 set-up or a 7.1 set-up, 'Pacific Rim' offers lossless tracks that are equally as demo-worthy as the video quality. I'm absolutely serious when I say that this is my new demo disc. The qualities are all around perfect. For this review, I watched many segments with the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix and watched the entire film with the 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix.
Being a big loud blockbuster, this full and constantly dynamic mix is powerful. Talk about perfectly organized chaos! During the fight sequences, the metallic fists crashing into rain-soaked Kaiju skin literally packs a punch. As Jaeger's are dented, destroyed and torn apart, soaring debris can be heard passing through the theater space. The LFE of machines and monsters colliding booms through these sequences just as strong as the thunder and crashing waves. The effects are beefed up and bassy.
Imaging effects are aplenty - be it jets cruising through the air while performing missile attacks on the Kaiju or Jaeger arms delivering rocket-propelled blows to Kaiju heads. There's a lot more to this mix than crushing and clanking, although that's a major part of it. During the character-building post-opening first hour, there are loads of subtle environmental effects that bring the settings to life.
I can't think of an aspect of the audio mix that's lacking. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:01 pm Post subject: |
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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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kal
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| Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Extended Edition) (Blu-ray + UltraViolet) (2013)
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| Quote: | Although failing to reach the heights of the original 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Peter Jackson's return to Middle-earth is nevertheless a mildly enjoyable fantasy adventure. Minor, negligible quips with the filmmakers bloating a single book into three films aside, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' makes for a decent start to a larger trilogy that will hopefully provide a more satisfying piece of entertainment. The Blu-ray arrives with spectacular, demo-worthy video and a reference-quality audio presentation. Supplements for this Extended Edition are extensive and exhaustive with hours of information for fans to enjoy, making the overall package the preferred recommended purchase over the previous release.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The extended edition of 'Unexpected Journey' arrives to Blu-ray pretty much as expected with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that looks identical to its predecessor, and that's not a bad thing. In fact, the video, including the new sequences, looks fantastic and rather remarkable. A consistently sharp and highly-detailed presentation displays every leaf in treetops, every blade of grass and every pebble on the road with resounding clarity. The costumes of each character shows every thread and stitching with extraordinary definition, and individual hairs in the beards are very distinct. Close-ups reveal pores, wrinkles and negligible blemishes with lifelike textures.
Filmed entirely on a Red Epic camera system, the 2.40:1 image also displays a dazzlingly bold and colorful palette, even if the cinematography seems to favor the teal & orange aesthetic. Primaries are richly saturated and animated while a healthy assortment of secondary hues fills the screen with warmth and energy. A crisp, brilliant contrast allows for extraordinary visibility in the distance, exposing the tiniest objects in the background and the fine lines of various rock formations scattered throughout the New Zealand landscape. Black levels are true and inky, penetrating deep into the screen with luxurious gradations, while shadow details remain plain and sharply delineated. It's a splendid, demo-worthy high-def presentation fans will really enjoy.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Like the video, Peter Jackson's return to Middle-earth comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that is, for the most part, the same one heard in the previous release. The only difference is the addition of the new scenes adding a bit more extension to the low-end, especially during the quirky song and dance performed by the Great Goblin. It's not the sort to ruin the foundation, but it's just enough to be felt in the couch. As for the rest of the movie, bass is the same as before, delivering plenty of oomph to each thump of the horses' hooves and stomp of a Warg's paw while battle scenes enjoy some wall-rattling excitement. Compared to 'The Lords of the Rings' movies, however, the bass could be stronger.
Nevertheless, the lossless mix is reference quality with a mid-range that is amazingly extensive and broad, exhibiting the smallest detail with superb, crystal-clear clarity. The tiny pops and sizzles of crackling fire are perfectly audible, and distant, individual droplets of water while in Gollum's cave crash unto rocks with accurate, realistic definition. In action sequences, the upper ranges are precise and distinct, giving each roaring yell and clash of metal upon metal extraordinary intelligibility. Along with the excellent dynamic range, the bass provides an appreciable role in Howard Shore's thrilling musical score, adding a great deal of depth and weight to the orchestration, especially when hearing the cellos and the low-pitched brass instruments. Meanwhile, dialogue remains lucid and well-prioritized in the center.
Rear activity is also filled with more excitement, as subtle ambient effects play almost non-stop throughout the film's runtime. All sorts of wildlife can be heard constantly making a racket in the distance, particularly in scenes with Radagast the Brown. As you'd expect from the several battles, arrows fly overhead, swords swing clear across the room and the goblins come in swarms from behind the listening area. Inside Gollum's cave, voices echo all around with remarkable realism, and panning is fluid and flawless, creating a stunning 360° soundfield that's immersive. Shore's music bleeds into the back channels and envelops viewers with exhilaration, making this a marvelous and highly-satisfying lossless mix audiophiles will absolutely love. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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The World's End (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD with UltraViolet) (2013)
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| Quote: | Much like 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz,' 'The World's End' is a comedy that requires multiple viewings - not only to appreciate it more, but to be able to grasp all of the jokes, gags, and hilarious dialog being thrown around. What Wright, Pegg, Frost and Company achieve within the end-of-the-world genre is priceless. Their comedy has matured, as has their ability to tell grown up stories. The qualities of the film's video and audio are damn near perfect, making it an eye-and-ear-pleasing disc worthy of revisiting time and time again. The Blu-ray set includes DVD, iTunes, and Ultraviolet copies of the film, as well as several hours of special features. Three commentaries, multiple image galleries, deleted/alternate scenes and a few hours of extensive behind-the-scenes featurettes fill the disc. Although they've said that this will be their last collaboration, that this is the final film in their unofficial "Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy," here's to hoping that they're wrong. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Focus (and Universal) have given World's End' a strong 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that presents the film in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The video quality is so close to perfection that you can barely be upset by it's minor nit-picky flaw.
If you love the look of clean and clear celluloid films, then get ready for greatness. 'The World's End' is sharp and detailed. Fine features like facial pores and hairs can always be seen. You'll notice textures of surfaces, like wooden table tops, pitted concrete walls and soft clothing. There's a very fine dusting of grain throughout the bulk of the film. With the opening sequence being shot on hand-cranked 16mm camera, it's flashy, jerky, and extremely grainy.
The film features a wide array of colors once the robots/monsters/aliens/whatever-they-are enter the picture. With wildly blue ink-like blood, the palette then starts to incorporate small flashes of that blue in its decor and settings. When the gang enters a night club, the vibrancy of color becomes explosive as exaggerated neons wash over the settings and characters. Because the film literally and figuratively gets darker as it progresses, these colors burst onto the screen. The only pale colors in film are the light blues that glow from the eyes, mouths and palms of "the blanks." The black levels are rich and consuming, adding an uncertainty to the outdoor scenes because you never know who/what is lurking in the shadows.
My only complaint with the video quality is a very small amount of noise that shows up in handful of shots. The noise doesn't catch your eyes because it doesn't hover over black areas of the screen. Instead, it's layered over colorful sections.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The World's End' arrives on Blu-ray with a great 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. Most comedies don't feature exemplary audio mixing, but the action brings out the potential of a lossless mix.
The film opens with Gary King's voice-over recap of the gang's failed attempt at The Golden Mile from 20 years in the past. The '90s music that plays is incredibly mixed, digital drum beats bouncing from channel to channel. Music is consistently strong.
The clarity of the vocal quality is fantastic - which is a must because of how fast the dialog flies. Had their been a mistake in the vocal mixing, many of the fast jokes would be lost.
Wright has a great style for creative scene transitions. Much like those on the 'Hot Fuzz' Blu-ray, these feature great sounds accompanying the quickly edited on-screen actions. Some of them exemplify amazing imaging, like vehicles seamlessly swooshing across the theater space. Action scenes come to life with the chaotic sounds. With ten or more people going fist-to-fist in small confined areas, loads of dynamic sound soar. The mix is deep and rich, featuring a a few great examples of LFE to punch the on-screen action.
And even in the standard mild comedic scenes, the mix functions well. Environmental sounds - especially the pub settings - naturally bring the locations to life. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:09 pm Post subject: |
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Man of Steel (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2013)
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| Quote: | From a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, 'Man of Steel' surprises with its thoughtful reimagining of Superman's origins and the personal challenges he faces in his journey to becoming the iconic hero he's known for being. Director Zack Snyder brings his usual bombastic flair but manages to deliver the sort of comic book adaptation fans love to watch and will hopefully serve as the beginning of a new franchise. The film debuts on Blu-ray with excellent video and a reference-quality audio presentation that will satisfy home-theater enthusiasts everywhere. With a nice collection of supplements adding to the overall package, Superman fans should be more than happy with their purchase.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The Man of Steel makes his big debut on Blu-ray with this highly-detailed and impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. Shot with a combination of traditional 35mm film and the Red Epic digital camera system, this latest reiteration of the legendary superhero looks his best with a thin-layer of grain throughout, providing the movie with an attractive cinematic quality that's consistent. The video comes with a couple scenes that are softer than others, but they don't distract from the well-defined moments that show distinct lines in buildings, spaceships and various other vehicles. Facial complexions are very revealing with excellent lifelike textures, and the clothing, especially the Kryptonian outfits, exposes every stitch and thread of the fabric.
Presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the gritty cinematography of Amir Mokri favors a stylized and heavily subdued look, giving the film an overcast and somber appeal. Several flashes of the currently popular orange and teal palette sprinkle the image with some boldness and life while primaries come through richly-saturated and cleanly-rendered. In Spite of a noticeable toned-down contrast, the picture still yields remarkable clarity and resolution in the far distance, revealing the smallest window or tiniest antenna atop buildings. Black levels are inky and true with penetrating shadows that never take away from the background information. Overall, the high-def transfer is top-notch and sure to satisfy.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The Snyder-Nolan-Goyer collaboration also yields some amazing results in the audio department with a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that will leave fans cheering for more. From the start, the movie opens with a wall of sound that doesn't let up until the last of the end credits, filling the screen and the room in general with the music of Hans Zimmer. With a remarkably detailed and sharply extensive mid-range, the listener can enjoy each note and individual instrument within the orchestration. The dynamic design is full of warmth and fidelity, peaking into the upper frequencies with incredible, room-penetrating clarity while still maintaining superb distinction and intelligibility in the dialogue. The low-end is quite responsive with a decent authoritative punch that reverberates through the room and adds weight to the action and music; only, it never really digs very deep or extend far into the lower depths.
Rear activity is equally exciting, delivering a consistent wave of discrete effects that fill the room with an immersive 360° soundfield. During action-packed sequences, anything from jets, helicopters, alien spacecrafts and Kryptonians speeding across the sky pan from one speaker to the next with exhilarating realism and flawless movement. Every explosion unloads a surge of gravel, dirt and rock that then rains down all around with amazing clarity and continues to bounce further away. Subtle atmospherics, like leaves blowing in the wind, birds flying overhead or city traffic, are employed to fill in the quieter, dialogue-driven moments, making this lossless mix a top contender for one of the best Blu-rays of the year. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:24 am Post subject: |
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The Wolverine (Blu-ray / DVD + DigitalHD) (2013)
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| Quote: | Once again, the 'X-Men' franchise is alive and well. The horrible third 'X-Men' movie and the first 'Wolverine' movie derailed my faith in the franchise that really brought Marvel movies to the forefront, but 'X-Men: First Class' re-established that faith, and now 'The Wolverine' is continuing to show that they're headed in the right direction again. James Mangold removed the comic aspect and got the clawed character's adamantium heart beating again. If you're a fan of the film, the Unleashed Extended Edition is the way to go - but if you're a mild fan looking to round out the 'X-Men' titles in your Blu-ray or if you don't want the extra gore/violence or F-bombs, this theatrical 2D edition is still worth the purchase. Both the crisp video quality and the 7.1 audio mix are perfect, making this an absolutely worthy demo disc. A nice and bulky hour-long making-of documentary is included amidst the special features, as is a fun little alternate ending and a tour of the 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' set. Even though I prefer the extended cut and additional features included in Unleashed Extended Edition Blu-ray, I still fully recommend this 2D theatrical Blu-ray.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Wolverine' arrives on with a perfect 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that presents the film in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio.
All video is absolutely clear, crisp and clean. The amount of detail contained is staggering. Tiny beads of sweat, facial pores, individual strands of hair and bits of debris are perfectly defined and visible. Jackman's chops have never appeared so wirey, almost like Brillo Pad bristles. As the bomb falls in the movie's intro, the incoming blast throws pieces of small dust across the screen. After the plume has passed, individual grains of light sand can be seen falling down upon Logan and his new Japanese friend. This amount of detail never lets up. For those watching the extended version, this means that great details of blood spatter can be seen spurting through the air from henchmen and ninja wounds.
Despite the majority of the film being set in darkness, it's never a detail-consuming problem. Black levels are rich and deep. Had there been a flaw in black levels, it would have been tragic because of the amount of dark nighttime settings. Vibrant colors perfectly accent these dark scenes. The lighting and colorization is gorgeous throughout the entire film. Through the orange sunsets, neon blue honeymoon hotel lighting and pale moonlight, oversaturation is never a problem.
If Circuit Citys were still around, 'The Wolverine' would be the new demo disc used in their enclosed showrooms.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Fox has graciously given 'The Wolverine' a demo-worthy 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. From beginning to end, this mix is 100 percent active in all channels, constantly showing off the effects of a perfect 7.1 audio track.
The rear, surround and front channels are constantly lit up with environmental effects. Prior to planes dropping the bombs, you'll hear them circling around the area. Many sounds are heard even though their sources are rarely, if ever, shown. During the madness of people trying to flee the bombing, you'll hear jeeps imaging around the rear channels although none of the jeeps are ever shown on-screen. When Logan walks through the wooded mountainside during a rain storm, not only can the rain can be heard falling throughout all channels, but you can hear the different sounds as water drops splash on different surfaces. As thunderous storms cover Tokyo, lightning-caused rumbles and crackles can be heard in different directions. Again, the source of the sound (lightning) is never seen. Bass and LFE effectively boom throughout.
Vocal levels are perfectly mixed with the effects and music. Every line of dialog is perfectly audible and never trumped by other sounds. The only instances where dialog may be hard to understand are caused by thick Japanese accents – no fault of the audio mix itself. When used, music sounds great – but a few great scenes make great use of no music. The amazing train fight sequence doesn't feature a single note of music. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:26 am Post subject: |
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Fast & Furious 6 (Extended Edition) (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD with UltraViolet) (2013)
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| Quote: | While the story is as simple and lightweight as the characters, nothing delivered better action than 'Fast & Furious 6', due in large part to the practical work of the stunt team. If you like fists, bodies, and cars fly though the air, this is the movie for you. The Blu-ray allows you to simulate the theatrical experience with its great video and reference audio. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The video has been given a 1080p/AVC-MPEG-4 encoded transfer displayed at 2.35:1. The colors appear in bright, vibrant hues, especially noticeable from the cars and clothing like bikinis. The casts' various fleshtones appear consistent throughout. Blacks are rich but lean towards crushing when black cars drive through darkened streets at night. Shadow delineation is not strong. For example when Hobbs is walking through the hallways of Interpol, faces lose their features in the shadows.
Objects are sharp and well defined. Great depth is seen in the many car-chase sequences, especially when vehicles are darting in and out of traffic. The detail on display reveals very fine textures, such as in the women's clothing and surfaces such as walls and floors. In one scene, Tyrese' nose ring hole is evident. There's a limited amount of banding that pops up around lights, but it's negligible.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The audio is available in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and delivers a reference-quality experience. A very loud roar of what turns out to be two engines fills the surrounds, augmented with a great bottom end from the subwoofer. The viewer is immersed in the sounds of two cars speeding along a freeway before they move out of frame and into the rears. The scene then cuts to a high, overhead shot where the engines become a soft purr as a seagull cawing can be heard. Only a few moments in and the track reveals how wide its dynamic range is.
Throughout the chase scenes, the vehicles make full use of the soundfield as they travel through the different channels. The fights are accentuated and exaggerated with forceful effects. Sounds that are quieter and softer have their place as well. Bullets can be heard pinging of cement and slicing through the air. Glass breaks and shatters, tinkling onto the pavement.
Bass almost never gets distorted. One establishing shot had it turned up too high as waves crash. Dialogue is clear and all the elements are well balanced together. During the establishing scene before Dom and Lety's race, the music is cranked up louder than the rest of the movie. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:27 am Post subject: |
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Despicable Me 2 (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD with UltraViolet) (2013)
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| Quote: | Gru, his Minions, and the girls return for another adventure battling super villains in 'Despicable Me 2,' which also introduces fans to two new and fairly funny characters, Lucy the spy groupie and El Macho. Entertaining and amusing as the film may be, the animated sequel doesn't quite deliver the same charm and enthusiasm as its predecessor, but it offers a fun time for the whole family. The Blu-ray arrives with reference quality video and an excellent audio presentation. Bonus materials aren't very extensive, but they're amusing and enlightening in their own way. Overall, the package is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the first movie.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Dr. Gru and the girls battle villains, boys, and mutant minions with an eye-popping and spectacular 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. The screen abounds with an extensive array of sumptuous colors; primaries pulsate and dazzle while warm, vibrant secondary pastel hues energize every scene. Contrast is spot-on with crisp, brilliant whites, keeping every nook and cranny in sharp focus and plainly visible. Black levels are inky rich with excellent shadow delineation and superb gradational differences in the grayscale. The 1.85:1 window also displays razor-sharp definition of individual objects. From the hairs of various characters and the texture of clothing to the fine lines in the design of buildings, the video is consistently detailed and distinct through to the very end.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The animated sequel also debuts unto Blu-ray with a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that's lively and energetic. Much of the action takes place in the fronts where imaging feels wide and welcoming with excellent fidelity and a great deal of warmth. Channel separation is very well-balanced with a variety of convincing off-screen effects, and vocals are distinct and intelligible in the center of the screen. Dynamic range is crisp and detailed, delivering superb clarity to the loudest sequences as well as to the quietest moments. The low-end is robust and surprisingly potent, providing each song selection with a pulsating beat and every action scene with palpable weight. Rear activity is also quite active and spirited, filling the room with a variety of atmospherics that are discrete and employed with excellent directionality to create a wonderfully satisfying, sometimes immersive soundfield. In the end, Gru's second spy adventure arrives with a terrifically enjoyable and fun lossless mix. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:29 am Post subject: |
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The Right Stuff (30th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray] (2013)
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| Quote: | Thirty years after it first rocketed into theaters, 'The Right Stuff' still delivers the goods. Reverent and respectful, yet laced with biting comedy and a whimsy that belies the toughness of the figures it salutes, Philip Kaufman's epic chronicle of trail-blazing test pilots, America's premier astronauts, and the elusive quality that sets them apart from most mortals remains a terrifically entertaining and exciting film. It may not always travel at the speed of sound and runs about a half hour too long, but vivid characterizations by a gallery of fine actors and riveting historical recreations keep 'The Right Stuff' aloft. Warner's handsome digibook presentation honors the film with a striking video transfer that improves upon the previous DVD, top-notch lossless audio that puts us in the thick of the action, and all the extras from the 20th anniversary edition. Even if you're not an aeronautical junkie, you'll love 'The Right Stuff' for its history, humor, and humanity. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Right Stuff' underwent a meticulous restoration before its 2003 DVD release, but this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer raises the bar yet again. The biggest difference lies in the removal of dozens of errant marks that littered the DVD. With such annoyances gone, we're left with a spotless, perfectly balanced image featuring slightly enhanced contrast and clarity. The letters that signify location are markedly sharper than they are on the DVD, and close-ups possess more impact (check out the shot of Cooper reflected in the nurse's eyeglasses), highlighting a host of fine facial details. Faint grain maintains the feel of celluloid and adds a modicum of necessary grit, but there's a lovely silky quality to the picture that heightens the story's epic nature and makes the film a joy to watch.
Though the color palette isn't especially intense, most hues are bold and vibrant, from the orange of Yeager's jet to the yellows and greens that adorn costumes and landscapes. Fleshtones appear natural and remain stable throughout the lengthy running time, while rich black levels add welcome weight to the picture. Shadow delineation is always strong (crush is never an issue), background elements are easily discernible, and archival footage is nicely integrated into the whole.
No banding, mosquito noise, or aliasing afflicts the image, and no digital doctoring, such as edge enhancement or noise reduction, has been applied. Without question, this is the best 'The Right Stuff' has ever looked in the home video realm, and this impeccable transfer, which showcases Caleb Deschanel's Oscar-nominated cinematography to the fullest, injects new vitality into this 30-year-old movie. Fans shouldn't hesitate to upgrade, and if they do, they won't be sorry.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
A film that wins Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing demands a strong audio track, and Warner delivers with a highly immersive Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix that subtly improves upon its lossy counterpart. Smoother, richer, and more nuanced than the DD 5.1 track that graces the 2003 DVD, the Blu-ray sound makes full use of the surround environment while remaining well modulated. A wide dynamic scale handles all the activity with ease, especially the whistling, whirring, and whizzing of the jet engines and rocket propulsion. (Such messy sounds often break up or fall victim to distortion, but they're rock solid here.) Some mild directionality provides wonderful atmosphere as planes careen through the clouds and soar overhead, and waves of applause wash over us during the press conference scene, while the tick-tock of a metronome cuts across the rear speakers with acute crispness. Accents, such as bubbling water, the clip-clop of horse hooves, and the rapid-fire shutters of camera lenses are all marvelously distinct, and the subwoofer provides vital jolts of thundering bass during explosions and rocket launches.
Amid all the potent ambient action, dialogue occasionally becomes slightly muddled, but for the most part it's properly prioritized and easy to comprehend, and Bill Conti's Oscar-winning music score adds an air of majesty to the proceedings, exhibiting great depth of tone as it sweeps across all five speakers. Best of all, no hiss, pops, or crackles disrupt the audio's purity, making this finely tuned mix one of the best restored 1980s tracks I've heard. |
Kal
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| Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:29 pm Post subject: |
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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (Two Disc Combo: Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2013)
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| Quote: | 'Cloudy 2' is far too derivative of the first to be considered great. Does it have funny parts? Some. Many of its jokes flat line, which is a shame. It's a real beauty to look at though. The animation design is marvelous. Really it is. With demo audio and video this still becomes a disc that I'd recommend any high-def consumer own. Even if the movie isn't up to par as far as the first is considered, at least it looks and sound amazing, right?
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Perfection! Across the board perfection. Seriously. Sony's 1080p presentation of 'Cloudy 2' provides the very best platform for this wonderful animation. Bursting colors, bold lines, and beautiful lighting. It's all here. A demo quality presentation through and through.
Oh, so you need a few examples? Okay then, I guess I can provide you with that. The detail here is phenomenal. Check out the way the Swallow Falls jungle seems completely endless. There's no shortage of detail in the plants, the food, and the people. The colors are out-of-this-world vivid. I never tired of looking at the seemingly endless array of color parading across the screen. That wide shot when Flint and crew realize just how many foodimals there are is as well rendered as any of the magnificent wide shots shown in 'Monsters University.'
I didn't notice any artifacts this time around. I know in my review of the first movie I noted that there was some slight banding here and there. With the second installment, I didn't see any sign of any sort of banding. Aliasing, crushing, and any other unsightly artifact also went entirely unseen. One of the best looking discs you'll buy all year. I'm pretty sure of that.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Almost as punchy is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Sony provides for this release. It's a full-bodied presentation without a hiccup to announce. The first movie had demo-quality sound and this one follows suit.
The soundscape is as lively as ever. Once they're back on the island, surrounded by a jungle of animals made of food, there isn't a moment where the surround sound channels aren't engaged. The rear speakers are definitely worked out as much as possible. There's a clarity provided in the rear channel sound that resonates. Specific animal noises, and jungle ambiance is heard throughout the movie. LFE is also a major component here. There are plenty of scenes that call for low, rumbling bass and this mix delivers very well.
The dialogue is clean. Directionality is perfectly accurate throughout. The side speakers pick up directional speaking. Pans are seamlessly integrated, moving around the soundfield without hesitation. In short, this audio mix is every bit as exciting as the video. |
Kal
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| Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:33 pm Post subject: |
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Captain Phillips (Two Disc Combo: Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2013)
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| Quote: | 'Captain Phillips' is one of the best true-life adaptations in recent memory and justly earns its six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. With uncompromising grit and laser focus, director Paul Greengrass tells a terrifying tale with breathtaking style, yet never neglects the subtleties of character and underlying issues that lend the story substance and humanity. Tom Hanks embodies the title character, filing a performance that ranks among his best, and Barkhad Abdi as the chief pirate makes a formidable adversary in a dazzling debut. Sony's top-notch Blu-ray presentation immerses us in the action, thanks to a mastered in 4K video transfer that's so crisp and vibrant we feel like one of the crew, and perfectly mixed and executed audio that puts the surround in surround sound. 'Captain Phillips' won't bring home the Best Picture prize on Oscar night, but this taut, riveting portrait of conflict and survival still stands as one of the year's most noteworthy and involving films. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Captain Phillips' looks fantastic on Blu-ray, with a "mastered in 4K" 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that puts us up on deck with the principals and immerses us in their plight. Exceptional contrast and clarity, marvelous depth of field, and razor sharp close-ups set this effort apart from other new releases and make 'Captain Phillips' a thrilling visual experience. Not a stitch of grain could be detected on the pristine print, which not only exhibits no marks or scratches, but also brims with a rare vitality that makes the image appear truly alive. Perfectly modulated color maintains the picture's natural feel, but the hues never look wan or bland. The blue of the sky and ocean water, the bold orange of the life vessel, and Hanks' light turquoise shirt all exude a wonderful vibrancy and supply additional elements of interest to the frame. Rich, deep black levels add welcome weight, and even when the camera ventures into the ship's dark bowels details aren't obscured. Whites are bright, but never bloom, and fleshtones are spot-on.
Detail is superb across the board, from the long shots of the buffeted skiff navigating potent swells as it pursues the cargo ship to the close-ups of sweat-drenched, bug-eyed pirates and their heavy artillery. A hint of crush could be detected in the murkiest scenes, but no noise or banding rear their ugly heads, and no digital enhancements muck up the works either. 'Captain Phillips' was shot in difficult conditions and often in cramped quarters, but it looks like a million bucks, and this superior rendering - with or without one of Sony's Ultra 4K TVs - should please even the most discriminating videophile.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
An aggressive, perfectly mixed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track greatly enhances the 'Captain Phillips' viewing experience, thrusting us into the epicenter of the crisis and keeping us aurally engaged throughout the film's entire running time. Surround activity is practically non-stop, with ambient effects, directional accents, and the pulsating strains of Henry Jackman's score pouring out of the rear speakers. At times, especially as the drama crescendos before the climax, the confluence of tone can be a bit overwhelming (occasionally less could be more), but the sound is so precisely constructed and meticulously funneled into its respective receptacles, it's tough to make a case against it. Rarely do multi-channel tracks excite me as much as this one did, and its impeccable clarity, exceptional dynamic range, and lack of any distortion or imperfection make it a joy to listen to.
Plenty of competing elements threaten to turn this mix into a cacophonous mess, but such a calamity never occurs. The sound is clean, bright, and well modulated, with heavy, thumping bass and lots of nuance. When the lifeboat launches into the water you can feel the impact. When the pirates fire their AK-47s, the crisp rat-a-tat-tats make you jump. Amazingly, dialogue is perfectly prioritized; not a single word is lost and each line is easily comprehendible.
Rarely do I feel compelled to rave about audio, but the lossless 'Captain Phillips' track ranks with the best in the field. It's no wonder it received Oscar nominations in the Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing categories, and the good news is everything that impressed industry professionals theatrically has been flawlessly transferred to the home environment. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:22 pm Post subject: |
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Game of Thrones: Season 3 (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2014)
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| Quote: | 'Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season' is an example of television storytelling at its absolute best. With peerless production design, fantastic performances, exceptional writing, and incredible direction, the series easily remains one of the best shows on TV. HBO has once again delivered a top-tier release with demo worthy video and sound, and a comprehensive collection of interesting supplements that fill out the show's already expansive world. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but this set is every bit as impressive as the series' previous collections. Once again, this release is a true must own!
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The show is provided with a series of 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfers in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Viewers of 'Game of Thrones' know exactly what to expect here, and thankfully HBO does not disappoint. One of the most beautiful shows on television once again receives one of the most impressive video presentations that the small screen has to offer.
Clarity is absolutely exceptional throughout the season, offering an impeccable sense of texture and fine detail that brings all of the series' varied locations, intricate costumes, and staggering sets to life. The production design is really second to none when it comes to television, and the work done here easily rivals many feature length Hollywood efforts. Depth is also breathtaking, giving Westeros a life-like level of dimension. Color temperatures vary depending on the location, washing the screen in cold, icy blues and whites north of the wall, warm reds and yellows in the deserts across the sea, and lush greens in the beautiful gardens of King's Landing. Ranging from appropriately dreary to gorgeously sumptuous, the colors pop from the screen and always suit the content perfectly. Contrast is also wonderfully balanced, with bright whites that don't bloom and very solid blacks with strong shadow delineation. With that said, however, black levels do have a tendency to veer a bit toward blue in several dark and nighttime scenes. And as undeniably impressive as the entire video presentation is, unfortunately the transfer is not without some very minor encoding issues. The digital source is mostly clean and pristine, but there are fleeting, isolated instances when banding, noise, and faint signs of compression are visible. These artifacts usually pop up during transitions or darker sequences, and while very minimal, brief, and rare, they can be noticeable when they do occur.
Though there are some very small technical issues here and there, this set remains one of the most visually stunning releases available on the Blu-ray medium. I found the brief encoding issues to be slightly more noticeable than on previous seasons, so I've marked down the video score just a bit, but fans should know that there really is very little to complain about here. For all intents and purposes, this is another stellar, demo worthy video presentation for the show.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The series is presented with English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mixes, along with a few additional foreign language tracks and subtitle options. Every bit as immersive, nuanced, and impeccably designed as previous seasons, the mixes here are among the best the Blu-ray medium has to offer -- from TV or film.
For those who have read my past 'Game of Thrones' reviews, I fear I may simply be repeating myself here, as all of my previous praise from the last two seasons applies to these episodes as well. Everything about the sound design is exemplary, working in tandem to create an organic, natural world full of texture, subtlety, and grandeur. Speech is clear and precise, giving every quotable insight ample presence, and while the cast does have a tendency to whisper certain lines, most of the important bits are balanced well. The soundstage is wide, spacious, and completely enveloping. Every location is full of different layers of effects that cascades sounds far off into the unseen background and edges of the frame with seamless imaging, panning, and surround activity. Galloping horses, piercing blades, screeching dragons, crashing waves, flying arrows, and howling wolves all boom from the speakers with crisp fidelity and precise directionality, fully encompassing the audience in Westeros' varied landscapes and characters with a wide range of clean high frequencies and deep lows.
Flawless and absolutely reference quality, season three of 'Game of Thrones' once again arrives on Blu-ray with a 5-star audio mix. It really doesn't get much better than this. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:25 pm Post subject: |
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Gravity (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2014)
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| Quote: | 'Gravity' is one of my favorite cinematic experiences of the last few years, thanks to tight scripting, bold filmmaking, and master craftsmanship. As a Blu-ray, this 3D set is definitely the way to go -- giving viewers that window into another world feeling -- though the two dimensional version is nice too. The 5.1 sound mix is also amazing, though not quite articulate as some 7.1 mixes, nor the film's own theatrical Dolby Atmos mix. The Special Features offer great insight into how this movie was constructed. Tossing in a commentary and trailers would have rounded out the set.
While I would prefer seeing 'Gravity' in a professional theatre (hopefully it will play in revivals or as a re-release), the Blu-ray experience is pretty close and maintains upon repeat viewings. Just find the biggest screen possible, and avoid smartphones or tablets.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
3D
Meet your new 3D demo. 'Gravity - 3D' launches to on Blu-ray as one of the best 3D discs currently available. It is encoded in MPEG-4 MVC, and presented in its original 2.40:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Unlike some recent productions that had alternate aspect ratios, 'Gravity' was consistent across all exhibition platforms, including IMAX.
Much like the 2D version, black levels are inky though never crushed. Detail and resolution are abundant, from actors' faces to props and costumes and sets, it's all gorgeously rendered. The film's color palette is eye popping, using various Earth environments -- deserts and seas and auroras and nighttime cities to balance the harsh monochromatic sunlight. Skin tones are also very natural, given the various lighting scenarios.
As for the 3D itself? Flawless. Sure, nothing really comes out of the camera, but the infinite depth in an environment like space adds to the whole experience. My particular display is prone to minor crosstalk, but with 'Gravity', there was no sign any. The 3D version also matched the 2D edition's brightness level despite the glasses. Nor did I see any encoding flaws such as banding, macroblocking, aliasing, or edge enhancement.
Oh, and it's a 3D conversion. Yup, given the way the film had to be shot and produced, the majority of what you're seeing on screen was not captured live and in camera. It was either created in 3D, digitally, or post converted. This is why you should only judge the quality of content and not a certain process of filmmaking. For me, the use of 3D in 'Life of Pi' was a little more revelatory, but 'Gravity - 3D' is eye popping. Truly a window into another world. And, for me, trying to watch the 2D version after seeing the 3D is a bit of a disappointment.
2D
'Gravity' hurdles onto Blu-ray with a pristine MPEG-4 AVC encode, presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1.
Though my preferred format / experience is 3D, 'Gravity' is also a two dimensional stunner. Detail and resolution are endless, from the pores on the actors faces to the various space suits and vehicles. Space itself is filled with inky blackness and infinite stares. Shots of, or reflecting, the Earth are particularly gorgeous, with bold and bright colors across the entire spectrum. Skin tones are surprisingly accurate, though they tend to reflect various lighting sources (as they should). It is here where the filmmakers' "light box" really grounds the film, giving accurate iris movement and corneal reflections.
As for flaws, I simply don't see any. No banding, no macroblocking, no damage or dirt, no crush, no edge enhancement, no noise in darker moments. Nada. 'Gravity' looks terrific.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Gravity' tears onto Blu-ray with a delicious, demonstration-worthy 5.1 DTS-HA MA surround sound track that is just shy of perfection.
Though the track is wonderfully diverse in its use of silence, dynamic range, and blockbuster aggression, I have to ask the folks at Warners one question: 5.1? Seriously? I hate to sound like a whiny blogger, but the companies promoting this film, theatrically, went out of their way to point out that the base mix was in 7.1 before the Dolby Atmos conversion. But we only get 5.1? On the surface, that kinda blows. In terms of actual performance, it doesn't matter too much. I put on Dolby ProLogic IIx, and the 5.1 track matrixed perfectly around my home cinema.
Let's talk about why this mix is so special. The filmmakers set out to recreate what it's like going to space where there is no sound. A silent movie would be pretty boring, so they did two things that create a unique sound experience. First, in locking the soundtrack to Dr. Stone's POV, we hear sounds only she could conceivably hear -- that is, only voices from her headset or sounds carried through vibrations as she physically touches things (also, any environment with oxygen has full sound). Second, Steve's Price's heart-pounding musical score is sometimes used like a traditional sound effects -- accentuating movement, and heightening the emotions -- basically, where some movies would focus on the big BOOM of a collision, Price's music instead features a concussive musical movement.
In addition to surround immersion, rock solid (though not obliterating) LFE, and some fun use of dialog placement, the real treat of 'Gravity' on Blu-ray (and in cinemas) is the sound mixes incredible dynamic range. The filmmakers dare to make some voices too quiet to hear because they are too far away. They'll also juxtapose cascading sounds of increase chaos with absolute silence. What a treat. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:27 pm Post subject: |
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Thor: The Dark World (1-Disc Blu-ray) (2013)
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| Quote: | 'Thor: The Dark World' ends up being a bore compared to the other Marvel films. A romp in space where Thor fights villains that don't matter, Loki fights to even get in the movie, and the earthlings fight to have relevance. There's bound to be a few duds in Marvel's grand master plan of phased rollouts. 'Thor: The Dark World' is certainly one of them. Yet, it's got marvelous audio and amazing video. So, even if the movie does lull one to sleep with its storytelling, at least it'll wake you back up with stunning audio and visuals. With the high marks in the technical departments, 'Thor: The Dark World' is still recommended as a demo-worthy disc to show off.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
As if any of the Disney/Marvel films have been anything less than stellar in the video department. 'Thor: The Dark World' fits right into the demo-worthy discussion that most of these movies fit in to. It's a strikingly clear and detailed image featuring some nicely crafted Asgardian special effects.
Clarity shimmers, especially since most of the movie is set on the CGI world of Asgard. Wide shots are full of pristine, crystalline cities that look too good to be true. Color is bright and out-of-this-world vivid. The Bifrost bridge is a kaleidoscopic set of rainbow colors, all glittering perfectly.
Up close the detail is every bit as impressive. Faces feature wonderful lines, visible pores, individual hairs and so on. Not once was my eye ever distracted by banding or crushing. Blacks are distinct and deep. Shadows are flawlessly presented. Every bit of 'Thor: The Dark World' can, and should, be used to show off your HD wares.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
More high marks here. Provided with a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, 'Thor: The Dark World' uses every single bit of audio real estate possible. This is an enveloping track. This is one of those 7.1 tracks where you'll wonder how you ever lived without those side channels feeding you extra information.
The surround sound here is perfectly crafted to create an encompassing experience. One that will completely encircle you if you have a proper 7.1 setup. The rear channels are alive with all sorts of action during the fight scenes, as are the side channels. Up front faultless dialogue pours out of the front and center channels. Placement is perfect. Pans seamlessly transfer from rear, to side, to front.
The LFE is huge at times. When the Dark Elves space ship starts crashing into things, make sure any wall hangings in the room are secure, because this thing rumbles. It's a clear and concise pounding too. The bass is well regulated within the spectrum of the other sounds and never steps over its bounds. Everything works together in harmony to provide on helluva mix. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:29 pm Post subject: |
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Frozen (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy) (2013)
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| Quote: |
'Frozen' is quite simply one of the best Disney Princess movies ever made. This engaging musical is firmly grounded in its classic Disney roots while blazing a new path. It is also an important display of fully-rounded female characters, balancing heroics and flaws and fears.
As a Blu-ray, the movie looks and sounds fantastic, with reference quality visuals and a thunderous 7.1 surround mix, but the overall package stumbles a bit because it lacks in the special features department and, in North America at least, there is no 3D version available. However, the movie is such a joy it's easy to overlook these potential drawbacks. If you don't care about 3D, this domestic Blu-ray recreates the theatrical experience wonderfully. However, if you're a fan of 3D visuals, you might want to order the UK 3D Blu-ray package. We'll be reviewing that early next month. Based on the film and this sparkling presentation, 'Frozen' is highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Frozen' debuts on Blu-ray with an vibrant, top tier AVC MPEG-4 encode framed in the film's original 2:24:1 aspect ratio.
Aside from the slightest hint of banding during the Walt Disney Animation Studios logo, aka material NOT created for this movie specifically, 'Frozen' is another reference quality CGI animation Blu-ray. Your display's ability to reproduce the color white is sure to be tested here, as the movie balances many snowy landscapes during day and night sequences. Colors are bright and bold and beautiful, from the elegant costumes to the sparkling magical ice to the auroras in the night skies. Black levels are expectedly inky, in particular a semi-transparent sheet hung over a painting early in the film's running time. Detail and resolution are resplendent as well. To be fair, Walt Disney Animation Studios doesn't render textures in the almost-photo-realistic Pixar way, but wood grains and individual snow flakes and strands of hair make for a visual feast. There's so much to see in the 'Frozen' world, and all of it is here in a two dimension setting so clear, it feels somewhat three dimensional. In a word: gorgeous.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'Frozen' sings and roars its way onto Blu-ray with a dynamic 7.1 DTS-HD MA surround sound mix sure to please the LFE-addicts amongst us.
While 'Frozen' starts out a little light on aggression and grunt, that's okay. We're first rewarded with the room filling orchestrations of composer Christophe Beck, who partners with Norway's Frode Fjellheim for "Eatnemen Vuelie" ("Song of the Earth"). From there we race through time and musical numbers where the voices are crystal clear and the effects nice and punchy. Once the action moves out of the castle's safety, the track really rises to the aural occasion. Blowing storms and growling wolves and wooshing sleds highlight the mix's articulate panning. And then there's the thunderous LFE. It first appears when Elsa creates, er, a new friend to guard her fortress of solitude ice castle, and my apartment was shaking (sorry, neighbors!) during the film's climax. It's definitely a lot of fun if you like that sort of thing. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:31 pm Post subject: |
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The Wolf of Wall Street (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD)
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| Quote: | Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor, and Adapted Screenplay, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' stands as my favorite film of 2013. This epic chronicle of greed, larceny, bad behavior, and the heady, destructive trappings of excess charts the rise and fall of both a man and an era with an attitude as cocksure as its eponymous character and plenty of Scorsese panache. Brash, bold, and searingly funny, this often shockingly depraved black comedy keeps us transfixed throughout its three-hour running time, thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio's dazzling portrayal, Terence Winter's audacious, expletive-laced script, and Scorsese's pitch-perfect treatment of the subject. Paramount's Blu-ray presentation skimps on supplements, but features terrific video and solid audio, both of which bring the film to brilliant life. If you're easily offended or at all prudish, it might be best to skip this wild and crazy ride, but for everyone else, this raucous, riveting motion picture comes very highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Crisp, clean, and vibrant, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' video transfer beautifully showcases the lavish interiors, exotic exteriors, and all the film's chaotic mayhem. The eye-filling 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 rendering is largely free of grain, and no nicks, marks, or scratches dot the pristine source material. A warm glow and polished sheen lend the image a lovely richness, while excellent contrast and clarity enhance the sense of depth. Background elements are always easy to discern, shadow delineation is strong, and patterns and textures possess plenty of presence.
Blacks are bold and inky, whites are stable and resist blooming, and fleshtones remain natural-looking throughout the lengthy running time. Colors flaunt lovely saturation levels, with vivacious reds and mellow blues coming off best, although pastels exude a nice creaminess that slightly softens the picture. Razor sharp close-ups highlight fine facial details well, and no digital doctoring seems to have been applied. Banding, noise, and pixelation are all absent, too.
There's a lot of bling and razzle-dazzle in 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' and this exceptional transfer showcases the yachts, mansions, and penthouse apartments in all their glory. Even the dingy settings look good. Fans of the film will be thrilled with this superior effort that truly makes Scorsese's canvas come alive.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track isn't as active as I might have hoped, but its excellent modulation unifies all the sonic elements into a cohesive whole and provides a satisfying aural experience. Surround activity ebbs and flows, with potent accents bleeding into the rears especially during the wild party scenes, episodes of office chaos, and, most notably, the turbulent yacht storm sequence. Other than that, the majority of sound remains anchored up front, but it's enhanced by some noticeable stereo separation and a purity of tone that allows subtle nuances to shine. The wide dynamic scale handles the bright highs and weighty lows with ease, while keeping distortion at bay, though the subwoofer doesn't get much opportunity to strut its stuff.
Scorsese almost always augments his movies with a soundtrack of eclectic tunes perfectly paired to the on-screen action, and the songs, which range from Billy Joel and Eartha Kitt to Bo Diddley and Devo, all fill the room with ease, thanks to exceptional fidelity and marvelous tonal depth. Dialogue, however, fuels the film's engine, and it's reproduced well here. Whether whispered or shouted, delivered in a quiet room or amid the roar of a poolside bash, the expletive-laced lines are always clear and comprehendible.
Though not quite reference quality, the lossless audio complements the film well, and there's enough varied activity to keep the ear engaged. Good job, Paramount. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 2:19 am Post subject: |
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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty [Blu-ray] (2014)
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| Quote: | Although not really a comedy, and a movie that has its biggest problems when it's trying to be loyal to its source material, 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' turned out to be my favorite film by Ben Stiller, both as a star and as a director. It's beautifully shot, nicely paced, and has some real heart to it. It's not the kind of movie you'd expect from Stiller, which adds to its charm. Despite the big budget, it's got a simple, heartfelt story to tell, and it's in the quieter moments that 'Walter Mitty' really shines. Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' was shot in 35mm on various Arricam cameras, and looks absolutely gorgeous on Blu-ray, with wonderful details, sharp images, and colors that really 'pop' without ever being too warm or oversaturated. Black levels are outstanding, and both contrast and overall skin tones are consistent throughout. Grain is evident throughout, but nicely pushed to the background. In other words, the movie retains its filmlike-look, without having to sacrifice the detail that high-def provides. The film is presented in the 2.40:1 format, and has an epic scope to it that looks great on widescreen HDTVs.
I detected no evident issues with banding, aliasing, or other compression problems. In short, this is a wonderful, reference-quality transfer of a beautifully shot movie. Those buying the disc will want to use it to show off their home theater, since (as you're about to read) the audio quality is equally great.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Featuring an English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' is immersive and active during the action sequences in the film, but also quite distinct and fun to listen to during the quieter segments, where little sounds that one normally wouldn't expect to stand out come across with a crisp clarity. The track features some great low-end use and some fun directionality as well (take, for example, the Iceland scene where Mitty spots a plane flying overhead into the heart of an erupting volcano). Everything is well-balanced here, including the movie's numerous musical cues, which are also quite crisp and mixed well with the rest of the track. The dynamic range throughout is excellent, making the audio (like the video) reference-quality stuff.
In addition to the English lossless 7.1 track, the Blu-ray also includes a wealth of other audio options: 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, and Turkish, as well as a 5.1 English Descriptive Audio track. Not to be outdone by the number of audio tracks, the subtitle list is even more impressive, with offerings in English SDH, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Estonian, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Latvian, Lithuanian, Chinese, Polish, Romanian, Serbian, Slovenian, Turkish, and Ukranian. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 2:23 am Post subject: |
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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2014)
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| Quote: | Picking up soon after the events of 'An Unexpected Journey,' Peter Jackson takes moviegoers and Tolkien fans back to Middle-earth for another adventure in the company of dwarves, a wizard and a mostly reluctant but observant hobbit. This next chapter in the epic-fantasy trilogy improves upon its predecessor. The Blu-ray arrives with an excellent reference-quality audio and video presentation, and a majority of the supplements are exclusive. The overall package makes for a fine purchase for those impatient for the eventual extended edition.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Like its predecessor, 'Desolation of Smaug' was filmed using the high frame rate of 48fps and thankfully, it translates well to the traditional frame rate of 24fps on Blu-ray. Although the video still possesses that digitized and sterilized appearance of shooting in HD, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode is quite remarkable and dazzling to watch. Without the smallest hint of motion judder to be seen, the overall presentation is consistently detailed and razor sharp, exposing the tiniest flaw and imperfection in the clothing, armor, buildings and various weapons seen throughout. Individual hairs are distinct, and the textures of the fabric in the costumes are very well-defined and lifelike. Facial complexions are highly revealing as well, showing every wrinkle and pore in the faces of the cast.
Filmed entirely on a Red Epic camera system, the 2.40:1 image displays a wide array of bright, vivid colors, making the picture pop with energy. A crisp, brilliant contrast allows for extraordinary visibility in the distance, exposing the tiniest objects in the background and the fine lines of various rock formations scattered throughout the New Zealand landscape. The only minor drawback is the brightness levels. While a majority of the video shows excellent, true blacks, many shadows appear a bit murky and sometimes noticeably faded. There are also a couple negligible instances of aliasing in the finest of lines, most apparent when inside the Lonely Mountain. However, all in all, the high-def transfer is spectacular.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The sequel to 'The Hobbit' franchise also debuts on Blu-ray with a reference-quality DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that rivals its predecessor. Dynamic range is astoundingly extensive and broad, exhibiting the smallest detail with superb, crystal-clear clarity. Every pop and sizzle of Smaug's fiery breadth is distinct and accurate with incredible realism, as it spreads across the entire front soundstage and moves into the back of the room. During action sequences, the upper ranges are detailed with precise distinct clarity, giving each death yell of the Orcs and every clash of the metal swords extraordinary intelligibility. All the while, dialogue remains lucid and well-prioritized in the center.
Rear activity is also filled with subtle ambient effects that play almost non-stop throughout the film's runtime, creating a wonderfully satisfying environment. As you'd expect from the several battles, arrows fly overhead, swords swing clear across the room and the Orcs run in swarms from behind the listener to front of the screen with awesome effectiveness. A highlight is when Kili, Fili, Oin and Bofur are about to be attacked and the footsteps of Orcs walking on the rooftops are heard above the audience. Panning is fluid and flawless, creating a stunning 360° soundfield that's immersive while Howard Shore's music envelops viewers with exhilaration.
Like its predecessor, the design also comes with a powerful low-end that's quite effective and occasionally rattles walls. Each thump of the horses' hooves and stomp of a Warg's paw is felt, and battle scenes can make the floor rumble. The bass plays an appreciable role in Shore's thrilling musical score, adding a great deal of weight to the orchestration, especially when hearing the cellos and the low-pitched brass instruments. The best moments are the scenes with Smaug, as his fire breadth and footsteps offer some fun palpable effects. However, and also like the first movie, it never really digs deep or ever hits the lower depths, mostly remaining in the mid to upper ranges of extension. Nevertheless, the presentation remains a marvelously satisfying lossless mix. |
Kal
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Last edited by kal on Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:53 pm; edited 3 times in total
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