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kal
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| Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre [Blu-ray] (1948)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | One of Hollywood's greatest adventures, 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' makes a glorious transition to Blu-ray, and proves yet again how marvelous classic pictures can look and sound in high definition. John Huston's gripping chronicle of a greedy band of opportunists seeking to find and then preserve their fortune features excellent performances from Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt, and a memorable story that stands the test of time. Top-flight video and audio transfers and a comprehensive collection of supplements make this a worthy upgrade and an essential addition to any serious film buff's collection. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' is an outdoorsy adventure, and Warner's superior 1080p/VC-1 transfer captures all the dusty landscapes and mountainous terrain with excellent clarity and contrast. The black-and-white photography possesses a lovely sheen, with considerable gray scale variance that heightens detail and enhances texture. Black levels are deep and inky, yet crush is never an issue. Whites can be a tad harsh, but they accurately reflect the parched, arid atmosphere that frames the story. Grain is faint, but the image never looks as if any artificial sharpening or digital noise reduction has been applied.
When handled correctly, black-and-white films can look stunning on Blu-ray, and 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' is a prime example. Close-ups are marvelously crisp, with all the omnipresent facial stubble, sweat, and creases and crags in the weathered visages of Bogart and Huston appearing distinct and dimensional. Shadow detail and depth of field both shine, and though the enhanced clarity makes some instances of rear projection more noticeable, that's the nature of the high-def beast, and a failing I'm more than willing to accept.
A few shots here and there appear soft and grainy, but they rarely disrupt and distract. And considering the film is 62 years old, we can hardly take offense at such minor anomalies. Without question, this is a huge leap forward from the previous DVD edition of this film, and another winning classic transfer from Warner, one that will thrill both fans and first-timers alike.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Lossless mono in the form of a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track punches up the action while preserving the original feel of the audio. All pops and crackles and any hint of hiss have been meticulously removed, leaving a clean, vibrant track that's well balanced and full of presence and depth. Dialogue is always clear and easy to comprehend, and subtle accents, such as chirping birds, come through crisply, and at times provide a pseudo-surround impression. The gunfights possess good pop and a smattering of bass, while Max Steiner's highly recognizable score teems with gusto and fidelity. The howling winds that pervade the denouement engulf the scene but never overpower it; another example of how well constructed this track is, and more proof that multi-channel activity isn't necessary to produce dynamic, full-bodied audio. The fact that 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' sounds as good as it looks, without any tinny passages or bits of distortion, is a welcome surprise, and Warner earns high marks for treating this track with the care it deserves. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:11 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Tommy [Blu-ray] (1975)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | Although in need of some fine-tuning, 'Tommy' is a wonderful movie of excess not often seen in today's era when studios don't take big gambles. Even though there are moments that don't work for me, it's refreshing to see an artist like Russell try out different ideas. High definition is an ideal format to exhibit its outstanding visuals and top-notch audio. It's a shame there are no extras. I would recommend listening to The Who's album first to help make better sense of the story. Its inclusion would have been a great treat and the studios should have found a way to make it happen.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Tommy' is given a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer with an aspect ratio 1.85:1 that is one of brightest and most colorful I've seen in a film from the '70s. Many examples of Russell and his team's work can be cited. From the flags and streamers flying in the courtyard during Tommy's birth to the graveyard littered with small wooden crosses adorned with red flowers set into the green grass where the detail is so good the individual blades can be seen. The brilliant vibrancy can be seen in the reds on Christmas morning and the yellows in the bathroom while Cousin Kevin babysits.
Blacks look inky, and there is good contrast throughout. There are many details on display that have sharp, well-defined edges. Textures can be seen in the weathered tenement building walls to the shiny iron maiden-like device the Acid Queen put Tommy in. The best scene to exhibit texture is when Nora watches Tommy play pinball on TV. In her master bedroom, there are different types of white fabric: the shag carpet, her furs and other clothing, and the dressings on the wall.
The only artifact I saw is the very last scene as Tommy stands on a mountaintop as the sun rises early in the morning. There was some minor banding in the lower portion of the frame, possibly caused by clouds or fog distorting the light, but after all that's been shown it hardly seems worth complaining about.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
There are two audio options: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Quintaphonic 5.0. The latter is explained in detail within the liner notes but to offer a simple and inadequate explanation, it was a precursor to surround sound used in a movie theatres, but the experiment never went any further than 'Tommy'. Neither show any sign of age and while they each sound very good, it's apparent not as much focus and imagination was given to sound design as there was to production design.
The synth overture and the wind swirl through the surrounds in the opening shots. Later, fires roar, jets fly overheard, and bombs go off in distance. The dialogue is all sung and can be clearly heard in the mix, though that's not always a good thing when Reed or Jack Nicholson are demonstrating their limited capabilities.
The subwoofer gets a very good workout, most notably when John Entwistle is part of the musical arrangement. Too much thumping bass on both audio tracks results in distortion, as Frank hustles people into the strip club. A solid rumble of bass can be heard as Tommy's parents try to avoid the aerial bombing in their city. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:13 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
How to Train Your Dragon (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Dragon Double Pack) [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | To put it in its most simple terms, 'How to Train Your Dragon' is a must own. That's about all there is to it. It's by far one of if not the best efforts from Dreamworks Animation we've seen to date. It's also one of the best looking and sounding Blu-ray releases of the year. This is one that parents and children will be able to enjoy and that's always a plus. It's thrilling, heart-pounding dragon action that has been packed onto a Blu-ray that truly is able to showcase the audio and video majesty of the movie. Just pick this one up. Do it now.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
For those of you who saw this movie on (real) Imax screens during its run in theaters, then you know exactly how amazing this movie looks. I'm proud to announce that 'How to Train Your Dragon' on Blu-ray looks just as amazing and detailed as it ever did on the big screen. Its 1080p presentation is picture-perfect eye candy that will entrance the little ones and impress even the hardened HD critic. The detail in this transfer is eye-catching and spectacular. From the exceedingly fine hairs of Stoick's beard to the tiny scales that cover each dragon's body, every detail is visible and striking. One scene where Hiccup gazes into the eye of Toothless is jaw-droppingly amazing. You can see all sorts of lines, flecks, and colors that make up Toothless' green cat-like eyes.
The movie is full of quick camera movements that pan around blue and black skies as Toothless and Hiccup soar through them. If there were going to be any sort of technical anomalies like blocking or banding they would be here. Thankfully there isn't an oddity to be seen. The flying scenes are composed of crystal clear imagery that is never encumbered by the nuisance of artifacting. There is some rather significant banding visible during the menu (it flips through numerous scenes in the movie) as it shows Hiccup and Astrid flying through the sky, which had me a little frightened before I started the movie. Even though the banding shows up during the menu it doesn't crop up at all during the actual movie.
Colors are marvelous here. From lush forest greens to the jet-black body of Toothless, each and every color is perfectly rendered and pleasing to the eye. Crushing never takes over during the darker scenes, where even the slightest detail of rust on a shield or hair on a head is visible. There isn't one thing in this transfer that should drop its score below the demo-worthy mark. It looks just as good as any Pixar film has ever looked on Blu-ray.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
If you thought the video was impressive, wait until you get a taste of the audio presentation. This is a mix that provides everything that fans of the movie, and hardcore audiofiles will be looking for. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix is phenomenal in its scope and feel. Panning effects are rendered to perfection as dragons swoop and dive from one side of the screen to another. The bass roars from the sub-woofer when they shoot fire from their mouths. Whenever fire is shot straight at the screen it's almost as if you are engulfed by the flames. You can hear the roar of fire start in the front channels and seamlessly travel to the rear channels. Directionality is flawless, as Vikings scream off screen during dragon attacks, or as dragons snap up helpless sheep to the side of our view. Dialogue is perfectly prioritized so as not to get drowned out during even the most exciting action scenes. Even during the calmer scenes, like when Hiccup is trying to befriend Toothless, you can hear birds chirping in the rear speakers and wind blowing around you. This is an audio presentation that truly sucks you into the experience. Not to give anything away, but 'How to Train Your Dragon' has one of the most action-packed climaxes of any animated movie out there, and when it comes your room, no your house, it will have its foundation shaken. It's an amazing experience that complements the stellar video transfer wonderfully. If the video transfer is eye candy, surely this is ear candy. It's as demo-worthy as they come. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Predators ( + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | I'm not going to front: I thought 'Predators' was a kick-ass good time. And what's more - it's a kick-ass good time that's enhanced greatly by some properly atmospheric visuals, rich direction by Nimrod Antal, and a wonderful cast of characters played by cracking actors like Adrien Brody and Alice Braga. As a what-could-have-been direct sequel to the original 1987 film, 'Predators' is a worthy successor. And while it should have been given more love when it was released theatrically over the summer, it will hopefully find a cultish appreciation on home video, thanks largely to this Blu-ray release, which features sparkling audio and video and a wealth of informative and highly watch-able extras. 'Predators' is highly recommended for anyone with discerning genre taste who wants to get a lot of kick out of their home entertainment set-up.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Predators' comes with a video transfer that is very literally perfect from a technical stand point. This is seriously one of the best live action transfers I have seen in quite some time.
The reason why the 1080p AVC MPEG-4 transfer (aspect ratio: 2.35:1) is so great is that it appears to be a direct-from-the-digital-source transfer. The film was shot using the Panasonic Genesis camera, an earlier version of which shot the unremarkable 'Superman Returns' a few years ago, and it looks absolutely killer. The question of the visual density of digitally shooting a movie in the jungle is a big one, I think. Mel Gibson, with 'Apocalypto,' side-stepped the problem somewhat, but there were still some sequences that were overwhelmed by how busy the jungle can be, visually.
Here, things look absolutely great. When I first saw 'Predators,' it wasn't until the train ride home, reading the press notes, that I even realized the movie was shot digitally. There is a three-dimensional lushness to the film that is really, really wonderful. And in high definition, with the direct transfer, things look even better. This is eye-popping, reference-quality stuff.
If you're worried about an overtly scrubbed-clean look, like the dreadful 'Predator' re-release from earlier this year, fear not. This looks exactly like it is supposed to, with no evidence of after-the-fact digital tinkering and (mercifully) no glitchy technical issues either.
Detail is obviously quite high (you can count the pock marks on Danny Trejo's face, practically), skin tones look natural (for the multi-culti cast, a very good thing), and the special effects and rubber monsters seem even more real, scary, and present. The lush jungle foliage and topography (rushing waterfalls, craggy rock formations, etc.) look wonderful; it's all so good.
Additionally, black levels are nice and deep and inky, which is good because some of the more breathless action sequences happen at night, or in hazy situations.
In short: there's nothing on this 'Predators' transfer worth complaining about. They did a bang-up job.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Miraculously, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is just as spectacular as the video presentation.
An energetic mix, in every sense of the word, it is one of the most active and most accurately directional mixes I have heard in a very long time. As the humans whip through the jungle, you feel every leaf lashing at your face. Even bigger, badder action sequences, like the hunt with the predators' "hounds," sound that much more dynamic - cross-channel explosions of violence and chaos, yet perfectly calibrated for optimal audio precision.
It's rare to hear a mix this bold and yet this skillfully nuanced, and quieter scenes, in which the atmosphere of the alien jungle overwhelms all else, perfectly exhibit these aspects of the mix. Also, it should be noted that John Debney's outrageously excellent score, which interpolates some elements of Alan Silvestri's music from the 1987 original, while creating a whole host of new cues and themes, many of which remain in the spirit of the original music while being distinctive and fresh, sounds phenomenal. Just phenomenal. Along with everyone else associated with 'Predators,' Debney's music got the shaft, but here it sounds so great that I can't imagine anyone ignoring it.
Additionally, dialogue sounds crisp and clear, no matter what kind of madness is unfolding on screen (not to mention the whole host of accents and regionally-inflected dialects); it's always well prioritized and easy to understand. Not often am I truly blown away by the presentation of dialogue in an action movie mix, but this was so on-point that I must give it props. It's the kind of audio mix that is so good that it acts as an example of how lousy most other audio mixes can be.
Perfectly reflecting the international flavor of the 'Predators' cast and crew, there are additional Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, and Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes on the disc, as well as subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, and Traditional Mandarin. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
The Pacific (HBO Miniseries) [Blu-ray]
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | If there was ever a "must own" Blu-ray set to add to your collection 'The Pacific' is it. As a whole, 'The Pacific' dives more into the psychological toll the war took on the minds of the soldiers than 'Band of Brothers' did. It's brutality is often overshadowed by the deep intimacy we encounter with each character we come to know. HBO has outdone themselves again, creating one of the best accounts of World War II out there. Bringing to light the sacrifices made by our soldiers who fought the Japanese in the Pacific. We hear so much about what happened in Europe during this time period that watching this gave me a new appreciation for an aspect of the war that I knew little about.
'The Pacific' comes to Blu-ray with a stellar video presentation, and an audio presentation that is unparalleled. The HD extras were great to have, I loved the Enhanced Viewing option, but when they included a sixth disc just for special features I thought for sure it would have had more than just three short featurettes. I was disappointed in the making of featurette the most. A ten-hour mini-series and all they could squeeze out was a little of 20 minutes of promo fluff?
In the end though, despite the paltry offerings when it comes to a decent helping of quality extras, this is a must own set. This is one you'll want to use to show off the capabilities of your HD system, but it's also a series that is unlike any other out there. Full of spirit, heart, and American sacrifice.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Detail, detail, detail! That's the first thing you'll notice about this near-flawless 1080p AVC-encoded transfer. 'The Pacific' looks near perfect presented on Blu-ray. Fine detail is some of the best I've ever seen. During close-ups on the actors every fleck of dirt, every smudge of mud can be seen in stunning clarity. The rigid texture of their uniforms pop off the screen. There's one astonishing scene in the very beginning of the series as the new Marines watch in the distance as Navy ships fight Japanese ships in the harbor. A bright fireball explodes, and it looks perfectly real and believable. The detail of this show is just breath-taking there's no way other to describe what you'll see when you purchase this set.
Shadow delineation, during the day, creates stark clearly defined shadows that never seem to engulf or obscure features. Instead the top-notch delineation adds to an already detailed picture. Colors are strong, with the greenery of the tropical jungles being the dominant color. Red is another color that's featured strongly throughout the series. The dark, red blood is everywhere, covering almost everything. As much as you may want to get away from it, the blood-reds that populate this series are perfectly rendered, giving us even more of a sense of what the bloodshed was like.
I do have a few slight nitpicks with the transfer though. Whether this is because of the transfer or the filming conditions I don't know, but the low-light scenes suffer from some very slight crushing. The amazing detail during the daytime is somewhat obscured at night. There are a few times I noticed blacks taking on a flattened matte feel during the nighttime scenes. During the last episode, some aliasing is noticeable on tightly woven suit jackets that creates a shimmering effect on screen. There is some slight ringing that can be seen throughout the series as well.
While that may sound like quite a few blemishes, believe me, in the grand scheme of this series it isn't. For the most part, 'The Pacific' on Blu-ray shines as an intricately detailed visual account of what our Marines went through during the war against Japan.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
I had some nitpicks with the video, but it's safe to say that I have no qualms whatsoever with this amazing reference audio presentation presented here. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation is one of the best mixes I've heard on Blu-ray ever. That's right, I feel safe in saying that this will now end up being your demo disc when you want to show off what your sound system can do.
Where most Blu-ray soundtracks fail is having lively, engaging surrounds. Here, the rear speakers are constantly working to produce a soundfield so lifelike you'll feel like bombs are being dropped right on your couch. I've never heard an HD audio mix use panning effects like this one. Planes are constantly buzzing from one end of the soundfield to the other. Mortars lob in overhead and explode with frightening ferocity. Bullets whiz by the front of the soundstage as the characters on screen yell orders at each other.
The rousing, patriotic Hans Zimmer score booms forth through each channel engulfing the listener. The low-end frequency is almost non-stop as bombs, mortars and grenades explode constantly. The sub works overtime just to keep up with all the LFE that is required during the intense battle scenes. When planes fly overhead the room rumbles to life with deep, resonating bass.
Dialogue is perfectly prioritized and, even though all hell is breaking loose around them, voices and orders can still be heard through the center channel. Even during its more subdued times, like when Leckie finds himself in a Naval hospital far away from the battle crowded rooms and mess halls offer a nice change of pace, but still have a wonderful mix of surround sound activity thrown in to keep us swallowed up in the overall meticulous sound design.
If I had to describe this entire audio experience in one word, it would have to be "perfection." It's demo-worthy in every sense. It's an amazing, engaging tour de force that will keep you completely enveloped for the entirety of the series. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 2:23 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Toy Story 3 (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Toy Story 3,' in my mind, is one of the best Pixar films. They took their time with this movie and didn't rush it. I still think it's a peg below one and two, but it still chokes me up at the end. The video and audio are demo quality and there's a huge helping of extras that will keep you entertained for hours. In short this is a must own Blu-ray.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
It's almost redundant to review the picture quality on this. Was there any doubt out there that 'Toy Story 3' presented in beautiful 1080p would be anything less that demo-worthy material? I didn't think so. This is the same level of perfection we've come to expect from Pixar's movies in HD. The colors burst off the screen. Detail is ramped up, making the movie even more realistic looking than its predecessors. Take for example the finely chopped up pieces of garbage at the dump. Each one of them has its own look, consistency, and detail. Each piece of garbage, no matter how small, is distinguishable. Textures are simply amazing, like they used look of Lotso's strawberry scented fur. Or the numerous patterns used on Ken's wide variety of wardrobe choices. You can actually see the stitching and ribbing on Jessie's hat.
As for technical anomalies, there are none. I thought that I noticed a bit of banding in the sky and some aliasing during the end credits on the boom-box Jessie uses to play Spanish music, but if you aren't looking extremely closely for those then you won't see them. Truth is, the picture is as pristine and clear as they come. This is just an amazing looking release all the way around. There's nothing much more to say about it other than it's one of, if not the, consistently best looking releases we've had this year.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
You knew that the picture was going to look great. That's pretty much a given when it comes to Pixar on Blu-ray, but what about the audio? Let me tell you something, the audio is the real treat on this release. 'Toy Story 3' comes complete with an enthralling 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that will keep you engulfed from the opening scene until the end of the credits. The soundfield is filled with lively noises and ambient sound that will totally immerse you in the story.
As soon as the toys get to the daycare center the masterful ambiance takes over. Screaming kids encircle the soundfield as they run amok. Clinks, clanks, and clangs are delivered with precision as the toys are greeted by a whole host of new toys. During a flashback with a rainstorm individual droplets can be distinguished. It's simply stunning.
Panning effects work wonders, especially as the 7.1 mix takes into account the two side channels. Now Woody is soaring high above you as the wind pushes him higher and higher. His screams and "Woos" are carried throughout the mix, placed exactly where they should be. When it comes time for the big final action-packed ending the mix is cranked up to a bass-laden LFE slug-fest that will catch you by surprise. All this time the soundtrack has been subtle and nuanced, giving us an extremely detailed but reserved audio experience. That all ends when the toys get to the dump and try to escape permanent doom. Room-shaking bass is released from the sub, but never so overwhelming that it takes over and drowns out the dialogue.
Just like the video presentation, this audio presentation is top-notch demo-worthy material. From the restrained, but detail-oriented beginning to the bass-rumbling ending this is another wonderful HD audio experience provided by Disney and Pixar. |
Kal
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Ron W
Joined: 07 Aug 2009
Posts: 860
Location: Mississauga
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| Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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| kal wrote: | Another reference disc:
Toy Story 3 (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Toy Story 3,' in my mind, is one of the best Pixar films. They took their time with this movie and didn't rush it. I still think it's a peg below one and two, but it still chokes me up at the end. The video and audio are demo quality and there's a huge helping of extras that will keep you entertained for hours. In short this is a must own Blu-ray.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
It's almost redundant to review the picture quality on this. Was there any doubt out there that 'Toy Story 3' presented in beautiful 1080p would be anything less that demo-worthy material? I didn't think so. This is the same level of perfection we've come to expect from Pixar's movies in HD. The colors burst off the screen. Detail is ramped up, making the movie even more realistic looking than its predecessors. Take for example the finely chopped up pieces of garbage at the dump. Each one of them has its own look, consistency, and detail. Each piece of garbage, no matter how small, is distinguishable. Textures are simply amazing, like they used look of Lotso's strawberry scented fur. Or the numerous patterns used on Ken's wide variety of wardrobe choices. You can actually see the stitching and ribbing on Jessie's hat.
As for technical anomalies, there are none. I thought that I noticed a bit of banding in the sky and some aliasing during the end credits on the boom-box Jessie uses to play Spanish music, but if you aren't looking extremely closely for those then you won't see them. Truth is, the picture is as pristine and clear as they come. This is just an amazing looking release all the way around. There's nothing much more to say about it other than it's one of, if not the, consistently best looking releases we've had this year.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
You knew that the picture was going to look great. That's pretty much a given when it comes to Pixar on Blu-ray, but what about the audio? Let me tell you something, the audio is the real treat on this release. 'Toy Story 3' comes complete with an enthralling 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that will keep you engulfed from the opening scene until the end of the credits. The soundfield is filled with lively noises and ambient sound that will totally immerse you in the story.
As soon as the toys get to the daycare center the masterful ambiance takes over. Screaming kids encircle the soundfield as they run amok. Clinks, clanks, and clangs are delivered with precision as the toys are greeted by a whole host of new toys. During a flashback with a rainstorm individual droplets can be distinguished. It's simply stunning.
Panning effects work wonders, especially as the 7.1 mix takes into account the two side channels. Now Woody is soaring high above you as the wind pushes him higher and higher. His screams and "Woos" are carried throughout the mix, placed exactly where they should be. When it comes time for the big final action-packed ending the mix is cranked up to a bass-laden LFE slug-fest that will catch you by surprise. All this time the soundtrack has been subtle and nuanced, giving us an extremely detailed but reserved audio experience. That all ends when the toys get to the dump and try to escape permanent doom. Room-shaking bass is released from the sub, but never so overwhelming that it takes over and drowns out the dialogue.
Just like the video presentation, this audio presentation is top-notch demo-worthy material. From the restrained, but detail-oriented beginning to the bass-rumbling ending this is another wonderful HD audio experience provided by Disney and Pixar. |
Kal |
In late August I happened to see a 3D version of this movie on one of the new Sony 3D monitors and surprisingly I was quite impressed. Although I saw only part of the movie, it looked like it was done the way 3D should be presented in providing a nice depth perception to the picture as opposed to the artificial "jumping out at you" approach.
Anyone else seen this?
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paw
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 1176
Location: Arvada, CO
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| Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:57 am Post subject: |
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| Ron W wrote: | In late August I happened to see a 3D version of this movie on one of the new Sony 3D monitors and surprisingly I was quite impressed. Although I saw only part of the movie, it looked like it was done the way 3D should be presented in providing a nice depth perception to the picture as opposed to the artificial "jumping out at you" approach.
Anyone else seen this? |
I saw in 3D at the theaters. Yes, Pixar did a great job with it. I also TS, TS2 when they were re-released in 3D. Excellent usage of 3D.
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Aubrey
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paw
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 1176
Location: Arvada, CO
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| Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 3:01 am Post subject: $8 coupon for Toy Story 3 |
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Here's an $8 off coupon for the 3 (or 4?) disc set for Toy Story 3.
http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/ts3lptw-coupon
I don't know if you can use it at Amazon but it worked at Best Buy. Well, kind of worked. The coupon wouldn't scan. So, they had to ring it up special.
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Aubrey
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 4:44 am Post subject: Re: $8 coupon for Toy Story 3 |
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paw
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
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Location: Arvada, CO
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| Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 10:14 pm Post subject: Re: $8 coupon for Toy Story 3 |
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| greg_mitch wrote: |
You must be signed in to get the coupon... |
Yes, you have to join the website. There's no cost. If you have a bunch of Disney DVDs/Blu-rays, you can enter the "magic code" (it's on a separate piece of paper in the case), earn points and get free stuff. You get 1 - 2 emails a month from them. I'm sure you could cancel or stop the emails later.
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Aubrey
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kal
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| Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Disney's A Christmas Carol (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'A Christmas Carol' is simply an excellent 3D Blu-ray release from Disney and is now the frontrunner in my mind for the demo disc of the holiday season. Not only is this a very good movie with some of the best animation I have ever seen, but it also features excellent video, audio, and a good helping of special features. Toss in a 2D Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copy of the film and this is one killer 3D Blu-ray combo pack from Disney. This release is a must own for early adopters of the 3D Blu-ray format and even those who want the movie and think they maybe, possibly, just might take the 3D leap in the future!
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Disney presents 'A Christmas Carol' in a beautiful 1080p 3D, 2.40:1 transfer. I have to say, this is one of, if not the best transfers I have seen on the 3D Blu-ray format to date. Disney's first commercial 3D Blu-ray release is sure to be a demo disc for electronic stores over the holiday season.
My favorite aspect of this transfer is its realism. It's clear a great deal of care and attention to detail was put into the animation. Colors are extremely responsive to lighting conditions. The best example was the Ghost of Christmas Past's fire. I also appreciated the texture of bricks on buildings, imperfections in pieces of wood, characters' breath in Scrooge's office, and the extremely realistic facial features of characters.Finally, shadow effects are about the best I have seen from an animation film.
In addition to the demo worthy colors and animation, 'A Christmas Carol' also features the best 3D effects I have seen to date. The strength of this release lies in the incredibly realistic sense of depth.
I only had a few very minor complaints with this transfer. First, there are a few examples of ghosting occurring in some of the darker scenes (Unfortunately, I'm not talking about the spirits). The instances are few and far between, but it still pops up a few times throughout the movie. The only other tiny problem I noticed were a few hardly noticeable examples of banding. Both these issues were very, very minor on an otherwise demo worthy transfer.
Disney has shown with this release that the same amount of care they put into their Blu-ray releases will be afforded to their 3D Blu-ray catalogue titles as well.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The Blu-ray 3D disc in the 4 disc combo pack for 'A Christmas Carol' features a very good DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is sure to add to your enjoyment of the movie. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:24 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Sondheim: The Birthday Concert [Blu-ray] (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Sondheim! The Birthday Concert' celebrates the enormous talent of one of the theater's most accomplished and prolific composers. Top-flight performances from Broadway's finest make us appreciate each and every selection, and pine for a lengthier program. Excellent video and audio quality enhances the electricity and immediacy of the event, and heightens the replay value of the disc. The absence of supplements is disappointing, but won't dampen my sky-high enthusiasm for this thrilling presentation. This is a must-have disc for music lovers, and a tribute that will enthrall anyone with even a passing interest in musical theater. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Shot on HD video, 'Sondheim! The Birthday Concert' looks spectacular on Blu-ray. The image bursts with perfectly modulated contrast, bold color, and marvelous clarity. The spotless source material exudes a lovely sheen and flaunts a dimensional quality that makes us feel as if we're a part of this live performance. Though the camera rarely zooms in far enough for a traditional close-up, we're still able to appreciate fine facial features and discern beads of perspiration that dot the singers' foreheads. The deep black tuxedos of the men appear appropriately rich and inky, while the red dresses of the divas make a vibrant statement, but never bleed. Fleshtones are all stable and natural, and details like glistening diamonds and the fabrics of various gowns are always crisp and distinct.
Audience shots, especially the reactions of Sondheim himself, are soft and grainy, but that's to be expected, considering they were shot in very low light. That's the only blemish on this glorious 1080i/MPEG-4 AVC transfer that gives the cliché "front row seat" new meaning.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
A strong picture is all well and good, but without top-notch audio this disc would quickly find itself up for sale on eBay or languishing in the trash bin. Thankfully, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track rivals the image quality, and thus considerably ramps up the replay value of this stirring concert. Dynamic, clean, nuanced, and full-bodied are only a few of the adjectives that could be used to describe this superior audio rendering that helps transform our living rooms into a Lincoln Center recital hall. Voices run the gamut from the operatic soprano of Audra McDonald and George Hearn's deep basso to Mandy Patinkin's light tenor and Elaine Stritch's gravelly alto, and the track reproduces all of their varied tones with gorgeous clarity and precision. Despite innumerable grand climaxes, distortion is never an issue, and quiet moments never get lost. Balance is perfect; the orchestra never drowns out the singers, yet the instruments don't play second fiddle, so we can admire the arrangements as well as the vocals. Narration and lyrics are always easy to understand.
The surrounds kick in most noticeably during the applause, providing the illusion of a live concert, but they're always delicately in play, adding depth and breadth to the sound field. Though not overly active, LFE elements are woven into the orchestrations and contribute to the fullness of tone that makes this track such an aural treat. I can't imagine Sondheim's music sounding any better than this, and his fans will surely appreciate this superior effort. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
The Sound of Music (45th Anniversary Edition) (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (1965)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'The Sound of Music' has always been a celebratory musical, but this three-disc Blu-ray edition gives all of us one more reason to celebrate and admire this wonderful, Oscar-winning film. The songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the Austrian scenery, and the performances of Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and the seven Von Trapp children come alive like never before, and the romantic, heartwarming, and inspirational story feels more immediate as a result. Superb video, top-notch audio, and enough special features to turn everyone into walking 'Sound of Music' encyclopedias make this extra special package truly one of our favorite things. Without a doubt, this is a must-own disc, and one that will make a great gift during any season of the year.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
As a rule, musicals always demand strong transfers to capture all the pageantry, colorful costumes, and bold set pieces that so often distinguish them. But 'The Sound of Music,' with its extensive location shooting, adds an extra and critical wrinkle to the standard formula. With scenery that defines the word "breathtaking," and a host of bucolic and charming Old World backdrops, this film requires a top-flight effort, especially in high definition, and that's exactly what the folks at Fox have given us. This 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer ranks right up there with the genre's best with perfectly balanced color, contrast, and an astounding clarity that make 'The Sound of Music' more immediate and involving than ever before.
Shot in the era of cheap, single-strip color, 'The Sound of Music' had begun to fade over the years, but this glorious restoration brings back all the vibrancy, lushness, and warmth of the original film and preserves it for all time. From the first frames of the iconic opening sequence, we know we're in for a spectacular visual treat, and the transfer remains consistently sumptuous and eye-filling – without ever looking artificial – throughout the lengthy 174-minute running time. The green meadows of the alpine hills have never looked more inviting, with individual blades of grass easily discernible. Equally vibrant are the bright red accents of the Nazi swastikas, the colorful vegetables in the farmer's market, and the crystal blue waters of the mountain lakes. Skin tones can look a little ruddy at times, but how many Austrians don't possess a rugged, outdoorsy complexion?
Light grain remains intact, providing an exceptionally cozy film-like feel, and any temptation to over-push the colors has thankfully been kept at bay. As a result, a natural look pervades this effort that keeps the film as much in reality's realm as possible. Black levels are rich and deep – just look at the inky habits of the nuns – and whites remain bright without blooming. Shadow detail is excellent, and textures, such as Maria's wool jacket in the 'I Have Confidence in Me' segment, come through well. Close-ups are lovely, and any technical enhancements have been so carefully applied they escape notice. In addition, no banding or digital noise could be detected, even in the darkest scenes. Without question, this is one of the premier transfers for a musical picture, and one that will thrill the legions of faithful 'Sound of Music' fans worldwide. It doesn't get any better than this, folks. Terrific job, Fox!
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The Sound of Music' comes all decked out with a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that sounds terrific even on a 5.1 system like mine. From the opening whistling wind of the Austrian Alps to the sputtering engine noises of disabled Nazi vehicles, all the nuances of this large-scale musical come through with crisp distinction. Balance and dynamic range are superb, offering a full-bodied, immersive aural experience. Surround activity is subtle, almost imperceptible, and that works well for this type of entertainment. In fact, the track is so well mixed, there's a seamless quality to the audio that keeps us focused on the film and not the output of individual channels.
Of course, the songs are the real star of 'The Sound of Music,' and the instrumentals and vocals possess crystal clarity, filling the room with warm, lifelike tones. Julie Andrews' exquisite instrument has never sounded so pure and perfect; even her multi-octave jumps at the end of 'Do Re Mi' resist distortion, as do the final notes of Peggy Wood's 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain.' Each song bursts forth with marvelous fidelity, and solid bass frequencies enhance the musical presentation. Otherwise, the subwoofer stays pretty quiet, save for the thunderstorm that precedes and accompanies 'My Favorite Things.' Dialogue and lyrics are always well prioritized and easy to understand, and most pops, crackles, and other surface elements have been erased. I say "most,' because during the thunderstorm, several very noticeable instances of sonic breakup occurred that were more jarring than the thunderclaps themselves.
Despite that minor flaw, this a superior track that brings this movie to life like never before, and really emphasizes "the sound of music"…which is what this tuneful classic is really all about. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Avatar (Three-Disc Extended Collector's Edition + BD-Live) [Blu-ray] (2009)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | As a Blu-ray release, the 3-disc Collector's Edition is everything that the first Blu-ray edition should have been. It maintains the same stellar video and audio, but adds multiple versions of the film and a huge bounty of supplemental material.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The original Blu-ray release of 'Avatar' rated our highest score for video quality. It's as close to perfection as anything I've yet seen on the format. At the time of release, the studio bragged that the disc authors had maxed out the bit rate throughout the movie to ensure optimal compression. That was a very simplistic attempt to justify the lack of supplemental content on the release. ("We didn't have room for any! We needed every single bit for the video!") It was the old DVD "SuperBit" marketing strategy re-applied for the Blu-ray era.
So now we have an extended cut of 'Avatar' that runs 16 minutes longer. If the bit rate was already maximized for the theatrical length, wouldn't that mean that a longer version has to suffer a lower bit rate? Indeed, mathematically, that's correct. This realization caused a minor freakout in some internet quarters, among people who assume that bit rate is the only factor important to determining video quality. The reality of the situation is far more complex than that, of course.
The long and short of it is that this Extended Collector's Edition looks exactly the same as the original release, despite what the bit rate meter may say. I defy anyone to tell them apart. That is of course a very good thing. As before, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer is incredibly sharp and detailed, with no noticeable digital artifacts whatsoever. I'm not particularly a fan of the modern fad toward inundating movies with the color teal, which is an affectation that James Cameron has unfortunately fallen into. (The Na'vi themselves are awfully teal). However, Cameron thankfully mixes in a whole host of other vibrant colors here, many you'll rarely see in other movies. Regardless of what I may think of the movie's story, it's quite lovely visual eye candy.
I discussed the controversy about the movie's aspect ratio at length in the original review. Once again, the director has opted to present the picture in an open-matte 16:9 framing, which I still think looks awkward and unbalanced. (To see the original 2.35:1 composition, check out the deleted scenes and trailers in the supplements.) For this movie, I prefer a compromise ratio of 2.2:1 on my Constant Image Height projection screen. You can refer back to the previous article for more detail on why I feel that way about this specific movie. I don't expect (or require) everyone to agree with me on this. For what it's worth, the scenes in the Extended Cut also crop well to that ratio.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is likewise identical to the previous Blu-ray, as far as I can tell. It's excellent overall, with clear dialogue and crisp sound effects. Surround activity is very immersive, and the dynamic range is well balanced so as not to come across as obnoxiously loud.
However, I still can't say that this is among the best audio I've heard on Blu-ray. The sound mix is just a little too cold and sterile for my liking, and a number of important scenes are curiously uninvolving from an auditory standpoint. Make no mistake, falling short of a perfect score in no way means that this is a poor soundtrack. It's very good and satisfying. It just doesn't hit that upper echelon that only a select few Blu-ray soundtracks are worthy of reaching.
The Blu-ray menus go out of the way to point out that the English Dolby Digital 2.0 track on the disc has been specially remixed with extra attention given to how it will sound through TV speakers or stereo and older ProLogic surround equipment. While I didn't test this myself, I would advise viewers who fall into those categories to try it out before assuming that the DTS option is appropriate for everyone's needs.
The disc also contains an English "Family Audio Track" in Dolby Digital 5.1. Parents concerned about the use of profanity in the movie will find the dirty words censored. However, choosing this soundtrack does not remove any of the cigarette smoking or intense violence in the movie. This feature is only available on the theatrical cut or Special Edition Re-Release, not the full three-hour Extended Cut. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:22 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
(Heads up: While it looks and sounds good, the plot/story sucks. For die-hard fans only. Both of you.)
The Last Airbender (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | M. Night Shyamalan's latest feature, 'The Last Airbender,' is a disastrous mess adapted from the animated series and clearly geared more to that fanbase. The fantasy adventure flick features terrific visual effects, amazing martial arts choreography, and strong direction. But it fails miserably at engaging viewers unfamiliar with the story, lacking heart and ultimately feels pieced together with various ideas. The Blu-ray edition debuts with an excellent video presentation and near-reference audio. The supplements from the DVD and single-disc Blu-ray are the same, but the two-disc version features some exclusive bonuses fans are sure to love. Unfortunately for the rest of the buying public, this is another case of bad flick, good disc.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Last Airbender' bends its way unto Blu-ray with a highly-detailed 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.35:1) that's sure to make fans happy.
The freshly-minted transfer displays excellent definition in the clothing, architecture and various fine objects. From the bolts and rust of the metallic battleships to the small nicks and depressions on the ice blocks of the frozen city, the image is distinct and striking. The faces of actors are also revealing and often stunningly dramatic with natural, healthy skin tones. The color palette is richly saturated and animated with an attractive emphasis on earth tones. Contrast is spot-on and well-balanced, rendering bright, crisp whites and terrific visibility in the distance. Blacks are also accurate and intense, and delineation is strong in the darker portions of the picture. Overall, Shyamalan's cartoon adaptation makes a very impressive debut on high-definition video.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Accompanying the surprising picture quality of 'The Last Airbender' is a near-reference and earth-shattering DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Full of explosive action and martial arts battle sequences, the lossless mix exhibits rich clarity detail in the front soundstage and excellent channel separation. Dynamics are sharply rendered and room-penetrating with clear distinction and transparency between the highs and mids, making fight scenes enthralling and exciting. The low end is a rumbling and bombastic powerhouse, packing the element-bending combats with a weighty punch.
Rear activity displays many ambient effects and fluid movement between the channels, creating a highly immersive and engaging soundfield. The musical score by James Newton Howard also occupies much of the sound system, and it draws viewers in with superb fidelity and welcoming presence. Amid all the chaos, vocals remain clear and intelligible to keep the drama moving. For all the movie's shortcomings, the high-rez track is shockingly entertaining, making the fantasy adventure fun to sit through. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:23 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo+Digital Copy) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | I was pleasantly surprised by Jon Turteltaub's 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice.' My expectations were extremely low after so many movies that have gorged themselves on CGI effects and left little else to create a dramatic, engaging story with loveable characters. 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' is a fine balance of both. It's fun, energetic, and smart. The video and audio are both demo-worthy. The special features are extensive, but lack the personal touch of an audio commentary or an in-depth PiP track. Still, this one comes highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
You've got to credit Disney for this demo-worthy 1080p presentation.
The entire image is just stunning to look at. This is one of those video presentations you'll want to play over and over for friends in order to show off you home theater. Take for example the scene where Bathlazar and Dave battle an evil wizard in the middle of Chinatown. Tiny squares of confetti fall from the sky, each with a distinct shape and bright color. As the thousands of colored squares flutter to the ground you'd expect that some of them would disappear into a large mass of color and become indistinguishable. In a lesser detailed transfer they would have. Here each square is resolutely defined as it falls end over end to the ground. It's one of the many visually wonderful scenes contained on this Blu-ray.
Fine detail is at its best even with the most intricate of patterns and textures. From Balthazar's ancient raw-hide coat to the fur that lines the collar of Horvath's garb, texture detail is in full force. Blacks are deep and inky. Shadow delineation works wonders during darker scenes offering the image depth and intrigue. Colors are bright and bold. Primary colors shine magnificently on screen. Even the special effects look polished and real. Nothing gives off that dreaded green screen effect. From Dave's puny plasma bolts to the cockroaches that come together to form Horvath, each special effect seems to be done with care and looks great in HD. Artifacting is nowhere to be found. I didn't notice any banding, aliasing, or blocking. There's no source noise to speak of.
This presentation is as perfect as they come. Use it proudly for demo material.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Just as the video presentation wowed me, so too did the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience offered up by Disney.
This is an engaging, enthralling audio presentation that keeps you engrossed in the happenings of the movie. One of the most amazing aspects of this audio presentation is the encircling feel it gives you. As wizards blast each other with pillars of fire or balls of plasma the sound smoothly pans from one side of the soundstage to the other without missing a single beat. Directionality works perfectly as dialogue from characters off screen is perfectly placed without exception. Big explosions are helped along with an enormous amount of healthy LFE that gives the entire listening experience an almost visceral feel. Not only can you hear what is happening, but you can literally feel the rumbling on your couch as Horvath and Balthazar battle each other. Dialogue is nicely prioritized so no lines are lost in the heavy mix of sound effects. Rear channels are always alive with action. The scene in Chinatown is not only a reference moment for the film's visuals, but it also contains some of the best surround sound the movie has to offer as the crowds of people scream hysterically as a parade dragon morphs into a real one.
This audio presentation completes the demo-worth experience of this disc. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:25 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Fantasia / Fantasia 2000 (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Fantasia' remains an animation pinnacle. It's a monument to the vision of Walt Disney and how far he would go to create what he had stored away in his imagination. It's complete restoration for Blu-ray is something to behold, it really is. The video and audio are tremendous, some of the best you'll see and hear on Blu-ray. The special features, with the numerous commentaries, give you a perfect idea of what Walt and his team wanted 'Fantasia' to be like. This is just an amazing release all around, and is a must own for anyone's collection.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Filmed 60 years apart 'Fantasia' and 'Fantasia 2000' have completely different looks, but each one appears magnificent in these 1080p restorations. Disney's loving care for its classics is evident here. These faithful presentations leave us with an image that is, by far, the best they've ever looked.
The original 'Fantasia' – presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ration - has an abundance of colors, all of which are bold and bright in this new high-def restoration. Notice the opening, when the silhouettes of the conductor and the orchestra are placed against the pulsating colorized backgrounds. Oranges, purples, pinks, reds…I remember, as a kid, being awed by the colors when I watched this on VHS. Now, it's like seeing a completely different movie. The colors are rich, and deep without hints of flickering. Tiny imperfections in the animators lines can be seen, just like in Disney's Blu-ray presentation of 'Snow White.' Seeing every tiny detail in the animation lends itself to a near perfect viewing experience. 'Fantasia' no matter how fantastic it looks, still has some issues it was unable to overcome. Ringing and color bleeding crop up every now and then. There are a few small occurrences of banding as colors fade in and out on top of each other. However, there is no source noise to speak of. Considering the age of this film, that is simply astounding. The small technical anomalies, don't really detract from the overall beauty and majesty of this classic animated feature.
'Fantasia 2000' – even with its brightly hand-drawn segments – seemed to be more geared toward showing off CG animation and what it was capable of. A decade ago CG animators were just barely scratching the surface with what was possible. The whale sequence in particular shows the medium's limitations of that day. Even with the whales, which soar out of the ocean and into the air, looking slightly hokey, much of the CG used in these segments looks magnificent in high-def. Still it is the hand-drawn animation like Donald's personal attendance at the filling of Noah's Ark that looks the best when it comes to HD.
'Fantasia 2000' is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, which fills the whole screen with life and color. This film is just as colorful as its original. The colors during the New York scene, especially, leap off the screen with stunning clarity. You can see each line of the animators steady hand, which brings the characters to life. You can even see tiny specks within the girl's hair that weren't quite as colored in as the rest. Blacks are stunning and deep throughout from the inky blackness of the ocean the whales fly over to the dark smoke that rises from the Firebird. Aliasing is a slight problem during many of the computer animated scenes, but it isn't downright noticeable unless you're really looking for it. 'Fantasia 2000' like its predecessor, is also free of source noise.
Both of these movies have never looked better. They've been restored with that signature Disney attention to detail. Sit back, and just enjoy the ride. DisneyView is also available for those who want the black bars on the sides filled in.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
When I first heard the two 'Fantasia' movies were finally making their way to the Blu-ray format, each of them with their own newly minted 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, I thought to myself that these have to be two of the most amazing audio presentations we're ever going to hear. I'm glad I wasn't far from that dream.
The sound, oh the sound! Classical music rings throughout the entire eight speaker soundfield. 'Fantasia's new 7.1 soundtrack sounds as natural as any other audio track ever created. The depth and life of this sound is unrivaled. Trumpets burst from the side speakers as pianos and string instruments blare from the front channels. Directionality works wonders. Cymbals crash from side to side as Apprentice Mickey calls forth huge waves that lap the side of the rock outcropping he's standing on. The sound ebbs and flows, creating an all encompassing presentation that makes full use of the rear speakers. Not only adding ambience, the rear speakers are constantly alive with instrumental sounds, which make you feel like you're sitting smack dab in the middle of an orchestra. LFE is generous and healthy as heavy drums beat away during the more intense scenes like when the dinosaurs are facing extinction. If I had to use one word to describe the sonic feast that is 'Fantasia' it would be "Wow!"
'Fantasia 2000' doesn't let up in the sound department either. With equal ferocity, 'Fantasia 2000' and its lineup of famous classical tunes are given more than enough room to impress. LFE is even more pronounced here, especially during the Firebird sequence as the life-like lava engulfs everything in sight. What a scene that is. From the tiny tinkling sounds of chimes, to the blaring or trumpets and horns, 'Fantasia 2000' gets everything right. Directionality is also wonderful. Take for example near the end, where Mickey goes to find Donald. As one of the narrators speaks to us on screen, Mickey's voice can be heard traveling from channel to channel looking for his feathered friend. My wife commented about how in the theater, when she saw the movie, she thought that part where Mickey traveled around the room was amazing. It's reproduced here with the same clarity and the same token of fun and whimsy.
Suffice it to say that there's nothing at all wrong with either of these wonderful audio presentations. They're some of the best you'll ever hear in the format. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Inception (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' is a visually striking experience with an engagingly thrilling story involving dream sharing and the subconscious. At its forefront, the film seems overly complex and convoluted, but ultimately, it's a highly dramatic heist picture presented in a way that feels original and innovative. The Blu-ray does the movie's imaginative spectacle justice with an absolutely gorgeous video presentation. The high-resolution audio is pure reference quality with a phenomenal low-end that will have fans clamoring for more. The supplemental package is nearly all exclusive to the high-def format, offering hours of further enjoyment once the main attraction has ended. Overall, 'Inception' is a brilliant thrill-ride of excitement and action, and this Blu-ray is really the only way to go when enjoying this summer blockbuster. For fans, this is a must own.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' debuts on Blu-ray with a gorgeous, demo-worthy 1080p/VC-1 encode (2.40:1) that makes the fantasy aspects mesmerizing. The picture comes with an amazing array of bold, vibrant colors. The elegant, polished photography of Wally Pfister ('The Dark Knight,' 'The Prestige') benefits greatly from the higher resolution, displaying a beautiful, warm palette. This allows for terrifically accurate and precise primaries and strong, brightly varied secondary hues with some of the best renderings of flesh tones, which are attractively healthy and natural. During certain sequences, the colors are slightly subdued for effect, but they remain stable and attractive. The entire presentation as whole possesses a lovely, sophisticated and appreciable cinematic quality.
The freshly-minted transfer shows a highly detailed picture with incredible, clearly outlined objects in the foreground and background from beginning to end. There are a few moments of softness, but they seem related to the intentional look of the cinematography. Nonetheless, the fine lines in the architecture and various other items are distinct and unmistakable throughout. The video exposes every trivial nuance and nicety of the exterior buildings as well as the warmly-lit interiors of rooms with striking, discrete definition. There is one noticeable concern worth mentioning, which some will surely view as a trifling, negligible issue. During scenes of high contrast, minor ringing and low-level noise suddenly appear, although it strangely never happens in the final dream sequence in the snowy mountains. It's not terribly distracting, but discerning viewers might pick up on it.
All the same, the high-def image remains jaw-droppingly splendid and dazzling with impressive clarity and dimensionality. The soft textures in clothing and furniture are plainly visible and surprising while life-like facial complexions reveal the small pores and superficial defects in the actors. Contrast is pitch-perfect and terrifically balanced with crisp, brilliant whites throughout. Though not as dramatic and affecting as in the 'Watchmen' Blu-ray, black levels are still stunningly inky and penetrating while shadow details maintain strong with excellent perceptible delineation in the darkest portions. Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' makes its Blu-ray debut with an outstanding and spectacular video presentation that will have fans cheering from beginning to end.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
As if the amazing picture quality weren't enough, Warner Home Video also offers an astounding DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that's nothing short of reference level. This is a demanding and aggressive track that will give the sound system a thorough workout and a strong competitor for best audio of the year, one meant to be played loud. When the action explodes on screen, viewers will enjoy a thrilling aural experience that will leave them wanting more.
Whether it's the subtle ambient sounds of rain fall in the city or bullets whizzing by, rear activity is at a near-constant with marvelous atmospherics filling the entire room. Pans and directionality of discrete effects are flawless and convincing, creating a fully immersive and wonderfully engaging soundfield. Hans Zimmer's musical score extends deep into the background and envelops the listener terrifically at any given moment. The front soundstage displays a very wide and spacious presence to keep things incredibly exciting and gripping. While dialogue reproduction remains clearly lucid and precise during the loud sequences, dynamic range exhibits superb and extensive clarity detail without the slightest hint of distortion. The ambush in the city where the dream team breaks out in gunfire is a remarkable example of the track's quality to deliver the goods.
Likely the best and most striking aspect of the lossless mix is the phenomenal, earth-shattering low-frequency output. Along with 'War of the Worlds,' this high-rez audio track will serve as a terrific demo disc, because the low end during certain action sequences is uniquely exceptional, reaching for some breathtaking depths of infrasound. At the beginning of the film, when Cobb runs around Saito's dream, particular segments emit a powerful, chest-pounding bass line that feels omnidirectional and encompassing, serving as the new go-to scene. For the rest of the movie, bass remains highly responsive and intense. Overall, 'Inception' arrives on Blu-ray with a sensational lossless mix that will have home theater enthusiasts applauding for an encore. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 3:03 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc from Jean-Pierre Jeunet, director of the hugely popular oscar nominated Amelie:
Micmacs [Blu-ray] (2009)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | I first saw 'Micmacs' at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival, and it was easily my favorite movie there that year. Unfortunately, even though it was picked up for American distribution by a major studio like Sony, the film never got past limited release in the United States. Its untranslatable title probably did it in. The movie is great fun, and will surely please fans of director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. In technical respects, the Blu-ray has excellent audio and video quality (despite my dislike of the weird color scheme). It also offers a couple of interesting supplements. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
I miss real colors. It feels like ages since I've seen them in a movie. I'm talking about natural, organic colors captured on photographic film, the kind you might actually see in real life every once in a while. These days, most movies are digitally color graded into all sorts of strange, unnatural shadings. Directors have even gone so far as to recolor their old films in some misguided attempt to make them look more "modern" or something. Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a huge proponent of this process. His 'Amélie' was one of the earliest feature films to use a Digital Intermediate from start to finish, which allowed him to pinpoint manipulate the colors in every portion of every frame into whatever outrageous combinations he felt like. Since then, he's only taken this practice even further.
'Micmacs' may have the most skewed color balance of any Jeunet film yet. Most of the movie is suffused with an amber warmth, while flesh tones practically glow orange. The cartoonish style is clearly deliberate, and colors on the Blu-ray are undoubtedly rendered with the precision that Jeunet wants of them. Nonetheless, they just look weird – so weird that I found it distracting to watch. I'm not going to fault the Blu-ray for a filmmaker's stylistic decision, but the radioactive skin tones took me out of the movie on more than one occasion.
If not for that, the Blu-ray's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer is pretty great. The 2.40:1 image is very sharp and detailed, with excellent contrast and shadow detail. Although the picture was shot on 35mm film, grain is kept to a minimum, yet doesn't look artificially filtered. The movie does have a very "digital" appearance, but again that's probably exactly what the director wants. I'm surprised that he hasn't started shooting on digital video yet.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is likewise quite impressive. Although technically comedies, Jeunet's movies never have front-heavy, sedate audio mixes. The sound design in his films is just as intricate as the visual design. 'Micmacs' features a lot of immersive surround activity that creates a convincing three-dimensional soundfield. Gunshots and explosions also deliver a nice kick.
However, the biggest explosions at the munitions factory don't hit the deep registers typical of most overwrought action movies. I'd also say that while the musical score has a lot of body, it sometimes sounds a little bloated. Regardless, these are small quibbles in a great soundtrack.
This is a French film made in France by a French director. It stars French actors and takes place entirely in French settings. Let me be clear about this: dialogue in the movie is all French. There is no English dub option on the Blu-ray. English subtitles are positioned within the 2.40:1 movie image, and are safe for Constant Image Height projection. |
Kal
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