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kal
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:38 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Muppets (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011)
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| Quote: | Simply put, 'The Muppets' turned out to be one of my favorite films of 2011. If it has one fault it's that Pepe the Prawn is dreadfully underutilized. Other than that, It's a near perfect comedic effort from Segel and Stoller. They were able to take a franchise that hadn't been seen on the big screen in over a decade and create something timeless and successful. They revitalized an American institution and made it relevant again. I can't sing its praises enough. It's highly recommended for anyone who likes a good laugh. Now if you'll excuse me I think I'm going to watch it again.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
It's a Disney release, so you and I pretty much expect a spectacular presentation, right? Well, the 1080p AVC-encoded video presentation doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Each scene features a brilliant, flawless transfer which has become synonymous with Disney Blu-ray.
Right out of the gate you'll notice the strong attention to detail. Every bump and tuft of Walter's felt is visible. The varied textures of the movie's countless Muppets appear impeccably rendered. Like you can almost reach out and touch them. From Fozzy's furry exterior to the wispy hairs on Animal's head, everything is visible. The detail doesn't stop with the Muppets either. Human faces have just as much fine detail.
Colors pop at every turn. With the various colors of Muppets traipsing across the screen there's no shortage of brilliant colors to look at. Blacks are deep and inky. Shadows are perfectly delineated. Human skin tones feature a perfectly natural hue.
This presentation features no artifacts or noise whatsoever. There are intentional blips and flecks during the opening sequence. As we see the early years of Gary's and Walter's lives the film is given an older look. White flecks pop up but they're intentionally inserted to make the film look aged. As their characters grow up the flecks disappear and we're left with a pristine looking transfer all the way through.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The video is rivaled by the awe-inspiring 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Truthfully, this is one of the best 7.1 mixes I've ever heard. The extra two channels on the sides are utilized wonderfully. With all the frantic action going on as Muppets scurry from one edge of the frame to the other, the sound moves seamlessly through the speakers. The side channels pick up loads of Muppet chatter and add another level for the movie's music.
From the opening number, the movie's soundtrack successfully fills every channel providing for an encompassing listening environment. The musical numbers have beautiful dynamics. Every word which is sung is clearly heard as it echoes through the entire sound stage.
Ambient sound is delightfully captured. The side speakers add a very natural ambiance to the proceedings. Chatter from Muppets can be heard during almost every scene. LFE is astute and abundant. Yes, even 'The Muppets' features a well-bodied explosion that will certainly rattle a few pictures on the wall.
Like the video, the audio is perfect. There's nothing about it that should be changed. This is a flawless sounding release all around. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Chinatown [Blu-ray] (1974)
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| Quote: | 'Chinatown' is a dazzling cinematic specimen that remains as intriguing, involving, and visually arresting today as it surely seemed almost 40 years ago upon its initial release. Director Roman Polanski and screenwriter Robert Towne meticulously evoke 1930s Los Angeles, as well as film noir, yet take the genre to new and unexpected heights, while Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway contribute iconic portrayals that brim with understated power. Paramount's Blu-ray presentation makes the film look brand new, thanks to pristine video and superb audio, and a sizeable supplemental package adds essential historical and analytical context to this movie classic. For fans of fine direction, excellent writing, searing performances, and lush cinematography, this is a must own release that surely will be enjoyed again and again and again.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Paramount does 'Chinatown' proud with a spectacular 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that completely revitalizes this 38-year-old film. From the dazzling opening credits to the crystal clear, beautifully modulated and color-timed image that comprises the body of the film, this is a deeply sayisfying viewing experience that fully transports us to 1930s Los Angeles. Faint grain preserves the film-like feel and adds vital texture to the picture, but a lush smoothness prevails, honoring the warmth and meticulous period flavor that pervade each frame. The source material is virtually spotless, with nary a speck, mark or scratch cropping up, while superior contrast enhances depth and makes details pop.
Colors are bold, but never appear over-pushed, and blend seamlessly into the film's fabric. Jake's creamy white suit exudes a lovely tone, and the red accents of Dunaway's lipstick, a lone carnation on a restaurant table, and the upholstery of a leather booth add vibrant touches to the picture. Greens also show up well, and the varied brown hues of the desert - especially when bathed in yellow light - provide striking images. Blacks are appropriately rich and deep, and fleshtones remain true to life and stable throughout the course of the film.
Background elements are easily discernible and close-ups brim with marvelous detail. Light perspiration on Nicholson's face is evident, as well as creases, and the stitching on his nose is razor sharp. Reflections in car mirrors and windows, as well as a camera lens are wonderfully crisp, and shadow delineation is quite good, even in nocturnal scenes. A slight amount of DNR may have been applied, but it's been done with such a judicious hand it escapes notice, and no banding, crush, noise, or other digital issues affect the integrity of this terrific transfer. I can't imagine 'Chinatown' looking any better than it does here, and fans should be more than pleased with Paramount's fine rendering of a beloved film.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
I'm usually not a big fan of Dolby TrueHD tracks, which I feel tend to lack the clarity and nuance of their DTS-HD counterparts, but the TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack for 'Chinatown' just might change my mind. Bursting with fidelity and a marvelous depth of tone, this first-rate audio treatment breathes new life into 'Chinatown' and further immerses us in its seductive atmosphere. Surround activity is confined to atmospherics, such as crickets peeping in the night, but it's surprisingly distinct, and noticeable stereo separation across the front channels supplies further aural interest. A wide dynamic scale handles the soaring highs of Jerry Goldsmith's music score well, and only a hint of distortion creeps in at random moments. Any surface noise, such as hiss, pops, or crackles, has been carefully erased, leaving a clean, well-balanced mix that belies the movie's advanced age.
Dialogue is well prioritized and always easy to understand, and accents such as gunfire and rushing water exhibit a nice crispness. While there isn't much bass to speak of, low end tones supply necessary warmth and weight, heightening this full-bodied, colorful, and involving soundscape. My expectations were low for this track, but this finely tuned mix far exceeded them, and should surprise others with discrminating ears. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 3:05 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray/Blu-ray 3D Combo)
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| Quote: | As Steven Cohen so succinctly puts it: "Paul W.S. Anderson's 'The Three Musketeers' is a mindless, simplistic, and utterly disposable take on the classic novel." There's no better way to essentially describe this sometimes-yawn-inducing modernized vision of Alexandre Dumas's adventures tales — lots of pretty visuals, but nothing going on beneath the surface. The 3D Blu-ray, on the other hand, is utterly spectacular and one of the best live-action 3D presentations around, accompanied by an amazing, demo-worthy lossless audio that will make walls shake. Supplements are decent but informative, making the overall package worth the purchase only if hungering for some awesome 3D material.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Three Musketeers' swing their way unto Blu-ray with an exceptional 1080p/MVC encode that thrills and amazes as they save France from the brink of war. Filmed with a combination of HD digital cameras and the PACE Fusion 3D cameras Anderson used on 'Resident Evil: Afterlife,' the presentation is simply phenomenal, with a marvelous sense of depth from beginning to end.
The long hallways and corridors of King Louis's mansion reach deep into the screen while characters walk about them as if existing within a three-dimensional space. Background objects genuinely seem to move far in the distance, separate from everything else at the foreground, and random debris during the explosive finale fly toward the viewer with an appreciable sense of realism. The picture doesn't offer much in terms of the usual gimmicks where items stick out from the screen. The focus, here, is on dimensionality, one which feels natural to on-screen events. The first time we see Buckingham's airship arrive at the front lawn of the King's palace, the figurehead and bow bulge forward, creating a feel of immensity and reach. Other scenes, like exterior shots around the King's estate and garden or when the Musketeers are walking about the airship, come with a wonderful pop-up-book effect in which actors appear to move independently of the background.
During all this, the 2.35:1-framed transfer displays razor-sharp details and crystal-clear clarity. The baroque architecture of the palace shows cleanly-defined lines along the ornately-decorated walls, and the tiniest features of the chandeliers remain plainly through the dark glasses. Hair and facial complexions have a terrific lifelike texture, and garishly extravagant outfits of characters are very distinct, revealing every thread and wrinkle on the various fabrics. Contrast is spot-on with crisp whites throughout, allowing for a great deal of visibility in the distance. Black levels are inky rich and true with excellent shadow delineation of poorly-lit interiors. Primaries are vividly-saturated to give the photography a lively and animated appeal while bold secondary hues add a great deal of warmth. Overall, the 'Musketeers' arrive with a reference-level 3D presentation.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Not to be left behind, the audio also delivers the goods with an equally impressive and demo-worthy DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. The design features a precise, plainly audible dialogue reproduction, which really makes noticeable the total lack of a British accent on the parts of Jovovich and Lerman. Voices move across the front soundstage fluidly, along with the minor, off-screen effects which open the imaging and generate a wide, spacious feel. Dynamic range is terrifically extensive and room-penetrating, providing distinct clarity to every piece of timber and debris that flies across the room. Paul Haslinger's score, which sounds suspiciously much like Hans Zimmer's music for 'The Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise, enjoys the lucidity and timbre of such a pitch-perfect mid-range.
The real showstopper in this lossless mix, however, is in the rear activity and the powerfully deep low-frequency effects. Extending the soundfield and generating a wonderfully satisfying sense of envelopment, atmospherics often fill the back speakers with the subtle sounds of birds, wind blowing and the cheers of the crowd. When on the airships, various rattles and squeaks can be heard all around. During scenes of battle, particularly the main fight at the end, pans and directionality are flawless, spreading random objects across the room convincingly and creating a highly-entertaining soundscape. Best of all, a shockingly vigorous and wall-rattling low-end adds a forceful punch to explosions and canon fire, making it a magnificent high-rez track sure to please everyone. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo +Digital Copy) (2011)
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| Quote: | Thanks to a character-driven screenplay, and Brad Bird's thrilling live action filmmaking debut, 'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol' injects new energy and life into an aging series. It's exciting, suspense and (rare these days) visual coherence fuel the action, and you actually care about the people. As a Blu-ray, it features top flight video and a killer, reference quality 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. The high definition special features are well produced, and a cut above pat-on-the-back EPKs.
If you enjoyed 'Ghost Protocol' theatrically and have been anticipating this Blu-ray release, pre-order it now. Hell, there's a button on this page where you can do just that. If you're new to the franchise or haven't seen 'Ghost Protocol', this is a great place to start. As I said above, you might want to watch part three first to get the most out of it, but 'Ghost Protocol' still works as a standalone thriller. If you love audio demos, this is your new must-have disc for 2012.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol' debuts on Blu-ray with a near-reference, stunning AVC MPEG-4 encode framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio.
This film looks great. Everything you love about high definition is on this disc. Inky black levels for night and underground scenes. Primary colors pop off the screen, especially in the India sequences. Skin tones are even (though perhaps a bit flushed) despite changes in the film's color palate to match various locations. Detail and resolution are superb, especially the 30 minutes of IMAX-filmed scenes, which attain a dimensionality akin to 3D. However, popping back and forth can be a little jarring, as the 35mm elements aren't quite as sharp. Film grain is subtle, but adds a nice texture to the experience. And, thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any edge enhancement or digital noise reduction on hand.
In terms are flaws or complaints, I have two. The first is an actual (minor) problem, and is the reason why this is a 4.5 star video rating. The second is more of a personal question, and does not affect the score.
In terms of flaws, while the only thing on the first disc is the film and its soundtracks, I did find one compression issue: banding. I noticed it in the scenes where we get to the team's Dubai hideout. Being smoky, darkly lit, and filled with about 800 variations on the color brown, I noticed a couple subtle, blocky bands in the background walls and stairs. Not the end of the world, really, and pretty hard to find, but there if you look closely.
My other nitpick is the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. I'm sure those of you with constant height projection systems are thrilled with Mr. Bird's decision to crop the film for its entirety. However, I saw the film theatrically at an IMAX theatre and, much like 'The Dark Knight' and 'Tron: Legacy', would have enjoyed the various IMAX sequences expanded to a 16:9 aspect ratio (though admittedly, still not the full IMAX framing). The Burj sequence was terrifying thanks to the vertigo-inducing tall IMAX framing, and perhaps that would have translated here. However, I fully respect Mr. Bird's choice and, as I said before, this has no bearing on the score.
Overall, 'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol' looks fantastic on Blu-ray and is just shy of perfection.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Simply put, this 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack is pure demo material.
With the exception of the lackluster (in terms of surround sound) Paramount 100 Years logo theme music, this track literally opens with a bang and thrusts all listeners into the 'Mission: Impossible' universe. Sure, we expect the big stuff like car chases and explosions to rock our world, but this exemplary track is one of the most lifelike I've ever heard. Echoes of squeaking metal doors, claustrophobic sewers environments, the blowing wind swinging hundreds of feet in the air outside the Burj Dubai, the rippling shockwave of an impending explosion. It's all richly detail and absorbing.
When writing reviews, I often replay the film in the background. As I was typing this paragraph, I forgot about a certain ambush / car crash sequence and just startled myself as my entire living room swirled into action. Please note this isn't a pound-you-over-the-head track that is only loud and aggressive. It's subtle in how certain details appear discretely in all eight channels (again, lifelike). Dialog is always clear. LFE doesn't simply roar, it supports every door closing, gun shot and, as I said before, shockwave. If you're an audio fan who gets an inordinate amount of joy out of hearing your 7.1 system pushed in every direction over the entire dynamic range of sound, you'll love-love-love this track. 7.1 just got even better.
Overall, I couldn't find a single complaint. This is a must-listen disc and auditory perfection. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 2:41 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Shame (Blu-ray/ DVD + Digital Copy) (2011)
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| Quote: | 'Shame' is difficult to watch at times, but it provides an insight into the human psyche that we rarely see depicted in movies. Brandon is a troubled character who has a very real, and dangerous problem. McQueen's film doesn't judge, it merely observes and we're left to form our own conclusions. The acting here is simply amazing. The movie wouldn't work without Mulligan and Fassbender giving it their all. The audio and video presentations are near perfect, but the special features section is dismal. The movie still comes recommended, however it would've been much nicer to have a more complete and thought out feature package to go along with the movie.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Even with its minimal budget and its very low-key atmosphere, McQueen shot the movie on 35mm instead of opting for HD cameras. I think the difference really shows. 'Shame' sports a very cinematic appearance, with a pristine looking 1080p transfer from the 35mm source.
Fine detail is optimal. As the camera tightens up on faces it's easy to see every fine hair, every freckle and every furrowed brow. Fassbender's facial expressions in this movie are just about the only insight into what his character is feeling and seeing them in this exquisite of detail really helps understand the thought processes of Brandon.
Much of the film is dark adding to the depressive nature and mood of the movie as a whole. Yet, color does have ample time to shine. The bright red hair of the woman Brandon meets on the subway is just one instance of brightly vivid color shining a light on the doom and gloom. Shadows are well-defined, albeit there are a couple instances of very light crushing. There aren't any egregious examples of artifacting to report. The movie simply looks great in high-def. Seeing that it was filmed just recently, I wouldn't expect anything less.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Congratulations go to composer Harry Escott who created one of the most haunting, yet understated scores of last year. It's a good thing that Fox's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is a gem, because there is no other way to present Escott's original music. The music fills the soundfield, quickly and relentlessly, drawing you into Brandon's out-of-control lifestyle. As the music swells it slowly draws you downward into Brandon's self-spiral. I'm so glad that the music in this film was given ample room to breathe since it is such a moving and profound soundtrack to begin with.
I first saw 'Shame' on a press screener DVD disc that was sent to my home. Needless to say, the sound in it was underwhelming. Watching it on Blu-ray was a completely different experience. The sounds of New York fill the rear speakers with subtle ambiance. Voices are distinct and clear, even though much of the movie's dialogue is hushed whispers. LFE is more lively than one might expect, adding intensity to the building music and also helping scenes featuring utter despair with sonic weight.
Directionality works perfectly, placing voices exactly where they need to be in the soundfield. Everything about this mix is fantastic. It's just as great as the video presentation. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 2:43 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season [Blu-ray] (2010)
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| Quote: | 'Breaking Bad' is devilishly delightful and the third season has once again raised the bar. (If you haven't seen the fourth season, just wait to have the bar raised even higher). Walt and Jesse once again get in over their heads and have to do the unthinkable and unpredictable to weasel their way out. The characters are just as strong as ever, as is the tense story. 'Breaking Bad' has quickly jumped to the top of my Favorite Television Series list and I wouldn't be surprised if it makes its way onto yours. With season four about to hit Blu-ray and the final season just around the bend, now is the perfect time to hop aboard if you haven't already. Sony has once again done an outstanding job bringing 'Breaking Bad' to Blu-ray, with near-perfect video and audio qualities. The amount of special features on this three-disc set is staggering. Bravo, AMC and Sony! Keep 'em coming!
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The fantastic 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer of season three is right on par with that of season two. A high amount of grain is visible during the gritty scenes (yes, this series actually shoots on film) and the color scheme changes depending on the location of the scene. Those are intentional decisions that are never distracting, but actually convey the feel required for given scenes.
Black levels are still deep – especially when we see our cooks doing their dark work in their new lab. The room itself may be a deep and ominous blood red, but a bold darkness hides in the corners and in the background.
Sharpness and detail are just as strong as ever. Season three isn't at all lacking in this area. The only flaws to be found are very minor instances of aliasing and small traces of digital noise. Bands and artifacts never arise and DNR and edge enhancement aren't applied. It's sure is marvelous what Sony has done with this great AMC series.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Only one audio option is presented – a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Unlike the first two seasons, this third season ups the ante for the way 'Breaking Bad' sounds.
The first sets that left some dialog a little too quiet. That's not the case with season three. This time around, the vocal levels are just as strong and dynamic as those of the effects and the music (as rare as music may be).
The effects continue to function on a very high level. There's always something to be heard. 'Breaking Bad' truly succeeds in the way of ambiance and environmental sounds. Whether in the desert, in the lab, in a parking lot or in some weird chemist's apartment, you can always hear something going on in the speakers around you. |
Kal
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Frozen Planet: The Complete Series (David Attenborough-Narrated Version) [Blu-ray] (2012)
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| Quote: | I hate the cold and loathe snow, so I didn't think that 'Frozen Planet' would end up being all that interesting to me. While watching it made me feel like I should've been drinking an oversized cup of hot chocolate with every episode, I ended up loving every minute of the series. BBC and David Attenborough have a way of drawing you into subjects that you never thought you'd be interested in. I can already see myself going around exclaiming to my friends, "Did you know an albatross can have the same partner for 50 years or more!" like I'm suddenly a wildlife expert. That's what these BBC documentaries do though. They take complex life cycles and animals and explain their lives in ways we unscientific people can understand. Plus, the photography is always beautiful and the shots that they manage to get always astound. 'Frozen Planet' is highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
It's almost to the point where there's no need to explain the video presentations on these documentaries because you and I both expect and usually get (with the exception of 'Madagascar') a demo-worthy presentation. This 1080i AVC-encoded transfer is no different. The BBC have outdone themselves again with a beautiful transfer that captures the frozen areas of the earth in a majestic glory.
I know what you're thinking, focusing on all things frozen is going to lead to a lot of white. While you may be somewhat correct, there is much more color in this series than you'd expect. The first color that jumps out is the piercing blue of glacial rivers as they cut waterslide-like rivers into the tops of glaciers. As the cameras pan over the rushing blue water it ends up being some of the most spectacular visuals in all of the series. Above I discussed the colors in the "Autumn" episode. Reds, oranges, and yellows are all presented in striking fashion as the tundra goes through its seasonal change. Wolves' muzzles go from stark white to bloody pink as they tear into the downed carcass of a recently killed bison. Even though we're dealing with a lot of snow, there's still a ton of color to go around and it's all rendered perfectly.
Detail is superb too. Ultra-closeups reveal the fine feathers of a penguin's head and the fluffy newborn fur of a baby polar bear. Individual hairs and feathers are completely visible. Each barnacle can be seen. Scars and battle wounds are evident on large elephant seals. The downy fluff of baby penguins is almost too cute to handle. Slow motion shots of penguins flying out of the water offer unparalleled detail. Water droplets flying off their bodies are individually distinct as they slowly fly through the air.
Even though it's presented in 1080i, I dare you to find a difference between any other 1080p presentations out there. The beauty and majesty of earth's frozen regions are caught with immaculate clarity here. There may be a few soft shots here and there (usually due to having to use a different camera at that time), but nothing to really complain about. Blacks are healthy and resolved. There aren't any technical faux pas to announce here. Most all of the series is demo-worthy material.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Gone are the annoying sound effects that plagued 'Life.' Although, 'Frozen Planet' does contain some painfully obvious musical choices which are used to enhance the mood whether it be intense, playful, or endearing. Still the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is spectacular in its own right.
The entire soundfield fills with ambient sound. As the camera pans over enormous glaciers ice crack and creak before huge chunks break off with thundering splashes into the ocean below. Killer whale clicks and calls echo through the rear speakers giving you that underwater feel. The icy Antarctic winds envelope you making you feel like you need a coat even though you're sitting in your comfortable climate-controlled house.
The narration is always clear and never lost in the wildlife mayhem happening on screen. Helicopters zoom from one side of the frame to the other as panning effects work smoothly. This is an impressive audio track and does just as much (or more) as the video presentation in making you feel what it would be like to spend some time in these harsh environments. That howling wind really is quite intimidating. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
IMAX: Born to Be Wild (Blu-ray 3D / DVD / UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack) (2011)
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| Quote: | From IMAX nature docs comes a wildly entertaining look at some adorable orphaned elephants and orangutans living with their human caretakers in 'Born to Be Wild.' The 3D Blu-ray delivers a spectacular, demo-worthy 3D presentation and excellent audio. Supplements are the same as on the film's 2D counterpart, but the overall package makes the purchase worth every penny just for the video alone.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Born to Be Wild' makes its way to 3D Blu-ray with a stunning and absolutely gorgeous MVC-encoded transfer, taking its already-impressive 2D counterpart to another level of enjoyment. Coming from IMAX filmmakers, this shouldn't as come as much of a surprise since most all their nature docs tend to look extraordinary in high definition. And their latest release is sure to please anyone watching this for the first time. Pick any scene at random and home-theater enthusiasts are guaranteed a striking, reference-quality 3D image with the kind of wow-factor we'd expect of the format.
Slightly cropped from its original 1.44:1 aspect ratio to fit 16:9 screens at home, the picture is razor-sharp from beginning to end and as close to perfection as could be imagined. Literally, the lines on leaves and trees are plainly defined and resolute for the movie's full 40-minute run. Individual hairs on the human caretakers, the orangutans and on the top of the baby elephants' heads are very distinct. Even the tiny wrinkles and textures around the eyes of the adorable animals are amazingly detailed and lifelike. Contrast is spot-on and pitch-perfect, giving the video a startling pop and vividness that shines beautifully through the darkened glasses. Black levels are not quite as deep and rich as I would like, but even this aspect of the image doesn't disappoint with appreciable gradations that add to the video's overall dimensionality. Colors are richly-saturated and full-bodied, especially in the sumptuous primaries which wonderfully bring the surrounding foliage to life.
Shot natively in digital 3D, 'Born to Be Wild' will likely rank as one of the most breathtaking 3D presentations released on Blu-ray yet. What 'Sammy's Adventures' does for CG animation on this format, IMAX short doc does for live-action movies. Extending deep into the screen with incredible clarity of the smallest details, depth is second-to-none with a genuine feel of distance and space. Better yet, it's consistent throughout. Whether we're watching an orangutan swinging on a branch with its friends watching in the background or peeking just above the grass line while baby elephants play on an open field, separation is absolutely marvelous and jaw-dropping. Several scenes show animals or other random objects in the center of the screen protruding with astonishing realism, almost as if tempting viewers to reach out and touch the loveable creatures.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Adding to the amazing 3D experience is a marvelous DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Employing as much of the rear soundscape as is possible for such a short doc, ambient effects abound from start to finish, enveloping the listener with the numerous sounds of wildlife. Birds can be heard singing in the far distance, the wind blows through the leaves high above your head, and random flying bugs often buzz all around. The whoops and hollers of other apes and monkeys also ring and echo throughout the rainforest, terrifically pulling viewers into this very simple story on the well-being of endangered animals. There are even moments when the small stampeding elephants seem to run all around, their hoofs stomping on the ground as they run behind you. In a few instances, the lossless mix feels a bit forced and exaggerated, but not often enough to be terribly distracting.
In the front soundstage, the high-rez track continues to impress with brilliant fidelity and a pleasingly spacious imaging. Channel separation is well-balanced, displaying lots of activity and fluid panning between speakers. Vocals remain crisp and precise amid the noise so that viewers remain engage and hear the devoted words of these admirable women. The design is surprisingly dynamic and extensive with plenty of clean highs that never distort. The sounds of the rainforest, from the drips of water to the cracks of a falling tree, fill the entire screen with detailed clarity that's as often startling as the video. The low-end doesn't pack a heavy punch, but it's appropriate with considerable response, giving the music and the stomps of the elephants some appreciable weight. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 4:22 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Certified Copy (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] (2010)
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| Quote: | I really don't know how to describe the way I felt watching this movie. It's quite the experience, because you're not really sure what's going on the entire time it's happening. Yet the conversation they have is so natural and personal you can't help but be sucked in. Your mind runs wild with ideas about their past. It's a film that engages your brain on the deepest levels. With its great looking video and surprisingly awesome audio, along with a nice helping of special features, is it any wonder this Criterion release comes highly recommended?
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Certified Copy' was shot completely digitally using RED cameras. Even though it was shot this way, the movie doesn't have a very digital look to it. Instead, with the setting in Italy, the film looks rather cinematic in nature. As the couple walk along the streets of Italy you may be surprised how clear and detailed their surroundings are. The centuries-old cobblestone streets are worn with age, so are the individual bricks of the city buildings which bare scuffs and scratches that are easily discernible here.
The movie is alive with visual detail that surrounds the characters every time they turn another corner. Using natural light the entire movie feels just as organic as the conversation. At times the sun casts stark shadows, but they're never crushing. There was a few moments at the beginning of the movie where the image periodically darkened and lightened without much reason of why it was doing so. Using natural light it could've been cloud cover moving across the sun, but it seemed to be happening in perfect intervals. It became a little distracting, but soon dispersed once the two of them were walking around the city.
Facial detail is beautiful. Both Binoche and Shimell go for a very natural look here. That's the point. There's no embellishment needed at any point during the movie. The detail available here is paramount to conveying the character's feelings. So many fleeting glances, so many furrowed brows, and they all mean something different. Watching each facial tick, wondering what the characters are thinking, feeling, is part of the fun. It's a good thing you can see everything going on, even the minutest facial movement. It's like you're there observing them, only a few feet away.
Colors are strong and beautifully rendered, from the earthy tones of the surrounding buildings in Italy to the dark magenta lipstick that Elle applies later on. Everything here looks great. It's how you'd expect a Criterion film to look that was just released last year.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track was even more impressive I thought. I expected the movie to look great going in, but with a talkative feature such as this I didn't expect that the audio mix would be all that invigorating, I was wrong.
Just like everything in this movie, the audio mix is as natural as possible. The most impressive part of the track is how it captures the life of the Italian city that they stroll around in. The rear channels are alive with chirping birds which fly overhead whenever they want. People mill about looking at art and statues and you can hear their voices slowly traveling behind you in the rear speakers.
The track isn't bombastic or explosive, but its subtlety is what really scores points here. It's just so natural, so effective, that you don't even feel like you're listening to a movie. Dialogue is always clear and easily intelligible. Directionality works perfectly. For example, James has to take a few calls while they are out on their walk and he usually walks away so he can take his call. You hear his voice trail off as he slowly walks out of frame and you realize that's exactly how it would've sounded had you been standing right there. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc! (unfortunately a pretty bad movie... too bad! I had high hopes).
Red Tails [Blu-ray] (2012)
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| Quote: | The real story of the historical Tuskegee Airmen is just about as amazing as it gets - but 'Red Tails' isn't their story. No, it's contrived and dull. Just like the 'Star Wars' prequels, George Lucas having his hand in every part of this potentially fantastic story has ruined it. The result is popcorn fluff – but not the good kind (hence why it wasn't released during the summer). The true story behind 'Red Tails' is botched here. Even with its perfect audio and video transfers, it's still not worth owning. The only thing truly worth watching here is the HD bonus feature documentary that tells the real story. Even the other EPK features are throw-aways. While 'Red Tails' tries to teach a historical lesson about equality, the only knowledge I walked away with is to never trust anything that George Lucas has touched.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
It's always an odd feeling when terrible movies get perfect video transfers. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode of 'Red Tails' is one of those.
The beautiful colorization of this transfer is made evident during the Fox vanity reel that opens the movie. The blues during this shot are wildly vivid. When the movie opens smack-dab in the middle of a dogfight, the vibrant colors carry throughout. The reds – especially those coloring the words of the opening credits – are bold and alive, as are the yellows of fiery explosions. This is a constant that's only made better by being paired up with consistent contrast, deep black levels and great shadow delineation.
The second thing to stand out is the sharpness. 'Red Tails' is the best example that I have seen to date of perfect clarity. Not only are the foreground items detailed and textured, but the distant backgrounds – like CG forests hundreds of feet below – carry this same amount of detail.
The combination of all of these great effects makes the image carry a high amount of depth. 'Red Tails' is absolute video perfection.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The disc also features a perfect 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. As terrible as the opening scoring may be, as it begins playing you can't help but notice how full and well-spread it sounds. Bass is strong and ever-present.
Voices are clear and crisp. Lines may become lost due to the accents, but they're never dropped due to bad mixing levels.
With half of the movie taking place during action-packed aerial dogfight sequences, there are countless examples of fantastic effects mixing. All channels, including the rears, are always active with effects. Each dogfight constantly features seamless imaging.
The only thing that could have made this mix better was if it had received the 7.1 treatment. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 12:39 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Secret World of Arrietty (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2012)
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| Quote: | Right after I finished watching 'The Secret World of Arrietty' I wanted to watch it again. It was such a peaceful, calming experience that it was good to get away from the usual high-flying, butt-kicking world that modern day American cartoons inhabit. It's nice to sit back and just let the spectacular animation wash over you. With demo-quality video and near-perfect audio this disc is a winner. Sure, the special features package is sparse at best, but the rest makes this a highly recommended release.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Was there really any doubt that this would be anything less than demo material? Disney's 1080p release of 'Arrietty' is a wonder to behold in high-def. Disney are masters of transferring animated movies to Blu-ray which is a good reason that they're doing the Studio Ghibli titles. The animation is so rich and vibrant that it really must be curated by the best in the business so it's in tip-top shape when it hits Blu-ray. That's the case here.
The entire movie, from beginning to end, hasn't one single flaw. The beautiful, hand-drawn animation, has sharp and distinct lines. However, many of the backgrounds take on a watercolor feel. The marriage between the sharp, defined animated figures and the slightly more abstract backgrounds works perfectly here. There isn't one line out of place, or one color that isn't saturated perfectly. Ever color appears with an effervescent pop on screen. Blacks are decidedly dark and inky.
The image is clean and free from any artifacts one might happen to run into. There isn't one grain of dust or one errant speck that pops up during the whole film. Along with being stunningly elegant the transfer is also technically proficient. You can't ask for much more than that. Disney has done it again.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
There are two main options here. First is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English track which features the voices of recognizable actors like Will Arnett, Carol Burnett, and Amy Poehler. Then there is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Japanese track, which is my preference. I simply don't really like the English dubbed versions of Studio Ghibli releases.
I did switch back and forth through the different tracks after I had finished watching the entire movie with the original language track, and I can say that besides the voices being changed, the two tracks are virtually identical. Sound effects and music have the same clarity and fidelity on both tracks. When it comes down to it, it's simply a matter of personal preference.
As for the technical aspects of the mix, I'm here to say that it's just about as impressive as the picture-perfect video transfer. The one thing you'll notice is that even though the movie is light with on screen action, the rear channels are still alive with naturalistic sounds – birds chirping, rain drops splattering, and cats purring – that add subtle realism to the mix. Dialogue is always clear and concise. Creaking wood floors echo with astonishing clarity. LFE is used judiciously. Whenever big events happen and we see it from Arrietty's view point low rumbling bass usually gives us a feeling of what it would be like to hear human footsteps only being four inches tall. It really is a great, all-encompassing sound mix that fans are sure to enjoy. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 2:50 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2012)
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| Quote: | Is the second better than the first? I'd rate them somewhere in the same ballpark. Maybe 'A Game of Shadows' is a tad better, simply because Holmes is now battling his famous nemesis instead of someone else. Downey's presence is really the reason to get this movie though. He's created his own quirky version of Sherlock Holmes and it really works. He's as fun to watch in these films as he is in the 'Iron Man ' movies and in 'The Avengers.' The audio and video are simply astounding. One wishes that the special features would've been more extensive and exhaustive, but oh well. This one still comes recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Game of Shadows' indeed. This is a very shadowy video presentation that features great detail even though much of the movie is spent lurking in dark places. Warner has offered a 1080p AVC-encoded transfer that looks, well, perfect.
This is a demo-quality transfer through and through. When you can have a movie as dark as this, honestly, I'm pretty sure that there are only a handful of well-lit scenes (the wedding being one of them), the rest of the scenes play out in darkened clubs, alleyways, balconies, parties, and forests. This is a very dark movie with a color palette dominated by grays and blacks. It could've easily been a movie fraught with crushing and banding, but it isn't. Blacks are some of the inkiest you'll ever see on this format. Shadows are perfectly delineated. Just check out the close-ups during the scene where Holmes and Watson sneak into the weapons factory. Even though it's under thick darkness, shadows still accentuate facial features like lines, pores, and stubble. These are easy features to lose in a really dark film, but they aren't lost here. The same holds for textures as well. The woven texture of Watson's suits stand out no matter what lighting situation the guys find themselves in.
The rest of the film follows suit. The few well-lit scenes sparkle with clarity. Skin tones appear to be genuinely natural. This is just a great presentation all around. There wasn't one instance of source noise, not one instance of banding or aliasing that I saw. This is one of the best looking Blu-rays to come out this year.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The movie's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presentation is just as impressive as the video. Seriously, this is a heavy, thundering audio mix that will grab your eardrums. Booming bass rolls through the soundtrack during many of the movie's intense scenes. As a towering structure comes crashing down in a weapons factory you'll notice the entire room shake like something is falling down on your house.
Sound effects are used with great frequency, especially during the slow-mo action scenes and Holmes' flashback scenes. Whenever Ritchie's signature "wham, bam," sound effects take over they are localized perfectly in the speakers that they need to be in. The slow-motion scene with Watson, Holmes, and others running away from the weapons factory, being fired upon, features some wonderful directionality. Bullets whiz by, the camera stops and watches a bullet splinter a tree trunk as the sound is produced with perfect clarity in the front channels. Explosions happen in front of, to the side of, and behind the characters, each time with the heft of the sound coming from the necessary place in the soundfield.
Like the video the audio will easily impress. Ritchie's soundtracks have always been chock full of special sound effects and there's no difference here. The entire track, from front to rear, is alive with action and doesn't stop until the credits have finished rolling. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 2:53 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Grapes of Wrath [Blu-ray] (1940)
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| Quote: | John Ford's 'The Grapes of Wrath' is one of the greatest motion pictures ever made and continues to resonate with the same emotional impact and beauty as it did when it originally premiered. From the performances of Henry Fonda, John Carradine and Jane Darwell to the gorgeous cinematography by Gregg Toland, the film lives on as a true masterpiece of American cinema, eloquently capturing and articulating the will and strength of the human spirit. The enduring classic arrives on Blu-ray with an exceptional audio and video presentation and a healthy collection of supplements. Overall, the quality of the disc is worth the asking price. This is one of those movies that rightfully belongs in any true cinephile's library. A must own.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
John Ford's historical drama makes the trek to Blu-ray with smashing results, looking better than it ever has before. Immediately apparent, the video has been significantly cleaned up and polished, but the overall quality of the presentation is gorgeous, retaining a visible grain structure throughout from beginning to end. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode displays a wonderfully crisp and bold contrast balance with lots of clean, vibrant whites and excellent clarity into the far distance. Presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the high-def picture also comes with exceptional black levels, considering its age. Shadows are deep and true while the small details in the background are never overwhelmed and remain perceptible in most every poorly-lit scene, of which there are many. Definition of the fine objects and textures are striking, allowing viewers to see every smudge of dirt, sweat and wrinkle on the faces of the Joad family.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Only so much can be done with the recording of a nearly 75-year-old movie, and yet, Fox surprises with this amazing DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. Despite being limited to the center channel, the lossless mix offers an appreciable wide soundstage with excellent fidelity and superb presence. Vocals and character interactions are clean and pitch-perfect, allowing for every inflection and emotional fluctuation in the powerful dialogue to be heard without issue. Dynamics and acoustics are sharply detailed, creating a highly-impressive image with lots of distinct activity in the background. Listeners can make out leaves rustling in the distance, the aimless chatter of people living in the camps and feel the chill caused the howling winds surrounding the Joad farm. The music can be a tad too bright at times in the upper end, but likely originates in the original sound design because aside from that, this is a brilliant high-rez track. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 2:56 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Wrath of the Titans [Blu-ray] (2012)
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| Quote: | While not great cinema, 'Wrath of the Titans' is still quite entertaining, and it manages to surpass its predecessor on numerous levels. Offering better writing, special effects, and an engaging development between Hades and Zeus, the sequel is the better movie for killing some time. The Blu-ray arrives with a near-reference audio and video presentation and a decent collection of supplements, making the overall package worth the purchase for fans and good rental for everyone else.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Wrath of the Titans' wreaks havoc on Blu-ray with a gorgeous and highly-detailed 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. The picturesque photography of Wales and Spain by Ben Davis looks spectacular in HD, showing beautiful desert landscapes and lovely beach-side vistas. Every grain and pebble strewn across the barren lands is plainly visible. The lines of tree barks and vegetation making up the home of the Cyclops are as sharply defined as the simple stone structure of houses. Every thread, dirt smudge, scratch and battle scar on the armor of Perseus and Andromeda is distinct and unmistakable. The faces of actors are revealing and lifelike, even when covered in grime and soot.
Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer displays pitch-perfect contrast with crisp, brilliant whites throughout, providing the video with terrific pop. Colors are luxurious with a rich, varied palette of vibrant primaries and full-bodied secondary hues. The scenes in the forest-homes of the Cyclops and towards the end with the lava-spewing body of Kronos really show the bright range of colors used. Black levels are often intense and penetrating, but not always consistent. It's nothing too damaging, but the image can look a tad faded in a couple spots, which also hurts shadow delineation somewhat. In the end, 'Wrath' debuts unto a Blu-ray with a fantastic high-def presentation.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The mayhem continues with an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that fills the room with the chaos of battle and the wailing winds of Tartarus. The front soundstage is wide and expansive with random off-screen noises, generating a mostly consistent wall of sound that's very engaging. Dialogue, whether spoken softly or screamed at each other, is precise and intelligible, revealing the slightest changes in the emotions of characters. Dynamic range is sharply detailed and crystal clear in the upper frequencies, so we don't miss out on every clang and clink of metal upon metal or the fiery swoosh of Kronos' arm flinging lava everywhere. The low-end provides an authoritative, wall-rattling presence that's very thrilling and often digs deep during scenes when Kronos breathes or attempts to speak.
Rear activity is also amazing with several discrete effects which expand the soundfield and immerse the listener. A couple times, such effects do come off rather gimmicky, like the forest booby-traps of the Cyclops where noises are easy to localize. But this isn't a serious issue, just a very mild distraction that's ultimately a personal nitpick. In fact, several sequences employ the surrounds to excellent, enveloping effect, such as when Perseus and gang find their way inside Tartarus. Another outstanding moment is the final battle against Kronos, bloated with flawless pans, objects flying all around and discrete directionality, making this otherwise average fantasy actioner all the more bearable. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 2:58 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Flowers of War [Blu-ray]
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| Quote: | 'The Flowers of War' is a stirring, emotionally powerful film about sacrifice and compassion in the face of despair. Director Zhang Yimou constructs a visually beautiful, visceral experience that is both elegant and chaotic. Disturbing and heartfelt, the movie's drama is potent and inspirational. The video is exceptional, showcasing all of the impressive cinematography, and the audio mix is demo worthy with its aggressive kick and nuanced design. Though there is only one real supplement, the five-part documentary is comprehensive and fascinating, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the film's daunting production. The movie went by under the radar when it was released in select theaters last year, and deserves a lot more attention. Thankfully, this disc does the film justice with a strong technical presentation and a very interesting making of documentary. Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The movie is provided with a 1080p/AVC transfer in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Featuring striking visuals that blend visceral battlefield sequences with elegant compositions, the film looks fantastic on Blu-ray.
Shot with a mixture of film and digital cameras, the source is in pristine shape with a light to moderate layer of grain visible. After a very hazy opening sequence, clarity perks up considerably, leading to a sharp image with intricate fine details. Various, tiny patterns in objects and wardrobe choices are clearly visible, revealing the filmmakers' painstakingly thorough production designs. The dirty, battle-weary facial features and tattered uniforms of the Chinese and Japanese soldiers come through with arresting precision, juxtaposing nicely against the graceful, beautiful courtesans. The film features a heavily stylized appearance that offers different color schemes depending on the sequence. Many scenes are glazed over in a yellow hue, and others are affected to heighten the chaos of war. This leads to a slightly uneven experience, but the majority of the picture offers splashes of absolutely dazzling color. The vivid cheongsam dresses that the actresses wear simply pop from the screen, and the director repeatedly integrates the church's stained-glass windows into his lighting design to create many stirring compositions bathed in rich colors. Contrast is high with bright whites and inky blacks. Noise and other artifacts are thankfully absent.
Zhang Yimou's films are known for their gorgeous cinematography, and 'The Flowers of War' is no different. While some sequences are less impressive than others, the chosen aesthetic always suits the material well. At its best, the picture can be truly mesmerizing.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The audio is presented in a DTS-HD MA 7.1 track with a mixture of English and Mandarin dialogue. English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are also included. It should be noted that while the subtitles are not hardcoded onto the image, I was unable to completely deactivate them. Even when I turned them off in the menu, English subtitles remained on the screen. Engrossing, nuanced, and absolutely room shaking when it needs to be, this mix is simply phenomenal.
Whether in English of Mandarin, speech remains crisp and distortion free throughout. With that said, characters will often speak in whispers and quiet tones, and there are some instances where dialogue is mixed just a tad too low for my tastes. During battlefield sequences, the soundstage is wide, spacious and aggressive. Piercing bullets, explosions, moody wind, hurried footsteps, and scattering debris blast from all sides. Each effect comes through with distinct clarity, precise directionality, and smooth imaging around the entire soundfield. The war sequences create a truly enveloping and downright assaulting experience with deep, full-bodied, thunderous bass activity. You really feel the kick and jolt of every gunshot and explosion. Appropriately chaotic, but still intricately designed, the track finds artistic cohesion in auditory madness. Outside of the forceful combat scenes, the film completely shifts gears, offering a much more subtle and deceptively simple sonic experience. Scenes set in the church are quiet and nuanced, and while the sanctuary provides sporadic safety from outside dangers, one can still hear the faint sound of nearby gunfire and artillery blasts echoing in the distance. Isolated effects like shattering glass feature pristine fidelity and dynamic range offers a complete gamut of clean lows and highs.
Home to several truly demo worthy sequences, 'The Flowers of War' comes to Blu-ray with a five-star audio mix. Offering booming combat sequences and delicately immersive dramatic scenes, the track provides the best of both worlds, and does it all with artistry and technical proficiency. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Singin' In The Rain: 60th Anniversary Collector's Edition (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2012)[Blu-ray]
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| Quote: | What a glorious feeling! 'Singin' in the Rain' at last arrives on Blu-ray, and Warner honors this immortal musical with a fitting ultimate collector's edition that features eye-popping video, excellent audio, and a shower of high-quality extras that will thrill the film's legion of fans. While the enclosed collectible umbrella is an unnecessary bit of swag, the rest of this marvelous set hits the bullseye and is well worth the interminable wait, as well as the hefty price tag. Certain classic movies demand the red-carpet treatment - 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Gone With the Wind' lead the charge - and 'Singin' in the Rain' is one of them. Filled with humor, great songs, spirited performances, and some of the best dancing you'll ever see on film, this musical icon remains fresh and exhilarating 60 years after its initial release, and demands a spot on every cinema lover's shelf. You'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain every time you experience 'Singin' in the Rain,' especially in 1080p...one more reason this set is a no-brainer must-own!
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Singin' in the Rain' was the first Warner film to be restored using the Ultra-Resolution process back in 2002, and the results were extraordinary. That remaster, however, didn't meet high-def standards, so for this Blu-ray edition, the studio went back to the three-strip Technicolor negatives and struck a 4k scan. Once again, the results are often breathtaking, though I must admit to just a hint of disappointment over this high-def transfer. Don't get me wrong... 'Singin' in the Rain' looks spectacular. Colors, contrast, and clarity are all superb. I just think my own over-inflated expectations set me up for a slight letdown.
Nothing could live up to my imagination of what 'Singin' in the Rain' should look like on Blu-ray, so once I got over that I began to appreciate the finer points of this excellent effort. First of all, not a hint of print debris, no scratches, and no marks sully the pristine image, and no evidence of digital doctoring could be detected, so it's impossible not to immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of this film. Grain is only slightly evident, yet the picture retains a remarkable film-like feel, and contrast is perfectly pitched, creating a vibrant, balanced palette. All that bold color could create eye strain if left unchecked, but this transfer makes sure all the hues, despite their garish nature, retain as natural a look as possible.
And what glorious colors they are! Designer Walter Plunkett went the extra mile replicating the outlandish flapper outfits of the late 1920s, and the purples, pinks, emerald greens, and sunny yellows truly pop. Sequins, fringe, and feathers are also beautifully defined, and difficult patterns, such as the green and white plaid suits that O'Connor and Kelly don in the 'Fit as a Fiddle' number, are rock solid and resist shimmering. Kelly's yellow vest and Charisse's sparkly green mini-dress in the 'Broadway Ballet' add pleasing accents to the picture, as do all the costumes of the dance extras, each of which possesses its own distinct sense of retro style.
Black levels are rich and inky, but crush is never an issue, and whites, such as Hagen's outfit in the opening premiere segment, are bright but stable. Fleshtones lean a bit toward the ruddy end of the scale in certain scenes, but on the whole are true to life. Background elements are always easy to discern (the all-important rain is brilliantly clear, with individual drops possessing more clarity than ever before), and close-ups ooze Hollywood glamour without appearing overly artificial. Some scenes look a shade softer than others, but the gradation is so slight, most eyes won't even see it.
Warner has always been careful to present classic films as close to their original look as possible, and with 'Singin' in the Rain' they've done a first-class job. We've waited a long time for this title to be released on Blu-ray, and our patience hasn't been in vain.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Warner also has done a great job fashioning a high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for this musical classic. 'Singin' in the Rain' was produced before the advent of stereo, so naturally most of the sound is front-based, but the fidelity and tonal depth are so crisp and warm, there's a marvelous surround feel to this track. A wide dynamic scale, featuring bright, crystalline highs and weighty lows, maximize vocal and instrumental intensity while showcasing subtleties with ease. Both Reynolds' brassy delivery and Kelly's delicate tenor come across cleanly, and the 'Broadway Ballet' scoring is alternately vibrant and nuanced, as screaming trumpets and swelling strings fill the room without a hint of distortion. Atmospherics, such as the pouring rain, street noise, and movie set ambience, are solid, too - distinct but not overpowering - and every toe tap is crisp and synchronized.
The audio in the early talkie sequences is especially well balanced, possessing the appropriate degree of roughness without delving too far into caricature. The clanking of Lina's pearls, the clomp of footsteps, and the general imperfections of rudimentary sound recording (static, hiss, pops, crackles) are all meticulously rendered. Thankfully, no age-related defects afflict the rest of the picture, as Warner technicians have scrubbed this track clean.
Dialogue is always well prioritized and easy to comprehend, as are song lyrics, and the musical sequences benefit from a slight level boost that enhances the excitement and vigor of each number. For a 60-year-old movie, 'Singin' in the Rain' sounds surprisingly contemporary, and those appreciate Golden Age musicals will be thrilled by this track. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:41 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax Combo Pack (Two Discs: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012)[Blu-ray]
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| Quote: | With a well-intentioned conservationist message that's delivered rather heavy-handedly, 'Dr. Seuss's The Lorax' is finally brought to the big screen with some middling but mostly amusing results. With the voice talents of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle ,and Betty White, the animation is not surprisingly dazzling and mesmerizing, but the overall moral could be lost in tale which ultimately goes against what it preaches. The film debuts on Blu-ray with a reference quality video and audio presentation that will please everyone in the household. Bonus features are not exactly extensive, but there are plenty of interactive games to keep the kiddies endlessly occupied indoors rather than going outside to enjoy Mother Nature. Nonetheless, the package as a whole makes for good, wholesome entertainment for the entire family.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Not too surprisingly, 'The Lorax' takes his environmental activism to Blu-ray with a demo quality 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that pops off the screen with energy and vibrancy. Colors are extraordinarily gaudy and flamboyant, but in a good way, practically hypnotizing viewers into this world of bizarre artificial cities and gorgeous woodlands. Primaries appear especially luxurious and richly saturated, almost exaggeratingly so but without ever becoming a distraction. The softer pastel hues of the forests and treetops are equally dramatic and striking, making much of the animation come alive with realism.
The 1.85:1 frame also exhibits a crisp, vibrant contrast, adding to the dynamic energy and the natural three-dimensional feel of the image without the need of 3D glasses. Blacks provide an inky intensity that penetrates deep into the screen with marvelously sharp gradational differences in the grayscale. Overall definition and clarity, too, are razor-sharp and distinct, from the fur coats of the cute little bear-like creatures to individual threads on the clothing of the human characters. Most impressive are the fluffy, hair-like treetops which sway and move with remarkable realism while each detailed whisker in the Lorax's moustache seems to move independently of each other. This digital-to-digital transfer of the animated film is simply astonishing and surprises from beginning to end.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The Lorax' continues making a big hubbub with this terrific, near-reference DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, which radiates with dramatic verve and fervor every time character break out into song. My one and only minor qualm is admittedly a matter of personal preference. Although the design offers plenty of good, strong rear activity, it never actually fills the room with an immersive, enveloping feel which pulls the listener into the magical visuals. The discrete effects employed in the surrounds basically come off artificial and somewhat gimmicky, albeit pretty fun when heard in the moment. And still, that's the only issue worth noting.
Where this otherwise wonderful lossless mix truly shines is in the front soundstage, creating an amazingly attractive and energetic wall of sound which seems consistent from beginning to end. With a sharp, crystal-clear mid-range providing tons of detailed clarity in the upper frequencies, objects zigzag across the screen from one channel to the next with remarkable, fluid panning. The original score of John Powell and the pop musical songs take advantage with outstanding differentiation of the various instruments and performers. While providing a nice weighty punch to the few actions sequences, bass has a natural, accurate sensation which benefits the music best. This is most apparent when the young Once-ler first breaks out into song and a guitar solo, hearing every note and pluck of the string. Meanwhile, dialogue and vocals are never overwhelmed or drowned out, making this an amazing, musical soundtrack for all to enjoy. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:43 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Hatfields & McCoys [Blu-ray] (2012)
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| Quote: | From director Kevin Reynolds, 'Hatfields & McCoys,' which aired on the History Channel cable network, tells the legendary tale of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, a moment in U.S. history that has etched itself into the American collective consciousness. With excellent performances by the entire cast, led by Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton, the three-part miniseries is an enthralling and captivating saga about familial loyalty, vengeance and the type of pride which can eat away at one's soul. The show debuts on Blu-ray with an exceptional, near-reference quality audio and video presentation, but supplements are sadly in short supply. Still, the overall package will have viewers a-hootin' and a-hollerin' with satisfaction. Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The 'Hatfields & McCoys' take their feud to Blu-ray with a fantastic and highly-detailed 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (1.78:1). The grain in the wood architecture is plainly distinct, foliage of the surrounding trees is razor-sharp and the threading on the various costumes shows excellent lifelike texture. Dirt, pores and trivial blemishes on the faces of actors are naturally resolved and visible. You can clearly make out every wrinkle on Costner and Paxton's aging glares, even count every hair atop their heads or each whisker of their beards if you so please.
Filmed entirely on the Red Epic camera systems, the digital-to-digital transfer displays vividly crisp contrast levels with intensely bright but comfortable whites throughout. This allows for gorgeous, jaw-dropping panoramic views of the hills, mountainous valleys and forests in Romania. You can see just as clearly into the far distance as you can foreground objects. The color palette is pushed more towards the softer secondary hues, which appear radiant and rich with warmth and energy, but primaries remain boldly accurate from beginning to end. Only issue keeping the high-def presentation just shy of perfection is the inconsistent blacks, looking their best during daylight exteriors but losing some of the sheen in nighttime sequences. Thankfully, shadow details are not compromised as background information remains easily discernible.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The wild, hillbilly family feud continues its a-hootin' and a-hollerin' with this equally sensational DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack which makes great use of the entire sound system. Atmospherics fill the rears with surrounding wildlife and the sounds of wind blowing through the treetops. Directionality is flawless and often convincing as bullets are heard in the distance or whizzing nearby from all around. Although there are moments when such discrete effects come off rather forced or exaggerated, they nonetheless generate a satisfyingly immersive soundfield.
In the front soundstage, imaging is fantastically engaging and welcoming, full of random activity even during the many quieter segments. They're mostly minor and fairly subtle, but they provide the lossless mix with a warmth and presence that's highly entertaining. Movement across the channels is fluid and smooth while dialogue remains well-prioritized and precise, although some of the slurred, accented vocals are a bit difficult to make out. Dynamic range is incredibly extensive with sharp, details in the upper frequencies. Aside from the several action sequences, this is most apparent during the original country music of John Debney and Tony Morales, which features many string instruments throughout. The low-end is also accurate and fittingly responsive, providing some heft and power to the gunshots and explosions with Randall McCoy's delusion scene digging the deepest in the bottom frequencies. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Jaws [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet] (Universal's 100th Anniversary)
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| Quote: | Starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw, 'Jaws' is the film which has left a permanent mark on the history of cinema, remaining one of the most effective horror thrillers ever made, it changed the motion picture industry forever. The simple, high-concept premise of a man-eating shark terrorizing a small beach resort community not only transformed Steven Spielberg into a household name, but also introduced the special effects, blockbuster extravaganza which has become the staple of the summer movie season. As one of the most anticipated titles to hit Blu-ray, Spielberg's classic film arrives with a spectacular, reference-quality audio and video presentation that will more than satisfy movie lovers everywhere. Many of the supplements from previous releases are ported over, but this latest incarnation also offers a couple new surprises, making this Blu-ray edition of 'Jaws' a must-own.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The classic summer blockbuster takes a massive bite out of Blu-ray with a spectacular high-def presentation. Presented in its theatrical 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode was struck from a recent restoration of the original camera negatives, supervised and approved by Steven Spielberg. Of course, the picture still comes with a few age-related issues, like soft edges in certain scenes, but on the whole, the transfer is fantastic with spot-on contrast and stunning clarity into the far distance. Black levels are true and often sumptuous in several areas with excellent delineation of the various gradations and small background objects hiding in the shadows. The color palette receives a generous boost without feeling artificial, especially in the bold primaries.
The thinly-layered grain structure is a tad thicker and more pronounced in the dimly-lit sequences, which is to be expected and natural. Brightly lit exteriors are astounding, making the horror thriller look fresh and rejuvenated but still comes with an attractive cinematic appeal. The video displays sharp, distinct definition in the hair and clothing of the cast, revealing wrinkles and pores in the faces of actors. You can clearly make out every detail and objects in Quint's boat, from the scratches and imperfections on the wood to the bottles and fishing tools hanging along the walls. Bruce the Shark, in particular, shows a few scars not seen before, and its fish skin is looking especially slimmer and smoother than ever. Overall, this is a magnificent and splendid presentation of a great classic.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The original mono recording is also given the restoration treatment and receives a massive upgrade with this DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack. Credit has to go to the engineers who worked on this because it's brilliant. Rather than simply making new foley effects, they singled the sounds from the original design, cleaned them up and repurposed them, expanding the soundfield into a wonderfully immersive aural experience. The rears often come alive with discrete atmospherics of the beach, ocean and the chatter of tourists flooding Amity. The iconic music of John Williams bleeds fluidly into the surrounds, beautifully enveloping the listening area with excitement and thrills.
Although back speakers are used a bit more than should be allowed, considering the original recording, this lossless mix doesn't lose focus and remains a front-heavy presentation. Conversations are precise and intelligible with superb emotive intonation, though the often slurred words of Robert Shaw (the actor was a notorious alcoholic during production) are difficult to understand in several occasions. Channel separation is well-balanced, delivering many off-screen effects with smooth panning and generating a terrifically warm and convincing image. Dynamic range is sharply rendered and detailed, nicely separating the mids from the highs with extraordinary clarity. Williams's minimalist score benefits from this immensely, exhibiting clean differentiation between the few instruments used in his orchestration. The low-end isn't particularly powerful, but it can be quite potent at times and thrillingly effective nonetheless. |
Kal
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:47 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Strike Back: The Complete First Season (Cinemax) (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
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| Quote: | I wasn't expecting much from an action show on Cinemax, but you don't want to miss this British-produced program. It's fun, inventive, and tense. There were a number of times I found myself wondering how they'd get out of this predicament. It never felt like you could pin down the show's fast-movie plot and call it out for being predictable. Also, they aren't afraid to kill off main and well-known characters, so anyone on the show really is fair game for getting blown up or have their brains shot out. It makes for an exciting show to watch. With HBO giving it top-notch treatment in the audio and video departments, this one comes recommended for sure.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Strike Back's 1080p presentation looks rather spectacular, especially as far as TV shows are considered. It may be too heightened in contrast for some, but that seems to be the look they were going for (particularly when contrast is boosted in places like remote African desert villages).
Clarity is top-notch and even though it was filmed digitally, the show does appear to retain a rather cinematic feel. It's cinematic feel actually reminded me somewhat of HBO's recent release of 'Game of Thrones' on Blu-ray. 'Strike Back' takes on more of an modern action palette (heightened colors and so forth) but the detail is just as striking. Facial features easily stand out. Stubble, age lines, lip creases, and individual beads of sweat are all visible. Shadows accentuate the picture here. There are quite a few darker and nighttime scenes, but blacks are so well rendered that nothing is lost when the lights are turned down. All those facial details spoken of above, are still evident in low-light situations with the well-delineated shadows offering great accents for them.
Colors are overly saturated, because of that skintones do take on a rather unnaturally tan look. Whites can burn a bit hot at times, especially during explosions (of which there are many). However, this is the look of the modern action movie, and 'Strike Back' is an action TV show. I didn't notice any banding, aliasing, or terrible artifacting of any kind. Crushing is kept at bay, and what we're left with is a great looking TV show on Blu-ray. Another winner from HBO.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'Strike Back' has been afforded a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that reminds me of the gun-battling, explosion-happy mix on '24: Season 7.' This is a no-holds-barred action-centric mix that captures every gunshot with preciseness. Bullets whiz by traveling from the front to rear speakers in seemingly seamless transitions. Explosions rock the room with boisterous LFE that never seems to let up. Either there is an explosion on screen or the heart-pounding score needs it for low-end accompaniment.
Panning effects are always silky-smooth, whether that means bands of African warlords speeding across the desert in a killer convoy, or helicopters swooping in over-head – from rear to front, and then back again – to extract Scott and Stonebridge from a firefight. Dialogue is always clear and has been prioritized well seeing that there is indeed a lot of other stuff going on at the same time people are talking. I was very impressed at the way 'Strike Back' handled itself in the audio department. It's a great sounding TV show and it does a great job playing to its strengths. |
Kal
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