Cloverfield Blu-ray

Cloverfield

 (2008)

Action | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller



On the eve of his departure for Japan, Rob (Michael Stahl-David) sees his going-away party as an opportunity to confess unresolved feelings and tie up loose ends. His agenda takes an unexpected turn when a jolt shakes the revelers. The crowd quiets down to watch news reports of an earthquake, then rushes to the roof to assess the damage. A fireball explodes on the distant horizon. A power failure follows. Confusion gives way to panic as the partygoers stumble through the blackout and into the streets. Amid the human screams and one inhuman roar, Rob and his friends must traverse a landscape that has changed, overtaken by something otherworldly, terrifying, monstrous...

For more details about Cloverfield on Blu-ray, see the Cloverfield Blu-ray Review

Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel
Director: Matt Reeves

Cloverfield Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


Paramount Pictures proudly presents Cloverfield on Blu-ray in 1080p high definition and framed in the movie's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. For what the movie is, it looks great. The "prosumer" (as described in the commentary track) handheld high-definition camera used in the film offers up some solid definition and details. It's not as sharp and professional, obviously, as the high-end cameras generally used these days on your "normal" Hollywood film, but the grittiness and less-than- pristine nature of the source adds to the feel, tension, and horror of the movie. This looks far better than 28 Days Later, but has been filmed with a higher quality camera. Still, both Blu-ray discs represent exactly what the cameras captured; nothing more, nothing less, and tweaking the image to make it "look" better than the director intended would be a disservice to the film. This style of shooting is unique, obviously, and puts the viewer in the middle of the action. There is some inherent and expected noise to be seen throughout the image. Not every shot is in perfect focus, either, again as is to be expected from a camera of this type, and the untrained operator behind it. For example, when various people wish Rob farewell at the party, some shots are clearly soft and out-of-focus. Again though, this isn't supposed to filmed by a professional, just by a "Joe" with a camera.

Details look good. Liquor and beer bottles at the party, when we catch glimpses of them, are remarkably clear and their labels easy to read. Fine details in the background of the apartment -- the bricks on the wall, the various decorations, and other random household items -- also look rather good. There are some surprisingly solid black levels, evident when the quartet of survivors is walking through the subway tunnels to cite just one example. Some shots exhibit much more noise than others, especially in select darker scenes. There is really nothing to complain about here. Much like the aforementioned 28 Days Later, some viewers may be put off by the lack of fine clarity and sharpness associated with the best, shiniest, and most pristine of Blu-ray transfers, but please keep in mind that what you are seeing is exactly what the filmmakers intended for you to see, and this disc definitely provides viewers with the raw feel and gritty look that is the true star of the movie.

Cloverfield Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


Cloverfield devastates Blu-ray with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless track. Yet again, lossless audio proves to be the only way to go, and like the track found on Rambo, this one could be considered the best on the market, a sound mix many other movies of this sort could and should aspire to, and is certainly exemplary demonstration material. One thing this track does well is to mix the feeling of a camcorder-quality sound with a top-flight action movie extravaganza soundtrack. Sometimes, we'll hear some brief audio dropouts and other minor anomalies attributable to the quality of the microphone on the camera. Sometimes, the person behind the camera sounds muffled when he speaks due to the placement of the microphone, but those in front of the camera are generally heard clearly. Most dialogue reproduction in the film is fine, proving to be well-defined and easy to hear. The audience is treated to deep, foreboding bass as the movie begins, teasing audiences with just a small sample of what's to come. The surround channels are used to wonderful effect at the party early in the movie, truly creating an immersive atmosphere that, along with the handheld camera visual style, places us in the middle of the festivities. Surround channels are active with the beats of the party's music; every channel plays a part and they work together to create a pleasing mood that sets the pace for the rest of the movie.

When the action picks up, the soundtrack becomes one of, if not the, finest around. All of a sudden, a rumble interrupts the party, and soon thereafter, a tremendous, booming explosion devastates the city, your eardrums, and the foundation of your house. In fact, many of the film's explosions prove interesting to listen to. Even though the sound far surpasses what would be captured by the camera's microphone, the audio takes its cues from the video, cutting out when the picture does. Some explosions and other random sounds of destruction cut in and out momentarily, adding an eeriness to the movie that definitely helped elevate its effectiveness. The track also features solid presence in the rear channels during the film's hectic final hour. From the minor, such as when a helicopter pilot is instructing people to keep moving across the Brooklyn Bridge, to the major, as heard when the monster shrieks or when rockets and jet fighters scream from the rear to the front (and from side to side), the feeling of chaos, confusion, disorganization, violence, horror, and even wonderment is more than palpable; you'll swear its real. The collapse of the bridge is so astounding from a sonic perspective that it's one of those moments that is beyond words -- just have a listen (and for goodness sakes crank it up!). The entire soundtrack is awe-inspiring, remarkable stuff. Kudos to Paramount -- what a fantastic way to truly kick off their return to Blu-ray.

Cloverfield Blu-ray, News and Updates

• Cloverfield Blu-ray Gets Detailed - April 30, 2008


• Paramount Further Details Their Blu-ray Plans - April 30, 2008


• Paramount Reveals Initial Blu-ray Titles - April 29, 2008

Cloverfield Blu-ray, Forum Discussions

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