District 9 Blu-ray

District 9

 (2009)

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller



Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9 as the world's nations argued over what to do with them. Now, patience over the alien situation has run out. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi- National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens' welfare. The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe, contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable -- he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.

For more details about District 9 on Blu-ray, see the District 9 Blu-ray Review

Starring: Sharlto Copley, David James, Vanessa Haywood, Mandla Gaduka, Kenneth Nkosi
Director: Neill Blomkamp

District 9 Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


Sony's 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer of District 9 is practically of reference quality in every frame. Shot on the Red One high definition digital camera, every square inch of the frame looks extraordinary; only deliberately rough and aged standard-definition footage as seen primarily at the beginning of the film, slightly underwhelming blacks in select scenes, and incredibly minute banding in a couple of high definition shots represent any sort of distraction from what is, overall, a brilliantly rendered high definition image. Colors are marvelously vibrant but never overpowering; the slums of Johannesburg take on a slight earth tone considering the dirt, grime, and rust, but clothing stands apart as particularly striking. Complementing the wonderful color scheme is an incredibly fine level of detailing that's generally nothing short of astonishing. Wikus' sweater as worn at the beginning of the film features a particularly strong texturing. Facial detail in close-up shots reveal beads of sweat, pores, and facial hair stubbles as handsomely and realistically as any other Blu-ray disc to date. Additionally, the rough detail of the slums -- the rust, filth, and broken down shacks and equipment -- as evidenced in most every exterior shot throughout the film offers breathtakingly sharp and finely-rendered imagery. Even distance shots remain sharp, focused, and intricately detailed. This digital high definition image is pristinely clean, with only slight noise to be found in but a few particularly darkened shots. Flesh tones are consistently accurate as well. District 9 is the latest in visual eye candy and another stellar Blu-ray transfer from Sony.

District 9 Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


District 9 explodes onto Blu-ray with a mesmerizing DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. A full and exceptionally balanced presentation, Sony's latest system-pushing sonic extravaganza immerses the listener into the world of of the 9th district, distributing every sound with pinpoint accuracy to create a seamless 360-degree living, breathing environment. From subtle background ambience -- voices over intercoms or shuffling debris around the slums -- to explosive shootouts and high-pitched whines, this DTS mix delivers a full range of sonic goodness that never misses a beat whether the action be near or far, loud or quiet, and anything and everything in between. Gunfire crackles with startling precision as rounds explode in rapid-fire succession from automatic weapons, while the wide array of alien sidearms each deliver a unique and frightening sonic signature. Most impressive about District 9's soundtrack, however, is the tight, clean, and precise bass; a seat-rattling but never overwhelming experience, the low end is decidedly powerful but not abundantly messy. District 9 gives the subwoofer a prodigious workout that's sure to test its limits, not to mention the structural integrity of the surrounding structure. Rounded out by pitch-perfect dialogue reproduction, District 9 delivers a reference-quality lossless soundtrack that perfectly aids the visuals in fully immersing the viewer into the alien slums of Johannesburg.

District 9 Blu-ray, News and Updates

• Blu-ray Sales, Dec. 21-27: District 9 Wins the Week - December 31, 2009


• Today on Blu-ray - December 22nd - December 22, 2009


• District 9 Blu-ray Lands a Week Earlier - November 12, 2009


• District 9 Blu-ray to Feature God of War III Demo - October 28, 2009


• District 9 Announced for Blu-ray Release - October 12, 2009

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