Minority Report Blu-ray delivers truly amazing video and audio in this exceptional Blu-ray release
Based on a short story by the late Philip K. Dick, this science fiction-thriller reflects the writer's familiar
preoccupation with themes of concealed identity and mind control. Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton, a
Washington, D.C. detective in the year 2054. Anderton works for "Precrime," a special unit of the police
department that arrests murderers before they have committed the actual crime. Precrime bases its work on the
visions of three psychics or "precogs" whose prophecies of future events are never in error. When Anderton
discovers that he has been identified as the future killer of a man he's never met, he is forced to become a
fugitive from his own colleagues as he tries to uncover the mystery of the victim-to-be's identity. When he
kidnaps Agatha (Samantha Morton), one of the precogs, he begins to formulate a theory about a possible frame-
up from within his own department.
One of the best films in the exciting category of "future technology and radical ideas run
amok,"
Director
Steven Spielberg's (Saving Private
Ryan) Minority Report dazzles through its high-octane action and visuals
that
are both gritty and fantastically futuristic, while at the same time the film thematically
explores
the
dangerous world of pre-judgment and the quandary of pitting personal liberties and
freedom of
choice -- not to mention the moral, ethical, and judicial nightmare that is the notion that one
may be
found guilty of a crime that has yet to be committed -- against the guise of making the world
a
safer place. While other, later films -- I, Robot and Surrogates, for
instance -- similarly explore the dangers and downsides of the role of advanced
technologies in
futuristic settings, Minority Report proves the best of the bunch
for its ability
to counter the wonderfully-realized visuals of a bright and glossy utopian future world with
an
examination of the dark and disquieting elements that under the surface make it so, with
superb
special effects and exceptional actions scenes in tow to make it a complete Science Fiction
picture.
Lasik eye surgery of the future.
In the year 2054, Washington, D.C. has become one of the safest cities in the world.
Premeditated murder has virtually disappeared, and crimes of passion are at an all-time low
thanks to the Department of Precrime and the work of the Precogs, a trio of individuals with
the
capability to see future murders unfold and allow the would-be assailants to be arrested
before
they've had the opportunity to commit their heinous acts. The Department is headed by
John
Anderton (Tom Cruise, War of the Worlds), a
divorced man who years earlier lost his son before the arrival of the Precogs. The program
having
proven a rousing success in the nation's capital, it's on the verge of going national, and
Danny
Witwer (Colin Farrell, The Imaginarium of Doctor
Parnassus), a representative from the Attorney General's office, has arrived for one
final
inspection of the process. When Anderton finds himself identified by the Precogs as a
would-be
assailant in a future murder, he must go on the run in an effort to clear his name of a crime
he
has yet to commit. In the process, he becomes privy to information that could jeopardize
the
future of the Precrime division while unearthing further disturbing information surrounding
the
project's origins.
Though perhaps most readily identifiable by its stunning action scenes and nearly
impeccable and
highly-advanced special effects, Minority Report is, at its core, a cautionary tale that,
like
the best of Science Fiction, incorporates ideas that may be seen as relevant today but
framed
within the worlds of tomorrow. Based on a story by the famed Science Fiction writer Phillip
K.
Dick (Total Recall, Blade Runner),
Minority Report tackles some hard-hitting questions about not only one possible
future of
the American justice system, but also the impact of highly-advanced technologies on
personal
liberties. Is the future set? Is there no personal choice? Is one possible outcome of an as-
of-yet
physically unrealized future event enough to accuse, convict, and punish a man for a crime
that
ultimately
went uncommitted? Spielberg, through the prism of Dick's story, manages to mesh a brilliant
philosophical undertone with a big-budget special effects extravaganza, the film, then, --
unlike
lesser effects pictures like Transformers: Revenge of
the
Fallen that seem interested only in blinding viewers to the shortcomings of the
story
through the guise of remarkable computer effects -- a rare moviegoing experience that
manages
to be both very smart and a lot of fun at the same time.
Indeed, Minority Report's invigoratingly deep and incredibly well-integrated thematic
structure only helps in making the picture a complete experience that delivers everything the
modern moviegoing audience could hope for in a film such as this. The tale of the hunter
becoming the hunted and suddenly forced to more personally understand what it is he's
done to
others and experience firsthand how the system he heretofore so enthusiastically embraced
can
fail when forced to look at it while on the other side of the law lends
yet another added layer of tension and purpose to the film, further accentuating the
questions
raised throughout the story. Featuring a quality cast, Minority Report still isn't a
movie
that's sold by its stars. Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, and Max von Sydow don't disappear into
their
roles, but they do embrace them wholeheartedly and all deliver convincing performances
that,
again, only accentuate both the heavier themes and exciting action pieces that define the
movie.
Cruise is Cruise, his character not all that different than other roles he's played (his John
Anderton seems at least partially reminiscent of Ethan Hunt), but the actor
manages to
capture the feel of the movie superbly and convey enough raw emotion in conjunction with
his
abilities as an Action star to play the part very well in each of its several layers of complexity.
Just as importantly, the picture's
special effects are not only seamless, they're cool; and in conjunction with the
wonderfully-choreogrpahed action pieces and Composer John Williams' (Star Wars)
heart-racing score, Minority Report proves a wonderful movie when examined from
every
angle.
According to the packaging, this Blu-ray release of Minority Report comes from a
"Spielberg-approved HD Master," and the results are indeed spectacular. This 1080p,
2.39:1-framed
transfer retains a finely-tuned layer of grain that sometimes swells to enormous proportions
but
nevertheless lends to the movie a wonderfully gritty film-like texture that allows for the
retention
of
an awe-inspiring level of fine detail and gives the film, in conjunction with the spectacular
special
effects, the "glitzy-meets-rough" visual tone that accentuates the thematic elements of the
story.
Colors often feature a washed-out tone; the picture is built around a color scheme that's
heavy
on
blacks, blues, and grays, with every other shade -- whether the plants found in a
greenhouse in
one scene or even the film's most vibrant sequence, a flashback to a public swimming pool --
diluted to match the dreary tone that's dominant throughout the film. The dark texturing,
then,
demands strong shadow reproduction, and in that area Minority Report doesn't
disappoint. Blacks are incredibly deep and natural without even a hint of swallowing up the
screen, and there's never a point where they become unnaturally bright, either. This
transfer
also boasts incredibly strong detailing, particularly in solid objects such as brick façades and
street
surfaces where texturing proves nothing short of amazing. Likewise, the image reveals
every
nuance in faces, whether wrinkly lines or individual strands of facial hair, and while on the
subject, flesh tones -- while a bit ghastly -- appear spot-on insofar as they blend in with the
picture's drab tone. A few errant speckles are visible in the scenes with the heaviest grain
structure, but they barely distract from the image and indeed, seem almost a part of the
rough-and-tumble texture the film employs. Paramount has proven time and again that
they're
capable of delivering some of the absolute finest Blu-ray transfers on the marketplace, and
Minority Report solidifies the studio as a leader in top-quality Blu-ray releases both
new
and catalogue.
Paramount brings Minority Report to Blu-ray with a top-quality DTS-HD MA 5.1
lossless
soundtrack. Every aspect of the track is reference worthy, whether the tight low end or the
playback of John Williams' score. The track never seems too quiet or too aggressive, always
instead managing to find the perfect balance for the tone of the scene, whether more quiet
and
contemplative moments or heart-stopping action sequences. The track delivers fully
convincing
atmospherics; a thunderstorm and the accompanying heavy rainfall as heard in chapter
three are
presented with a full surround presentation that effortlessly draws the listener into the
environment. The next scene inside Anderton's apartment features light background music
and
the hint of the same thunder and rain storm outside, continuing on with the track's
wonderful
sense of immersion. This DTS track features plenty of back-channel
activity to draw the listener into the movie, whether buzzing futuristic traffic that seems to
maneuver throughout the soundstage or rocket packs that allow police officers to swoop
about
the listening area with a seamless whoosh. The latter -- and plenty of other effects -- are
carried
by a prominent and tight but never once overpowering or excessive low end that's
convincing and
natural, delivering a good rumble that's strong enough to rattle the soundstage but not tear
it
down to its foundation. John Williams' score enjoys a crisp and powerful presentation that's
of
the utmost fidelity and enjoys a wonderful sense of space as it flows into the room, and
dialogue
reproduction is consistently accurate and crisp. Like the video presentation, Minority
Report's lossless soundtrack defines what the Blu-ray experience is all about.
With no commentary track, all of Minority Report's supplemental
features are found a second Blu-ray disc. Things get started with The Future According
to
Steven Spielberg (1080p, 34:03), an interactive 18-part interview (edited re-ordered for
this Blu-ray release) with Director Steven Spielberg. During the interview, users will be able
to
jump to various additional footage that's been culled from other features around the disc
that
reveal the film's storyboards and concept art, interviews with additional cast and crew
members, and behind-the-scenes footage and still photographs. Next is Inside the
World of
Precrime (1080p, 10:11), a fictional advertisement for and overview of how the precrime
program works, the piece supported by clips from the film and concept artwork drawings.
It's also
intercut with a futuristic commercial for Lexus. Phillip K. Dick, Steven Spielberg, and
'Minority
Report' (1080p, 14:18) features Dick's daughter, Isa Dick Hackett; Dick Biographer Gregg
Rickman; Minority Report Science & Technology Advisor John UnderKoffler; Minority
Report Screenwriter Scott Frank; and Minority Report Production Designer Alex
McDowell. They look at the man that was Phillip K. Dick, the themes of Minority
Report,
the movie's look and tone, changes between the story and film, the social commentary of
the
story, the
participation of Tom Cruise, and what Dick might think of his fame today.
Minority Report: Future Realized (1080p, 6:22) looks at the highly-advanced real-
world
technology utilized in the film. Minority Report: Props of the Future (1080p, 9:43)
examines many of the props found in the film, including the wooden balls, the data gloves,
Agatha's helmet, the "sick stick," the "halo," and many more. Highlights From 'Minority
Report:' From the Set looks at the construction and filming of two scenes: The
Hoeverpack Sequence (1080p, 6:06) and The Car Factor Sequence (1080p,
2:57).
Next is Minority Report: Commercials of the Future (1080p, 3:55), a look at the role of
personalized media and advertisements in the future world of Minority Report. This
set
also includes two computer-generated storyboards, or Previz Sequences, for the
Hoverpack Sequence (1080p, 2:10) and Maglev Escape (1080p, 1:43). Both
feature a split-screen view with the previz sequence on the top and, in a smaller box below,
the
final
scene from the film.
Moving along, viewers will find From Story to Screen, a two-part feature. The
Story/The Debate (480p, 9:36) offers a brief overview of how Spielberg and Cruise came
to
work on the project as well as the story and its themes. Parts of this supplement have
been
culled from previous extras (notably the Spielberg interview segments). The second part of
From Story to Screen is The Players (480p, 9:27), a look at the actors and the
parts they play. Again, pieces of this supplement have been recycled from elsewhere.
Deconstructing 'Minority Report' is next, the piece a five-part feature that further
looks
at the world on display in the film, again with some footage recycled from previously-
discussed
extras. The first segment, The World of 'Minority Report' -- An Introduction (480p,
9:21), looks at the near-future world and technology used in the film, the picture's noir look,
and
its soundtrack. Precrime and Precogs (480p, 8:20) features a glimpse at the set and
prop designs of the Precrime building and the Precog chamber. Also included is a brief look
at the
weapons and gadgets used by Precrime officers. The Spyder Sequence (480p, 5:24)
is
an all-access look at how this complex sequence was assembled. Precog Visions
(480p,
4:51) looks at how the jumbled Precog visions of future crimes were created and
implemented
into the film.
Finally, Vehicles of the Future (480p, 5:10) provides viewers with an overview of the
futuristic vehicles and their methods of propulsion as seen in the picture.
The Stunts of 'Minority Report' (480p) is a three-part feature that looks at how some
of
the film's more incredible stunt work was achieved. The three sequences that are
highlighted
include Maglev Escape (2:58), Hoverpack Chase (3:00), and Car
Factory
(2:48). Next is ILM and 'Minority Report' (480p), a six-part feature that examines the
construction of some of the more elaborate effects as seen in the film. After an introductory
overview (4:31), viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of the
effects for the following sequences: Holograms (3:09), Hall of Containment
(3:09), Maglev (3:12), Hovercraft and Hoverpacks (3:08), and Cyber
Parlor (1:54). Final Report (480p, 3:58) is next, a piece featuring cast and crew
recounting their memories of making the film, with parts carried over from other extras.
Production Concepts (1080p) is a five-piece segment that allows users to scan
through a
series of concept images for the following elements: Precrime, Hovership,
Hoversuit, Hall of Containment, and Spyders. Additionally, viewers
have
the opportunity to scan through hand-drawn storyboard sequences (480p), overlaid with
audio
from the film, for the following three scenes: Maglev Sequence, Alley Chase,
and
Car Factory. Rounding out this extensive package of extras is a trio of trailers for the
film
(1080p, 1:26, 1:50, & 2:05, respectively).
Minority Report probably isn't the first movie that jumps to mind when the name
"Steven
Spielberg" enters into a conversation, but its got the director's stamp all over it. It's slick,
very well
made, purposeful beyond its action veneer and layers of special effects, and rather epic in
scope and
feel, all of which make it a first-class Science Fiction piece and perhaps even one of the more
underrated pictures in the Spielberg canon. Arguably his best film in the post-Saving
Private Ryan era, Minority Report's ability to so easily combine a wonderfully
deep and
complex philosophical undertone with amazing action and impeccable special effects makes
it a
shining example of Science Fiction moviemaking done right, and this is must-see cinema for
those
that like to engage their brain while also enjoying the exciting world of modern filmmaking
techniques and special effects. Paramount's Blu-ray release of Minority Report is as
good as
the movie itself. Sporting a practically flawless 1080p picture quality, an immersive lossless
soundtrack, and a second disc's worth of high quality extras, Minority Report is a
must-own
disc for Spielberg fans, Science Fiction aficionados, and Blu-ray collectors. Minority
Report
comes very highly recommended.
Best Buy has an interesting BD-related deal of the day going on now. Today only, you can buy Minority Report for only $9.99 (66% off MSRP). This title sells currently for $18.49 at amazon, and its price history shows it has never been below $16.49, so this is an ...
When Paramount Home Entertainment announced that it would release Steven Spielberg's Minority Report on Blu-ray, there was much rejoicing, but it quickly turned to disappointment when the cover art was published. Now 20th Century Fox (which holds the European ...
Paramount Home Entertainment has announced 'Minority Report' on Blu-ray. This Steven Spielberg science-fiction thriller, based on a short story by Philip K. Dick and starring Tom Cruise, will be released on a two-disc edition on April 20. A "true 4K master" of ...
LaserPacific Media Corporation, a Los Angeles post production company, has
built a new end-to-end 4K workflow for mastering and re-mastering feature
films. The company is currently preparing a "true and complete 4K master" of
the Steven Spielberg film 'Minority ...
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