Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Blu-ray delivers truly amazing video and audio in this exceptional Blu-ray release
Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, IMF operative Ethan Hunt is disavowed along with the rest of the agency when the President initiates "Ghost Protocol". Left without any resources or backup, Ethan must find a way to clear his agency's name and prevent another attack. To complicate matters further, Ethan is forced to embark on this mission with a team of fellow IMF fugitives whose personal motives he does not fully know.
There's never a dull moment in the life of IMF agent Ethan Hunt. With more death-defying, hard-hitting, every-millisecond-counts
action-per-adventure to his name than James Bond and just as much international intrigue and danger under his
belt
as Jack Ryan, it's a wonder he's still walking around in one piece, let alone
crawling up the sides of buildings, shooting straight, and running just a hair slower than a gazelle. Where most people would probably be at
best on
the IMF disabled list, maybe in a coma, and at worst six feet under, Ethan Hunt stays in the game, showing that he's either a very skilled
and tough
freak of nature, or at the very least one lucky hombre. He's back for his fourth filmed adventure in 15 years (granted there's a lot of
recuperating
time in there), this one falling under the title of Ghost Protocol, and it's a doozy of an Action/Intrigue flick. While it may not have as
much
raw action as the third film or the excellent storyline, smoothness, and integrity of the
first, Ghost Protocol delivers unparalleled thrills, serves up a never-
ending
buffet of cutting-edge gadgetry that puts Q's best to shame, showcases death-defying action, and works in just enough quick wit to
counterbalance
the immediacy and danger of the mission, a mission with repercussions so grave that all of Hunt's previously-accepted missions pale in
comparison.
All in a day's work for Ethan Hunt.
IMF agent Trevor Hanaway (Josh Holloway) is killed in the line of duty whilst smuggling critical files out of Budapest, files containing nuclear
launch
codes that are the only thing standing between peace and all-out armageddon. Meanwhile in Russia, IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is
freed
from prison with the help of agents Carter (Paula Patton) and Dunn (Simon Pegg). His mission: infiltrate the Kremlin, track down an elusive
figure known as "Cobalt," retrieve the launch codes, and prevent nuclear holocaust. The infiltration proves successful, but the mission fails
when
the files cannot be located. The team's safety is jeopardized when an explosion rocks the Kremlin and Hunt's team is blamed. Russian-
American
tensions escalate to unprecedented heights, the IMF is disavowed by order of the President, and Hunt and his team must go rogue to track
down
Cobalt and prevent the
unthinkable. With no backup, little time, and only a few resources, the team must travel the globe in an effort to save humanity from a
madman
with his finger on the deadliest trigger of them all and a plan to wipe humanity off the face of the Earth.
Ghost Protocol proves itself to be one of the most enjoyable films to come around in a good long while. Certainly it lacks meaning or
purpose
in a thematic sense, but few pictures of the escapist/adrenaline rush variety are as expertly-assembled as this. Ghost Protocol
serves up
some
of the most exciting thrills and chills yet, not only of the Mission: Impossible series but through the entire history of the
Spy/Thriller/Action
canon. The picture is constructed with pure old-fashioned entertainment in mind but delivers plenty of modern twists thrown in to keep the
movie
feeling fresh and on the edge of excitement. The film defines "spectacle" in every way, whether dabbling in high-tech infiltration or low-tech
espionage, whether making use of advanced computer equipment, gadgets that blur the line between the human and the electronic, or
showcasing
characters taking advantage of good old fashioned shadows and hoods and disguises to collect intelligence or sneak about under cover or
out in the
open.
The movie is every bit what a Mission: Impossible picture should be. Whether the writers have simply pulled the film's technology out
of
thin
air to serve the plot or if it's really somewhere secretly based in some laboratory just doesn't matter. What matters is that the picture
supercharges
reality and
exceeds
audience expectations. The technology of this film never ceases to dazzle, whether working as intended or failing miserably, the former
leaving
audiences breathless and the latter often used to excessively dangerous yet infectiously humorous effect.
That humor is probably as big an asset as the special effects and stunts in making Ghost Protocol a major success. Simon Pegg's
role as a
wet-behind-the-ears field agent largely defines the film. He's often the audience's eyes and ears, dazzled by what he sees and hears but
remaining
focused and working with integrity even has he marvels at the action, nearly causes something to go wrong, or participates in his own little
way,
which is dwarfed by Ethan's work and talents but that's no small accomplishment in his eyes or in the audience's own perception or skill
level. The
character is
chatty but not obnoxiously so. Pegg creates a critical and relatable character in a movie otherwise defined by larger-than-life stunt work,
amazing
technology, and a devastating global threat. That levity puts the audience at ease, allows them to exhale sometimes even during the film's
most
breathless moments. Yet the picture remains defined by the impossible stunts and grand special effects. While the technology may
be
ahead of its time and advanced beyond the other films, Ghost Protocol easily settles into the classic Mission: Impossible
comfort
zone. The
audience knows all will work out for the best in the end, but it's the film's ability to easily paint a picture of daring feats of human agility and
churn
out scene after scene of unparalleled tension -- whether whisper-quiet or in the middle of a raging sandstorm -- that keeps the audience on-
edge.
Predicability is the least of the film's worries because it counters that predicability with sufficient danger and a real sense of fear that keeps
the movie
moving at a breakneck pace, even if deep down the audience knows Ethan won't plummet to his death or otherwise fail to save the day.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol features a picture-perfect 1080p Blu-ray transfer. Paramount's new releases are generally unrivaled
in
terms of absolute quality, and this disc settles in right there amongst the best the format has yet seen. From the brilliance of the studio logos
forward,
the picture quality impresses in every area. Fine detail mesmerizes at every turn. The transfer's clarity and natural sharpness are unparalleled,
whether
the image is showing distant
vistas or up-tight shots of characters and objects. Facial and clothing details are amazing, revealing every last little line and crease. General
detailing of
building façades, pavement, even sand proves absolutely stunning. There are a few shots that go soft around the sides, but not enough to
detract from
the sheer brilliance of the total package. Colors represent the definition of brilliance. They're even and true, whether the brightest hues or the
most
earthy, unassuming shades. Indeed, bright reds, unassuming grays, and desert sands all sparkle with supreme authenticity. Skin tones are
natural,
and black levels intricately deep and true. The image is bolstered by a light grain structure that rounds this Blu-ray into proper theatrical form.
In short,
this is a polished, accurate transfer that truly recreates the cinema experience in the home.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol features a stunning and absolutely immersive Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless soundtrack. No matter
the
element, regardless of the situation, and at any point in the movie, this track yields exceptional sound, from the most hushed moments to the
most
energized actions scenes. The track's ability to precisely place every sound effect and play it with such a natural presence proves just as
impressive as
the heaviest action sounds. Simple things like the humming of a hard drive in a quiet room; the closed-in audible sensation of a dark and
damp sewer
above which an alarm blares away; creaking doors; interior rattling of a moving van or train; or even the precision sound of almost absolute
silence as
Hunt and Dunn use high tech wizardry to infiltrate the Kremlin, their breaths and the slightest leathery creases in their shoes the only things
that might
betray their presence, all play with beautiful clarity that pulls the audience into the film and steals their breaths with the sounds of near
silence. Yet for
as superb as these effects may be, and as completely immersive as they are, the track really struts its stuff when it comes time for music and
action.
The theme music has never sounded so crisp and perfectly defined and spacious as it does here. The classic notes play with such authenticity
that the
speakers melt away as if it were being performed live. The chaos of action is infinitely entertaining and sonically exacting. Gunshots deliver
precise
cracking and echoing. Crunching metal, powerful gusting winds, and penetrating lows all give shape and style to the track. Imaging is
seamless,
directional effects are accurate, and the track constantly makes fine use of all of its channels, whether in the delivery of that action or those
most quiet
effects. Rounded out by faultless dialogue reproduction, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol's 7.1 lossless track is amongst the best
Blu-ray has
to offer.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol's Best Buy exclusive release contains all of its supplements on disc two. Disc three contains a
DVD copy
of the film. UV and
downloadable Digital Copies are also
available. The supplements are subdivided into several categories, chiefly Mission Accepted, Impossible Missions, and Deleted
Scenes.
Supplements are available with optional English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese subtitles.
NOTE:only by purchasing this Best Buy exclusive release will viewers find all of the below supplements. The Amazon release contains only one Blu-ray disc and features a condensed
collection of extras.
Mission Accepted -- Suiting Up in Prague (1080p, 17:58): Director Brad Bird discusses the directorial independence and ability to
craft
his own style. Tom Cruise speaks on his role as producer, Brad Bird's work, and performing his own stunts. J.J. Abrams also shares his
thoughts on
producing the film. Additional cast and crew also comment on the film and their roles in it. Also examined is the history of shooting locales,
using
Prague locales to duplicate the Kremlin, creating an authentic feel, inspirations, and more. The piece features plenty of raw footage from
the set that does a fine job of transporting viewers to the shoot, showing highlights from the day-by-day process.
Mission Accepted -- Heating Up in Dubai (1080p, 17:36): This piece looks at the beauty of the city, the benefits and challenges of
shooting at The Burj Khalifa, ensuring authenticity in the death-defying scenes shot there, the difficulties of the stunts, filming high up, and
shooting
in large format.
Mission Accepted -- Vancouver Fisticuffs (1080p, 12:01): Shooting various scenes around Vancouver, including the complex finale.
The
pice also
examines
the complexity of the entire film, Brad Bird's work, and more.
Impossible Missions -- The Russian Prison (1080p, 11:49): Shooting in an abandoned Czech prison to make the early prison
escape
sequence. Also examined is Brad Bird's transition from animation to live action, the work of nearly 200 extras for the sequence, and the rigors
of the
shoot.
Impossible Missions -- Shooting in IMAX (1080p, 3:33): As the title suggests, this piece looks at the process, added challenges,
and
benefits of shooting large
format.
Impossible Missions -- Art Department (1080p, 2:56): A short but close look of transforming Prague into Russia and the
importance of
authenticity.
Impossible Missions -- A Roll of Film (1080p, 2:33): Post-Production Coordinator Robby Stambler discusses what happens to a roll
of film
after shooting. Also
discussed is the role of dailies and the telecine process.
Impossible Missions -- Life Masks (1080p, 1:40): Making a "stone representation" of an actor.
Impossible Missions -- Stepping Into the Storm (1080p, 2:02): A test run for the making of the sand storm sequence.
Impossible Missions -- The Sandstorm (1080p, 3:06): A raw look at the two-week process of creating this critical scene that runs
for
5:43. Filmed partly in
Vancouver and partly in Dubai
Impossible Missions -- Dubai Car Crash (1080p, 8:15): A thorough look at the process of creating a car crash shot, including test
footage, safety precautions,
the physics and math of the stunt, stunts that didn't perform as planned, and successfully capturing the final shot.
Impossible Missions -- Lens on the Burj (1080p, 0:57): Another brief look at the challenging Burj Khalifa shoot.
Impossible Missions -- Props (1080p, 3:07): Numerous real and fake briefcases, guns, gloves, knives, and the mask-making
machine.
Impossible Missions -- Composer (1080p, 10:42): A close-up look at the work of Composer Michael Giacchino.
Deleted Scenes (1080p, 15:02): Alternate Opening: Hendricks Practices His Speech, Mission on the Train, Confusion in the
Van,
Benji Almost Caught in the Kremlin, Hendricks and Leonid in the Hangar, Arrival at the Burj -- Original Version, Ethan and Jane in the Jet,
and
Wistrom and Chips. With Optional Brad Bird commentary.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, quite simply, delivers the goods. Director Brad Bird's picture enjoys unending thrills, polished action,
a fast
pace, a clever story, and the perfect little infusion of humor. It's wonderfully cast -- Tom Cruise still does his thing with incredible skill and
stamina --
and every single facet of the production is nothing less than first-class. Never is the film dumbed down,
never does it cut any corners. It's well worth the price of a ticket -- or a Blu-ray disc -- and enjoys high replay value. Ghost Protocol does
the
Mission: Impossible franchise and the good name of big budget Action flicks proud. Paramount's Blu-ray release of Mission:
Impossible - Ghost Protocol outclasses even the movie. Perfect video and audio and an entire second disc's worth of extras make this a
must-own
package and one of the best releases of 2012 to date. Remember, this is the set with all of the extras. It's not at all convenient that
fans
cannot buy this version through Amazon, but those interested in the full slate of extras have no choice. Very highly recommended.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol: Other Editions
This week sees the high-def premiere of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, the fourth film in the Mission: Impossible franchise and the box-office smash that helped rehabilitate Tom Cruise's slightly tarnished public image. The film provides effortless escapist ...
Blu-ray.com and Paramount Home Entertainment are offering three Blu-ray.com members the opportunity to win a copy of director Brad Bird's Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg. The fourth film in the successful franchise ...
In April, Paramount Home Media Distribution will bring Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol to Blu-ray. The fourth installment in the popular franchise, this blockbuster adventure finds IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise, Collateral) searching for a megalomaniacal ...
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Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Blu-ray, Forum Discussions
