Blu-ray.com - Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:42:05 -0500

Meandering and mediocre, even young Buddies fans will be disappointed...

Stop me when this sounds familiar. The polar ice cap is melting, an energy crisis threatens to bring an end to civilization as we know it, and something has to be done before it's too late. No, you didn't open the wrong review, that's the setup for Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws, the latest in a soon-to-be endless line of direct-to-video Buddies films that follows the indelible talking pups to the North Pole. The polar ice cap is melting at an alarming rate, but ...

Video

While Santa Buddies' direct-to-video aesthetics and low budget roots undermine most of what Disney's 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer is able to accomplish, the Blu-ray edition nevertheless offers a solid high definition presentation. Not only is its Tinseltown palette brimming with bold colors and dazzling sparks of light, primaries pop, skintones are warm and natural, and contrast is strong. Detail is relatively impressive as well, besting its DVD counterpart with improved clarity and crisp...

Audio

The same can be said of Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Able-bodied, steady, and stable, the studio's lossless efforts are only hindered by Santa Buddies' limited soundfield and predictable design. Voices remain crystal clear throughout -- no surprise there considering the majority of conversations consist of a dog staring at another dog -- and clattering cookie sheets and toppling packages are well-prioritized. And while the LFE channel and rear speakers aren't tasked...

Supplements

Santa Buddies doesn't have much for kids to dig through other than a trio of Buddies Christmas Sing-A-Longs (HD, 3 minutes) and a wince-inducing music video (HD, 3 minutes). ...

Final Words

Santa Buddies will entrance young, patient pre-schoolers, but leave most other kids in the cold. Meanwhile, parents will be left suppressing laughs, hiding critical glances, and containing their cynicism. Ah well, at least its Blu-ray release has some value. While its supplemental package is nearly non-existent, it features a decent video transfer and a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio track. Alas, its pricepoint is too high and the film itself is a plodding waste of time. Bah. Humbug......

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Earth 2100 (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:51:35 -0500

To change the future, first you have to imagine it.

When she was fourteen, my wife was freaked out and didnt want a root canal. She tells me this while were talking about Earth 2100, a speculative documentary on the effects of climate change, which we had just finished watching. I know, it seems like a strange aside, and youre probably wondering why Im relaying it here. Ill let her finish: I didnt want a root canal, but the dentist told me that I had two options. I could let the tooth rot, slowly and painfully, and eventuall...

Video

While the actual Earth may look bleak at the beginning of the next centurylets hope not Earth 2100 looks excellent, with a 1080i/AVC-encoded presentation thats clean and colorful. The talking head interviews are filmed on high definition video, and they appear fairly sharp, with strong facial detail and bright, realistic colors. Skin tones can look a bit ruddy, but hey, some people actually are ruddy. The real highlight here is the fantastic motion comic animation. The artw...

Audio

While I always experience a slight twinge of disappointment when a film or TV program arrives on Blu-ray with a lossy audio track, the truth is, Earth 2100s Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 mixes are more than adequate considering the nature of the production. First and foremost, all of the dialoguefrom the talking head interviews to Lucys narration and journalist Bob Woodruffs interludesis clear, prioritized, and easily understandable. The message comes through, so to speak. The ...

Supplements

While I wouldve appreciated a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Earth 2100s artwork, there are no supplementary features included on this disc....

Final Words

Earth 2100 follows in the vein of similar global warming warnings, like In Inconvenient Truth, Home, and even The World Without Us, but it humanizes the often vague and impersonal sounding threatsI mean, who gasps aloud at the mere thought of 3 feet of rising tidesby giving us a fictional pair of eyes through which we can see the consequences of inaction. Not only is the message pertinent, but its told in a fresh, visually engaging way. While Im not sure......

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Terminator Salvation (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:13:01 -0500

Reference audio and a strong entry into the 'Terminator' franchise make this a must-own Blu-ray.

Everybody deserves a second chance.

Unlike this summer's mega-blockbuster Star Trek, Terminator Salvation isn't a re-imaging of a fan-favorite series but rather an extension of the established universe and an expansion of the story line that further builds upon Terminator lore. The result is a fast-paced special-effects-extravaganza that also happens to shoulder a logically sound stor...

Video

Terminator Salvation arrives on Blu-ray with a strong 1080p, 2.39:1-framed transfer. The image is by design devoid of bright primary colors; only a handful of scenes depart from the norm of dusty earth tones and shades of gray that set the stage for the post-apocalyptic and war-torn setting. Nevertheless, the lack of color isn't a hindrance to the transfer; in fact, fine detail appears as superb throughout. From the beginning moments that feature nicely detailed close-...

Audio

Terminator Salvation explodes onto Blu-ray with a remarkably loud, active, clear, and entertaining DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. From the opening title music, it becomes clear that this one means business. It's a punishing listen that seems to at every turn mangle the listening area with prodigious amounts of bass, mesmerizing and natural surround implementation, and borderline unmerciful volume at reference level, but it's a sonic joy to behold that never gets old and al...

Supplements

Terminator Salvation debuts on Blu-ray as a three-disc set; disc one houses the theatrical edition of the film and special features, disc two contains the extended director's cut and BD-Live functionality, and disc three offers a digital copy of the film. The first supplement is "Maximum Movie Mode," a feature that contains the director standing in front of a pair of screens that show on the left the film and on the right behind-the-scenes elements. The segments cover a broa...

Final Words

Terminator Salvation is not only a loud, action-packed, and special effects-heavy summer extravaganza, but also a pitch-perfect extension to the series while also offering a somewhat meaningful look at what it means to be human and man's superiority to machine. Terminator Salvation also introduces new characters and technologies but never leaves the confines of established franchise lore, and the result is an exciting visual spectacle that also carries on the series' l......

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Billy Idol: In Super Overdrive Live (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:30:56 -0500

I dont believe there is anything that I could write about Billy Idol that has not already been written. At 54, the enigmatic Englishman is a living legend. He has managed to inspire countless young musicians from all over the world.

Billy Idol started his career in the late 70s with Generation X, a punk rock band named after one of his mothers favorite novels, in his native England. By the early 80s, he was already being promoted in the U.S., where punk had gathered momentum. Reb...

Video

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i "live" transfer Billy Idol: In Super Overdrive Live arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Shot live at the Congress Theater in Chicago for the U.S. TV series "Soundstage" and aired in July 2009, Billy Idol: In Super Overdrive Live looks strong. Detail is very good and clarity excellent throughout the entire show. Though not too impressive, the camerawork allows one to ...

Audio

There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM 2.0. I opted for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

Billy Idol: In Super Overdrive Live is a club-size show that is free of mind-boggling pyrotechnics -- which is why I actually liked it so much. Yes, the crowd noise is certainly there, but the music is the focus of attention, ...

Supplements

Unfortunately, there are absolutely no supplemental materials to be found in this Blu-ray disc whatsoever. ...

Final Words

It is great to have Eagle Rock Entertainment around. Their team has brought a number of terrific shows to Blu-ray this year, and Billy Idol: In Super Overdrive Live is not an exception. I must admit, however, that watching it made me feel nostalgic. Billy still looks and sounds great, but I kept thinking about the times when he was younger, and rock music was actually inspiring. There really isn't anyone nowadays doing what he did some twenty five years ago. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ......

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Galaxy Quest (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:55:34 -0500

Never give up, never surrender -- at least until this Blu-ray is in your collection!

We're actors, not astronauts.

"Star Trek" is practically a genre unto itself. Though cemented firmly in the realm of Science Fiction, the show has created a wonderfully diverse universe inhabited by almost countless races and dozens of primary characters, the result hundreds upon hundreds of hours worth of source material across several television shows and almost a dozen feature-length films from w...

Video

Galaxy Quest launches onto Blu-ray with a strong but visually dull 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer. After a window-boxed introductory that's meant to recapture the small-screen feel of the "Galaxy Quest" television show, the image opens up to a scope presentation for the remainder of the film. The scenes inside the "Galaxy Quest" convention take on a slightly hazy appearance, but subsequent material impresses a great deal more. Various shots that take place before the action sw...

Audio

Galaxy Quest warps onto Blu-ray with an engaging Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Though the track is disappointingly front-heavy during the opening convention sequence, it doesn't take long for it to engage "warp speed" and evolve into a well-above-average listen. The track does well to mix powerful sound effects, fine directionality, and aggressive bass throughout the outer space sequences; weapons fire penetrates the listening area, ships swoop from front to back, an...

Supplements

Galaxy Quest beams up a nice collection of extras for this highly-anticipated Blu-ray release. Galactopedia is first, a feature that allows viewers to access information on various aspects of the film during playback. The "Galactopedia" was created by Michael and Denise Okuda of "Star Trek" fame. Historical Documents: The Story of 'Galaxy Quest' (480p, 18:13) features cast and crew speaking abo...

Final Words

Galaxy Quest is sheer perfection in its ability to both engender its own identity while at the same time playing with the vast "Star Trek" universe -- both on-screen and in the real world -- in its creation of the ultimate parody of the series and satire on the fans behind the obsession. Painting the cast, the characters they play, and their most ardent fans as heroes, Galaxy Quest betters the admittedly fun Trekkies by giving the fans their rightful due and paint......

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Sex, Lies and Videotape (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:40:08 -0500

Excellent direction, fantastic acting, and Blu-ray.

Being happy isn't all that great.

Few motion pictures both push the known boundaries of the art of filmmaking and at the same time weave a fascinating character-driven tale that, despite its vicarious tone, intimately draw its audience into the experience, creating a cinematic masterpiece that goes beyond celluloid and into the realm of the surreal. Sex, Lies and Videotape is one of those pictures, an organic work of art that meshes a palpable sense of realism...

Video

Sex, Lies and Videotape winds onto Blu-ray with an exceptional 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer. Featuring a newly-minted transfer approved by Director Steven Soderbergh (more information available via a wonderful and hopefully soon-to-be standard extra entitled Notes on Remastering and Restoration that explains in-depth the processes behind creating the video and audio transfers appearing on the Blu-ray), the film looks fantastic in every regard, featuring a strong sense...

Audio

Also remastered as part of this Blu-ray release, Sex, Lies and Videotape's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack is rather unconventional in tone, but it's hard to argue with director approval and intent. The film isn't particularly music-heavy, but several instances of musical playback throughout deliver a thoroughly satisfying, room-filling, and altogether rich and inviting presentation that enjoys stellar clarity across the entire dynamic range. Still, the track is more memo...

Supplements

Sex, Lies and Videotape's Blu-ray release contains several extras, most notable among them a commentary track with Writer/Director Steven Soderbergh and Neil Labute, Director of In the Company of Men. They discuss the film's simplistic visual style, likes and dislikes about the film in hindsight, filmmaking techniques, anecdotes revolving around the casting of the roles, and plenty more. An affable and insightful track, fans of the film and the intricacies of low budget...

Final Words

Sex, Lies and Videotape delivers a simple story packed with rich complexities that make the film a masterwork of cinema. Its difficult subject matter is handled expertly via Writer/Director Steven Soderbergh's magnificent script and equally engaging direction that, like the story, takes on an existence of its own as it delivers a superficially simple tone but with underlying complexities that make it a dazzling example of what splendid direction and a strong sense of creativity -......

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Star Trek: Limited Edition Replica Gift Set (Amazon Exclusive) (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:27:00 -0500

Add this disc -- and the replica starship model -- to your collection at warp speed.

You are fully capable of deciding your own destiny.

As it has since September 8, 1966 with the debut of "The Man Trap" on NBC that marked the beginning of the greatest and one of the longest-lasting Science Fiction franchises in the history of filmed entertainment, "Star Trek" once again boldly goes, this time to where it has never gone before in the span of 43 years, six television series, and 10 featur...

Video

Star Trek beams onto Blu-ray with a mesmerizing 1080p, 2.39:1-framed transfer. Whether live-action people and sets or purely digital effects shots, Star Trek never fails to dazzle with its impeccable detail that's clearly extraordinary from the get-go. In fact, and save for one or two very minor issues, there may not be a better or more natural-looking Blu-ray out there. Facial detail, which makes for one of the first truly startling images when the camera focuses on t...

Audio

Star Trek warps onto Blu-ray with a startling Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Though the soundtrack might not be as loud and powerful as some might have hoped for, it's a wonderful listen that strives for a more realistic tone rather than an unnaturally aggressive mix. Precise and clear throughout, nary a moment passes where either high-octane action or subtle atmospherics don't make for a satisfying sonic experience. Indeed, the track excels when it comes to minor ambi...

Supplements

Star Trek materializes onto Blu-ray with a fascinating and massive collection of extras spread across three discs. Disc one's primary extra is a feature-length commentary track with Director J.J. Abrams, Producers Bryan Burk and Damon Lindelof, and Writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The track is immediately identifiable as affable and easygoing, but at the same time full of fascinating insights into the film. They begin by speaking on the year-and-a-half discussion as to...

Final Words

Star Trek is an extraordinary film on every level. Satisfying both longtime fans and tepid newcomers alike to the series, Director J.J. Abrams' vision of Gene Roddenberry's future is a dazzling achievement of filmmaking, special effects, and story, not to mention a perfect rekindling of a sadly dormant franchise. While Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin will never replace William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForrest Kell......

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Star Trek (Pin Gift Set) (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:26:35 -0500

One of several retail-exclusive 'Star Trek' sets that fans will love.

You are fully capable of deciding your own destiny.

As it has since September 8, 1966 with the debut of "The Man Trap" on NBC that marked the beginning of the greatest and one of the longest-lasting Science Fiction franchises in the history of filmed entertainment, "Star Trek" once again boldly goes, this time to where it has never gone before in the span of 43 years, six television series, and 10 featur...

Video

Audio

Supplements

Final Words

Open Road (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:07:42 -0500

On the road again...

Let's go to Houston.

Baseball is the backdrop for a journey of self discovery, romantic rekindling, and familial reunification in The Open Road, a 2009 Comedy/Drama that stars Jeff Bridges (The Amateurs) and Justin Timberlake (Black Snake Moan) as a father-son tandem reunited by a family emergency. Though the film was give...

Video

The Open Road pulls into Blu-ray with a decent but slightly underwhelming 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer that's marked by a host of minor annoyances. It features a warm color palette that's reflected in rosy flesh tones throughout. On top of a hint of banding in a few shots, the image goes soft on occasion with a few shots appearing terribly artificial, almost as if characters had been cut-and-pasted into the frame. Blacks appear somewhat uneven, crushing details here and ...

Audio

The Open Road travels onto Blu-ray with a front-heavy Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This one is terribly basic but not overtly problematic. Music sometimes sounds cramped up the middle with little in the way of a natural flow to the sides, not to mention the back. Surround activity is minimal; atmospherics remain focused across the front, whether chirping crickets during a nighttime scene outside of a gas station or background music in a restaurant, both in chapter ...

Supplements

The Open Road sputters onto Blu-ray with only two extras of note. First is a commentary track with Writer/Director Michael Meredith and Actor Jeff Bridges. They discuss shooting locations, the hospitality of co-stars Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson, driving the real route of the characters in order to capture some of the exterior shots, set design, the importance of rehearsals to a performance, the pre-movie debate as to which vehicle should feature prominently in the film, an...

Final Words

Though something of a lukewarm entry into the Road Trip genre, The Open Road drives past its superficialities and delivers a touching if not predictable story that boasts good characters and equally solid performances from Jeff Bridges and Justin Timberlake. Baseball fans might be disappointed that the sport doesn't feature more prominently into the picture, but the careers both past and present of its two lead characters do symbolize their place in life as the picture begins. ......

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My Brilliant Career (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:26:45 -0500

One of Australia's most cherished films turns Blu.

Here's the story of my brilliant career.

There's nothing quite like a well-made coming-of-age period film. The grandeur of the manmade locales, the natural countryside wonders often surrounding them, and a diverse collection of characters all modeling beautifully-realized costumes make for scene-chewing imagery at every turn and often captivating glimpses into life, traditions, and mannerisms of an era long since faded into the dusty pages of history. My Brilliant ...

Video
My Brilliant Career features another quality 1080p transfer from Blue Underground. Framed at 1.78:1, My Brilliant Career will likely disappoint viewers that disdain copious amounts of grain; several scenes are swirling in a heavy field that lend to the image a raw appearance, though through the majority of the picture it diminishes greatly, revealing a practically clear and crisp high definition image. Detail is rich and handsome throughout. What's on display here is n...

Audio
My Brilliant Career arrives on Blu-ray with a DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack. This isn't exactly the sort of movie that's going to dazzle listeners with a full array of surround and subwoofer activity, but the 7.1 track is a nice touch and does make for a more active and pleasant experience than would a one- or two-channel presentation which would have suited the material just fine. The lossless mix does do a fine job of immersing the listener in several scenes throughout; wh...

Supplements
My Brilliant Career scripts several extras, the collection headlined by a commentary track with Director Gillian Armstrong. She covers a wide array of topics, including the low budget, the state of Australian filmmaking at the time of production, Judy Davis' performance and casting, shooting locations, adapting the script from the Miles Franklin novel of the same name, production design and shooting techniques, and much more. Interview with Director Gillian Armstrong (4...

Final Words
A different and superior take on a timeless story of rebellion against tradition, My Brilliant Career marks not only a milestone in Australian cinema and a wonderfully realized film that captures the very essence of what it means to reject set ways in favor of one's own pursuits, but it also represents Actress Judy Davis' breakthrough picture that would place her on a path that would indeed lead her to her own brilliant career as a praised and noted actress. This Blue Underground......

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Paper Heart (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:07:13 -0500
Don't tell my heart, my achy paper heart...

Have you ever been in love?

The universal search for love -- and all that implies -- is the subject of a "Mockumentary," or fictional Documentary, from the creative tandem of Writer/Director Nicholas Jasenovec and Writer/Actress Charlyne Yi. Though Yi appears in front of the camera herself, Actor Jake M. Johnson stands in for Director Jasenovec in scenes in which his "character" appears. Confused? Don't be. Paper Heart makes sense, and it does such an excell...

Video
Paper Heart's Blu-ray release isn't exactly the sort that will become the go-to demonstration-quality disc to dazzle friends and newcomers to Blu-ray, but considering the film's roots as a pseudo-Docuemntary and shot in HD video, the results are acceptably good. This is something of a raw film that doesn't set out to capture each image in just the right lighting conditions or field-of-view, and the result is an uneven picture quality that never dazzles and more often than not t...

Audio
Much like its video transfer, Paper Heart's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack isn't inherently stunning, but it gets the job done and even sneaks in a few nice audible perks along the way. The opening musical piece enjoys strong clarity and a slight back channel presence, though the surround channels aren't always employed when the track could use a dollop of atmospheric support. Gentle rain and distant rolling thunder as heard in chapter 13 make for a wonderfully detaile...

Supplements
Paper Heart arrives on Blu-ray with a handful of extras. First up are two featurettes. 'Paper Heart' Uncut (1080p, 7:27) features Actress Charlyne Yi struggling through some of her lines and some additional outtakes from the making of the movie. The Making of 'Paper Heart' (1080i, 10:44) takes viewers behind-the-scenes of the challenge of making a fictional Documentary. Next up is Live Musical Performances by Charlyne Yi (1080p, 6:27), a piece that featu...

Final Words
A cute, innocent, and original piece of filmmaking, Paper Heart is a nice if not slightly flawed diversion from the tidal wave of repetitive and unimaginative filmmaking that more often than not dominates the box office. Though it enjoyed only a limited release and, in all honesty, is the sort of film that general audiences probably wouldn't fall in love with anyway, Paper Heart is worth checking out for its unique twist on pseudo-Documentary filmmaking, even in spite of a......

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Ultimate Collector's Edition) (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:40:00 -0500
Drumroll please! A Holiday classic is released on Blu-ray...again.

If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now.

There's nothing quite like milking (or eggnogging?) a favorite on home video, and as such it's certainly no surprise to see National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation make its second appearance on Blu-ray, this time a mere three years after its high definition debut. What's changed? The answer is "not...

Video
Warner Brothers' 1080p, 1.78:1 Blu-ray presentation of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation surpasses in quality all previous home video releases, save, of course, for the identical 2006 Blu-ray. Nevertheless, the image retains what has always been a rather flat and soft appearance that surprisingly still manages to look fairly pleasing overall. It's nothing spectacular, but for a 20-year-old comedy, it looks fine. Detail is moderately high, particularly in scenes that feat...

Audio
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is presented with a Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. It sounds fine, all things considered, an example of a movie and a mix that have little to offer beyond the basics. Theres not much in the source material to work with, and this is a front-heavy audio experience with the vast majority of the sound emanating from the center channel speaker. Obviously, the rear channels enjoy a 90 minute holiday with this disc in conjunction with the abse...

Supplements
The only on-disc supplement to speak of on this recycled Blu-ray release of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a feature commentary track with Actors Randy Quaid, Beverly D'Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Miriam Flynn; Director Jeremiah Chechik; and Producer Matty Simmons. This is a fun, none-too-serious track. Discussions revolve around ice skating lessons, hairstyle choices, and facial hair. There are also some actual filmmaking tidbits, too; they are interesting (such as ...

Final Words
A timeless classic of holiday laughs and spirit, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a Christmas staple, a wonderful little film that never seems to wear out its welcome. This latest Blu-ray release of Christmas Vacation might be an old gift in new wrapping, but it's still sure to bring Christmas cheer to any recipient. The video and audio presentations are nothing to brag about, but they're easily overshadowed by the quality of the movie. This release adds no ne......

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Shorts (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:31:56 -0500
Style thoroughly dominates substance in Rodriguez's latest family film...

Imagine if you will an alternate universe in which an ever-chipper Quentin Tarantino abandoned his rental digs to assault moviegoers, not with a gut-punch tour de force called Reservoir Dogs, but with a hyperactive kids' flick brimming with tiny UFOs, towering robots, and a rock capable of making wishes come true. Imagine that and you'll have a fairly good idea of what to expect from Shorts, a scattershot joyride from writer/director/producer/cinematographer/editor/composer Robert...

Video
Shorts features an at-times problematic 1080p/VC-1 transfer that will leave viewers wondering whether the film was released theatrically or tossed onto home video straight away. Primaries are sometimes lacking (particularly for a colorful kids' flick), blacks aren't always properly resolved, contrast often overheats or flatlines, and skintones vary from scene to scene. In fact, Rodriguez's young actors occasionally look as if they've been modeled from plastic. Whether it traces back to...

Audio
Shorts' sound design is as full of Saturday morning listlessness as its visuals, but Warner's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track seems more capable than its video transfer. Dialogue is clear, intelligible at all times, and nicely prioritized amongst the lumbering robots, giant wasps, legions of UFOs, and waddling crocodiles that frequent the film. Likewise, LFE output is robust and rear speaker activity is engaging. I wouldn't go so far as to call either one remarkable, but considering th...

Supplements
Shorts skirts by with a slim supplemental package aimed squarely at the kiddies. "The Magic of Shorts" (HD, 9 minutes) is a standard, clip-heavy special effects featurette hosted by an overly reserved, soft-spoken Rodriguez; "Show and Tell" (HD, 5 minutes) introduces the film's young cast, follows the overactive troublemakers around the set, and reveals what they would wish for if given the opportunity; "Cooking School" (HD, 10 minutes) finds the director and his daughter making Chocolat...

Final Words
Shorts is big, dumb, whizzbang fun primarily aimed at five to nine-year-old boys. It succeeds in almost everything it sets out to do, but falls far too short on far too many occasions to stand alongside cinema's true family classics. Alas, the Blu-ray edition is a mixed bag as well. While it includes a strong TrueHD audio track, its video transfer is weak in the knees and its supplemental package consists of a whopping thirty-four minutes of kid-friendly features. Ultimately, children......

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Antichrist (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:03:01 -0500

Danish director Lars von Trier's controversial film "Antichrist" (2009) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors M6. Amongst the special features on the disc is an audio commentary in English with director Lars von Trier and Professor Maurice Smith from University of Kent; an interview with Willem Dafoe; an informative conversation with French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg; footage from the Cannes Film Festival; and much more. With optional French subtitles. Region-B "locked". Ple...

Video
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i50 transfer, Lars von Trier's Antichrist arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors M6.

Antichrist has a very unique look. Clarity, contrast and detail are often heavily manipulated in order to emphasize the type of emotions He and She struggle with, as well as to distinguish the two separate worlds the von Trier leads into. The color-scheme is also uncharacteristic - wh...

Audio
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. For the record, the French subtitles are optional. When turned on, the French subtitles split the image frame and the black bar below it.

I have absolutely no reservations with the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track whatsoever. The dialog is crisp, clear and very easy to follow. The surround activity is limited - aside from Handel's music, and some of the...

Supplements
Charlotte etc. - a long and very informative conversation with Charlotte Gainsbourg. The actress talks about her role, Lars von Trier's film and the controversy surrounding it. In French, not subtitled in English. (44 min).

Antichrist au Festival de Cannes - raw footage from the Cannes Film Festival. There are a few quick comments from director Lars von Trier (in English), Charlotte Gainsbourg (in French) and Willem Dafoe (in English). With imposed French ...

Final Words
Bold and unconventional, Lars von Trier's Antichrist is not for the meek! Though expertly done, the film will fail to resonate with those who are not immune to human suffering. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of French distributors M6, looks and sounds very good. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

......

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It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:01:37 -0500
My Verdict: Mostly Cloudy

Okay, full disclosure. Before today, Id never seen an episode of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Its not that I havent wanted to; Ive just never gotten around to it. What I know of the series has been passed down from the wild raving of several friends, who have repeatedly told me its like Seinfeld on crackI later learn this is the shows taglineand that its almost as good as Arrested Development. As an unrepentant Arrested Development a...

Video
Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia makes a truly disappointing first appearance on Blu-ray, with an AVC-encoded transfer thats 1080p in name only. In reality, the standard definition video source material has been upscaled, and actually looks a lot worse than many of my DVDs when I allow my PS3 to do the up-converting for me. I wish I had the DVD of A Very Sunny Christmas on hand to do a side-by-side comparison, but I cant imagine that this Blu-ray iteration looks much b...

Audio
You would hope, then, that A Very Sunny Christmas would at least take advantage of Blu- rays extra storage space with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. While it does, this track is only marginally better than the shoddy video quality. Dialogue is clear and easily understood throughout the episode, but thats as much of a compliment as I can muster. With the sole exception of when Frank rolls up in his Lamborghiniwith a throaty roarthis track is thin and shrill...

Supplements
Producers' Blu-ray Introduction (SD, 00:55)
Actor Rob McElhenney and Writer/Producer David Hornsby give a disclaimer about how the program wasn't filmed in high definition and was simply scaled up for this Blu-ray release.

Young Charlie & Young Mac - Deleted Scenes (SD, 2:48)
Here we get to see young Charlie and Mac throwing rocks, discussing how women have "a second butt-hole in the front," and decrying the onset of puberty.

Behind the Scen...

Final Words
Though I certainly dont want or expect it to become the norm, I really have no problem with studios releasing standard definition content on Blu-ray, as long as they clearlyclearly label it as such. The teeny tiny 1080p up-converted disclaimer on the back of the case here simply doesnt cut it, and I have a feeling a lot of people are going to be disappointed by this release, especially if the retail stores where the purchases were made refuse returns on opened media. If you......

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Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker (Recorded Live at the War Memorial House San Francisco) (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:24:45 -0500
An innovative new production of Tchaikovsky's holiday masterpiece puts some of the magic back into Christmas.

My favorite Christmas card of all time had a vintage advertising image on its cover of a perfectly coiffed June Cleaver late 1950s housewife, of course in her de rigeur dress, apron (and pearls), screaming in horror. Im sure the original ad had something to do with waxy yellow build up or ring around the collar or some other bugaboo which haunted the otherwise perfect life of an Eisenhower era hausfrau. Upon opening the card, however, the lucky recipient was greeted with ...

Video
This is one glorious looking Nutcracker, courtesy of a very sharp AVC encoded image which contains some of the most lustrous color and fine detail I've experienced lately. There is so much to enjoy visually here that it's a shame to single just a few items out for individual comment. But aside from the beautiful scenic design, which has just the right amount of Christmas cheer in its reds and greens, the costume designs are uniformly lovely and offer some incredible hues (notice the bri...

Audio
While some Tchaikovsky purists may have some very minor passing qualms with this performance, which just occasionally lacks the fire of some of the better versions, little fault can be found in the LPCM 5.0 recording (and to a lesser extent its 2.0 sibling). This is a score full of a really wide range of frequencies, including of course Tchaikovsky's famous repeated use of the celesta (frequently incorrectly thought of as appearing only in The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies). From those high ...

Supplements
Aside from the standard illustrated synopsis and cast gallery, this Nutcracker provides several fun, if brief, extras, including:

An Interview With Helgi Tomasson (HD, 7:21), offers the choreographer of this version giving some background on other Nutcracker versions and his personal take on the tradition.
An Interview With Michael Yeargan (HD, 7:58). The Nutcrackers ace production designer talks about the influence of San Francisco ...

Final Words
The Nutcracker is one of those holiday staples that, like fruitcake, isn't often very deeply appreciated. Unlike fruitcake, this is a fresh and imaginative new production that restores a modicum of visual ingenuity to the proceedings and makes it perhaps more accessible to American audiences. It's a near perfect entertainment for this time of the year and comes highly recommended.......

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Mahler: 3rd Symphony Claudio Abbado Lucerne Festival Orchestra (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:32:43 -0500
Mahler's longest symphony gets a loving performance by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, under the able direction of Claudio Abbado.

It may seem almost incomprehensible to think that something as grandiose as the Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler could be thought of as banal, and yet thats exactly what some of the first critics who heard it said. Now admittedly they heard only a Readers Digest version of this gargantuan piece, but even the snippet (in relative terms) they listened to probably timed in at close to an hour, longer than many four movement symphonies. Less is infrequently more in the world of Mahler, and ...

Video
The Third Symphony of Mahler arrives on Blu-ray with a generally excellent 1080i AVC encoded image which only occasionally betrays it interlaced roots. Of course this is not a summer blockbuster CGI fest, so anyone coming to this Blu-ray expecting knock your socks off visuals is obviously going to be disappointed. That said, this is a remarkably crisp and clean image, with excellently thought out television direction which obviously hews closely to the score, providing a number of very impress...

Audio
Not to state the obvious, but you're going to come to this Blu-ray largely for its audio quality, and I can recommend this recording without hesitation. Both the PCM 5.1 and its attendant 2.0 folddown sport absolutely accurate fidelity. As any Mahler fan knows, the composer was, shall we say, fond of large orchestral ensembles and the Third Symphony is no exception. Just taking a look at the battery of horns that starts off the first movement gives the audience member and/or viewer some idea ...

Supplements
Only a brief essay in the insert booklet is offered. (I don't count Trailers on the disc as an appropriate "supplement")....

Final Words
Mahler Three is gargantuan, giant, massive and any other adjective denoting size you may wish to utilize. It takes a conductor and musicians of patience and fortitude to give the piece shape and substance. Luckily Abbado and the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, as well as the vocalists, are easily up to the task, making this one of the best Third Symphony performances in recent memory.......

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Witchblade: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:10:46 -0500
Containing a surprising mixture of elements, Witchblade surpassed my expectations.

The history of the Witchblade franchise dates back to 1992, when seven prominent comic book illustrators left DC Comics and Marvel to form a new umbrella corporation named Image. Each illustrator formed their own studio, allowing them the freedom to individually pursue new comic book enterprises (a possibility they never had while working on the time-tested franchises of Marvel and DC). One of the illustrators was Marc Silvestri (well-known for his illustrations of Wolverine), who for...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 16Mbps), Witchblade offers another impressive high-definition transfer courtesy of Funimation. Anyone accustomed to the animation quality on anime television productions will have a general idea of the budgetary limitations the artists work under, so the jump to 1080p doesnt offer an extensive upgrade (especially when compared to a theatrical release such as Sword of the Stranger). Despite the limitations of th...

Audio
Continuing with their recent trend of giving the native language track the short end of the stick, Funimation has provided a TrueHD 5.1 track dubbed in English, and a mere Dolby Digital 2.0 track in the original language of Japanese. As always, I prefer the native language on any foreign produced series, so I was clearly disappointed in the diminished quality of the Dolby Digital 2.0 track. The front-heavy mix lacks the depth that comes from surround separation, leaving us with an experience t...

Supplements
Cast Interviews (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0): Containing individually selectable interview segments with eight of the primary Japanese voice actors, this supplement is mainly dedicated to a discussion of themes from the series, character motivations, and the way each actor attempted to personify the intricate attributes of their character. Each interview varies in length, but the average runtime falls around eight minutes.

The Witchblade Forged (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 54:04 min): Split in...

Final Words
Although Witchblade wasnt what I expected, I found enough to like in the 600-minute runtime to offer a whole-hearted recommendation to anime enthusiasts. The mixture of elements throughout the series elevates the production above a simple action-fest with well-endowed women, to deliver a deep plot and emotional weight not usually found in this type of series. Thats not to say the market audience will be disappointed (after all, the core elements are still in place), but the series wou......

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China Circus: Elites (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:05:41 -0500
Only if you can stand the hardest of hardships, can you hope to rise in society.

During my childhood, I was a bit of a sports nut. I didnt necessary enjoy watching sports on television, but from the age of four, I was taking my first swings in a tee ball league, and learning how to kick a soccer ball through a goal. As the years went by I continued to play various sports as much as possible, but they didnt control my life or dictate my future. I suppose thats the beauty of the western culture, which emphasizes an individuals right to be whatever they choose to be. ...

Video
Presented in 1080i utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 35Mbps), China Circus Elites offers a slightly below average visual presentation. Filmed in high-definition using digital photography, the show contains a reasonable level of fine object detail, but theres still a certain degree of haziness that creeps in from time to time. If anything, Id assume the lack of precise edges or outlines are a result of problematic tracking in the interlaced encoding. By nature, 1080i t...

Audio
As with my recent review of Paradox of the Andes, I feel compelled to mention my continued disappointment with the inclusion of two subpar tracks on these television productions from Razor Digital. The default audio track on the disc is a PCM 2.0 track, which naturally remains front heavy through the length of the episode. Switching over to the lossy 5.0 option, I had a slightly greater sense of surround separation, but the fuller effect of the surround option simply couldnt hold a can...

Supplements
There are zero supplements included on the disc....

Final Words
While I cant justify a purchase recommendation for a television show as the sole feature on a Blu-ray disc, China Circus Elites is certainly worth your time as a rental. For fifty straight minutes, I was captivated by the lives of these children, and came away wishing I could follow their careers beyond the pinnacle performance of this one episode. I understand there will be subsequent releases of other China Circus episodes in the coming months, so Im hopeful well eventually see a p......

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Love N' Dancing (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:56:06 -0500
A nausea-inducing entry in the romance genre...

In case fans of dance-inspired entertainment couldnt get their fix with a weekly dose of So You Think You Can Dance, or Dancing with the Stars, they now have the option of watching lousy straight-to-video romantic comedies centered on the sport. While I dont claim to be an avid dancer myself, Ive seen my fair share of dance competitions (courtesy of the drug known as reality television), giving me suitable qualifications to judge the aptitude of a dance-themed film. I hope most of you k...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the VC-1 codec (at an average bitrate of 17Mbps), Love N Dancing looks just as mediocre as the film itself. The primary deficiency is a lack of clarity during facial close-ups and intimate scenes, which dominate nearly eighty percent of the runtime. Look closely for textures on the fabric of clothing or characters faces (stubble, wrinkles, or blemishes), and youll notice a complete lack of definition, as if every subtlety has been scrubbed from the image....

Audio
While the transfer was merely mediocre, the audio presentation on this release is a big let-down. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, the lossy track fails to generate an ounce of proficiency, effectively wiping away the one area where the film should excel. Despite not being a dancing guy, I can at least appreciate the toe-tapping musical arrangements played throughout the dance competitions. However, the swing-heavy soundtrack never feels like its given room to breathe on the highly compressed...

Supplements
Instructional Video with Robert Royston (1080i, Dolby Digital 2.0, 18:46 min): Those of you with aspirations to learn west-coast swing, will appreciate this dance lesson with the films lead choreographer.

Dance Contest Winner (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 2:02 min): I have no idea what dance contest this is, or the significance of the dancing couple, but this brief extra shows a dance routine at an unspecified time and place.

Rounding out the extras, we have an audio commentary with ...

Final Words
If the thought of purchasing Love N Dancing ever crossed your mind, do yourself a favor and forget the film even exists. There are plenty of other worthwhile romantic comedies on the market, and if youre in desperate need of a dancing fix, you can always turn on the television almost any night of the week. Now that Ive completed this review, I plan to return to a harmonious world where Amy Smart can act, and Billy Zane is a demon known as The Collector.......

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Discovery Atlas: Complete Collection (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:53:01 -0500
The best journeys are when you meet some interesting people along the way.

Armchair travelers have a bounty of options when it comes to trotting the globe via Blu-ray. It seems like just about every week a new travel or nature-related title is released, offering a high definition window into another country, city, or natural wonder. Quality inevitably varies. Among the glut of cheaply produced cash-ins, dull as dirt documentaries, and the ubiquitous screensaver for your television releases, only a few programs have managed to stand out and attract real cons...

Video
Image Entertainment and The Discovery Channel have crammed nearly 8 hours of 1080i/AVC- encoded video footage onto two BD-50s. While I was initially worried that the series would be subject to all sorts of compression issues, my fears were largely alleviated when I popped in the first disc. Yes, there are some artifacts, especially in the darker scenes, and yes, there are some occasional instances of blotchy colors and bandingparticularly around sunsets and other fine color gradientsb...

Audio
On the other hand, I can see some folks getting upset about the fact that this release doesnt include a lossless audio track, opting instead for Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 mixes. To be fair, though, these tracks suffice. Sure, they dont offer brain-melting dynamics or an ultra-pristine soundfield, but they are clear, understandable, and modestly immersive. In the 5.1 mix, rear channel usage is limitedto music and quiet ambience, like city street soundsbut its enough to make ...

Supplements
Bonus Vignettes (1080i)
The second disc of the set includes four vignettes, Italy (9:42), Egypt (14:21), Russia (12:34), and Brazil (6:36). This is more of the same, really, but with less focus on individuals and a more general emphasis on the locales themselves. While my TV told me that these clips are indeed in 1080i, they clearly look upscaled from a standard definition source. ...

Final Words
I really enjoyed watching Discovery Atlas: Complete Collection. The series mixes standard issue travelogue-style material with personal stories to great effect, giving a brief but solid overview of each culture it sets out to cover. Whether youre a real traveler, a couch potato, or just someone who enjoys learning about other peoples and places, Discovery Atlas is a trip worth taking. Recommended. ......

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Moon (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:59:55 -0500

Winner of the Best New British Feature award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Duncan Jones' "Moon" (2009) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics. Amongst the supplemental features on the disc are an audio commentary with writer/director Duncan Jones, director of photography Gary Shaw, concept designer Gavin Rothery and production designer Tony Noble; a second audio commentary with writer/director Duncan Jones and producer Stuart Fenegan; director Duncan Jones's sho...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.40:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Duncan Jones's Moon arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

I find it incredibly difficult to believe that the creators of Moon had a limited budget to work with - though this is an independent film, at times it certainly looks like a big Hollywood production. This being said, the AVC-encoded transfer definitely does the film justice. Detail is fantastic, clarity ...

Audio
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Thai Dolby Digital 5.1. For the record, Sony Pictures Classics have provided optional English, English SDH, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Hindi and Bahasa subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is very pleasing - it treats Clint Mansell's wonderful music score exceptionally well while at the same ti...

Supplements
Commentary - an audio commentary with writer/director Duncan Jones, director of photography Gary Shaw, concept designer Gavin Rothery and production designer Tony Noble. While I did not find this commentary to be as informative as the second commentary included on this Blu-ray disc, I thought that it was rather entertaining. The four gentlemen address the production history of Moon, some of the technical challenges they had to overcome, the CGI effects and production designs...

Final Words
Intelligently scripted, beautifully lensed and terrifically acted, Duncan Jones Moon is a small treasure, a film you absolutely have to see! Sony Pictures Classics have put together a wonderful Blu-ray package, full of informative supplemental features that would answer just about any question you might come up with. Yes, this one comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ......

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My Sister's Keeper (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:48:09 -0500

Any family that's been touched by cancer is all too familiar with the heartache, fear, strain, and sleepless nights that accompany a diagnosis. But few people genuinely understand how much more difficult it is when that diagnosis involves a child. While uncertainty is a frightening state of being, the possibility of losing someone who has yet to live their life, someone cherished above all else, is downright terrifying. In this case, ignorance truly is bliss. Sadly, for all its good intentio...

Video
While errant softness and artificial sharpening abound, the Blu-ray edition of My Sister's Keeper delivers a lush 1080p/VC-1 transfer faithful to Cassavetes and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel's every ingratiating whim. Colors are rich and stable, lending skintones warmth and primaries power. The actors occasionally look as if they're being shot through a dreamsicle lens, but their flushes faces and bronzed cheeks are well within the realm of their filmmakers' established aesthetic. Li...

Audio
My Sister's Keeper is an exceedingly quiet film; instances of sonic power -- a hospital dance, a mascara-smeared tantrum, an ocean getaway, a screaming match between mother and daughter, among others -- fade into silence as quickly as they assault the soundscape, leaving little to latch onto aside from hushed conversations and somber music. However, Warner's proficient Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track makes the most of every hospital ward and lawyer's office, every beachside locale and ro...

Supplements
The Blu-ray edition of My Sister's Keeper arrives with a pair of rather brief special features: a gushing, all-too-syrupy EPK (HD, 14 minutes) and a collection of eight semi-decent deleted scenes (SD, 16 minutes), all of which were wisely trimmed from the final cut. Suffice to say, a Jodi Picoult or Nick Cassavetes commentary would have gone a long way....

Final Words
My Sister's Keeper will appeal to some and leave others shaking their heads. The cast's performances are strong, but Cassavetes' story and direction are so heavy-handed, manipulative, and contrived that the film isn't likely to elicit anything more substantial than scorn. Thankfully, its Blu-ray release is more remarkable. While its lackluster supplemental package is a letdown, its proficient video transfer and faithful TrueHD audio track deliver. Genre diehards, tissues in hand, will......

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Killers: Live From Royal Albert Hall (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:20:11 -0500

I am familiar with the music of The Killers - how could I not be, my local radio stations play a few of their hits practically non-stop - but I dont think I ever thought about seeing them live. Having just finished watching Live From The Royal Albert Hall though, I must confess that next time the Las Vegas-based quartet stop in my town, I would be amongst the first to enter the venue where they would perform. Yes, they are that impressive live!

Live From The Royal Albert Ha...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i "live" transfer, The Killers: Live From The Royal Albert Hall arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Def Jam/Universal Music Distribution.

Recorded earlier this summer, The Killers: Live From The Royal Albert Hall is undoubtedly one of the most striking music discs to reach my desk in 2009. The entire show looks incredible - and I don't mean only the quality of the actual presentation; the camer...

Audio
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: Music DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Music LPCM 2.0, and Music Dolby Digital 5.1. I opted for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is solid. It offers a full and rich sound that will fill up your room and make you feel as if you were at The Royal Albert Hall. Brandon Flowers' singing is crisp and clear, Dave Ke...

Supplements
Note: All supplemental features include optional English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Italian subtitles.

Behind The Scenes - a standard featurette introducing the tech people that make all The Killers shows possible. (24 min, 1080i/60).

Fan's Eye View - a look at the Royal Albert Hall through the eyes of the fans. (4 min, 1080i/60). ...

Final Words
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that fans of The Killers would be thrilled with this Blu-ray disc - it is incredibly well produced and priced right. For some unknown to me reason, however, The Killers: Live From The Royal Albert Hall is not easy to find. I hope Def Jam realize that they have a great product in their hands and begin promoting it as they should. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ......

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Fight Club (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:48:38 -0500
"When the fight was over, nothing was solved, but nothing mattered."

In the decade thats elapsed since Fight Club first pummeled audiences and divided critics, many of the films themes have remained remarkably pertinent. Despite a massive recession, consumer culture is still the driving force of the economy. Were still, as übermensch anti-hero Tyler Durden would put it, the bi-products of a lifestyle obsession. Cognitively preprogrammed for brand awareness and mass acceptance of corporate advertising, we are our iPods, our hybrid cars, our t...

Video
Fight Club has always had a distinct visual style, a dirty, bruised and beaten aesthetic, at once slick as wet blood and coarse as sandpaper. Those that like their high definition movies bright and cleanwith artificial sharpening and all traces of grain digitally scrubbed to oblivion wont know what to make of this release, with its dingy color scheme and obviously filmic look. But fans who like to see a directors intentions honored will be knocked silly by this fantastic 1080...

Audio
Rounding out the A/V package is an absolutely pulverizing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that will kick your home theaters ass and take its name. There are several demo-worthy showpieces here. Listen as Jack imagines a violent mid-air collision between two planes; steel rips through steel, sending shrapnel flying through the speakers with pin-point precision as wind whips terrifyingly through the rear channels. Or replay the scene when Tyler lets go of the steering wheel and a...

Supplements
The bulk of the bonus features here are identical to those on the 2-disc special edition DVD, but there are few additions to sweeten the deal, including an interactive audio featurette, an acceptance speech at Spike TVs 2009 Guys Choice Awards, and a searchable index of commentary topics and in-movie references.

Commentary Tracks
How many films arrive with four commentaries on a single disc? As owners of the 2-disc special edition DVD know, these tracks are a veri...

Final Words
The question always arises, in cases like this, of whether its worth it to upgrade from the DVD release of a catalog title. In the case of Fight Club, Id say yes, with few reservations. Theres not much in the way of new supplementary material, but with a visual boost in clarity and a sonic pummelingcourtesy of a lossless audio trackthis Blu-ray release of Fight Club is a heavy hitter, and a must-have for fans. Highly recommended. ......

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Scrubs: The Complete Eighth Season (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:11:20 -0500
A long-running comedy series gets its high definition due...

I believe it was James Fennimore Cooper who once wrote: "I'm a survivor, I'm not gon' give up, I'm not gon' stop, I'm gon' work harder. I'm a survivor, I'm gonna make it, I will survive, keep on surviving." Actually, it might have been Lord Alfred Tennyson. Regardless of its authorship, there simply isn't a better way to begin a review of Scrubs: The Complete Eighth Season than with such distinguished, time-honored words. Since its first episode introduced audiences to creator Bill Law...

Video
After debuting on DVD earlier this year, Scrubs: The Complete Eighth Season finally meanders onto Blu-ray with a decent 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that, consistency issues aside, offers fans a fairly faithful representation of its source. Skintones are natural and convincing, daydream cutaways boast some dazzling primaries, and black levels are suitably resolved. Detail flatlines on occasion -- soft pickup shots and hazy backgrounds are frequent offenders -- but clarity is generally rev...

Audio
Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track doesn't suffer from any debilitating issues, but its predominately front-heavy sonics aren't exactly built to impress. Dialogue is clean and clear from episode to episode, prioritization is spot on, and the interns' yips and yowls are crisp and stable. The series' narration and lively score subtly bleed into every channel as well, allowing J.D.'s dream sequences to envelop the listener and draw them into his increasingly bizarre visions. Still, ...

Supplements
The Blu-ray edition of Scrubs: The Complete Eighth Season features all of the content from its previously released standard DVD counterpart, packs in a few short but sweet exclusives, and presents everything in high definition. As television releases go, Scrubs' supplemental package is both entertaining and extensive. I couldn't ask for much more.

Audio Commentaries: Executive producer Bill Lawrence sits down with a st...

Final Words
While the Blu-ray edition of Scrubs: The Complete Eighth Season will probably only find its way into the homes of the series' dearly devoted fans, they should be fairly happy with their purchase. Disney's 2-disc set features a decent transfer, a faithful DTS-HD Master Audio track, and a sizable supplemental package that includes sixteen audio commentaries, several exclusives, and high definition video content. It won't blow anyone's mind, but it won't disappoint either. At such a reaso......

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New York (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:10:55 -0500

Kabir Khans New York (2009) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indian distributors Yash Raj Films. The disc contains a wealth of informative and entertaining supplemental features. With optional English, Arabic, Tamil and Telugu subtitles. Region-Free. ...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Kabir Khans New York arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indian distributors Yash Raj Films.

Here's an Indian distributor that is undoubtedly on the right track as far as transferring Indian films on Blu-ray is concerned. Sure, there are a couple of issues with the presentation of New York, but for a start, this is definitely a disc that gives me a lot of hope that we would see som...

Audio
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: Hindi DTS 5.1, Hindi Dolby Digital 5.1, and Hindi Dolby Digital 2.0. For the record, the Indian distributors have provided optional English, Arabic, Tamil and Telugu subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they appear outside of the image frame.

It is a bit disappointing to see that Yash Raj Films have not provided a loseless audio track for New York as there is plenty of footage in the film that would have benefited t...

Supplements
Songs - direct access to four key scenes from the film with the following songs: "Hai Junoon...", "Tune Jo Na Kaha - I", "Tune Jo Na Kaha - II", and "Mere Sang".

Making of the Film - a standard featurette where the cast and crew talk about New York, its message, the three main protagonists, etc. In English. (480/60i)

Deleted Scenes - five deleted scenes that were left on the cutting floor. (480/60i).

Music ...

Final Words
I think that it is incredibly difficult to make a film that takes on such a sensitive issue as the September 11 tragedy and make it resonate with viewers from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. And this is one of the key reasons why Kabir Khans New York will likely frustrate quite a few people - on one hand, the film strives to be a modern, Western type drama; on the other hand, it retains many of the marquee characteristics Bollywood films are known for.

......

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UFC: Ultimate Knockouts 7 (Blu-ray Review)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:37:32 -0500
Another knockout of a Blu-ray release from UFC.

It is all over!

Ultimate Fighting Championship's Octagon enclosure is one of the most rewarding yet most dangerous places on the face of the Earth. Modern day warriors battle within its fenced confines not only for money and stature but for pride, to prove themselves the best of the best, to show their dedication in their ability to out-train, outwork, out-maneuver, and outlast their equally-hungry and decidedly deadly opponent. While fans attend and watch the fight...

Video
UFC: Ultimate Knockouts 7 hits the mat with a strong 1080i, 1.78:1-framed transfer. Unlike UFC: Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights, there is no 4:3 material here, and each segment delivers a consistently clear, sharp, and pleasing high definition experience. Once again, fine detail is excellent throughout; whether the tattoos adorning the fighters' arms, legs, chest, or back; the clearly-readable advertisements and sharp accompanying text on their shorts; or the blood, sw...

Audio
UFC: Ultimate Knockouts 7 features a very basic but ultimately satisfactory Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. Such tracks are seemingly critique-proof provided they accomplish all they set out to accomplish, and this one does just that. Dialogue -- both that that sets the stage for the fight and the play-by-play calls -- is crystal-clear and distortion-free. The spoken word makes up the bulk of the presentation, and it never disappoints. The track's music, too, enjoys fine clarity...

Supplements
Unfortunately, this Blu-ray release of UFC: Ultimate Knockouts 7 comes with only a few brief extras. TKO Montage (1080i, 0:56) is a collection of knockouts cobbled together in rapid succession. Chuck Liddell Montage (1080i, 1:14) is a brief look at the career of the superstar and his influence on the sport. Promos (1080i, 3:05) is a collection of advertisements for UFC.com, ...

Final Words
UFC: Ultimate Knockouts 7 is an excellent video, but it's better suited as a companion piece in the collection of a die-hard UFC fan rather than as an introduction to the world of Mixed Martial Arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The video delivers everything as-promised, showcasing 32 of the hardest-hitting and awe-inspiring knockouts from around the world of UFC, and for fans that want to cut to the chase and relive not the nuts-and bolts of each fight but rather rev......

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For All Mankind (Masters of Cinema) (Blu-ray Review)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:00:44 -0500

Al Reinerts unforgettable For All Mankind (1989) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Eureka Entertainment. The disc contains a newly restored, supervised and approved by the director, high-definition transfer of the film created on a Spirit Datacine from a 35mm interpositive. The original Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack has been remastered at 24-bit from the 35mm magnetic tracks. Amongst the supplemental features on the disc is an audio commentary with the director and Apollo ...

Video
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Al Reinert's For All Mankind arrives on Blu-ray in the United Kingdom courtesy of local distributors Eureka Entertainment.

Those of you who could not take advantage of Criterion's Region-A "locked" release of For All Mankind would be delighted to know that Eureka Entertainment have ported the exact same supervised and approved by producer-director Al Reinert new high-...

Audio
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and English Dolby Digital 2.0. For the record, Eureka Entertainment have provided optional English SDH subtitles and identifications, and identifications only for the main feature.

I really can hear much of a difference between the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. I have a couple of favorite scenes in this film where Brian Eno's score is v...

Supplements
Note: With the exception of "On Camera" - the audio-only interviews director Al Reinert conducted with the Apollo astronauts - the rest of the supplemental features found on the Criterion release of For All Mankind appear on Eureka Entertainment's release.

Audio Commentary a commentary by filmmaker Al Reinert and astronaut Eugene Cernan recorded exclusively for the Criterion Collection in 1999. A veteran of three missions, including Apollo 17, on which h...

Final Words
Those of you residing in Region-B territories would be delighted to know that British distributors Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray release of Al Reinert's For All Mankind looks and sounds just as impressive as the one Criterion introduced for the U.S. market. Additionally, with the exception of a compilation of on-camera interviews Al Reinert did with the Apollo astronauts, all other supplemental features from the Criterion release have been ported on this disc. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ......

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Command Performance (Blu-ray Review)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:56:08 -0500
Dying's easy, rock n' roll is hard.

Immediately following my recent review of Direct Action, Ive been given the opportunity to review another Dolph Lundgren action gem, titled Command Performance. Released direct-to-video in 2009, Lundgrens latest outing is a labor of love for the aging action star, who not only headlines the cast, but also wrote and directed the feature. I guess I shouldnt be terribly surprised to see him stepping into the directing chair, since Id imagine he grew tired of starring in shoddy l...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 24Mbps), Command Performance looks better than most low-budget productions in the action genre, but still falls short in a couple of areas. Fine object detail is average at best, appearing a touch on the hazy side in most scenes. Facial close-ups contain a higher degree of clarity than distance shots, but still never approach the proficiency of the finest high-definition transfers on the market. Matters dont improve ...

Audio
Similar to the video presentation, the lossless audio track seemed far better than I was expecting for a direct-to-video action offering. If youre like me, youve probably grown accustomed to childish sound effects, generic music, and weak dialog on a release of this nature. Thankfully, Command Performance reverses that trend, opening up the surround field for some truly rousing action sequences. Punches sound unique when they hit various portions of the body, bullets ricochet from sp...

Supplements
The only extra included on the disc is a collection of standard definition trailers for recent films from First Look (Command Performance, Direct Action, Monster, Direct Contact, and The Code)....

Final Words
Command Performance wont hold a candle to 90% of the action films currently available on the Blu-ray format, but in case you find yourself in need of a good way to kill 90 minutes, it might be worth your time. If you consider yourself a long-time Dolph Lundgren fan, youve likely been waiting for a role that will reignite his career, and Im sorry to say the wait is not over. His acting skills have never been the catalyst of his success, and the story continues with this release. Howe......

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Is Anybody There? (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:19:00 -0500
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Back when I was in high school, I volunteered a few times at a nursing home to chat with the residents and call bingo numbers (B-9, your tumor is B-9.). Im not going to lie and say it was a life-changing experiencethis wasnt exactly Tuesdays With Morriebut after meeting several WWII veterans and a woman who showed me a medal she received directly from the pope, I did come away with the newfound belief that everyone has a story to tell. Most films about the elderly deal, in...

Video
Is Anybody There? finds a home on Blu-ray with a luscious 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer that accurately represents the films moody, nostalgic and beautifully toned cinematography. The mid-1980s setting is enhanced by the use of a film stock and color timing that, in many of the outdoor scenes at least, seems to emulate the look of vintage slide photography, with creamy colors and highlights that are nudged slightly off-white. Sky blues are dreamy and soft, the cemetery lawn is a ...

Audio
To be honest, I wasnt expecting much from the films DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. My mental reasoning went something like this: its a low-key drama set in a nursing home, so the audio is probably front-heavy and uninvolving. I was surprised, then, to find a track that is admittedly quiet, but very subtle and immersive thanks to some excellent sound design. During nearly every scene inside the nursing home were aware of the other residents going about their business. For example, i...

Supplements
Deleted Scenes (SD, 7:08)
No commentary, no making-of documentary, not even an EPK featurette. Unfortunately, this disc ships with only a handful of deleted sceneswhich are worth watching, by the way, and not just your standard throwaway snippets.

Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment Blu-ray (1080p, 9:26)
Includes a promo for HDNet and high definition trailers for The Great Buck Howard, Worlds Greatest Dad, Food, Inc., and The A...

Final Words
Its all too easy to exploit the elderly for unseemly gags about forgetfulness and loss of motor control, but Is Anybody There? rarely plays Clarences nascent senility for laughs, choosing to focus instead on the sorrow that accompanies debilitation. The story is tender but never maudlin, thanks to some brutally honest acting from Michael Caine. Adding to the package is a strong audio/video presentation with gorgeous cinematography and detailed sound design. These kinds of film......

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Direct Action (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:34:34 -0500
If I went to see this in the theater, I'd ask for my money back.

After wowing audiences with his physical presence in such films as Rocky IV, Masters of the Universe, and the original Punisher, Dolph Lundgren slowly disappeared from the list of Hollywoods action elite. Until recently, I assumed Lundgren had given up on his acting career, since I hadnt seen him in a single production since the 1995 film Johnny Mnemonic. However, after taking a quick glimpse through his filmography, I was surprised to discover a steady supply of ...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 26Mbps), Direct Action sports a mediocre high-definition presentation that readily demonstrates the productions low-budget roots. Fine object detail varies from scene to scene, but Id say the overall quality tends to land on the below average side. Facial textures lack clarity, character outlines appear a bit hazy, and distant shots seem a touch out of focus. The increased resolution still affords the transfer an ap...

Audio
Despite the inclusion of a lossless track on this Blu-ray release, I was entirely underwhelmed by the sound design on the front-heavy mix. As the film first opened, I assumed the entire soundtrack would follow in the footsteps of most modern low-budget action films, by infusing one hip-hop track after another. However, once we move past the initial credit sequence, the score descends into the same generic collection of drum beats and synthesizer tunes weve heard time after time. Im beginnin...

Supplements
Thankfully, the only extra on the disc is a collection of standard definition trailers (Direct Action, Command Performance, Monster, Direct Contact, and The Code)....

Final Words
If you have the ability to avoid this film, consider yourself lucky. I probably waste countless hours every day with no acknowledgement that I cant have that time back, yet sitting through Direct Action felt like watching the arm of a clock as my life ticked slowly away. 97 minutes can be an eternity when watching a production with zero redeeming value, so do yourself a favor and find something far more entertaining (such as watching paint dry).......

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Red Heat (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:04:22 -0500
Where is the locker that this key opens?

The career of writer/director Walter Hill has been an interesting one. Following the cult success of The Warriors, he went on to direct a variety of films during the 80s and 90s. For many fans, the pinnacle of his success was 48 hours, which introduced viewers to an unlikely duo of crime fighters. Red Heat was released six years later, but marked Hills triumphant return to a subgenre that continued to grow in popularity. Meanwhile, Arnold Schwarzeneggers career was r...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 19Mbps), Red Heat offers an impressive upgrade with the transition to high-definition, but still suffers from several deficiencies that leave it firmly entrenched in the average category. Fine object detail is far superior to prior home video releases, but still lacks consistency from scene to scene. Those of you familiar with the prior special edition DVD release will remember the same varying level of haziness, and...

Audio
Sound effects have undergone a dramatic make-over in the past two decades, leaving most productions of the 1980s sounding pale and lifeless in comparison. Given these limitations, I wasnt terribly surprised to find the lossless upgrade on this release a bit underwhelming. From the opening fight sequence in the bathhouse, its clear the action effects wont generate a realistic tone. Punches to the face are afforded the same generic crack every time, and strikes to the body give off a muffle...

Supplements
East Meets West (480P, Dolby Digital 2.0, 9:40 min): This extra contains interviews with executive producers Mario Kassar and Andrew Vajna, as they discuss the meteoric rise of Carolco film studio (Rambo, Total Recall, Terminator, Red Heat, and Basic Instinct), and how they arrived at the decision to produce Walter Hills buddy action/comedy. The two men also touch on several aspects of Red Heat, from Hills directing style, to the casting of Belushi as...

Final Words
After all these years, Red Heat remains a marginal entry in the buddy-cop genre, eclipsed by superior films of the past and present. Ive seen the film multiple times as I grow older, and I still enjoy it for what it is. If this is your first introduction to the film, Id recommend you consider a rental prior to a purchase, since nostalgia typically plays a role in the positive assessments given by long-time fans. For those of you who love this film, and are well aware of whats in sto......

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Near Dark (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:22:20 -0500
"Finger licking good..."

In case youre reading this review because you stumbled onto the Blu-ray cover of Near Dark and assumed the film is a spin-off of Twilight, Im afraid I have bad news. If youre still with me at this point, Ill assume youre either a long-time fan of Near Dark, or at least willing to accept the idea that vampire mythology was interesting far before the emergence of pasty-skinned high schoolers with highlights in their hair....

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 19Mbps), Near Dark isnt exactly the revelatory experience I was hoping for on Blu-ray. Im confident the majority of the issues with the transfer are directly related to deficiencies in the source material, but that still doesnt rectify the situation. The primary weakness on display is a general lack of clarity in most scenes, obscuring the finest details (such as facial textures or the fabric of clothing). Id assu...

Audio
The audio presentation wont blow your socks off, but considering the age of the production and the budgetary constraints the crew was working within, the lossless audio mix sounds reasonably proficient. I cant say Im extremely familiar with the musical group Tangerine Dream, but their music was an excellent choice for a film of this nature. The synth-infused musical score creates a surreal mood thats light and airy, disarming viewers with undertones of innocence that make violent scenes fe...

Supplements
Living in Darkness (480p, Linear PCM 2.0, 47:17 min): This lengthy supplement contains recent interviews with director Kathryn Bigelow, the films producers and crew, as well as most of the major cast members. Beginning with the writing of the screenplay and the financing of the film, were taken on a complete walk-through from the beginning of production through a discussion of the films modern-day cult status. If you love Near Dark, this is not to be missed.

Deleted Scene with...

Final Words
In the case of most cult classics, the level of popularity achieved is based on a films ability to differentiate itself from the norm. In that regard, Near Dark delivers in spades. Combining horror, action, romance, and cowboys -- the film offers an intriguing mixture of elements that on the surface seem to be a recipe for disaster, but in the capable hands of Kathryn Bigelow became a cohesive whole. If youve never seen the film, theres no better time to get your hands on a copy, th......

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UFC: Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:59:34 -0500
Here we go!

The UFC Octagon: it is no place for the weak of mind, body, or spirit.

Built by fans, powered by UFC. UFC: Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights showcases nothing but the best fights -- in their entirety -- from the short but storied history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship as voted on by the sport's most ardent and knowledgeable fans. Originally debuting as a five-part special on SpikeTV that counted down the top 100 fights, this Blu-ray release covers fight...

Video
UFC: Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights knocks its way onto Blu-ray with a transfer that combines both standard definition 4:3 and high definition 1.78:1-imagery, each a reflection of the original broadcast aspect ratio that accompanied each individual fight. As the fights are not in a chronological order but rather listed in terms of popularity as voted by UFC's fans, both the aspect ratio and the picture quality varies -- sometimes from fight to fight -- throughout this 1080i-e...

Audio
Much like the video presentation, UFC: Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights' soundtrack is limited to its source material, and this Dolby Digital 2.0 sound mix gets the job done in a blue-collar sort of way. Taken from original broadcast elements, the mix is, of course, heard only across the front and is dominated by the voices of the various announcers that call each fight, but also supported by various pre-fight, behind-the-scenes, ring announcer, and referee chatter. Dialogue deliver...

Supplements
UFC: Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights contains all five episodes of the "Ultimate 100 Countdown Show," hosted by UFC play-by-play announcer Mike Goldberg, as originally aired on SpikeTV in July 2009. Each episode is presented in 1080i high definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound, and each runs for approximately 41 minutes. The shows feature highlights from the fights and interview clips with various UFC personalities sharing their thoughts on the fights. Also of note is that ...

Final Words
UFC has grown immensely in popularity and gained a significant following with plenty of famous confrontations and household names that promise to make it the dominant one-on-one combative sport of the 21st century, and there is simply no better collection than UFC: Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights for both hardcore UFC fans eager to relive the best the sport has to offer or newcomers eager to see what the sport is all about and discover its many stars, both past and present. This f......

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Chasing Amy (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:33 -0500
"Now that, my friend, is a shared moment..."

When Clerks hurled self-made Sundance wunderkind Kevin Smith into the path of a moving industry payday -- Mallrats, a little six-million dollar studio flop View Askew apologists like myself awkwardly defend to this very day -- he was left battered, bruised, and shaken. Even so, he had no intention of compromising his vision. For his next film, a strategic return to Indie form, Smith struck a deal with Harvey Weinstein and agreed to work with a meager budget of just $250,000; the ...

Video
Chasing Amy has never been and will never be the sort of film that drops jaws or turns heads. Shot in twenty days on a cruel and unusually small budget of $250,000, Smith's third outing is rife with soft pickup shots and close-ups, heavy grain, and poorly lit scenes. Unfortunately, the new Blu-ray edition features a mushy 1080p/VC-1 transfer that, quite frankly, fails to faithfully reproduce the original look of the film. Noise reduction is the chief culprit. Grain is still app...

Audio
Chasing Amy's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is also shrug-worthy. Again, Smith's tragically low budget is responsible for the limited scope of the experience, but Disney's newly minted lossless mix is often a flat, front-heavy affair that doesn't have enough oomph to warrant serious praise. Dialogue is warm and intelligible, but prioritization remains shaky. Ambient noise pays little respect to voices, effects are sometimes accompanied by air hiss, and the film's music ...

Supplements
Chasing Amy's supplemental package improves matters. Comprised largely of exclusive content, the Blu-ray edition features an all-new audio commentary, a fantastic, newly produced high definition documentary, a conversation between Smith and Adams, a solid Q&A, and other previously released DVD extras. Unfortunately, the Criterion Collection DVD's hilarious cast and crew commentary is MIA, as are the director's introductions to his deleted scenes. Still, seeing as Disney didn't have the...

Final Words
Alas, it doesn't matter how great a film is when it comes to a middle-of-the-road Blu-ray release. Chasing Amy was never going to look or sound like a thirty-seven-million dollar production, but it has more visual and sonic potential than Disney's video transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio track suggest. An exclusives-packed supplemental package helps soften the blow, but not enough for this release to earn the recommendation I wanted to give it. The film? Rent it, watch it, love it. The......

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Answer Man (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:24:50 -0500
Why do bad things happen to good premises?

There are two types of people in the world: those who read self-help books, and those who think Dr. Phil is a pop-psychology snake oil salesman who kind of looks like a walrus. If you stand long enough in a bookstore, youll see both kinds. The hopeful scour the self-help aisle to find cures for their particular neurosis, while others, wandering through inadvertently on their way to the fiction section, notice the preponderancy of Chicken Soup for the (fill in the blank) Soul...

Video
The Answer Man arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer courtesy of Magnolia Home Entertainment. Like the film, this transfer is average across the board, never truly impressive but also free of any apparent technical issues. The Answer Man has the bright, realistic look characteristic of most romantic comedies, but its not quite as polished as its bigger budgeted cousins. The image has a tendency to look a little soft; close-ups are sharp and reveal a good ...

Audio
Likewise, theres not a lot to say about The Answer Mans DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The audio never really calls attention to itself; it serves its purpose by being clear and comprehendible and decently deep, but there are few talking points here, no scenes with particularly immersive editing, no sonic bombast, nothing worth mentioning. As with most romantic comedies, well-prioritized dialogue is the key active ingredient in this tracks audio recipe, and it comes ...

Supplements
Commentary with Director John Hindman, Producer Kevin Messick, and Actor Lauren Graham
This track hits all the usual talking pointsproduction details, casting, little on-set anecdotesbut despite the laughs and the genuine geniality between the participants, this really isnt a must- listen experience.

Characters of The Answer Man (SD, 10:14)
Here, Writer/Director John Hinden talks about how amazing it is to see his words come alive on the screen...

Final Words
The Answer Man is passable entertainment if its a rainy Sunday afternoon and youre not feeling particularly discriminating, but it leaves no impression whatsoever. The story is uninvolving, the comedy goes stale, and the relationship element will set few hearts aflutter. Similarly, the audio/video presentation of this Blu-ray disc is merely sufficient. If you still think you might want a taste of The Answer Mans answers, Id suggest a rental. ......

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Paradox of the Andes (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:56:14 -0500
Although this is one of the better episodes in the Equator series, the limited content doesn't justify the inflated retail price of this release.

Continuing with individual releases of the Equator television series (as originally aired on the Discovery Channel), Paradox of the Andes takes viewers on a journey to a fascinating destination, where the temperature changes so drastically, the nights feel like winter and the days seem like summer. Within this contrasting environment, were introduced to a variety of unique wildlife that adapted to the harsh climate of the paramo ecosystem (neotropical) within the Andes Mountains. Whi...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 21Mbps), Paradox of the Andes offers a marginal presentation on Blu-ray. The most pronounced problem with the transfer is a general lack of stability in fine object detail, which varies from scene to scene. The lack of clarity on occasion wouldnt be nearly as noticeable, but the impressive high definition photography during the majority of the feature allows the less spectacular scenes to stand out in comparison. Col...

Audio
Given the lack of supplements on the disc, Im baffled at the lack of a lossless surround option in the included audio tracks. Instead, we have the choice of a lossless 2.0 track, or a lossy 5.0 version (both presented in English). Switching back and forth, Id have to give a slight advantage to the lossless option, which sounds more robust despite the front-heavy nature. The 5.0 mix is still decent, but I rarely noticed enough surround activity to justify settling for the flat sound design o...

Supplements
There are zero supplements included on the disc....

Final Words
Although Paradox of the Andes is one of the better episodes in the Equator television series, I still cant bring myself to offer up a recommendation. Theres no shortage of nature-themed television series hitting the high-definition market, and consumers deserve more value for their money than the individual releases of the Equator series generate. If Razor Digital ever decides to combine the full series into a box set release, Id be willing to reconsider a recommendation based on......

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Kurt Cobain About A Son (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:49:34 -0500

Assembled from more than twenty five hours of audiotaped conversations recorded by journalist Michael Azerrad for his book "Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana", AJ Schnack's documentary "Kurt Cobain About a Son" (2006) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Sidetrack Films/Shout Factory. The disc also includes selected scene commentary by director AJ Schnack, the featurette "The Voices Behind About a Son", and "On location: Scouting video to scene comparison". Not subtitled in English. Region-A "l...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1:78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, AJ Schnack's Kurt Cobain About a Son arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Sidetrack Films/Shout Factory.

There is plenty of different footage used in this terrific documentary. As revealed by its creators in the supplemental materials provided on the disc, for each of the three locations where the film was shot - Aberdeen, Olympia and Seattle - different film stock was used. There are a cou...

Audio
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and English Dolby Digital 2.0. I opted for the English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons for the purpose of this review.

Kurt Cobain About a Son is complimented by an excellent ambient soundtrack - courtesy of Steve Fiskand and Benjamin Gibbard - that sounds outstanding via the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. Beautiful guitar and piano solos give the film a very unique meditative ...

Supplements
The Voices Behind About a Son - co-producer and author Michael Azerrad, director AJ Schnack, producer Shirley Moyers, cinematographer Wyatt Troll, photographer Charles Peterson, and composer and music producer Steve Fisk talk about the message of the film, the myth of Kurt Cobain, the legacy he left behind. (14 min, 480/60i).

Commentary - a selected scene commentary by director AJ Schnack. The gentleman talks about some of the ideas and decisions that went ...

Final Words
A fantastic yet very sad documentary! It delivers a poignant and realistic portrait of a true icon. Sidetrack Films/Shout Factory's Blu-ray treatment is excellent. I particularly enjoyed Steve Fisk and Benjamin Gibbard's soundtrack, it's terrific! I cannot recommend Kurt Cobain About a Son highly enough! ......

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Angels & Demons: Theatrical and Extended Edition (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:04:02 -0500
The follow-up to 'The Da Vinci Code' receives fine Blu-ray treatment from Sony.

Trust no one.

While The Da Vinci Code bordered on comedy, delivering a superficially complex but ultimately paint-by-numbers laugher of a plot with one ridiculous contrivance after another, Angels & Demons manages to offer a somewhat tighter, more organic, and simply far more enjoyable romp through the world of past and present intermingled in a dangerous game of violence and deceit. It sti...

Video
This Blu-ray release of Angels & Demons offers a fantastic 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. From the beginning, the strength of the image becomes evident at the late Pope's funeral. Colors here, and elsewhere, are beautifully rendered, with the red shades in particular dominating the screen. Angels & Demons isn't an abundantly colorful film, however. The daytime exterior shots do offer a nice selection of hues found in backgrounds, but this is an earth-tone and red-domi...

Audio
Angels & Demons delivers a sinfully wonderful DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Every note of music is replayed with authority; from the deepest, devilishly-good bowels of the low end to the crystal-clear angelic highs, the music enjoys pristine and lifelike clarity throughout. In fact, Hans Zimmer's score seems incredibly organic; music seems not to stem from a detached orchestra but instead flows from the locations seen on-screen. It's a rare sensation to enjoy a score tha...

Supplements
Angels & Demons arrives on Blu-ray as a three-disc set, with the bulk of the extras on a second Blu-ray disc. Disc one features both the 139-minute theatrical cut and the 146-minute extended cuts of the film; Sony's CineChat application; BD-Live functionality; Sony's "MovieIQ" that offers live, up-to-date details about every scene, including cast and crew filmographies and biographies, soundtrack listings, and more; and 1080p trailers for ...

Final Words
Superior to The Da Vinci Code in every regard, Angels & Demons still isn't great cinema, but it does make for passable entertainment that has on its side a decent if not predictable story, a good performance from a legendary actor, and strong technical elements that accentuate the film's gorgeous locations and sets. On the flip side, Angels & Demons is something of a meanderer, and the film becomes a bit too repetitive and dull once the novelty of the concept begi......

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Puccini: Il Trittico (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:22:08 -0500
When is a Puccini opera not an opera? When it's three operas, as in 'Il Trittico'.

Verdi and Puccini are often thought of as the last vestiges of the old order of classic Italian opera, men who delighted in grandiose melody and even more grandiloquent dramatic gesture. Most opera lovers are well acquainted with Puccinis masterpieces, including La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot, Each of these famous pieces provides the listener with one glorious melody after another, all wrapped around huge operatic emotions and plot devices. In fact, theres p...

Video
Il Trittico arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of TDK with a mostly excellent AVC encoded 1080i image. There really isn't much color to speak of in Il tabarro, a piece which aptly mines a brown and beige palette to underscore its characters' drab lives (lives that would almost be at home in O'Neill's Anna Christie, for example). Suor Angelica likewise sticks almost exclusively to whites and blacks until the beautifully evocative denouement when suddenly we are greeted by s...

Audio
Luckily there's little if anything to complain about in the wonderful DTS HD-MA 7.1 soundmix (a PCM 2.0 fold down is also offered). What a gloriously varied score Puccini offers us here, and it's also reproduced with brilliant fidelity in this recording. Everything from hushed moments with solo harps (and occasional accompanying clarinets) to more brash tutti brass comes across the soundfield with brilliant clarity. Singing is almost always relegated to the front channels, but the orch...

Supplements
No supplements are offered on the Blu-ray itself. As is the usual practice, the insert booklet offers a good essay and synopses of the three one-acts....

Final Words
I frankly wasn't as familiar with Il Trittico as I am with some of Puccini's warhorses. This is a beautiful set of three pieces and contains some absolutely gorgeous music. This is by and large an excellent physical production, and the Blu-ray only offers one or two minor things to complain about. Puccini fans should be delighted with this release.......

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Clerks (15th Anniversary Edition) (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:04:41 -0500
"Do you have that one with that guy who was in that movie that was out last year?"

Once upon a time, in an ancient era far removed from our own, the primitive peoples of middle America were forced to discover obscure movies by word of mouth alone. Shocking, I know. They didn't have internet forums, iPod Touches, or on-the-go access to the online universe. They had to troll videostores savvy enough to stock hard-to-find Indie releases; they had to set their VCRs to record late-night episodes of Siskel & Ebert; they had to scour newspapers and magazines to learn about ...

Video
Who better than to address the inherent problem with a Clerks Blu-ray release than Kevin Smith? After calling it a "vulgar cash grab" in one of the disc's lone exclusives, Smith offers this gem: "When I was told they were doing a Clerks Blu-ray, of course, like most of you, I was like, why? Why would you do that? It spits in the face of the medium. The medium is all about the best presentation, amazing color, superior sound. Clerks is the antithesis of that. If Blu-ray...

Audio
The same logic should be applied when evaluating Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track; a lossless overkill if there ever was one. Dialogue is problematic throughout, normalization is a joke, and clarity is inconsistent. However, anything else would take away from the film's voyeuristic security-cam aesthetic. To the track's credit, Smith's endless diatribes and rants are suitably intelligible, LFE output is commendable (albeit a tad bloated), and rear speaker activity is surprisingl...

Supplements
I wouldn't blame anyone for thinking Clerks is celebrating its tenth anniversary instead of its fifteenth. Nearly every documentary and featurette on the disc touts the film's age... circa 2004. Still, I'm exceedingly pleased to find every significant previously released special feature has been ported to this new Blu-ray release, even Smith and company's dated standard definition Picture-in-Picture commentary. Sure, it would have been nice had all of the content been presented in high...

Final Words
The 15th Anniversary Blu-ray edition of Clerks offers little more than a minor upgrade from the 2004 10th Anniversary Edition DVD. Its video transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio track improve upon their previously released counterparts, but only by a moderate margin. Likewise, its massive supplemental package is extensive, but lacks new material (aside from a feature-length Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back documentary). Suffice to say, I wouldn't blame anyone for hanging onto their C......

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Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:26:07 -0500
The long-running television series receives a much deserved ending.

As with any successful television series, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Fullmetal Alchemist would eventually receive a film makeover. Weve seen it happen time and time again with other successful anime franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Neon Genesis, and Escaflowne. However, instead of merely condensing the plot of the series into a big-budget rehash, the creators of Fullmetal Alchemist decided to proceed with a production thats entirely geared toward current fans of the...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 27Mbps), Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa looks decent enough in high definition, but the lackluster animation quality doesnt allow for a huge upgrade in the transition to 1080p. Lines in the animation are nice and crisp through 90% of the film, with the other 10% appearing a touch on the soft side. Im nearly positive this haziness is a result of intentional effects in the original animation, but it still ...

Audio
There are two audio offerings on the disc, with a primary Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix dubbed in English, and a secondary Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix in the native language of Japanese. If anyone recalls my level of disappointment with the audio discrepancies on Origin: Spirits of the Past, my feelings are mirrored with this latest product. Once again, we have a stellar English version, clocking in at a robust 3.5Mbps (average) bitrate, with the Japanese only afforded a 1.2Mbps (average) bitrate. Des...

Supplements
Carrying over all of the extras from the prior special edition DVD release, this Blu-ray version offers a decent collection of supplements, despite the lack of value-added content for owners of the prior version.

The Making of Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 40:04 min): Presented in a count-down style (leading up to the films release), this featurette jumps back and forth between an interview with director Seiji Mizushima (reflecting back on the prod...

Final Words
If youre a fan of the Fullmetal Alchemist series, theres little reason to pass on this release. The animation certainly isnt stellar, and the weakness in the Japanese audio track will disappoint language purists, but despite those two blemishes, theres a lot to like about Conqueror of Shamballa. We never know how long well have to wait for the original series to hit Blu-ray (or how drastic an upgrade it will offer), but at least fans have a high-definition snack to tide them over......

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Midnight Movie (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:27:26 -0500
An innocent night at the theater becomes a gruesome scene of terror.

Have you ever contemplated why the horror genre has become so successful over the years? What is it about fictional depictions of depravity that invokes such an immense element of fear in the masses? Perhaps its the sense of realism achieved by modern gore effects, or the feeling of unease that accompanies a storyline capable of delivering the unthinkable. Theres even a chance we feel heightened adrenaline and fear as a result of that strange little voice in the back of our head telling us ...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 19Mbps), Midnight Movie offers a clean presentation that largely surpasses its low-budget roots. Fine object detail possesses a high level of clarity in most aspects of the image, revealing every atmospheric nuance on the surroundings of the grimy theater. Unfortunately, Im a bit concerned with a discovery that one of our old transfer-related enemies has cropped up on this release. Looking closely for blemishes, pore...

Audio
The audio presentation is equally proficient, creating a strong, atmospheric sound design thats laced with a mixture of subtle and jarring environmental noises. From the shrill screech of the grinding wheel sharpening the killers instrument of destruction, to the trickling of water droplets in storage hallway of the theater basement, every minor detail comes to life with a wonderful sense of clarity. As with any good horror film, Midnight Movie manages to immerse the viewer in a world...

Supplements
Creative Team Featurette (480p, DTS 2.0, 6:52 min): Most of the main players involved in the films production are interviewed regarding the concepts they hoped to touch on, and the difficulties involved in shooting a low-budget horror film. More than anything, you can tell these folks possess a healthy level of pride in the final product.

Cast Featurette (480p, DTS 2.0, 7:56 min): This supplement is a continuation of the prior interview session, but instead of focusing on the themes of ...

Final Words
Midnight Movie is somewhat hard to judge, since it fails as much as it succeeds. If you know what to expect going in, you might find more redeeming value in the production than I did. However, the shortcomings in the plot will likely become more and more apparent on subsequent viewings, reducing the films residual value over time. If you consider yourself a huge horror fan, or youre simply looking for a new take on the slasher genre, this might be worth your consideration. For all o......

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Ballast (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:19:24 -0500
Hes gonna try it again.

Heavy material carried in the hold of a ship, especially one that has no cargo, is how one dictionary defines ballast, and this is a perfect metaphor for the heavy material carried in the otherwise empty souls of the three characters who inhabit the bleak world of director Lance Hammers stark and elegiac theatrical debut. Theres a lot of heaviness in Ballastdense anger and compacted resentment, leaden sorrow and calcified regret. And yet, there are also moments of tr...

Video
Kino International has given Ballast a weighty appearance on Blu-ray, offering up a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that well represents the films stark and austere imagery. Im admittedly in love with the cinematography hereits coldly perceptive, with depth and beautiful use of focusand Im happy to note that this transfer from 35mm to high definition never hampers the film with any technical shortcomings. My only real complaintand this is a source issueis that white specks ar...

Audio
Theres only one instance of music in Ballasta jukebox plays a tune while Lawrence is sitting in a bar. This lasts for about three seconds. Theres no score, no strings to cue our sentiments or pounding rhythms to drive the tension. Like No Country For Old Men, the soundscape here is completely natural, built upon airy ambience, the crunch of gravel underfoot, the slamming of a car door, and the various mundane sounds of a mundane life. While not quite as detailed and im...

Supplements
Making Of: Scene Development (1080p, 37:45)
After watching Ballast, I really wished the director had opted to do a commentary. The film does speak for itself, but Id love some insight into Lance Hammers inspirations and influences, or even just a few words on how he arrived at the films visual aesthetic. While a commentary is sadly missing, we do get these rehearsal tapes, which show the actors practicing specific scenes, as well as engaging in some improvised...

Final Words
Ballast is a bold debut from writer and director Lance Hammer, a film that, in its artistry and intuition, feels like it couldve come from one of the great auteurs of the 1970s. Its not for all tastesthis is, in some ways, a deeply sad filmbut if youre looking for some honest, serious- minded cinema, Ballast is an excellent choice. Kino Internationalwho also released Buster Keatons The General this weekdelivers a strong presentation here as well, with a lossl......

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Vinyan (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:38:04 -0500

Belgian director Fabrice Du Welzs first English-language film "Vinyan: Lost Souls" (2008) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Revolver Entertainment. Unfortunately, the film has been cropped from its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1 to 1.78:1. There are absolutely no supplemental features on this disc. Without optional English subtitles. Region-Free....

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Fabrice Du Welz's Vinyan: Lost Souls arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Revolver Entertainment.

I have not seen Vinyan: Lost Souls theatrically, but I suspect that the organic look the transfer reveals is intentional. There is plenty of shaky hand-held camera footage (quite similar to what one would see in Wong Kar Wai's early films) as well as drained of color...

Audio
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. I opted for the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the English LPCM 2.0 track for the purpose of this review.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track found on this Blu-ray disc will not test the muscles of your audio system, but will surely impress those of you who pay close attention to detail. Once the main protagonists enter the...

Supplements
Most unfortunately, there are absolutely no supplemental features to be found on this Blu-ray disc whatsoever. ...

Final Words
Unlike most every other critic out there, I enjoyed director Fabrice Du Welzs Vinyan: Lost Souls enormously. I thought that it was incredibly well executed, truly transcending the limitations of its genre. Unfortunately, I am unable to wholeheartedly recommend this Blu-ray disc to you - for some unknown to me reason, the film has been cropped from its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1 to 1.78:1. I would do my best to obtain a copy of the German release of Vinyan: Lost Souls, which a......

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Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:37:58 -0500
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more...

With Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut, director Zack Snyder -- whether by his hand or Warner's -- joins a shrewd and saavy brotherhood of filmmakers notorious for milking their fanbases. George Lucas has kept his far-far-away faithful eating out of his palm for decades; ever upgrading, ever adding the same movies to their collections again and again. Peter Jackson pulled off nothing less than a home video coup de grâce, successfully offloading theatrical editions of his Lord of the Rings...

Video
I know more than a few people who were blown away by The Dark Knight's arrival on Blu-ray, but I was one of those sad saps who couldn't get past its alternating aspect ratios, its overheated contrast, and the rampant edge enhancement on display. As such, I approached Watchmen with a bit of hesitation, worried Warner's 1080p/VC-1 transfer would suffer a similar fate. I'm pleased to report that isn't the case. Not only does Watchmen retain all the brooding grittiness Snyder...

Audio
Have no fear, dear readers. While The Ultimate Cut replaces the DTS-HD Master Audio mix featured on The Director's Cut release with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, the results are exactly the same. It delivers an equally impressive sonic payload; a marvelous, memorable monster that captures all the power and fury of Snyder's ode to dark superheroics. Dialogue is crisp, clean, and impeccably prioritized in the mix, imbuing Dan and Laurie's hushed conversations with the same ca...

Supplements
The 4-disc Blu-ray edition of Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut comes bundled in a sturdy black box sealed with an unseen magnetic clasp (similar in size, heft, and design to Universal's Bourne Trilogy set). Inside, a matching digipak houses three discs in individual plastic trays: one devoted to the feature film, one that collects the set's other special features, and one that provides fans with a Digital Copy of Snyder's theatrical cut. A fourth disc is included as well -- Watchmen...

Final Words
The 4-disc Blu-ray edition of Zack Snyder's Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut is a fantastic release that only suffers from a few relatively minor issues. Specifically, the lack of a Maximum Movie Mode and the duplication of content fans already paid for when they purchased The Director's Cut, The Complete Motion Comic, and the Tales from the Black Freighter standalone release. However, those who've saved their money for the arrival of much-touted Ultimate Cut, and ......

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Léon: The Professional (Theatrical and Extended Versions) (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:25:04 -0500
Another professional release from Sony.

I like these calm little moments before the storm.

It's the "calm little moments" that elevate Léon above and well beyond the plethora of both "Hitman" action-oriented movies and most any general Action picture out there. Director Luc Besson's (The Fifth Element) magnum opus blends hard-hitting action with both revenge-oriented drama and heartfelt sincerity in the film's superbly-developed re...

Video
Léon arrives on Blu-ray with another strong 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer from Sony. The film's bright exterior city shots look fantastic with superb clarity and attention to detail and color. The grocery store that sits adjacent to Léon's apartment building features an abundance of colorful products in the window, and the fine detail surrounding the store on the brick façade; pavement; and even a grimy, beaten, and graffiti-laden telephone booth look marvelous. Likewise, int...

Audio
Léon shoots up Blu-ray with a high-quality DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. While the film's themes compliment the action to perfection, it's the action itself that defines the soundtrack. Léon does feature a nicely-done mix outside the bullets; it delivers some exceptional supporting atmospherics during the somewhat ethereal opening musical number. The sounds of the city are nicely realized throughout, but they never overpower the rest of the track, instead work...

Supplements
Aside from the inclusion of the 109-minute theatrical version and 133-minute extended cut of the film, this Blu-ray release of Léon features only a small handful of extras. 10 Year Retrospective: Cast and Crew Look Back (480p, 25:10) is exactly as it sounds, a "virtual gathering" that sees the cast -- spread all over the world -- coming together to recall a vast amount of interesting information revolving around the world of Léon. Participants include Producer Pa...

Final Words
Léon is an exceptional film on every level: thematically, emotionally, and technically. The star of the film isn't the action but rather the meaning behind it, an engrossing look at the loss of innocence, the quest for vengeance, and the search for purpose in life. Few Action films cover such a broad spectrum of emotion as Léon, and its deeper philosophical overtones are supported by a trio of exceptional performances, notably from Gary Oldman in a trademark performance, ......

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Ocean's Eleven (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:19:01 -0500
An all star cast provides solid entertainment in this heralded remake of the 1960 Rat Pack caper film.

Heist and caper movies have been part and parcel of film history since. . .well, since The Great Train Robbery, the 1903 movie credited with being one of the first successes of any real length in narrative form (the British actually may have gotten there first with A Daring Daylight Robbery, but Ill be a chauvinist for purposes of this review). Now, Robbery may not have been the most artful heist movie on record, but it started a genre that has been one of the most ...

Video
Ocean's Eleven 1080p/VC-1 encoded image is remarkably sharp and detailed, with a pleasing assortment of well saturated colors throughout. Soderbergh does utilize some post-production processing on some shots, and the film opens with a sort of blue-green prison scene which is striking. Some of the "historical heist recreation" shots are similarly in grainy black and white and a sort of garishly over saturated 1970's look, both of which the Blu-ray handles with ease. There's an appealing...

Audio
Unfortunately, the audio options aren't up to Blu-ray state of the art, with a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 track as the main offering. While I'm not the lossless purist that a lot of Blu-ray aficionados are, I was a little disappointed in this mix, which is awfully front-centric most of the time. In fact, one of the few times I felt really immersed in the soundscape was the MGM Grand arena scene at the fight, when finally some rear channel action kicked in. There is some good, if not exceptional,...

Supplements
Several middling to good SD supplements augment the feature (all ported over from the previous SD-DVD release):

Two OK to very good commentaries are included, the lesser one featuring Soderbergh and Griffin. Stick with the much better star commentary, which is frequently hilarious if not especially scene specific.

The Look of the Con gives background on the costume design.

HBO First Look is a pretty lame behind the scenes featurette wit...

Final Words
Ocean's Eleven may not be the best heist film ever made, but it's one of the most enjoyable, due largely to the breezy interplay of a galaxy of top flight stars. Soderbergh mounts the action with fluidity and confidence, and Clooney and Pitt prove they're ready for any 21st century Road picture.......

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General (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:42:06 -0500
A silent classic makes a bang on Blu-ray.

Hes called The Great Stone Face, because his is worthy of a seaward-gazing spot on Easter Island stoic, deadpan, a blank onto which we can project our own emotions. He played it straight, never hamming for the camera, never breaking character to sell a gag, always moving deliberately, with a knowing clumsiness that can only be described as graceful. And yet, in his own time, Buster Keaton pratfell into the shadow of Charlie Chaplin, that other silent comic mastermind. Its arguable who ...

Video
Let me preface this section by just saying that watching The General on Blu-ray is an absolute pleasure. As the first silent film to make the jump to high definition in the United States, Im sure a lot of people are looking toward The General as a litmus test for how well films from the 20s will perform on Blu-ray. Of course, quality will inevitably vary due to print damage, etc., but I can say that I was consistently impressed by the 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer of Th...

Audio
As with their previous DVD release of the film, Kino International has loaded this disc with a multitude of audio options. The highlight is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 score conducted by Carl Davis, orchestrated by Nicholas Raine, and performed by the Thames Silents Orchestra for a BBC presentation of The General in 1987. I have no idea what the films original orchestration was likeand Im sure it varied from theater to theaterbut if it was anything like this score, Im sure au...

Supplements
Video Tour of The General (1080p, 18:05)
Historian and locomotive expert Harper Harris recounts the true story on which The General was based, gives us a tour of the actual engine, and explains how Keaton wanted to use the authentic train for his film but was denied when Civil War veterans protested on the grounds that The General was going to be comedy.

The Buster Express (1080i, 5:47)
Trains were featured prominently in several Buster Keat...

Final Words
If youve never given silent films a chance, The General is an excellent place to start. Its funny, tender, and so genuinely thrilling that youll never miss dialogue, sound effects, or any of the other cinematic accoutrements introduced with the advent of talkies. Kino International has done a terrific job with this releasethe film looks stunningand for anyone interested in early comedy or the films of the 1920s, I have no reservations in giving The General my highe......

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Horsemen (Horsemen of the Apocalypse) (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:58:22 -0500

Produced by Michael Bay, Swedish director Jonas Akerlund's "Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (2009) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Icon Home Entertainment. The only supplemental features on this disc are an audio commentary with director Jonas Akerlund and director of photography Eric Broms, and a gallery of deleted scenes (unplayable on Region-A players). With optional English subtitles. Region-Free....

Video
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Jonas Akerlund's Horsemen of the Apocalypse arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Icon Home Entertainment.

Crisp, sharp and notably vibrant, the transfer for this rather recent film looks very strong. The outdoor scenes, in particular, have that marquee "popping" look. The indoor scenes are also very convincing, though they have a slightly different complexion,...

Audio
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0 (unlike what the back cover states - DTS Surround 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0). I opted for the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the English LPCM 2.0 track for the purpose of this review.

Similar to the video treatment, the audio treatment does not disappoint. There is plenty of activity in the surround channels - primarily subtle spe...

Supplements
Note: The deleted scenes noted below are encoded in 1080/50i. Therefore, if you reside in North America, or another region where 1080/50i is not supported, you must have a Region-Free player capable of converting 1080/50i to 1080/60i, or 1080p, in order to view them.

Deleted Scenes - a gallery of deleted scenes (12 min).

Audio Commentary - an informative commentary with director Jonas Akerlund and director of photography Eric Broms. The t...

Final Words
It just feels like there is a lot more going on in Jonas Akerlund's Horsemen of the Apocalypse than what it was needed for it to be a strong film. I would agree that it looks great - the lensing is terrific - but I cannot but speculate that with a marginally tighter script, Horsemen of the Apocalypse would have been a very different film. This being said, British distributors Icon Home Entertainment's Blu-ray treatment of the film is excellent!......

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Rome: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:32:30 -0500
HBO's short-lived, two-season Roman spectacle makes its high definition debut...

Bitter public betrayals, rampant upheaval, endless wars, corrupt politicians, a neutered senate, countless claims to power, clashing religious ideals, volatile civil strife, a disgruntled populous, class struggles, unchecked wealth... sound familiar? No, I'm not about to deliver a diatribe on the decline of modern America, I'm of course referring to ancient Rome, a seemingly boundless empire that rose with a cry of "wreak havoc" and fell, some would argue within months of its inception, with a ...

Video
The Blu-ray edition of Rome features a decent 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that captures the glory and grandeur of the empire, the grit and grime of its darkest recesses, and the tireless efforts its creators invested in every costume and locale. A fine veneer of grain lends each episode a filmic quality, effectively enhancing the earthiness of the production and the warm glow of the series' blood-stained palette. Primaries are lush and rewarding, blacks are deep and well resolved, and fl...

Audio
HBO's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is less prone to inconsistencies. With billowing, lossless fervor and notable reproduction of every soundscape detail, David Cohn's sound design and Jeff Beal's score have never sounded better. Dialogue efficiently inhabits the center channel, but often ventures into the surrounds to fill the crowded Roman streets and hostile Senate chambers with legions of crystal clear voices. Even the most chaotic battlefields fail to overwhelm any element of im...

Supplements
The Blu-ray edition of Rome: The Complete Series is a handsome, albeit slightly oversized release. Nestled neatly within a sturdy outer sleeve, the set's case has been meticulously designed to resemble a leather-bound tome, complete with fourteen heavy cardboard "pages" that feature production photos, episode synopses, and a list of exactly what content fans will find on each disc. But while the discs themselves are housed comfortably in separate sleeves, one to a page, therein lies the...

Final Words
Is there a place on your shelf for a canceled series? One that only lasted two seasons and produced just twenty-two episodes? Absolutely. Especially when it's as staggering and elaborate as Rome. Sure, it has its fair share of minor issues -- most of which were brought on by its impending cancellation -- but it remains a well-conceived, smartly performed, exquisitely produced series worthy of your time and investment. The Blu-ray edition offers fans a decent (albeit problematic) vide......

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Godzilla (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:38:27 -0500
The definition of "loud" stomps onto Blu-ray courtesy of Sony.

All the king's horses and all the king's men may not be able to put the Big Apple together again.

Only one word can adequately describe Director Roland Emmerich's Disaster movies: "spectacle." Love his movies or despise them, Emmerich's pictures never fail to provide the latest in visual and sound technology; big action sequences; massive destruction of landmarks; lots of noise; and most importantly, a popcorn-munching good time. Whether ...

Video
Godzilla surfaces on Blu-ray with a quality 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. There's no doubt the visual presentation plays second fiddle to the devastating soundtrack (more on that below), but this is a solid technical presentation in its own right. Godzilla is a fairly dark and dreary film; the primary action takes place at night and in the driving rain, and many interior locations feature low lighting levels, all of which keeps the transfer from offering a sparkling arra...

Audio
Godzilla stomps onto Blu-ray with a hard-hitting DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Want volume? Godzilla's got volume. Want bass? Godzilla's got bass -- enough to shake the house down. This is the sort of soundtrack that defies description and is much better experienced first hand than read about second hand, but suffice it to say, this is a devastating, room-shaking, speaker-blowing, brain-scrambling soundtrack. Even at more than 10 years old, Godzil...

Supplements
This Blu-ray release of Godzilla, unfortunately, doesn't come with a monstrous selection of extras. First up is a commentary track with Visual Effects Supervisor Volker Engel and Associate Visual Effects Supervisor Karen Goulekas. A nuts-and-bolts technical track, the two do a fine job of covering a nice spectrum of effects-related comments but also delve into more basic items such as shooting locations. Fans interested in digital effects might want to give this one a listen,...

Final Words
They don't come much bigger and louder than Godzilla. Though not the special effects spectacle it once was, Roland Emmerich's Creature Disaster movie remains a severely flawed but thoroughly entertaining popcorn movie that might be the sort of thing that's nominated for Razzie awards (several, in fact) but it's also the sort of thing people go to see in droves. At the end of the day, it's just fine for what it is and wants to be, and in that light, Godzilla is a succe......

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Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis play Ray Charles (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:01:53 -0500
Ray Charles' legacy lives on in this wonderful concert featuring an odd, but oddly effective, pairing of Willie and Wynton.

I dont mean to be unintentionally ironic, considering Ray Charles handicap, when I say that the music business has thankfully been at least a little more color blind than a lot of other entertainment media. When theater and movies still had colored circuits for performers, not to mention actual segregated venues for audiences, at least a handful of African American musicians were able to muscle their way into the mainstream, especially in the genres of jazz and blues. Probably no man of co...

Video
Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis Play Ray Charles arrives on Blu-ray with an above average VC-1 1080p transfer that still belies its (admittedly high-def) television roots from time to time. Originally filmed for and broadcast on cable's HD Net, this hour and a half concert does best in its amazingly detailed close-ups, several of which I have attempted to replicate here in my screencaptures. These up close and personal shots offer really stupdenous detail, everything from the weathere...

Audio
The concert has been wonderfully recorded with two DTS HD-MA options, a 5.1 surround and a 2.0 stereo folddown. This is what recorded concerts should sound like but too seldom do. You'll hear the really forceful low end right off the bat on this piece when drummer Jackson sets the beat with his bass drum, and the subwoofer kicks in with punches you can virtually hear compress the air. Luckily the rest of the frequency ranges are similarly lively, with Marsalis' blistering trumpet soari...

Supplements
HD Net All Access (26:54) offers an HD backstage pass to the concert, as well as some very cogent commentary by Nelson, who obviously understands Charles contributions to country and western music, and Marsalis, who is similarly knowledgeable about Rays jazz and gospel proclivities. Norah Jones also talks about her participation in the project. Additionally, there is a photo gallery included....

Final Words
Willie and Wynton may indeed seem like odd bedfellows, but their camaraderie is palpable throughout this concert. Charles was such a multifaceted musician himself that any tribute concert really needs to draw on a variety of genres in order to accurately represent all the great man achieved musically in his life. Having Jones and this crackerjack band is just the icing on the cake.......

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Food, Inc. (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:17:32 -0500
Faster, fatter, bigger, cheaper.

If you were to ask me a few years ago where my food came from, I probably wouldve shot you a puzzled look and pointed to the supermarket across the street from my former apartment. This was before I got married, back when food was the cheapest frozen pizza the store carried, crude salads fashioned from whole heads of iceberg lettuce and not much else, chips with waxy nacho cheese, Hot Pockets, and the poor mans feast: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich followed by a bowl of instant...

Video
Shot with the beguilingly bright colors of a supermarket aisle, Food, Inc. arrives on Blu- ray with a 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer of the films high definition video source material. To be honest, the film could look muckier than a factory farm and still be effective, but thankfully, this presentation is generally strong. As youd expect from a documentary, colors are bold but realistic. Theres no stylization here, no digital trickery or post-production color toning. What you se...

Audio
Going into a documentary, Im never quite sure what to expect sound-wise. I was pleased, then, that Food, Inc. sports a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is more than capable. While there are no swoops, swooshes, or multi-channel pans, no thundering sequences of deep LFE rumble, this track does exactly what it needs to dobroadcast the information presented with unwavering clarity. Obviously, almost all of the dialogue was captured on location, and voices are clear and easily u...

Supplements
Deleted Scenes (SD, 37:44)
As soon as you finish watching the documentary, fire up these eight deleted scenes and continue to be shocked by the shady tactics used by the Smithfield meatpacking plant, the pollution caused by industrialized agriculture, and the dangers of an unpoliced food industry. It's not all negative though, as we do get some redemptive optimism from Joel Salatin of the organic and self-sustaining Polyface Farm.

Celebrity Public Service Announ...

Final Words
Food, Inc. is frightening and inspiring, a literal revelation of the unchallenged paradigm that has ruled the food industry since the middle of the twentieth century. You may learn some things youll wish you hadnt. Youll definitely see some things thatll make a distinct impression. And while your dining practices may not be immediately altered, youll probably find yourself at least questioning the origins of the food you choose to eat. Highly recommended.......

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Toto: Falling in Between Live (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:20:13 -0500

Toto: Falling in Between is a show so good, it would undoubtedly make longtime fans of the band both happy and sad at the same time. On one hand, the fans would get one final glimpse at their idols delivering some truly inspiring performances of many of their greatest hits - "Rosanna", "Walk The Line", "Africa", "Dont Chain My Heart". On the other hand, they would be reminded that, indeed, Toto are no more - after Steve Lukather's departure in 2008, the band ceased to exist.

D...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i "live" transfer, Toto: Falling in Between arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Filmed at Paris' Le Zenith in March 2007, Toto: Falling in Between looks good on Blu-ray. Detail is strong - both during close-ups as well as during the numerous panoramic shots - and clarity pleasing. The color-scheme also does not disappoint - blues, reds, yellows, browns and blacks are l...

Audio
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM 2.0. I opted for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

In 2006, Eagle Rock Entertainment released Toto: Live in Amsterdam on Blu-ray, but many audiophiles were not overly impressed with the disc's audio portfolio. Well, I hope that most of these people end up purchasing Toto Fa...

Supplements
Interviews - six rather short interviews with Tony Spinner, Leland Sklar, Greg Phillinganes, Simon Phillips, Steve Lukather, and Bobby Kimball. The musicians talk about their music, those who have inspired them, the type of effect large audiences have on the band, etc. (1080/60i). ...

Final Words
Eagle Rock Entertainment's Toto: Falling in Between should make a lot of Toto fans very happy - the Blu-ray disc looks very good and sounds terrific. It is also priced right! Absolutely, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND it. ......

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Brüno (Bruno) (Blu-ray Review)

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:55:19 -0500
Master of disguise Sacha Baron Cohen misses the mark...

Despite our increasingly advanced technological wizardry and vast, ever-expanding scientific knowledge, mankind has utterly failed to quantify something as simple, as fundamental to the human experience as comedy. In fact, our every attempt to do so has been as humorous as the subjects we've studied. It seems unspooling humor is as futile a task as catching happiness in a firefly jar. Sure, scans have revealed the specific areas of the brain that react to certain stimuli, and extens...

Video
Brüno's 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer is difficult to evaluate. It strikes me as a technically proficient presentation that, for better or worse, captures the intended look of Cohen's faux-documentary, but it's also plagued by source anomalies that undermine the end result; anomalies I can only assume are products of Cohen's handheld footage rather than an uneven transfer. Brüno never looks better than it does in its opening minutes. Colors burst from every corner of the ...

Audio
I could essentially rehash everything I just wrote about Brüno's video transfer and apply it to Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Cohen doesn't often have the luxury of capturing the best sound during his various encounters and the studio's mix, while distinctly a lossless experience, is ultimately a tad underwhelming. Dialogue is generally crisp and well-prioritized, but often gets trampled in the inevitable chaos that erupts around Brüno. Likewise, LFE out...

Supplements
Bruno struts onto Blu-ray with a fairly generous supplemental package; one that includes more than an hour of deleted and extended scenes, an enhanced Picture-in-Picture commentary, a few exclusives, and Universal's usual batch of BD-Live features. Presented entirely in high definition, it's arguably more satisfying than the film it accompanies.

Enhanced Picture-in-Picture Commentary: Regardless of how you feel about the...

Final Words
Brüno is a bizarre blend of uncomfortable encounters, unsettling comedy, and disturbing reactions. While it's extremely funny at times, it lacks heart and vision; while I caught myself laughing far more often than I care to admit, I was left feeling empty and dissatisfied. Thankfully, Universal's Blu-ray release is a bit more fulfilling. It features a faithful video transfer, a decent DTS-HD Master Audio track, and a generous supplemental package that includes an enhanced Pic......

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Star Trek (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:15:22 -0500
This re-imaging of a classic redefines Blu-ray at its best.

You are fully capable of deciding your own destiny.

As it has since September 8, 1966 with the debut of "The Man Trap" on NBC that marked the beginning of the greatest and one of the longest-lasting Science Fiction franchises in the history of filmed entertainment, "Star Trek" once again boldly goes, this time to where it has never gone before in the span of 43 years, six television series, and 10 featur...

Video
Star Trek beams onto Blu-ray with a mesmerizing 1080p, 2.39:1-framed transfer. Whether live-action people and sets or purely digital effects shots, Star Trek never fails to dazzle with its impeccable detail that's clearly extraordinary from the get-go. In fact, and save for one or two very minor issues, there may not be a better or more natural-looking Blu-ray out there. Facial detail, which makes for one of the first truly startling images when the camera focuses on t...

Audio
Star Trek warps onto Blu-ray with a startling Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Though the soundtrack might not be as loud and powerful as some might have hoped for, it's a wonderful listen that strives for a more realistic tone rather than an unnaturally aggressive mix. Precise and clear throughout, nary a moment passes where either high-octane action or subtle atmospherics don't make for a satisfying sonic experience. Indeed, the track excels when it comes to minor ambi...

Supplements
Star Trek materializes onto Blu-ray with a fascinating and massive collection of extras spread across three discs. Disc one's primary extra is a feature-length commentary track with Director J.J. Abrams, Producers Bryan Burk and Damon Lindelof, and Writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The track is immediately identifiable as affable and easygoing, but at the same time full of fascinating insights into the film. They begin by speaking on the year-and-a-half discussion as to...

Final Words
Star Trek is an extraordinary film on every level. Satisfying both longtime fans and tepid newcomers alike to the series, Director J.J. Abrams' vision of Gene Roddenberry's future is a dazzling achievement of filmmaking, special effects, and story, not to mention a perfect rekindling of a sadly dormant franchise. While Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin will never replace William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForrest Kell......

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Two Girls and a Guy (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:48:33 -0500
Do you really want to do this? Were at the door of uninhibited disclosure.

Can you love two people at once? When posed with the question, one character on the British sitcom Peepshowwhich, if you havent seen it, is absolutely worth tracking downsums it up awkwardly, but tidily. No, sure, obviously you can, he says, but you dont. You work out who you like best and pretend not to like anyone else. The extent to which thats true is open to personal interpretation, but the dilemma presents ample opportunity for dramatic conflict, and has been memo...

Video
For a nearly 12-year-old film made for only one million big ones, Two Girls and a Guy looks good on Blu-ray. I wouldnt say great, but the films 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer does seem true to source, never hindering the presentation with any technical obstacles. Clarity is mixed throughout the film. Close-ups, in general, show a terrific amount of detail. If you examine the shots of Heather Graham outside the apartment, youll notice sharp facial textures; theres no waxin...

Audio
As a completely dialogue-driven film, youd be correct in assuming that there arent any real sonic showpieces in Two Girls and a Guy. The films DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is mostly front-heavy, with an emphasis on voice and music. Its clear that a lot of post-production ADR looping was done for the dialogue, and my only real qualm about the audio presentation is the slightly artificial quality of the actors voices. Theres just something a little off about the way everyon...

Supplements
R-Rated and NC-17 Versions of the Film
Theres really not much difference between the two cutsit only amounts to a few seconds of footage, all relating to the orally enthusiastic scene between Heather Graham and Robert Downey Jr. The separate versions are selectable from a screen before the main menu.

Commentary by James Toback, Robert Downey Jr. and Natasha Gregson Wagner
Toback starts this track off by detailing how he wrote the script after seeing Downe...

Final Words
Two Girls and a Guy, despite the catchy, evocative title, isnt exactly a romantic comedy. Theres no romance involved at allsex and selfishness form the basis for the trinitys relationship and the comedy is of the cold and cynical variety, derived from the absurd human situation that Blake haplessly creates. However, as a drama, and more specifically, a character study, the film is effective in exploring the tension between monogamy and mans inborn impulse to spread his seed ......

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Richard Bangs' Adventures with Purpose: India, Quest for the One-Horned Rhino (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:37:08 -0500
One of the more personal episodes of Bangs' series finds the explorer in Assam, India, looking for a species that was almost extinct only about a century ago.

Americans pride themselves, rightly or wrongly considering our somewhat spotty track record, as environmental activists with a long history of at least attempting to address concerns about pollution and endangered species. And so it may come as something of a surprise to some viewers of this particular episode of the Richard Bangs Adventures with Purpose series to find that far off India was doing pretty remarkable work in protecting both its land and especially its endangered rhinos as ...

Video
All of these Adventures with Purpose offerings have, thus far at least, been a case of half glass full or half glass empty, image wise. Encoded via MPEG-2, India frequently offers a stunningly sharp and extremely well saturated and very colorful image. Details can be sharp and amazingly clear, allowing you to see, for example, the refracted light of a camera in the unbelievable red of an elephant's eye. However, India also struggles more than occasionally with horrible ri...

Audio
India has an uncompressed PCM 2.0 track that is generally quite fine considering the fact that a lot of the documentary is simply Bangs talking, either on screen or via voiceover narration. However, this episode does also feature a wealth of ethnic music, including a long musical segment at a harvest festival, and I must admit I longed for a more immersive surround sound experience at those times. The music here is quite wonderful, marked by the great low "thunk" of the tablas, but also...

Supplements
I am once again scratching my head as to why these Blu-rays offer no real supplements when the included advertisements for the SD-DVD versions of these titles boast about "over two hours of bonus content." Did no one think we'd notice? Once again, all that is offered (aside from the broadcast version ads, if you consider those extras) are other Adventures with Purpose trailers, and a web portal link....

Final Words
Richard Bangs' personal involvement with the environmental movement as a whole, and the attempt to rescue the one-horned rhino in particular, make this an unusually personal episode in his Adventures with Purpose series. There are some significant authoring problems on this Blu-ray, making it less than wonderful to view at least some of the time, but this might be an informative rental for those of you with an interest in the region.......

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Logan's Run (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:22:07 -0500
Another classic Science Fiction film arrives on Blu-ray.

Run, runner!

So what does the world of Logan's Run really look like, that is, beyond the flowing and revealing singularly-colored garb, sterile indoor environments, and the ability to change faces on a whim? There's little-to-no baldness. Not bad! There are no cutesy little "Lordy, Lordy, Logan's 40!" quips in the newspaper. A definite plus! Grumpy Old Men doesn't exist. Eh, take it or ...

Video
Logan's Run jogs onto Blu-ray with a decent 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. Though the image looks consistently flat, much of that may be attributed to the mundane set design that doesn't do much to spruce up the image and populate it with objects that give more than a basic sense of depth to the frame. The sterility and smoothness of the dome play in contrast to the bowels of the forbidden zones behind the walls, and fine detail tends to become more visible as the movie mo...

Audio
Logan's Run arrives on Blu-ray with an uneven Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. As for the good, the surround channels are used to fine effect in several instances, particularly during some early overhead model shots of the dome. The clarity and precision of Jerry Goldsmith's score isn't to die for; it's a passable rendition but won't be mistaken for a fresh-out-of-theaters modern presentation. Several sound effects play far too loudly at reference volume, and Loga...

Supplements
Unfortunately, this Blu-ray release of Logan's Run delivers a rather paltry collection of extras. First up is a commentary track with Director Michael Anderson, Actor Michael York, and Costume Designer Bill Thomas. The three participants are recorded separately and have been cobbled together after the fact for flow. Each participant is well-spoken and informed, recalling plenty of interesting facts all these years later, from the design and special effects of Carrousel to the...

Final Words
Logan's Run turned 30 several years ago, and thankfully, the film wasn't lost to the brutal ritual of Carrousel. Instead, it's been reborn on Blu-ray as a quality release from Warner Brothers. Although neither the picture nor sound are going to rival G.I. Joe, Logan's Run probably won't look or sound worlds better in some future release than it does here. There are still some aggravating flaws, parti......

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Ugly Truth (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:09:58 -0500
'The Ugly Truth' looks beautiful on Blu-ray.

You have to be two people: the saint and the sinner.

What an appropriate title -- with an emphasis on the "ugly" -- for one of the lesser Romantic Comedies of the decade. The Ugly Truth waddles through genre clichés but does so not with spunk, spirit, or even a good old-fashioned sense of fun, but with generic, unlikable characters; a boring and predictable story; and not even a hint of charm. The Ugly Truth suffers not from genre overexposure but ra...

Video
One thing that's definitely not ugly about The Ugly Truth is Sony's gorgeous 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. It's becoming old hat to review these pristine and film-like transfers from the studio, but it never gets old watching them. This transfer instantly transports viewers to the local high-quality multiplex thanks to its incredible detail, rich color palette, stunning detail, crisp definition, and nice sense of depth. As typical of a Romantic Comedy, the colors thro...

Audio
The Ugly Truth features a strong DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that's as good as the video transfer. Other than music, there's little more than dialogue and light atmospherics to be found herein, but each is so wonderfully presented that the general lack of a whiz-bang, action-packed soundtrack is soon forgotten once the various pop songs blare through the sound system. Music plays with fantastic power but also pitch-perfect clarity. It also comes with a good bit ...

Supplements
The Ugly Truth features several extras. First is a commentary with Director Robert Luketic and Producer Gary Lucchesi that covers only select scenes: Opening Sequence, Mike's First Broadcast, Abby Meets Colin, Mike Coaches Abby, The Baseball Game, Vibrating Panties, The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Mike and Abby Dance, Mike's Disappointment, and The Hot Air Balloon. Next up is a collection of six del...

Final Words
A Romantic Comedy need not be meaningful but it does require its characters be affable and its story be charming to work, but The Ugly Truth instead goes for, well, the ugly, and the result is a movie that follows basic genre clichés but fails in its attempt to branch out and delve into raunchier territory that sacrifices the lighthearted innocence that defines the best the genre has to offer. Nevertheless, genre aficionados and fans of the film will love Sony's technical present......

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The Negotiator (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:44:10 -0500
Abandon disbelief all ye who enter here...

There's no greater cinematic sin than releasing a trailer that reveals the full width and breadth of a film. The Negotiator was billed as a shocking, unpredictable thriller designed to keep audiences guessing; a well-cast '90s powerhouse with rapidfire twists and turns aplenty. That is until its theatrical trailer, in just two minutes and twenty-three seconds, gave viewers a complete preview of every ...

Video
The Negotiator cozies up to your home theater with a solid 1080p/VC-1 transfer that, minor mishaps not withstanding, looks considerably better than its standard DVD counterpart. Russell Carpenter's palette tends to favor murky browns and chilly grays, but Warner's presentation still manages to impress, injecting stark reds, suitably resolved blacks, and natural skintones into the proceedings. Yes, delineation leaves something to be desired, but the level of foreground detail more than m...

Audio
The Negotiator's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track leaves something to be desired. Dialogue is generally intelligible and well prioritized, but sometimes slips beneath the waves of whirring helicopters and smashing glass. LFE support is aggressive during action sequences, but timid whenever guns are holstered. Moreover, the front-heavy soundfield doesn't leave much room for rear speaker activity. Granted, every time the police try to breach good ol' Sam's inner sanctum, a welcome flurry...

Supplements
Sadly, the supplemental package consists of just two featurettes. "The 11th Hour: Stories from a Real Life Negotiator" (SD, 7 minutes) gives LAPD Negotiator Todd Rheingold an opportunity to discuss the unique challenges he's faced over the course of his career. He's an engaging storyteller, but I would have rather listened to him dissect the scene-specific merits and factual inaccuracies of the film in an audio commentary. Elsewhere, a lengthier featurette called "On Location: Why Chicago" (S...

Final Words
The Negotiator routinely falls flat, riddled with plot holes, contrivances, and leap-frogging logic. However, Jackson and Spacey's scene-chewing performances -- as well as some crafty twists and turns in the screenplay -- save the film from bargain bin hell, making this decidedly '90s popcorn thriller worth a look. As for Warner's Blu-ray edition, it's comparable to the studio's other recent, second-tier catalog releases. In other words, a release that delivers a strong video transfer,......

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Christmas Carol (Scrooge) (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:08:12 -0500
Considered by many fans to be the definitive version of Dickens' immortal classic, the 1951 British film debuts on Blu-ray.

Its probably next to impossible for most of us to imagine a time when there wasnt an Ebenezer Scrooge, so ingrained has that indelible character become in our collective consciousness. And yet that despicable (if lovable) curmudgeon who made Bah, humbug! a retort of renown has only been around since 1843, a veritable blink of the eye in literary historical terms. Nonetheless, I think youd be hard pressed to find a more influential tome than Charles Dickens little Christmas novella, a b...

Video
There is a substantial upgrade in image quality on this new 1080p/MPEG-2 encoded Blu-ray from even VCI's excellently restored DVD release of a couple of years ago. I was immediately struck by the brilliant contrast, which offered wonderfully inky blacks and a similarly excellent grayscale. Whites bristle nicely in the snow scenes and never bloom. Sharpness and clarity are quite good as well, though the film grain does occasionally devolve into noisiness at times. All of this is not to say t...

Audio
Unfortunately, the audio options on this Blu-ray are not up to the standards set by the generally excellent image quality. Two Dolby Digital mixes are included, the original mono track as well as a repurposed 5.1 surround mix. Both choices sadly leave quite a bit to be desired. I frankly couldn't stand listening to the 5.1 for very long, as it is saddled with such bad chorusing and reverb that I personally found it unlistenable. That same chorusing effect is still apparent, though less bothe...

Supplements
VCI did a superb job a couple of years ago with their 2 DVD release of this title, which offered some wonderful bonuses, including a whole second version of the property (a 1935 Seymour Hicks starrer, also called Scrooge). For some reason VCI has chosen to offer this Blu-ray on a 25G disc, meaning bonuses on the Blu-ray itself are limited to the DVD commentary by Cole being ported over and the British and US trailers included (as well as a VCI promo), and a pop-up trivia track.

...

Final Words
It's never really Christmas without some version of A Christmas Carol. Viewers have so many choices with this source material that it would be arrogant for me to deign which is the best. But a lot of fans have maintained this is certainly one of the best, if not the all-time champ, and I certainly wouldn't argue with that. This Blu-ray offers a nice upgrade in image quality, if also troublesome audio, but if you're a fan of this version, you'll most likely be thrilled and won't ......

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Emmanuelle (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:32 -0500

Gallic director Just Jaeckin's classic erotic film "Emmanuelle" (1974) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of local distributors Studio Canal. Amongst the supplemental features on the disc are the terrific documentaries "An erotic success" and "An interview with Emmanuelle". The disc has been coded for Regions A and B, which means that it is perfectly playable in North American PS3s and SAs. Additionally, the disc's main menu could be set in one of the following languages: English, French, Spanish, ...

Video
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Just Jaeckin's Emmanuelle arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Studio Canal.

This French release of Emmanuelle is a major upgrade over most every other release of the film that I have seen. Detail, especially during close-ups, is dramatically improved, clarity very good and contrast terrific. The color-scheme is fabulous. Red, greens, blues, yellows, brow...

Audio
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, and Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. I opted for the French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track for the purpose of this review.

The dialog is crisp, clear and very easy to follow. Pierre Bachelet's beautiful score conveys terrific fidelity (the piano and guitar solos in particular are lov...

Supplements
Note: All of the supplemental features on this disc are in PAL. Therefore, if you reside in North America, or another region where PAL is not supported, you must have a Region-Free player capable of converting PAL to NTSC, or a TV set capable of receiving native PAL data, in order to view them.

An erotic success - a terrific documentary on the history of director Just Jaeckin's Emmanuelle. Producer Yves Rousset-Rouard, director Just Jaeckin, and critics tal...

Final Words
This is a wonderful Blu-ray package by French distributors Studio Canal - director Just Jaeckin's classic erotic film Emmanuelle looks and sounds very good. The English-friendly supplemental features included on the disc are also very informative. Most importantly, the Blu-ray disc is coded for regions A and B, which means that it is perfectly playable in North American PS3s and SAs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ......

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I Love You, Beth Cooper (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:51:33 -0500
Love is much, much too strong a word. In fact, the wrong word altogether.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of reviewing Say Anything, Cameron Crowes classic coming-of-age teen romance, forever immortalized by the image of John Cusack holding a boom box over his head in an act of defiant love. As fans of the film knowand the film has many, many fans its touching and tender, funny, witty, and wholly original while still working within the confines of its genre. In short, its everything that I Love You, Beth Cooper is not. I hate to compare ...

Video
If I Love You, Beth Cooper has one thing going for it, its that the films 1080p/AVC- encoded transfer is vivid and detailed. It doesnt fall among the ranks of Blu-rays best, but for a film of this caliberand genreit looks swell. The opening graduation scene sets the tone for the films visual look; the cap n gowns are bright and colorful, with excellent depth, a warm cast saturates the image, and clarity is strong in both close-ups and mid-to-long range shots. In general, th...

Audio
Equally sufficient is the films DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which offers few opportunities for impressive audio action, but definitely pumps out the jams that the film so regularly employs to make us feel young and alive. The music does sound excellently loud and raucous here, especially when the kids are all driving around in the car, singing along to Alice Coopers Schools Out. Bass is weighty, the high end is detailed, and the music floods the soundfield from all sid...

Supplements
Alternate Ending (1080p, 6:59)
There's no way, no way, they could've ever seriously considering using this as the ending to the film. I know its the original ending to the book, but it just doesnt work at all here and I can see why they didnt use it. I won't give it away, but I will say it involves a bear costume, a shotgun, a canoe paddle wielded like a lightsaber, and the potential for a sequel. Scary stuff.

Deleted Scenes (1080p, 7:36)
The four dele...

Final Words
20th Century Fox has released two other relationship films this weekSay Anything and Two Girls and a Guyand either of them would make a better choice than I Love You, Beth Cooper. In fact, I urge you to pick up Say Anything; its one of the best teen love stories of the 80s. Stay away from Beth Cooper though. Its like a freeze-dried, desiccated, beef jerky version of Say Anything, if that makes any sense. ......

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It's a Wonderful Life (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:31:02 -0500
Paramount's Blu-ray release of this all-time classic is worth living for.

Please God, let me live again.

Recognized as a fine film but hardly considered the classic it's hailed as today upon its initial release in 1946, Director Frank Capra's (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) It's a Wonderful Life took a turn for the wonderful over the years, emerging not as merely a "good" or even "memorable" film, but an unmistakable classic not only because of its Christmas setting (at least in the final act) but because of its enduring message ...

Video
It's a Wonderful Life arrives on Blu-ray with a handsome 1080p, 1.37:1-framed transfer that preserves the film's original presentation by placing vertical black bars on either side of the image when projected on a 1.78:1 display. The image is consistently sharp, clear, and wonderfully detailed, with only the occasional shot going a bit -- but not distractingly so -- soft. Almost from the get-go, Parmaount's transfer impresses with the level of visible detail seen in the phar...

Audio
Though delivered with but a monaural soundtrack, It's a Wonderful Life's lack of a lossless or uncompressed 1.0 soundtrack option is something of a disappointment. Though this is certainly not the sort of material that's going to be leaps and bounds better one way or the other, one might reasonably assume a slight upgrade in clarity with a lossless mix. Nevertheless, the included Dolby Digital 1.0 track is sufficient in every regard. Limited to the original source material, the...

Supplements
It's a Wonderful Life features two bonus materials, both found on disc one, the same one housing the black-and-white version of the film. The Making of 'It's a Wonderful Life' (480p, 22:45), hosted by Tom Bosley, takes a surprisingly enthralling look at the history of the film. It begins with a glimpse at the greeting card -- "The Greatest Gift" -- that inspired the film and moves on to share Frank Capra's involvement and his style of positive and uplifting filmmaking, ...

Final Words
Certainly not a traditional Christmas Movie in the generic sense of the term, It's a Wonderful Life is nevertheless perhaps the one film that truly defines the spirit of the Holiday as it was meant to be understood. George's actions -- though he in no way sets out with such lofty ideals -- impacts the lives of all around him, and for the better, not because of power or wealth, but because of spirit and a sound heart. It's a Wonderful Life, then, states that being rich......

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Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Concertos for Double Orchestra (Acoustic Reality Experience) (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:02:57 -0500
A wonderfully immersive listening experience of Vivaldi's best known work, "The Four Seasons," coupled with two lesser known concerti which are similarly delightful.

Even those without any particular appreciation for classical music tend to love the compositions of Antonio Vivaldi. Effortlessly ebullient and never less than rapturously melodic, Vivaldis oeuvre has entered the public lexicon as few composers have. Even my relatively young sons recognized The Four Seasons, one of the offerings on this 2008 Surround Records Blu-ray release, as soon as it started playing. If youre no particular fan of classical music, or even Vivald...

Video
...

Audio
Surround Records licensed the original Naxos 5.1 source elements and repurposed them for this brilliantly effective DTS HD-MA 7.1 Blu-ray. Sampled at 96 kHz, this Surround offering also features a backward compatible 5.1 core with a bit rate of 1509 kbps. Though this is actually an older recording (1999), there's little to no age-indicative issues that wary listeners might be momentarily uptight about. Sitting in the middle of my 7.1 setup, I was generally enthusiastic about what ...

Supplements
No supplements are offered on this audio only Blu-ray....

Final Words
As I've mentioned in previous audio Blu-ray reviews, I'm still actually wrapping my head around Blu-ray as an audio only format. The list of failed multichannel surround audio formats doesn't augur well for audio only Blu-rays, and yet releases like this one show the potential of surround recordings to an impeccable degree. This is wonderful music, wonderfully played and recorded, and I highly recommend it.......

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Red Dwarf: Back to Earth (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:29:22 -0500
An anticipated rebirth falls painfully flat...

Before cable television wormed its way into every bedroom and basement, TV junkies like my teenage self survived on a slim diet of NBC, ABC, and PBS. And it was through snow-hazed public television that we discovered low-budget British gems like Doctor Who and Red Dwarf, series that relied on sharp storytelling and memorable characters to overcome their meager production values. It didn't matter what these shows were missing -- believable sets, convincing costumes, the latest spe...

Video
Red Dwarf: Back to Earth features a decent 1080i/VC-1 transfer that, relatively minor shortcomings aside, looks pretty good. Colors are vivid, contrast is strong, and detail sharper is than I expected. Fine textures aren't nearly as crisp as they are on other BBC television releases, but it isn't a distraction. Likewise, black levels occasionally fall short but, for the most part, remain fairly deep throughout. And while skintones bobble between pasty and chalky, rarely warming to the...

Audio
Red Dwarf: Back to Earth includes a DTS-HD High Resolution 5.1 surround track (not to be confused with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mix) that isn't strong enough to match the vigor of the cast's performances. Dialogue is spotty -- sometimes clean and clear, sometimes thin and pinched -- but prioritization is passable and the track's dynamics are eager to please. Similarly, LFE support is a tad clumsy and oafish at times, but generally injects enough weight into the proceedings to show...

Supplements
The 2-disc Blu-ray edition of Red Dwarf: Back to Earth comes loaded with special features. Two audio commentaries, a hefty production documentary, and a series of featurettes, deleted scenes, and other goodies should leave any fan frothing at the mouth. As an added bonus, all of the video content is presented in high definition.

Audio Commentaries: Writer/director Doug Naylor sits down for a solo chat about the production and...

Final Words
Red Dwarf: Back to Earth is a misfire. Newcomers will be lost, diehards will be disappointed, and apologists will be left with little ammunition. The 2-disc Blu-ray release is better, offering fans a commendable 1080i video transfer, a capable but underwhelming DTS-HD HR audio track, and a wealth of supplemental content (all of which is presented in high definition). If you aren't familiar with Red Dwarf, skip this entire release. However, if you have fond memories of the class......

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Looking for Eric (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:04:06 -0500

Nominated for Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, British director Ken Loach's "Looking for Eric" (2009) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of UK-based distributors Icon Home Entertainment. Legendary Manchester United F.C. footballer Eric Cantona has a significant cameo performance in the film. Amongst the supplemental features on the disc are the documentary "United We Stand" (with a special appearance by current Manchester United F.C. manager Sir Alex Ferguson); "Another City", a short...

Video
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Ken Loach's Looking for Eric arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of UK-based distributors Icon Home Entertainment.

This is a lovely transfer! As intended by director Loach, many of the indoor scenes have a distinctively warm look, with natural light playing a very important part in them. Contrast varies but detail is consistent. The outdoor scenes are much more vibrant, though still...

Audio
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English Dolby Digital 5.1 (a descriptive audio track is included as well). I opted for the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the English Dolby Digital 5.1 track for the purpose of this review.

Looking for Eric is primarily a dialog-driven feature, which is one of the key reasons why you would not detect a great deal of activity in your surroun...

Supplements
Note: All of the supplemental features on this disc are in PAL. Therefore, if you reside in North America, or another region where PAL is not supported, you must have a Region-Free player capable of converting PAL to NTSC, or a TV set capable of receiving native PAL data, in order to view them.

United We Stand - an informative documentary in which director Ken Loach talks about what it means to be a fan of the beautiful game. Current Manchester United F.C. manager...

Final Words
British director Ken Loach's Looking for Eric is a warm, hilarious yet genuinely sad film about a man trying to get back on his feet. The film harbors a few of the director's favored social overtones, but it is undoubtedly one of his least controversial works. Legendary footballer Eric Cantona has a key part in the film. Icon Home Entertainment's Blu-ray treatment of Looking for Eric is solid. Their disc also arrives with a number of terrific supplemental features. VERY HIGHLY RECO......

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Escaflowne: The Movie (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:24:01 -0500
Far different from the television series, the film offers a darker, menacing tone.

Thinking back on the theatrical anime releases unleashed on western shores in the early portion of this decade, Escaflowne ranks near the top of my list. Loosely based on the 26-episode television series titled The Vision of Escaflowne, the film was directed by Kazuki Akane (who also directed the prior series), and provided anime fans their first glimpse at the capabilities of the newly created BONES animation studio. Back at the time of the films production, it was rare for a theatr...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 28Mbps), Escaflowne looks almost as beautiful as I imagined it would in high-definition. Fine-object detail receives a dramatic upgrade over the prior standard definition version, revealing intricacies never before seen in the hand-painted backgrounds. Lines and textures on the characters in the foreground look nice and clear as well, though we still have a handful of scenes that appear slightly hazy in comparison with the re...

Audio
Continuing their excellent track record of offering lossless tracks in the native language of Japanese AND the dubbed English version, Bandai has once again given viewers the option of deciding which version they prefer. Switching back and forth between the two, Id conclude the Japanese version is slightly superior given the higher volume of the dialog on the track. The English version is still far from disappointing, but anime enthusiasts who prefer the native track will have little to compl...

Supplements
Staff Interviews (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 23:52 min): Containing interviews with several major players in the production of the film, this supplement is interesting more for the level of discomfort generated during multiple interviews. For instance, the second interview has director Kazuki Akane and English voice actor Kelly Sheridan in the same room, but Akane had not been given an opportunity to hear her work. The interviewer doesnt know they going in, and does his best to make them both a...

Final Words
Youd be hard pressed to find an anime fan that hasnt seen Escaflowne at some point in the past seven years. Back when it was released on DVD, the film was a day-one purchase for me, and Ive been equally excited to get my hands on the new high-definition release. Unlike some fans, I consider the darker tone of the film to be a welcomed change from the television series, and despite the confusing initial half hour of the film, newcomers to the Escaflowne franchise should be able......

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Killer Movie (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:49:14 -0500
What greater truth is there than reality, even when its scripted?

Do you ever sit down to watch a slasher film and wonder when well start witnessing new life in the stale genre? Im not sure why, but far too many aspiring filmmakers turn to routine blood-soaked fair to make their big splash on the world. Perhaps its the acceptance of poor acting in low-budget horror, or the belief that ripping off pieces of every slasher film released over the past 10 years will somehow go unnoticed, but Im continually let down by the lack of ingenuity on the part of thes...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 19Mbps), Killer Movie isnt one of the better Blu-rays Ive encountered. Fine object detail is average at best, with a handful of scenes appearing noticeably worse than others. Facial textures blend together, fibers on clothing arent well resolved, and character outlines are a touch on the hazy side. This is still far superior to a DVD, but the mere fact that I feel the need to include that statement should indicate ...

Audio
Similar to the visual experience, the audio presentation is a mixed bag. The level of clarity in the various elements that comprise the audio mix is impressive, and the volume balance rarely had me reaching for the remote control. However, I was a bit disappointed in the front-heavy nature of the mix, which doesnt generate a high level of surround activity. This clearly isnt a budget-blowing Hollywood presentation, so we cant expect the same intense sound design that wed find in the recen...

Supplements
Behind the Scenes of Killer Movie (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 13:15 min): Mostly consisting of interviews with the cast and director, this seems to be more of a marketing featurette that gives potential viewers an idea of what they can expect from the movie. If youve already wasted 90 minutes on the film, cut your losses and skip this supplement.

The only other extra included on the disc is a restricted trailer in standard definition....

Final Words
Killer Movie is a production with little redeeming value. Whether youre a fan of the horror genre or not, the film never generates enough laughs or chills to justify multiple viewings. Considering the abundance of newly released films arriving on Blu-ray to coincide with Halloween, there are much better ways to spend your hard-earned cash. Rent this only as a last resort.......

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season One (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:45:45 -0500
In the wake of a critically panned movie, Lucasfilm Animation gets it right...

Star Wars overmind George Lucas hasn't had it easy. Sure, he's raked in countless billions of dollars and forged a golden empire worthy of a principled rebellion or two, but his forays into expanding his own universe have been met with less than enthusiastic responses. After the glory that is the Original Trilogy left fanboys frothing at the mouth, Lucas turned his attention to animation, merchandising, videogames, and all manners of media; a marketing free-for-all that culminated in th...

Video
The Clone Wars: The Complete Season One blazes onto Blu-ray with a fit and faithful 1080p/VC-1 transfer that captures every splash of color, every Outer Rim texture, and every fine line that graces Lucasfilm Animation's CG canvas. Brilliant reds, vivid blues, swampy greens, and inky blacks lend depth and stability to the image, while picture-perfect contrast and direct-from-the-digital-tap details put it in the same league as other top tier animated releases. Granted, the animation itse...

Audio
The lone point of contention on Warner's impressive 3-disc release will be its lossy, 640kbps Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track. Without a lossless or uncompressed mix to be heard, fans will certainly cry foul, bemoaning the studio's seeming unwillingness to take advantage of the full sonic potential of the series' dogfights and lightsaber battles. However, the track is a competent one. Dialogue is crisp, warm, and well-prioritized, and lines are never buried beneath the at-times bombastic act...

Supplements
The 3-disc Blu-ray edition of The Clone Wars: The Complete Season One is a beauty. I'm usually not a big fan of digibook packaging, but the folks at Warner have really outdone themselves with this one. Handsome, sturdy, and well-constructed, the hardcover case opens to reveal disc casings attached to the front and rear covers, an exclusive 68-page production journal nestled safely and comfortably between, and a generous collection of original sketches and notes spread throughout its pag...

Final Words
Whether you enjoyed the theatrically released Clone Wars film or despised every minute of it, be sure to give the first full season of the television series a fair chance. Its creators have a firm grasp on Lucas' characters and universe and, small missteps aside, have produced a compelling expansion of the Star Wars prequels' mythos. The 3-disc Blu-ray release of The Complete Season One is sure to upset some due to its lossy Dolby Digital surround track, but its near-perfe......

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Forrest Gump Chocolate Box Giftset: Sapphire Edition (with Book) (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:19:21 -0500
You know what you're going to get with this stellar release from Paramount.

I don't know if we have a destiny or if we're all just floating around all accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both.

Few films perfectly symbolize that old phrase "movie magic," and Forrest Gump not only symbolizes it, it defines it. Director Robert Zemeckis' (Beowulf) complexly choreographed and seamless special effects-laden tale of extraordinary simplicity charmed; spoke ...

Video
Forrest Gump floats onto Blu-ray with a spectacular 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer. Aside from the occasional speckle over the image, Forrest Gump delivers a natural and film-like high definition transfer that should more than satisfy both longtime fans of the film and videophiles alike. The transfer reveals a strong sense of depth in most every scene, exceptional clarity and sharpness, high levels of fine detail, strong color reproduction, and a moderate layer of natura...

Audio
Just as good -- if not better -- than the video presentation is Forrest Gump's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Generally, Forrest Gump is a dialogue-heavy film with little room for aggressive and loud sound effects, but in those few moments where the track comes alive, is excels and proves itself just as good as anything else out there. The track does enjoy a few good directional effects early on, for instance a bicycle clacking across the front half of the soundstag...

Supplements
This "Box of Chocolates" Blu-ray release of Forrest Gump features a plethora of extra material spread over two Blu-ray discs, and it includes several bonuses found inside the packaging. Inside a box measuring approximately 11"x7.5"x1.25," buyers will find a "scratch-n-sniff" replica of assorted chocolates, a white feather, and a full-color, 14-page booklet containing quotes, trivia, and images from the film. Disc one of the set features two commentary tracks, the first...

Final Words
If Forrest Gump's genuine emotion, heartfelt honesty, and innocent tone doesn't bring a tear to the eye, the fates of several of the characters will. Though completely fabricated, the life of Forrest Gump makes for a moving tale of the strength of simplicity and heart in a time of great upheaval both personally and in the world at large, and it does so by juxtaposing two contrasting elements -- both fiction and nonfiction and gentleness and turmoil -- and thereby creating a sin......

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Forrest Gump (Sapphire Edition) (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:19:13 -0500
You know what you're going to get with this stellar release from Paramount.

I don't know if we have a destiny or if we're all just floating around all accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both.

Few films perfectly symbolize that old phrase "movie magic," and Forrest Gump not only symbolizes it, it defines it. Director Robert Zemeckis' (Beowulf) complexly choreographed and seamless special effects-laden tale of extraordinary simplicity charmed; spoke ...

Video
Forrest Gump floats onto Blu-ray with a spectacular 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer. Aside from the occasional speckle over the image, Forrest Gump delivers a natural and film-like high definition transfer that should more than satisfy both longtime fans of the film and videophiles alike. The transfer reveals a strong sense of depth in most every scene, exceptional clarity and sharpness, high levels of fine detail, strong color reproduction, and a moderate layer of natura...

Audio
Just as good -- if not better -- than the video presentation is Forrest Gump's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Generally, Forrest Gump is a dialogue-heavy film with little room for aggressive and loud sound effects, but in those few moments where the track comes alive, is excels and proves itself just as good as anything else out there. The track does enjoy a few good directional effects early on, for instance a bicycle clacking across the front half of the soundstag...

Supplements
This Blu-ray release of Forrest Gump features a plethora of extra material spread over two Blu-ray discs. Disc one of the set features two commentary tracks, the first with Director Robert Zemeckis, Producer Steve Starkey, and Production Designer Rick Carter. Discussions include the purpose of the feather that begins the movie, Tom Hanks' performance and his comfort with the character, Forrest's character traits, casting additional roles, the film's visual style, molding t...

Final Words
If Forrest Gump's genuine emotion, heartfelt honesty, and innocent tone doesn't bring a tear to the eye, the fates of several of the characters will. Though completely fabricated, the life of Forrest Gump makes for a moving tale of the strength of simplicity and heart in a time of great upheaval both personally and in the world at large, and it does so by juxtaposing two contrasting elements -- both fiction and nonfiction and gentleness and turmoil -- and thereby creating a sin......

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Aliens in the Attic: Special Edition (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:41:00 -0500
If youre over 13, expect to feel alienated.

If you grew up in a large extended family, with a legion of siblings and cousins, you probably remember having imaginative adventures during get-togetherssnowball fights became epic wars between good and evil, trips to the lake played host to high-seas hijinks, and homemade table n blanket forts were envisioned as massive military complexes from which to stage food-raid invasions of the kitchen. Aliens in the Attic feels like that kind of make-believe playmakingOh no! There a...

Video
On the upside, Aliens in the Attic features a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer thats frequently visually arresting. The whole film displays an excellent sense of clarity and detail, but there are certain sceneslike when the family goes out on the lake, or when Bethany and Ricky flirt on the dockthat display stunning presence and dimensionality, where the screen really looks like a window into the movies world. This, of course, is aided by perfect contrast, satisfyingly deep black ...

Audio
Aliens in the Attic lands on Blu-ray with solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that, while not quite as involving as it could be, nonetheless broadcasts the film with a deep dynamic range and a well-balanced mix. Voices are stalwartly clear and crisp, indoor and outdoor acoustics are reproduced accurately, and the sound effects are generally excellent. I especially like the aliens anti-gravity grenade, which disperses a low LFE purring. The orchestral score isnt incredib...

Supplements
Introduction to Film with Ashley Tisdale (1080p, 21sec.)
Am I just old? Am I supposed to know who Ashley Tisdale is? It took me some IMDB'ing, but I eventually found out she's one of the key drama queens from High School Musical. Here, she warns the little ones that they might want to close their eyes. "Just kidding," she says, "it's not too scary."

Alternate Ending (1080p, 2:48)
I can see why they didn't go with this endingit's kind of clumsy. Do...

Final Words
Its sometimes difficult to judge kids movies. Looking back on some of my favorites when I was a kid, many seem completely trite in retrospect, but I remember intensely loving them at the time. I imagine the same will be true for kids who like Aliens in the Attic. Its not great filmmaking or storytellingby any means, but it offers up a few laughs and, lets face it, a kung fu grandma is pretty funny. Adults will want to find something else to do while their kids watch ......

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Heat (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:46:10 -0500
Michael Mann's magnum opus finally gets a Blu-ray release...

We writers are an easily distracted lot. Put Al Pacino and Robert De Niro together in a film and we'll wax poetic for 1500 words on their pairing alone. Unfortunately, that means we're quick to shortchange the finer points of a gritty cops-n-robbers masterpiece like writer/director Michael Mann's Heat. Don't get me wrong, Pacino and De Niro deliver the performances of their post-Godfather careers, and their two, scene-chewing confrontations singe the screen, but it's the strengt...

Video
Your appreciation of Warner's 1080p/VC-1 transfer will largely come down to the nature of your expectations. Anyone hoping for a faithful rendering of Mann's grim-n-gritty aesthetics, bleached palette, and oppressive shadows will be enamored with the results, while those looking for the latest and greatest high definition presentation will be slightly underwhelmed. I, for one, am more than happy with how it turned out. Colors and skintones are consistent with Mann's intentions, blacks are sui...

Audio
Heat is also packing an excellent Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track; one that makes Warner's previously released DVD mixes sound like relics of a bygone age. Dialogue is crisp and nicely prioritized, leaving little to the imagination. Some lines are lost in the chaos of Mann's firefights, but it's always a product of intention, never an issue with the lossless track itself. LFE output is staggering, lending gunshots immense weight and other soundscape elements natural presence. Hanna an...

Supplements
Heat's supplemental package doesn't offer the usual bells and whistles afforded such highly anticipated releases, but it is a strong one, granting viewers welcome access to Mann's mind and filmmaking process. Unfortunately, its video content is presented in standard definition. Hardly what I would expect for one of Warner's premiere films.

Audio Commentary: Director Michael Mann does a fine job filling three hours of film wit...

Final Words
Heat's long-awaited high definition release is finally here and, to Warner's credit, it's an impressive one. The film itself is powerful, its performances Oscar worthy, and its script an unforgettable, character-driven treat. The Blu-ray edition features a faithful video transfer, a commendable TrueHD surround track, and a generous supplemental package. At such a reasonable price, be sure to add this one to your cart post haste. ......

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Le Dernier Combat (Blu-ray Review)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:31:50 -0500

Luc Besson's debut feature film "Le dernier combat" a.k.a "The Last Battle" (1983) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Gaumont. The only supplemental feature on this disc is the original French theatrical trailer for the film. Please note that unlike the UK Blu-ray release of "The Last Battle", which is Region-B "locked", this release is Region-Free and perfectly playable in North America. Optional English subtitles are not provided, but such are not needed. ...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Luc Besson's The Last Battle arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Gaumont.

Gaumont's transfer looks practically identical to the one Optimum Home Entertainment used for their Blu-ray release in the UK (the UK distributors probably had access to the exact same elements Gaumont used). Once again, there is some mild flickering throughout the film, a bit of digital noise, an...

Audio
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. For the record, Gaumont have provided optional French HOH subtitles.

The Last Battle is basically a dialog-free feature. Eric Serra's score has a unique role in the film, but is very much restricted as well. With other words, the only activity that you would notice in your speakers is during the numerous action scenes. For the record, I could not hear much of a difference between the French DTS...

Supplements
Most unfortunately, the only supplemental feature on this Blu-ray disc is the original theatrical trailer for the film (in PAL). ...

Final Words
Gaumont's Blu-ray release of Luc Besson's The Last Battle appears identical to the one Optimum Home Entertainment put on the UK market. However, unlike the UK release - which is Region-B "locked" - this French release is Region-Free and perfectly playable in Region-A players. There are no optional English subtitles on the disc, but as I have noted elsewhere, they are not needed. RECOMMENDED. ......

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Say Anything...: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:03:08 -0500
I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen.

That first real love is rough. Youre seventeen, eighteen years old, school has just ended, the most monumental summer of your life lies ahead, but you know that the girl of your dreams is headed off for college in a few short months. Your emotions are irrational and uncontainable. Shes a vision, a muse, an object of desire thats anything but obscure. Theres the sense that this is all there is, that this fleeting summer is life in miniscule, that nothing could ever possibly follow. Th...

Video
Twenty years after its debut, Say Anything arrives on Blu-ray with an excellent 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that gets just about everything right. Catalog titles often get the rushed-out-the-door treatment, but Say Anything looks phenomenal for its age. While obviously not as sharp and defined as a contemporary release, the film displays an impressive sense of clarity, depth, and detail throughout. Check out the scene where Lloyd is talking to his sister on the pay phoneb...

Audio
Cameron Crowe fans are well aware of the directors affinity for music, and Say Anythings DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track does that love justice, reproducing the many pop/rock songs in the film with warmth, depth, and fidelity. Bass response is strong without being overpowering and the music is enveloping, especially during the big party scene. The films main theme sounds great, with swelling synth pads in the surround speakers while the guitar melody cuts cleanly through the mix....

Supplements
Commentary
Cameron Crowe, John Cusack and Ione Skye have so much to talk about here that they start the commentary track a full twenty minutes before the film begins! In this introductory section which covers the inspiration for the story and the castingstills from the film and on-set photos play onscreen so were not just listening to them talk. When the film actually begins, the three reminisce non-stop, give insights into the character and script, telling stories, and sha...

Final Words
I love Say Anything. Sweet, funny, charming, and full of relatable characters, its likely to echo your own post-high school experiences in one way or another. Its also one of the best teen romance films ever and Im glad to see it receive such a great treatment on Blu-ray. Highly recommended.......

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Subway (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:19:04 -0500

A quintessential 80s film, Luc Besson's "Subway" (1985) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Gaumont. The only supplemental feature on this disc is the original French theatrical trailer for the film. Please note that unlike the UK Blu-ray release of "Subway", which is Region-B "locked", this release is Region-Free and perfectly playable in North America. It is also English-friendly. ...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Luc Besson's Subway arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Gaumont.

Gaumont's transfer looks very similar to that Optimum Home Entertainment used for their Blu-ray release in the UK (the UK distributors probably had access to the exact same elements Gaumont used). Once again, it is fairly easy to tell that Subway has not undergone a thorough restoration - there are ...

Audio
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. For the record, Gaumont have provided optional English and French subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame.

The French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is practically identical to the French LPCM 2.0 track Optimum Home Entertainment have on their Blu-ray release. Eric Serra's lovely music score sounds quite impressive - the bass is potent while the high frequencies not overdon...

Supplements
Most unfortunately, the only supplemental feature on this Blu-ray disc is the original theatrical trailer for the film (in PAL, and therefore not playable on most North American TV sets). ...

Final Words
Gaumont's Blu-ray release of Luc Besson's Subway looks and sounds very similar to Optimum Home Entertainment's Blu-ray release. However, unlike the UK release - which was Region-B "locked" - this French release is Region-Free and perfectly playable in Region-A players. It is also English-friendly. RECOMMENDED. ......

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Gomorrah (Criterion Collection) (Blu-ray Review)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:06:13 -0500

Based on Roberto Saviano's controversial book, Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah" (2008) arrives on Blu ray courtesy of Criterion. Amongst the supplemental features on the disc are the documentary "Gomorrah: Five short stories", an exclusive interview with director Matteo Garrone, an exclusive interview with actor-director Tony Servillo, a lengthy interview with writer Roberto Saviano, deleted scenes and more. Region-A "locked".
In 2008, "Gomorrah" won seven David di Donatello awards, including...

Video
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Matteo Garrone's Gomorrah arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion.

Supervised and approved by director Matteo Garrone and director of photography Marco Onorato, this new high-definition transfer has been made from a digital intermediate. Dirt, debris, chemical stains, and warps have been manually removed using MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system.

...

Audio
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. For the record, Criterion have provided optional English subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.

Gomorrah features a fully digital soundtrack. The audio for this Blu-ray release has been mastered at 24-bit from the original audio master using Pro Tools HD.

In my review for the UK Blu-ray release of Gomorrah, I noted how notably imp...

Supplements
"Gomorrah": Five short stories - an hour-long documentary from 2008, on the making of Gomorrah, directed and shot by Melania Cacucci for Fandango Productions. The same documentary appears on the UK release courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment. In Italian, with optional English subtitles. (63 min, 1080/60i).

Matteo Garrone - an interview with director Matteo Garrone shot exclusively for the Criterion Collection in July 2009 in Rome. In it, the Ita...

Final Words
Matteo Garrone's Gomorrah is one of the very best films to be released on Blu-ray in 2009. It is also the best Italian film I have seen in the last ten years (clearly better than Ferzan Ozpetek's La finestra di fronte, Marco Tullio Giordana's La meglio gioventù, and Nanni Moretti's acclaimed Il Caimano). Criterion's Blu-ray treatment is, as expected, fantastic. See this film! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ......

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G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:03:08 -0500
For it's a jolly good Blu-ray...

When all else fails, we don't.

Save for the names of the characters and the title of the movie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, or GINO ("G.I. Joe In Name Only"), barely resembles the Saturday morning cartoon millions of red-blooded American boys and girls grew up with in the 1980s. In fact, the film is barely distinguishable from most any other big-budget, moderately kid-friendly, summer blockbuster action fare. This is the absolute ultimate in mindless en...

Video
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra storms onto Blu-ray with a strong 1080p. 2.39:1-framed transfer. It's usually easy to review a disc like this: summer blockbuster, Paramount new release, and high-octane Action and special effects extravaganza usually adds up to a stellar visual presentation, and that formula holds true for G.I. Joe. About the only complaint is that a few of the effects shots look rather fake, particularly under the 1080p spotlight, but considering Director...

Audio
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra explodes onto Blu-ray with a dazzling DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. As expected, the track delivers a full surround-sound extravaganza that makes excellent use of each speaker in the configuration, with special mention going to the hard work of the subwoofer in every action scene. The film's musical presentation is flawless, with crisp notes and a solid low end in every instance. Of course, G.I. Joe isn't about music; it's about hard-h...

Supplements
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra features an array of extras spread across two discs. Disc one features only a commentary track with Director Stephen Sommers and Producer/Editor Bob Ducsay. They deliver a good but somewhat unremarkable commentary that delves into the frenetic pace of the production and the writing thanks to the impending writers strike, the cast, shooting locations, the work of creating a big-budget Action movie, the extensive use of visual effects and the many...

Final Words
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra accomplishes what it sets out to do, namely rekindle a franchise, set up the obligatory sequel, and showcase plenty of good versus bad mayhem created primarily in the digital realm. A summer blockbuster Action picture in every sense of the term, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is loud, action-packed, and for the most part, fun. Though it has several glaring flaws, none are fatal to the film, and for those that can put aside any creative differenc......

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Spread (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:01:34 -0500
Spread out and enjoy this latest release from Starz.

Nice spread, man.

No matter the subject, no matter the actors, no matter the setting, it's nice to see a movie that goes against the grain and dares to look at an otherwise trite story from a different perspective. Spread does just that, the movie playing the game of role reversal with the young, attractive male luring seductive and rich women not only into a night of pleasure but an extended stay in their lavish "spreads." Director David Mackenzie's Spread<...

Video
Spread moves in on Blu-ray with a high quality 1080p transfer framed in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Crisp, sharp, and colorful throughout, the transfer reflects the glitzy and glamorous lifestyle of its characters nicely. The color palette is rich and inviting, and whether focusing on the clean lines and plush light-colored furnishing of Samantha's home or the beautiful blue swimming pool water out back, there's no shortage of visual eye candy throughout the film. Colors ...

Audio
Spread features a high quality Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless soundtrack. It's surprisingly active for a movie with a premise that promises more dialogue than action, but this lossless track delivers plenty of goods that make it a quality listen and a fine companion for the film. Music reproduction is its strongest asset; notes are crisp through the entire range, and the low end frequently enjoys an aggressive presence in several scenes, particularly those taking place in clubs whe...

Supplements
Spread sets up shop on Blu-ray with a decent collection of extras. First is a commentary track with Actor/Producer Ashton Kutcher and Actors Anne Heche and Margarita Levieva. As expected of a talent-based commentary, this one begins with a relaxed and rather informal tone, offering some scattered insights amongst mostly light observations that don't add much to the Spread experience. As the commentary moves on, however, the participants do manage to offer a few good ti...

Final Words
Something of a tale of two films, Spread proves passably interesting during its first two acts but takes a turn for the better once things get worse for the main character. Though star Ashton Kutcher seems right at home living it up, it's when his character finds himself down that his performance truly rises past the easy and mundane; he shows a necessary range of emotion that leaves the audience caring for his character despite his wayward lifestyle while wondering if he can f......

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Rocky: The Undisputed Collection (Rocky / Rocky II / Rocky III / Rocky IV / Rocky V / Rocky Balboa) (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:37:24 -0500
Let's get ready to rumble!

As anyone whos seen the films knows, the Rocky series is not about boxing, just as Field of Dreams is not really about baseball. With few exceptions, sports films in general are less about the game being played, and more concerned with the game of life, and the universal themes of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. In this way, Rocky is just as archetypal as Star Wars, offering up a near-mythological tale of the underdog, an everyman of the streets wh...

Video
Rocky (3/5)
Arriving on the same disc from the 2006 Blu-ray version of the film, nothing has changed about this lackluster 1080p/MPEG-2 transfer. Dont get me wrong, Rocky looks better than ever, but this is one film that calls out for restoration, and a cleaner, more vivid print would go a long way in getting Rocky back in fighting form. Dull is a good way to describe the transfer, as colors seem weak (except for reds), textures are frequently soft, and black l...

Audio
Rocky (3/5)
Rocky steps into the HD home theater ring wearing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that, like its video quality, lacks polish and shine. While sounding obviously fuller than the original mono track (which is also included), the 5.1 mix lacks bottom end density and comes off hollow and thin. It does give the film some added directionalityparticularly with trains passing on the tracks overhead and street kids singing around barrel firesbut if its a choice b...

Supplements
Rocky Balboa Disc

Commentary with Sylvester Stallone
I always enjoy hearing interviews with Stallonehe's frank, insightful, and well-spokenand this commentary track is full personal stories and windows into the making of the film. An excellent listen.

Deleted Scenes and Alternate Ending (1080p, 23:19)
Includes seven character-expanding deleted scenes and the slightly more victorious alternate ending.

Boxing's Bloop...

Final Words
Rocky Balboa is an undisputed American icon, a titan of boxing who is just as real to some folks as Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, and Joe Frazier. While the six films in the Rocky anthology vary in quality, taken as a whole they tell the entirety of a myth-inspired arc, the journey of a hero who surmounts fear and self-doubt, challenges himself, and follows his destiny, even if that means battling some hefty interior demonsnot to mention a series of powerful pugilistsalong the w......

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Love Actually (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:42:24 -0500
A snazzy, fan-favorite Brit romcom arrives on Blu-ray...

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the pho...

Video
Universal's 1080p/VC-1 transfer isn't particularly flashy or striking, but it is quite impressive, offering romcommers rich colors, natural skintones, deep blacks, and a notable upgrade from its standard DVD counterpart. While the film's scenes bound between starkly lit exteriors and warm interiors, Michael Coulter's ever-evolving Christmas palette is strong and stable throughout. Sure, contrast is a bit hot at times (especially during the first act), but the image remains altogether vibrant a...

Audio
Can a chatty romantic comedy and its faithful but front-heavy DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track surpass expectation and woo audiophiles? When Love Actually's music kicks in, absolutely. Both the film's orchestral score and pop-infused soundtrack sound wonderful, filling every speaker with rewarding tones and satisfying swells. However, when the music subsides, all that remains are conversations, whispers, laughs, and pithy banter, hardly the makings of a sonic powerhouse. Beyond ...

Supplements
The Blu-ray edition of Love Actually includes all of the special features that appear on Universal's 2004 DVD release, as well as a few extras that were only available overseas. I do wish the studio had upgraded all of the film's supplemental content with high definition video, but the features are nevertheless candid, thoughtful, and worth some investment.

Audio Commentary: Director Richard Curtis and actors Hugh Grant, Bill ...

Final Words
Love Actually is smart, funny, and surprisingly poignant, sidestepping the usual genre pitfalls to weave a rather thorough exploration of the human heart. Yes, Curtis makes a few missteps along the way, but his romantic comedy is a hilarious holiday treat worthy of its place in any romcom addict's collection. Universal's Blu-ray release is impressive as well, besting its standard DVD counterpart with a strong video transfer, a faithful DTS-HD Master Audio track, and a healthy collection......

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Howards End (Criterion Collection) (Blu-ray Review)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:07:39 -0500

Winner of three Oscar awards - Best Actress in a Leading Role (Emma Thompson), Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Ruth Prawer Jhabvala), and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Luciana Arrighi and Ian Whittaker), James Ivory's "Howards End" (1992) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. Amongst the supplemental features on the disc are the documentaries "Building "Howards End" and "The Wandering Company", a short behind the scenes featurette, interview with direc...

Video
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, James Ivory's Howards End arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion.

Supervised by cinematographer Tony Pierre-Roberts and approved by director James Ivory, the high-definition transfer for Howards End has been created on a C-Reality Datacine with Oliver Wetgate processing from the original 35mm interpositive. The result is a vibrant, terrific looking transfer that wil...

Audio
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. For the record, Criterion have provided optional English subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it (two-line texts appear inside the image frame; three-line texts have the bottom line outside of the image frame).

The soundtrack has been remastered at 24-bit from the 6-track magnetic soundtrack. Crackle has been attenuated using AudioCu...

Supplements
Building "Howards End" - a very informative documentary on the production history of the film where director James Ivory, producer Ismail Merchant, actress Helena Bonham Carter, costume designer Jenny Beavan, and production designer Luciana Arrighi. This is also an incredibly hilarious documentary (pay close attention to Merchant's comments about American financiers, Sony Pictures Classics, etc). Not subtitled. (43 min, 1080i/60).

The Design of "Howards End"...

Final Words
Criterion's treatment of this most beautiful film is exceptionally strong. I wish they would also find the time and resources to release Quartet, my favorite film from the Merchant Ivory Collection. Of course, Howards End comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ......

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Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (Blu-ray Review)

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:50:08 -0500
All aboard for the latest Thriller from Tony Scott.

Who's responsible for who lives and who dies in New York?

It seems like it's a stigma at best or a mark of certain death at worst to have the word "remake" attached to any picture, especially when trudging into "classic" territory; Psycho's remake is the poster child of all that can go wrong, and while 1974's The Taking of Pelham One Two Three isn't exactly Hitchcock, it's still something of a fan favorite and a fine example of memorable 1970s-style film...

Video
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 arrives on Blu-ray with a strong 1080p. 2.39:1-framed transfer. This one delivers everything discerning viewers have come to expect of a Sony new release. The film's grain structure is left intact throughout, providing to the image a pleasant film-like quality; likewise, other signs of artificial image manipulation are not present. The transfer reveals extraordinary levels of fine detail throughout; though the bleaker subway car interior and tun...

Audio
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 pulls onto Blu-ray with an impressive DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Like the video, this one delivers a positively booming yet clear and entertaining soundtrack that's the norm from Sony action-oriented titles. Though The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is primarily a dialogue-heavy film, there are still plenty -- just somewhat scattered -- opportunities for the soundtrack to shine. Listeners will not only hear but also feel the subway car speedi...

Supplements
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 boards Blu-ray with a nice selection of extra materials, the package headlined by a pair of commentary tracks. The first features Director Tony Scott discussing the film's ability to stand alone from the original, Scott's initial involvement with the project, casting the parts and the strengths the primaries brought to the film, the rigors and challenges of the shoot, and much more. Track two features Writer Brian Helgeland and Producer Todd Black. ...

Final Words
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is one of those rare movies that succeeds despite its predictable story arc. This is, at a glance, basic stuff, a routine good guy versus bad guy showdown that involves the ubiquitous hostages and demand for large sums of money, but Scott's direction, Helgeland's script, and Washington's and Travolta's performances in particular turn an ordinary movie into one that's borderline extraordinary. Sony's Blu-ray effort is, itself, excellent. Featuring th......

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Identity (Blu-ray Review)

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:35:36 -0500
This Blu-ray is easily identifiable as a winner.

The question...is whether to convict the body or the mind.

Even the topsy-turvy world of Horror gets one right every once in a while. In an era where gross-out Saw flicks and other similar movies leave little to the imagination, 2003's Identity does just the opposite, leaving darn near everything up to the imagination, literally. Calling Identity a tight, captivating, and crafty ...

Video
This Blu-ray release of Identity delivers a strong 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. It's clear, crisp, and free of any distracting artifacts or obvious post-production digital manipulation. Rarely does the image go soft, though in those few instances where it's not as noticeably sharp as usual, the effect is minimal. Blacks are deep, dark, and wonderfully atmospheric and mood-setting. Detail is excellent throughout, even in the film's many dark or otherwise drab locales. By defi...

Audio
Identity makes itself known on Blu-ray via a wonderful PCM 5.1 uncompressed soundtrack. The film is heavy on atmospherics; a steady rain marks almost the entirety of the movie, and whether characters are standing out in the downpour or are somewhere inside the hotel, the sense of being in the midst of a shower is never lost on the listener. The track also reproduces varying sensations in relation to the rain; whether it's bouncing off clothing, falling into a puddle, rolling...

Supplements
This Blu-ray release of Identity contains several extras. First up is a commentary track with Director James Mangold, who goes through the range of standard commentary fare, speaking on the origins of the script, the strength inherent to Thrillers that take place in a single location, the film's structure, set design, shooting techniques, lighting, the strengths of the actors and their characters' traits, and much more. Though the track covers the usual array of topics, Mangold ...

Final Words
Though it grossed a respectable $51,000,000 at the domestic box office, Identity nevertheless seems a diamond in the rough; its name isn't frequently mentioned in many "best of" lists of Horror or Mystery pictures of this or any decade, but it deserves a slot -- and near the top, for that matter -- of any such compilation. A film that's a master of deceit and sleight of hand but not necessarily manipulative or dishonest, Identity unravels a tale that's smart, bold, surpr......

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Sum of All Fears (Blu-ray Review)

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:56:45 -0500
Tom Clancy hero Jack Ryan is back for another political thriller outing. Unfortunately, it has little to do with the original Tom Clancy novel.

A funny thing happened on the way to adapting Tom Clancys mega-bestselling novel The Sum of All Fears for film. They forgot to include Tom Clancys mega-bestselling novel The Sum of All Fears. Well, maybe that isnt so funny, and its certainly not the first time filmmakers have decided to jettison large portions of a projects source material, but it does seem fairly strange in light of the success story in film for the Jack Ryan franchise, Clancys CIA hero who was the ...

Video
The Sum of All Fears arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC encoded image that is overall nicely sharp and detailed if at times too dark and lacking sufficient contrast, with some interesting processed shots that lend interesting hues to the proceedings. Before the disaster which occurs about halfway through the film, we get a nice array of deeply saturated blues and reds, with everything from the hairs on Affleck's arms to the incredible painted designs on the Kremilin springing to life in...

Audio
While the overall amplitude of this Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix seems a little low, there are some bombastic effects, notably some great rumbly LFE, that dot the aural landscape. This is not a riot of sound design, as you might expect from something marketed as an action-adventure political thriller. In fact, the bulk of The Sum of All Fears is dialogue, and that is perfectly directional and always clearly up front in the soundfield. That does, however, make the occasional immersive moments a...

Supplements
Two fairly entertaining commentaries, both ported over from the DVD release, are offered, each with director Robinson, but the first with DP John Lindley and the second, better one, with Clancy himself. A two part SD featurette split into Making Of (29:55) and Visual Effects (27:48) segments offer a little background on not only this project, but the Clancy-Ryan franchise as a whole....

Final Words
The Sum of All Fears simply takes too long setting up its many convoluted plot elements, and then devolves too quickly into standard action hero fare to ever amount to much. Freeman and Cromwell deliver excellent performances, and the epochal event halfway through the film is certainly gasp-inducing, but otherwise this is a major disappointment in the Clancy-Ryan franchise.......

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HD Moods Fire (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:00:34 -0400
In this super-deluxe version of the hoary favorite, the "yule log," you get all sorts of fires to fall asleep to.

I cant say for sure when I first stumbled across the yule log, an annual television spectacular (I joke because I love) which is broadcast here in the northwest every Christmas Eve. I will say Ive spent many years in my long career as a musician as Music Director for various churches, which means of course I usually work late on Christmas Eve, and Im sure I first came across this rather peculiar tradition after getting home late after services and then unwinding while channel surfing. I...

Video
This is the Cadillac of fireplace Blu-rays as far as the 1080p VC-1 encoded image goes. As is advertised on the back cover, this was filmed in HD with a Red Digital Camera, which provides 4000 lines of resolution, twice the normal HD res. What that means is a strikingly realistic image, though of course there's not a heck of a lot to see here. The good news is there is no artifacting in the quickly changing flames in any of the many different modes available on the BD. Colors, such as they a...

Audio
Similarly, there are quite a few options available on the soundtrack side of things, split between Dolby 5.1 and 2.0 offerings. It's a bit unwieldy to toggle between these choices due to Topics' odd menu setup, where you must first choose between stereo or surround and then go into another menu (not even a submenu) from which to make your actual soundtrack choice. On all of the fires included, you are offered natural fire sounds in both sound formats, and they sound just clear and crisp and cr...

Supplements
If you count the other kinds of fires as bonus items, that's up to you, but I lump them all under the main title feature, so I therefore consider this release supplement-less....

Final Words
It may not be as good as a roaring fire in your own fireplace, but if circumstances prevent you from having one of your own, I guess this is the next best thing. At a bargain price, and with at least a little variety to offer in both image and sound, this HD Moods: Fire is the virtual blaze to get on Blu-ray.......

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Monsters, Inc. (PIXAR) (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:32:55 -0400
Another must-have Pixar classic gets its due on Blu-ray...

How does Pixar do it? How does a single studio consistently churn out such fantastic animated films? At first, I thought it had something to do with raw talent. John Lasseter's innate ability to assemble the best artists, technicians, writers, and directors in the industry; master storytellers and visionaries of the highest caliber. But with ten excellent, critically acclaimed feature films and counting -- as well as an equally impressive lineup of award-winning animated shorts -- I'm beginn...

Video
Monsters, Inc. makes its long awaited Blu-ray debut with a striking 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that nearly exceeds expectation to deliver an oft-times flawless presentation of its digital source. Monstropolis is a colorful cityscape indeed, and Disney's palette never falls short. The varied blues and purples of Sulley's fur, the slick-scaled greens of Mike's hide, and the vivid reds and oranges that populate their adventure look fantastic, granting the image a power and stability its DV...

Audio
How much did I enjoy Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track? Enough to rewatch the door storage chase sequence five times. Don't misunderstand, the entire mix is, without a doubt, a sonic showcase piece through and through, but the third act of the film is an absolute joy to experience. Whirring conveyor lines fill the soundfield with breathtaking aggression, clattering doors can be heard from every direction, and Mike and Sulley's banter remains crystal clear in spite of the ...

Supplements
The 4-disc Blu-ray edition of Monsters, Inc. features all of the supplemental content from Disney's 2001 Collector's Edition DVD, adds in some intriguing exclusives (namely a filmmakers roundtable), and includes both a standard DVD and Digital copy of the film. However, while there's admittedly a lot of material to be found, a few odd decisions held it back from perfection. The numerous DVD leftovers aren't just a tad dated, they're peppered with some forced humor that fails to earn lau...

Final Words
Monsters, Inc. is a must-see family film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. With sharp writing, strong voicework, inspired animation, and an ingenious concept, it's sure to be a go-to favorite in your household. Disney's Blu-ray edition is another high definition winner. With a gorgeous video transfer, mind-blowing DTS-HD Master Audio track, and a generous collection of special features, Monsters, Inc. joins a growing catalog of high-quality high definition Pixar release......

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Natural Born Killers: Director's Cut (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:58:38 -0400
"I've seen the future, and it's murder."

Anyone with cable or satellite television can attest to the fact that everything from the mundane to the more patently unusual (think of last months Balloon Boy incident) is announced with breathless alacrity. Such sensationalistic news shows as Nancy Grace routinely have an Urgent Breaking News banner at the bottom, something I guess which could be seen as the broadcast equivalent of the boy who cried wolf. What is Ms. Grace going to scroll across the bottom of her screen when s...

Video
Natural Born Killers arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p/VC-1 encode that is startlingly variegated in its image quality due to the wide variety of formats Stone utilized to film the piece. Natural Born Killers plays like a patchwork quilt of styles, including everything from grainy desaturated video, to highly defined film. Therefore in analyzing this Blu-ray, the viewer needs to separate the widely divergent image qualities inherent in the source material from the Blu-ray itself. ...

Audio
Natural Born Killers has one of the most bombastic Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mixes in recent memory. This is a film which delights in an aural onslaught that is not only immersive but at times almost oppressively loud. Everything from gunshots to the virtually nonstop underscore envelops the listener, with rear channels being consistently utilized throughout the film. Directionality is at times almost cartoonish throughout the film, with bullets whizzing from left to right. This cacaphony can ...

Supplements
Natural Born Killers: The Director's Cut first and foremost restores over 150 (admittedly small) cuts that Stone had to make to appease the ratings board when the film was first released in 1994. In terms of actual extras on the BD, there are two good featurettes, the first of which is new and in HD, Natural Born Killers Evolution (21:59), which goes into some depth about the filming (including some rather nonchalant commentary about the rampant drug use--including hallucinogens-...

Final Words
When a film seems to glory in the very subject it's simultaneously attempting to excoriate, it's bound to be controversial. Natural Born Killers' reputation may have been forever changed by the tragedy at Columbine, but even before that horror, a lot of viewers and critics were troubled by the film's penchant for highlighting the very violence it took the media to task for sensationalizing. All of that said, the film is a wonder of styles and contains both Stone's typical trenchant atti......

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Stargate: 15th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:42:03 -0400
Give my regards to King Tut @**hole!

Ask a science fiction fan to name their top ten films of all time (within the genre), and Id wager the majority of them will place Stargate somewhere on the list. Thats not to say the film is the pinnacle of outer space entertainment (Ill reserve that honor for the original Star Wars trilogy or 2001: A Space Odyssey), but considering the sparse selection of genre entries in the past fifteen years, Stargate stands as a shining example of how to turn a creative conc...

Video
Presented in 1080p utilizing the VC-1 codec (at an average bitrate of 23Mbps), Stargate finally received the high-definition upgrade fans deserve. As much as we hate double-dipping on our favorite films every two years, this is one case where the visual improvements outweigh the annoyance. First and foremost, the coloring problems that plagued the prior version have been corrected this time around, removing the hot skin tones, and artificial brightness boosting. On this version, we h...

Audio
Not to be outdone by the visual upgrade, the audio experience on Stargate offers an equally impressive experience. Lionsgate continues to demonstrate their dedication to offering 7.1 audio tracks on the majority of their titles, and the trend continues with this release. As with most action/sci-fi films, Stargate employs a robust sound design that contains a relentless mix of effects and music to create an epic feel. Thinking back on the first time I saw Stargate in the theater,...

Supplements
Deciphering the Gate: Concepts and Casting (1080p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 7:51 min): Including present-day interviews with Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, this featurette offers a fascinating history behind the financing of the film and the decision-making process that led to the selection of the main cast.

Opening the Gate: The Making of Stargate (1080p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 10:11 min): Continuing with the interviews from the prior featurette, this segment focuses more on the set design, tech...

Final Words
If youre reading this review, theres a good chance youve seen Stargate at some point over the years, and are mostly interested in the technical upgrade offered by this release. Many fans have dropped over a hundred dollars on multiple versions as each new format, directors cut, or extended edition arrives with the promise of a worthy upgrade. If thats the sole reason youre reading this review, I feel confident in my assessment that this is the definitive technical presentation tha......

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Up (PIXAR) (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:04:59 -0400
A spectacular, must-own release...

I'm unashamed to admit that Up wrecked me. It didn't earn a stalwart man-tear. It didn't make my lip quiver. It didn't even assault me with the usual warm-n-fuzzies. No, dear readers, it absolutely wrecked me. It's not often that I'm reduced to a pile of thirtysomething tears and sobering sniffles, but Pixar mainstays Pete Docter and Bob Peterson created such a touching tale, such a rousing adventure, such a gorgeous masterpiece that I was completely enraptured by everything t...

Video
Up brushes against the stratosphere with a dazzling, picture-perfect 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that boasts more breathtaking spectacle and stunning scenery in a single shot than many high definition presentations deliver in two hours. Pixar's palette simply spills off the screen. Color and contrast are impeccable, black levels are bottomless, and detail is extraordinary. Note the string on every balloon, the tiny grooves in Carl's face, the soft feathers that adorn Kevin's back, the r...

Audio
Disney has once again paired a striking video transfer with an equally jaw-dropping, exceedingly faithful, and incredibly involving DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. It takes a lot to turn my head in the middle of a movie, but I found myself laughing maniacally at the sheer complexity and quality of the sound pouring out of my speakers. Dialogue never wavers, voices are never lost in the mix, and vocal clarity and weight is astounding. The LFE channel gets a full workout as well, dutifu...

Supplements
The 4-disc Blu-ray edition of Up boasts a strong supplemental package, 100% high definition video content, and several exclusive features (one of which is an excellent Picture-in-Picture video commentary). The bundle also includes a standard DVD disc and a Digital Copy disc for families and on-the-go Pixar purists.

Cine-Explore Commentary (HD, Disc 1, 96 minutes): Director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson deliver an in...

Final Words
What more can I possibly say? Up isn't just an exceptional animated film, it's one of the best films of the year. Pixar continues to prove its filmmakers thoroughly understand character, story, humor, and sentiment, and are able to wield them as effortlessly as their animators wield magnificent design and animation. I cannot recommend Up enough. As for its 4-disc Blu-ray release, Disney has pulled out all the stops to produce a perfect... let that sink in... perfect audio/video......

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Franklyn (Blu-ray Review)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:12:14 -0400
If you believe in something strongly enough, whos to say if its real or not?

Maybe its an authoritarian, Big Brother-style government, or a dehumanized populace turned into mindless, emotionless automatons. Maybe, as in Terry Gilliams Brazil, its credit-obsessed consumerism, Rube Goldberg technology, and red tape bureaucracy gone mental. Or perhaps, to use an example from Michael Bays The Island, one of the genres lesser entries, its the promise of heaven, when youre really just being sent up to get your organs harvested. Dystopian films ne...

Video
Franklyn has been given an excellent 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that handles each of the films stylistic changes with aplomb. Youll notice that each characters storyline is shot in a slightly different fashion: Emelias world is darker, with strong contrast. Milos story is told almost realistically, but with slightly dismal and desaturated tones. Esser is glassed with wide lenses and frequently shown in silhouette. And, of course, Jonathan Preests Meanwhile City is a...

Audio
While not as immediately impressive as the films visual look, Franklyns DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track adequately fleshes out the presentation, even if there are few moments of out and out sonic ear candy. Less than an hour after viewing the film, I dont remember a thing about the score, but my notes tell me that the music was subtle and subdued but appropriate. The tracks range isnt quite as broad as what youd hear in a bigger-budgeted productionLFE response is mini...

Supplements
Featurette (SD, 4:01)
This is an average EPK promo piece with clips of the film and brief interviews with the director and stars. What else do you expect from something simply entitled featurette?

Interviews (SD, 32:22)
These cast and crew interviews are much more informative, delving into the motivations behind the project, the actors perspective on their characters, and the films visual aesthetic. Features interviews with Director Gerald McMorrow, P...

Final Words
Franklyn may not be action-packed or thematically cohesive, but nonetheless it marks an impressive debut for director Gerald McMorrow, and I look forward to seeing whatever project he tackles next. Whatever Franklyn is, you certainly cant call it formulaic, and for that Im appreciative. Fans of moody thrillers and dystopian parables will certainly find the film worth watching, but this one falls squarely in the rent first, buy if you like it camp.......

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Eminem: Live From New York City (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:52 -0400

It is probably best that I made it perfectly clear upfront that I am not a fan of Eminem. This has nothing to do with the controversy that followed him a few years ago; his singing simply does not inspire me the way it does his fans.

Filmed at the Madison Square Garden in 2005, Eminem: Live from New York City captures the Detroit rapper in top form. Assisted by his right-hand man Proof, and a number of high-profile guests such as D12, Bizarre, Obie Trice and Stat Quo, Eminem p...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i "live" transfer, Eminem: Live from New York City arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Filmed at Madison Square Garden in 2005, this show looks good on Blu-ray, but not exceptional. The close-ups are well detailed, contrast is adequate, and clarity pleasing. Multiple strategically positioned cameras are used to capture the impressive stage from a number of different angles. T...

Audio
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM 2.0. I opted for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

The "live-effect" is very strong in Eminem: Live from New York City. The crowd noise is almost always very easy to hear, and at times it feels as if the show is actually a large club event (listen to "Business"). Eminem's sing...

Supplements
Most unfortunately, there are no supplemental features to be found on this Blu-ray disc. ...

Final Words
This release should appeal primarily to hardcore Eminem fans. I personally do not foresee Eminem: Live from New York City suddenly converting those who never embraced his music, but could be wrong. In any event, it is great to see that Eagle Rock Entertainment continue to expand their already very impressive music catalog. ......

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Blood: The Last Vampire (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:47:27 -0400
Another good Anime release from Starz/Manga.

You're lucky. I can't kill 'humans.'

Ghost in the Shell might be a standard-bearer for the Anime genre, but as a film that's perhaps more accessible to newcomers to the genre -- particularly those that hail from the West -- and for a myriad of reasons, 2000's Blood: The Last Vampire might fit the bill better than the aforementioned action-oriented yet philosophically-profound classic. ...

Video
Blood: The Last Vampire debuts on Blu-ray with a strong 1080p. 1.85:1-framed transfer. Though it features that same bugaboo that plagued Ghost in the Shell -- moderate banding throughout -- it nevertheless looks quite nice, all things considered. As alluded to earlier, colors take on a slightly drab tone and look somewhat muted; whether background details in the school or Saya's red scarf, the color palette never sparkles, at least until the film's final minutes where i...

Audio
Blood: The Last Vampire gushes on Blu-ray with a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Loud, aggressive, and a lot of fun, this lossless soundtrack puts the sound system through its paces all through its condensed 48-minute runtime. The film's opening subway sequence sets a tone that remains throughout; the car shoots down the track and, seemingly, straight through the listening area. The rumbling and rattling is accompanied by an ominous piece of music that's accompanied...

Supplements
Unfortunately, Blood: The Last Vampire contains only three extras. Making of 'Blood: The Last Vampire' (480p, 20:52) is a Japanese language feature (with forced English subtitles) that takes a rather choppy look behind the scenes of the making of the picture, featuring interviews with the crew that span various aspects that chronicle the work that went into creating the film. Also included is an "Alternate Digital Data Version" of the film and the Blood: The Last Va...

Final Words
Blood: The Last Vampire might not be Anime at its absolute best, but as an introductory piece to the genre, it's hard to find better. Simple, short, visually captivating, exciting, and lacking any needless side stories to muddle the plot, the film is the sort that's easy to digest and good for anytime viewing. This Blu-ray release from Starz subsidiary Manga Home Entertainment delivers superior video and audio presentations, but it sadly lacks a more comprehensive supplemental ......

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Richard Bangs' Adventures with Purpose: Morocco, Quest for the Kasbah (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:43:00 -0400
Not as ecologically focused as some of Bangs' other treks, this is one of the more colorful outings in the Adventures with Purpose series.

Im not quite sure what the statute of limitations might be in a case like this, but Im about to reveal a not so deep and dark family secret of mine. My father, who ended his military career as a Major General, was a battalion commander in World War II in the infantry division which liberated large swaths of Northern Africa, notably Morocco. As the commander, he had first choice over the spoils of war, and shall we say he liberated some pretty cool artifacts from several Moroccan cities, ...

Video
There are both pluses and minuses to the video presentation of this Adventure with Purpose, which arrives with an MPEG-2 codec. For about 95% of the time, this is a wonderfully sharp and incredibly colorful Blu-ray, with brilliant saturation and some excellent detail. You can count the hairs on a camel's face, or see the unbelievably complex patterns in various arabesques, for example. Unfortunately, for the other 5% of the time, you're greeted by some abysmally bad ringing and shimmer...

Audio
I'm not sure if something like this television features screams out for a 5.1 mix, although with the abundance of ethnic musics offered in this particular episode, some audiophiles may be pining for more than this PCM 2.0 track. That said, there's perfect fidelity and decent enough separation on this track, with everything from Bangs' voiceovers and on screen narration to the really wonderful music delivered with excellent fidelity. There is some fun low end "whomp" here in the many African dr...

Supplements
Again, I'm a bit confused by the lack of real extras on this Blu-ray, as the included promo for the originally released SD-DVD version of this title promotes the bonuses included in that format. There's really nothing to speak of here, just promos for other titles in the series. As with the other Topics releases of this series, this is presented in its original broadcast format, with those semi-annoying PBS "brought to you by" bumpers before and after the main feature....

Final Words
This is another fine offering in the Adventures with Purpose series. More colorful and musical than many of Bangs' outings, this also lacks the environmental focus that seems to be central to Bangs' mission. That said, there's a wealth of information in this brief hour that should delight armchair travelers.......

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Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (Kôkaku kidôtai) (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:18:47 -0400
Shell out a few dollars for this collection-worthy Blu-ray release from Starz/Manga.

Memory cannot be defined, but it defines mankind.

Most newcomers to one of Japan's most famous exports -- the Anime genre -- are often told to begin with two films generally considered to sit atop the heap, representative of the best the style has to offer: 1988's Akira and 1995's Ghost in the Shell. Truth be told, perhaps no single (or pair) film can truly prepare an uninitiated viewer for what the best of Anime has to offer, particularly when considerin...

Video
This Blu-ray release of Ghost in the Shell 2.0 delivers a solid 1080p, 1.78:1 high definition experience. Though the transfer features occasional banding, it's otherwise a solid all-around effort. The animation style lends to the image a slightly pale appearance, and some scenes have something of a glowing aura about them. Still, colors are generally strong; while not the most abundantly colorful film -- animated or otherwise -- on Blu-ray, the various shades are all presented ...

Audio
Though the packaging and menu screen both claim the disc features DTS-ES 6.1 Japanese and English language soundtracks, Ghost in the Shell 2.0 in fact comes with a pair of lossless DTS-HD MA 6.1 soundtracks. Also included are two uncompressed mixes in both English and Japanese -- PCM 2.0 offerings -- as well as two PCM 2.0 soundtracks accompanying the original version of the film. With all of that out of the way, listeners cannot go wrong with either the PCM of the DTS soundtr...

Supplements
Ghost in the Shell 2.0 makes its highly-anticipated Blu-ray debut with a decent collection of extras. However, the commentary advertised on the back of the packaging appears nowhere to be found on this release, either in the "2.0" edition of the film or the original version. However the highlight of this package is the inclusion of the original version of the film, presented in 1080i high definition and featuring PCM 2.0 Japanese and English soundtracks and optional Englis...

Final Words
Films like Ghost in the Shell do indeed represent the pinnacle of the Anime genre. Like any other genre or style, there are ups, downs, and everything in between, but Ghost in the Shell -- while it doesn't necessarily have a more mainstream counterpart that's easily-identifiable as a film close in tone, meaning, or spirit -- is akin to some of Hollywood's more profound outings that dare to explore the deepest realms of the human psyche rather than simply k......

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Marilyn Manson: Guns, God and Government - Live in L.A. (Blu-ray Review)

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:37:23 -0400

When Guns, God and Government - Live in L.A. was initially released on DVD in 2002, the visual content was assembled from a number of different shows Marilyn Manson staged around the world. What this Blu-ray disc contains is the original high-definition L.A. footage and soundtrack put together as a cohesive film for the first time ever.

I must admit upfront that this is a show unlike anything I have seen before. It is crazy, it is loud, it is very controversial. Marilyn Manson ...

Video
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i "live" transfer, Guns, God and Government Live in L.A. arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment.

I like how this show looks in high-definition! Generally speaking, detail is very good, though due to the unique lighting and other special effects used on the stage, occasionally some scenes look slightly softer than other. The close-ups, however, especially those of Marilyn Manson...

Audio
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM 2.0. I opted for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track allows for a truly satisfying sonic experience. The bass is strong, the rear channels intelligently used, and the high-frequencies not overdone. The "live effect" - all the crowd noises, echos, etc -...

Supplements
The Death Parade - this is the same documentary that was included on the DVD release of the Guns, God and Government Live in L.A.. It contains plenty of archival footage from different shows Marilyn Manson staged in different parts of the world, from London to Moscow. The documentary contains a curious duet between Manson and Eminem, as well as cameo performances by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. Not subtitled. (30 min, 480/60i). ...

Final Words
If you happen to be a Marilyn Manson fan, you want to pre-order Guns, God and Government - Live in L.A. as soon as possible. While I cannot say yet that I liked what I saw - I would probably have to watch the show one more time to figure out exactly how I feel about it - I must admit that it certainly had an effect on me. On the technical side of things, as expected, Eagle Rock Entertainment's Blu-ray treatment does not disappoint. ......

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