kal
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 Link Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 1:05 am Post subject: A Million Ways to Die in the West |
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A Million Ways to Die in the West
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| Quote: | Since it's theatrical debut, 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' has been needlessly and relentlessly slammed, which is why I believe most people haven't given it a chance. I urge every fan of comedies to toss out that misdirection and give it a shot. It's a hilarious, charming and crude comedy that carries the true high quality standards of a full-blown western. Seth MacFarlane is a wonderful lead who only benefits from his brilliant co-star (Theron). The video quality is absolutely perfect and the audio is also remarkable. Special features, including an extended unrated cut, are abundant. Being a big fan of the movie, I literally couldn't ask for anything more from the Blu-ray release of 'A Million Ways to Die in the West.' Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'A Million Ways to Die in the West' has been given an absolutely flawless 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode with a wide 2.40:1 aspect ratio that's perfectly fitting for a true western. Shot digitally, this disc offers a noteworthy pristine presentation.
This just might be the best-looking western Blu-ray disc in existence. It's absolutely crisp, clear, sharp and highly detailed. The clarity not only lends itself to showing the fine textures of tightly woven costumes and individual hairs on the actors' heads, but it makes the sweeping wide shots of New Mexico's beautiful and iconic Monument Valley terrain look all the more gorgeous.
The colorization, contrast and black levels are 100 percent consistent throughout. The color palette consists of dusty earth tones and is accented with pale colors. It's very natural and not surreal. Only one scene offers slight oversaturation, but it's exactly as I recall it being in theaters and most likely an intended directorial decision. (It occurs in the candle-lit scene when Albert drunkenly visits Louise at 1AM in attempts of wooing her back.) Exterior daytime shots carry natural sun lighting and nighttime shots consistently feature a very soft eye-pleasing lighting that allows everything to remain clearly visible and detailed. All of the star-filled night skies are enhanced with special effects. There's no place for crushing due to the full lighting and enhanced skylines.
I literally can't find a single flaw in the video quality of 'A Million Ways to Die in the West.'
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'A Million Ways to Die in the West' features a solid 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that dishes up exactly what you'd hope for in a western.
The movie kicks off with a loud, traditional and grand epic score by Joel McNeely. As you'd expect, it fills all channels and, in the process, pulls you right into the western mindset. Every time the score kicks in, it fills the space just as efficiently. The mid-movie "mustache song" is even mixed with this strength.
Nearly every outdoor scene is laced with dynamic environmental effects that also turn every scene into a reality. Effects are used strongly in this sense. As Albert and his buddy hang out in a chatty bar, light banter can be heard all around with each speaking giving off channel-specific sounds. When the brawl breaks out, the previously mild surround effects erupt into loudness that's just as dynamic as before, only more noticeable because of the volume. Loud bassy effects – like gunshots and stomping horses – carry the rumbly attributes of thunder.
The vocal track sounds just as crisp and clear as the video quality looks. |
Kal
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