kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:19 pm Post subject: Cars 2 [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
I'm a sucker for anything that Pixar puts out so this one's a blind-buy for me.
Cars 2 (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (2011)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Cars 2' is an entertaining spy thriller/comedy with reference quality HD video and 7.1 audio. The film itself is very good, but doesn't quite live up to the other Pixar films in terms of emotional investment. The real question for those deciding to watch the film for the first time is whether or not you like the Mater character. Like him or love him, and 'Cars 2' will be for you. If not, then you'll probably want to avoid this one (though with video and audio like this, it's hard to miss it).
So, who is this release for? First, I would say buying this movie is for fans only. Next, if you don't care about 3D or special features, then this 2D two-disc edition is the one for you. But for my money, the 5-disc edition will cost only a few dollars more, and comes fully loaded. I didn't review that version, but that's the one I would recommend. For those who have not seen 'Cars 2', give it a rent; you're guaranteed a beautiful ride and who knows, you might even enjoy it. It's certainly more competent (plot and staging) than most modern action films. It's just not going to make you cry… Well, unless you despise Mater and your kids make you watch this 100 times. Then I could see some tears.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Pixar films are always spectacular on Blu-ray, and 'Cars 2' continues this trend with its direct digital transfer (1080p/AVC MPEG-4, 2.35:1 aspect ratio).
Color, detail, texture, and depth are nothing short of jaw dropping in every scene. And while one of the previews (Disney Studios All Access Pass) shows off severe banding (and therefore how badly compressed a film like this could be), there are no signs of compression errors anywhere. No banding, macro-blocking, aliasing, nothing. The sets, based on real world locations in the United States, Japan, Italy, France, England, and even the open Pacific Ocean are stunning. What always amazing me in Pixar films is how, despite the fact that it's a cartoon, textures for water, painted metal, paved streets, and various other surfaces all look photo realistic (or damn near close). Tokyo in particular will be a showstopper for home cinema enthusiasts. The bright neon signs contrast nicely with wet surface streets, inky black skies and shadowy alleys. The fictional Porto Corsa is bathed in warm, southern European sunlight, with a sparkling blue bay and rustic architecture. And London, with all the pubs and taxis and busses and the insides of "Big Bentley"…it's all magnificent to behold.
Pixar films are known for their attention to detail, not only in terms of technical achievement, but in filling every pixel with information. Here, it's the Cars Universe versions of mountains, buildings, and culturally specific signage. What a testament for these filmmakers then that, while you might not be able to catch all the details in the first viewing or two, you technically can see everything. Seriously, stop any frame of 'Cars 2', and it's a painterly, artistic, colorful, visual feast filled with as much story as the film itself. As I said above, hats off to you, Pixar, hats off.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The 7.1 DTS-HD MA surround track is pure auditory delight.
While not nearly as aggressive as something like a 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon', this track is filled with bombastic bass, perfect voice work, outstanding panning, and an array of discrete effects that will suck any listener into the world of 'Cars 2'. It's really hard to review perfection, because there are only so many compliments to be dolled out before resorting to clichés. As the second Pixar film to be mixed theatrically for 7.1, I found my ears enchanted by how the soundtrack doesn't bash in your brains, but rather invites you into its delicate world. The comedy and quiet scenes work just as well as the explosive action sequences and edge of your seat races. Every engine purr, tire squeal, metal crunch is expertly laid out along with the Michael Giacchino's spy-movie music score. If you love full 360-degree panning effects (that, you know, let everyone know you have 7.1), check out a moment early in the film where Mater's voice echoes as he warns people that the pistachio ice cream has turned; that's one of many fun moments in what will sure be highlight to any demo presentation.
Additional audio selections include English 5.1 DTS-HD MA ES, English Descriptive Video Service 2.0, English Dolby Digital 2.0, Espanol 7.1 DTS-HD HR, 5.1 Espanol Dolby Digital EX, and 5.1 Epanol Mexicano Dolby Digital EX. |
Kal
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