kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:53 pm Post subject: Moonrise Kingdom [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Moonrise Kingdom (Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | Just try watching 'Moonrise Kingdom' without a permanent smile on your face. It's pure, unfiltered imagination. Its young actors work brilliantly together to create a bond between two onscreen characters that is rarely this strong. It's a delightful little film, one that is much more layered and affecting than its simplistic story would lead you to believe. With wonderfully meticulous audio and video presentations, this one comes highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Moonrise Kingdom' has a fantastic old-timey cinematic look to it because Anderson filmed the movie with Super 16. The choice to go with 16mm might frighten some, since the film stock can be overly grainy sometimes. Don't fret though, because Anderson, under the watchful eye of his accomplished cinematographer Robert Yeoman, has created a rich film that looks great in HD.
Going with 16mm does have its limitations on finer detail though. Mid-range shots have that familiar soft, gauzy look to them. Grain is thick throughout the movie, but it only adds to the texture of a bygone era of film. An era that Anderson is trying to recreate here. The grain, which is present throughout the film, provides a very natural thematic feel. Almost like you're watching the movie at an old art house theater only it's completely free from any needless dirt, specks, or grime.
Shadow detail is hampered somewhat, however, I was surprised at the amount of detail the movie culled from its 16mm source. The heavy grain in 16mm tends to create very heavy, indistinct blacks which crush detail. While detail in the dark isn't as sharp as it would be in 35mm, there are plenty of scenes where darkness falls, but detail doesn't take a huge nosedive. Edges are still discernible during nighttime scenes. Facial features may be gobbled up from time to time by heavy shadows though. Blacks are deep and resolute. The color palette, which leans more towards earthy tones like golden yellows and tanned browns, creates a lively experience. Reds are used sparingly, sothat when they are used they popl. Suzy's neon blue eye shadow is perhaps the most colorful the film gets and the video presentation makes it shine.
While it may not be as crisp and clear as we're used to seeing for brand new films, 'Moonrise Kingdom' has a look all its own and a video presentation that provides an accurate portrayal of the director's vision.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is just as great. The movie is heavy on the dialogue, that's true. There is plenty of sound centered right up front. Dialogue is clear and delivered through the center channel. Many scenes feature people talking off screen with directionality picking up their voices nicely in the front speakers. There are also many scenes where characters quickly talk under their breath, but those lines are always clear. It's important that they are because many of the jokes come from the hushed one-liners.
The surrounds are surprisingly engaged as the sound mix seems just as meticulously produced as the visuals. A thunderstorm provides effects for rolling thunder and pouring rain. Wind rips across the soundfield traveling seamlessly along its way. Scouts mingle and play in the background, birds chirp, crickets serenade. The surrounds are constantly buzzing with action, keeping you immersed in the film.
Low-end involvement also works well. This isn't an action-packed movie by any means, but the culminating thunderstorm does provided for enough deep thunderous cracks along the way. The movie's bubbly 60s-inspired soundtrack calls for clear resonant bass and it delivers. There are many scenes where the sound seems as meticulously constructed as the video and this mix gives that hard work a place to shine. |
Kal
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