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 9:55 pm Post subject: The Avengers [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Marvel's The Avengers (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (2012)
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| Quote: | Joss Whedon made a fantastic adventure film, that expertly blends action and character and tone to assembling one of the best super hero films in the history of the genre ('The Avengers' is also a rocking good movie, regardless of the "superhero" label). As a Blu-ray, all versions feature reference quality 7.1 audio and 2D video. The 3D version is pretty great too, though it has a few flaws, including darkness and (on some displays) crosstalk. Special Features are, sadly, only average unless you truck over to Target where buying 'The Avengers' or 'The Avengers - 3D' includes a feature length documentary about the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase One (everything leading up to 'The Avengers'). As for which version of the film to purchase, completists will enjoy the 4-Disc 3D release -- it usually costs about $5 more than the 2D release and, in addition to the 3D version of the film, includes a Digital Copy as well as a code to download the film's soundtrack. If you absolutely loathe 3D, then pick up the 2D edition. Regardless of what edition you purchase, 'The Avengers - 3D' easily earns a MUST OWN rating!
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Avengers' makes a stunning debut in a reference quality MPEG-4 AVC encode framed at a 1.78:1 aspect ratio.
With a seamless blend between digital cinema elements and computer generated visual effects, expectations are high for this Blu-ray release. I'm happy to report 'The Avengers' meets or exceeds them, representing a perfect translation of the cinema experience to the home environment. The source material is pristine and blemish-free; the encode is crisp and error-free. Resolution and detail are resplendent. You can examine the hair follicles on Robert Downey Jr.'s face, metallic floors on the Helicarrier, the leather of Thor's costume, and the crumbling asphalt in battle torn New York City. Everything is so clear, from hair and skin to costume fabric and metallic textures, this 2D image nearly has the dimensionality of its 3D counterpart.
Night sequences do flatten a bit compared to interiors and daytime sequences (mostly thanks to digital atmosphere effects), but black levels are inky -- not a hint of crush -- while shadow details remain impressive. Watch the Iron Man / Thor forest fight, and you'll see every pine needle, scrap of bark, and tree. Skin tones are natural. The overall color palette ranges from dark and brooding to bright and engaging, perfect for high definition displays. Simply put, 'The Avengers' is a big win on Blu-ray, one of the best available live action titles available on the format.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The Avengers' and 'The Avengers - 3D' feature identical, reference quality 7.1 English DTS-HD MA soundtracks.
Subtle, refined, dynamic, bombastic, and immersive, 'The Avengers' does everything you're expecting and more. There have been so many spectacular 7.1 surround sound mixes in the last couple years, the real challenge is finding ways to describe why this latest demo disc is noteworthy. 'The Avengers' features perfect dialog rendering in the center channel -- some movies, when the action kicks up, lose track of the characters, but not this. This is a character-first movie and, even in the biggest moments, you know what our heroes (and villains) are saying.
While the side and rear channels aren't the most aggressive I've ever heard, surround activity serves the story well, articulately panning around the room in a full 360 degrees. LFE is subtle at times, but roars when needed, shaking the room with every weapon-fire, explosion, or burst of alien-energy. If I could ask for anything more, I think it would be a little more environment immersion (in the non action sequences, specifically), but that's more a personal preference.
'The Avengers', whether or not you're watching it in two or three dimensions, is a thunderous example of modern blockbuster surround sound. Even if the movie itself wasn't a rock-em-sock-em good time with reference 2D video and a strong 3D presentation, this track alone would make 'The Avengers' a must own. |
Kal
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