kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:57 pm Post subject: Madagascar 3 - 3D [Blu-ray] |
|
|
Another reference disc!
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (Three-Disc Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD Combo + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | Finally bringing the journey back home full circle, 'Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted' is a hilarious eye-dazzler, bursting with energy and a great deal of heart. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith reprise their roles and make a few new friends in Martin Short, Bryan Cranston, Jessica Chastain and Frances McDormand. It's a fun new addition to the quartet's misadventures back to New York and arguably the best of the franchise. The Blu-ray arrives with reference quality video and a spectacular audio presentation. Supplements are shared with its DVD counterpart, but a few new exclusives make this high-def edition of the movie highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Madagascar 3' debuts onto 3D Blu-ray with a spectacular, stupendous and sensational 1080p/MVC MPEG-4 encode. Right from the get-go during Alex's dream, the faces and noses of characters burst through the screen and often dangle inside the living room. Melman's elongated face, in particular, does this to great effect quite a bit thanks to his long neck. The car chase in Monte Carlo is one the most exciting because objects occasionally fly all over the place with every explosion and threaten to smack you in the face. But aside from the several gimmicks, the presentation comes with astonishing depth and dimensionality, as separation of the background from the foreground is consistent throughout. Much of the picture has a fantastic pop-up book effect with a convincing sense of space and distance, making this CG animated film a stunner to watch in 3D.
The 1.78:1 image is simply jaw-dropping from start to finish with razor-sharp lines in Alex's mane, the baroque architecture of the Monte Carlo casino and the rope holding the circus tent tightly together. I was most taken aback by the lifelike texture around the faces of many characters, particularly during close-ups. Individual hairs sway and move with impressive realism, and Captain DuBois's uniform is distinct with visible threading and stitching. The most trivial detail, tiny nuance or particularity in the background is as sharply-defined as any object in the foreground, and minor blemishes like the rust on the airplane or the smallest scratch on the train cars are plainly perceptible.
The rest of the high-def transfer is a dazzling feast for the eyes, full of vibrant colors that never sway. Primaries are sumptuous with vividly rich saturation, giving the movie an energized, happily-go-lucky feel that's consistent right from the first opening moments. Secondary pastel hues are also brimming with a boldness that further add to the story's lighthearted humor and gives each character a life of their own. Contrast is right on the money and crisp with shiny, bright whites everywhere, making the video leap out of the screen. Black levels are inky and luxuriant with spotless gradations between the lighter and darker portions. The big circus act after a bit Alex's training, as well as the grand finale at the zoo, are the highlights which best demonstrate the quality of the picture, an extensive mixture of blacks, neon colors, shadow details and ultra-high contrast.
Aside from one barely perceptible and easily forgivable moment of banding (during the finale at the zoo), this final entry in the franchise is simply fantastic.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The previous two movies hit Blu-ray with great soundtracks, but never really presented much of a challenge to one's audio system. This third installment finally changes that with a splendid, demo-worthy Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track that serves as the perfect complement to the jaw-dropping video. The rears are used often for ambient effects, like the soothing sounds of the wilderness, the bustling noise of the city or the excited cheers of spectators. Panning and directionality are flawless, creating a marvelously immersive 360° soundfield. Once again, the circus acts are a terrific highlight as characters fly overhead, fireworks explode in the back of the room or objects whiz by on either side of the listener.
Imaging is immaculate with fluid movement between the channels, generating a broad soundstage with excellently discrete off-screen effects. Dynamics are expansive and far-reaching, defining the highs and mids with perfect crystal clarity. This is most appreciable during the action sequences as an assortment of sounds is employed to keep things entertaining and exciting. The low-end is generally of the mid-bass variety, but it's full-bodied and persuasive with plenty of nice hearty moments. Dialogue is well-prioritized and intelligible amid the chaos and laughter, making this a highly-engaging and fun lossless mix. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
