kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 8:25 pm Post subject: The Great Gatsby [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
The Great Gatsby (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2013)
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| Quote: | The fourth time isn't the charm. Though Baz Luhrmann's interpretation of 'The Great Gatsby' has merit, especially during its dark last hour, this glitzy, often garish adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic can't be considered the definitive version. By favoring style over substance and adding too many contemporary elements, this manic film lacks the laser focus required to capture the elegance, underlying power, and lingering resonance of this iconic American tale. 'The Great Gatsby' doesn't just chronicle one man's obsession with a lost love and thirst for attention and respect, it paints a damning portrait of a wild, selfish era and the frivolous people who populate it. Luhrmann tries his best to honor Fitzgerald's agenda, but in an ironic twist, his own self-indulgence ultimately brings the film down. Sparkling video that's better than its 3D counterpart, strong audio - although you might not like some of what you hear on the hip-hop soundtrack - and plenty of supplements make this an attractive package. Far from the disaster some purport it to be, this 'Gatsby' just might grow on you through subsequent viewings and definitely deserves a look. But if you're searching for the real Jay Gatsby, the only place you'll find him is on your bookshelf.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Let me get one thing off my chest right away: Watching 'The Great Gatsby' in 2D is a far better experience than seeing it in 3D...at least it was for me. Without all the distracting pop-up elements vying for attention and adding a cartoonish quality to what should be a very serious film, I was able to more fully absorb the nuances of character and immerse myself in the setting of this fascinating, delicately woven tale. Yes, the CGI is just as noticeable here as it is in the 3D version, but it's not so in-your-face that it draws your focus away from the on-screen drama. In 2D, 'The Great Gatsby' is less manic, less artificial, and more engrossing. Subtleties that are lost in 3D are easier to discern here, and the entire film seems more cohesive.
The flat edition, like its 3D cousin, sports not a hint of grain, yet images seem sharper and crisper, and colors flaunt a heavier level of saturation and warmth. Struck from a pristine print, Warner's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer is antiseptically clean and possesses plenty of pop, with strong contrast heightening the impact of all the picture components. Hues are bright and bold, especially the green foliage and red lipstick, while delicate pastels exude an airy feel. Blacks are rich and deep, whites are strong and resist blooming, and fleshtones look more natural and stable than they do in 3D. Background elements, such as the paintings on the cluttered mansion walls, are strikingly sharp; shadow delineation is quite good, with no instances of crush; and patterns remain rock solid without a single errant shimmer. Close-ups, too, are marvelously vivid, displaying fine facial features well.
I'm a fan of 3D, but the 2D transfer of 'The Great Gatsby' outshines the more dimensional version. All the opulence and vivid color, without any superfluous distractions, are beautifully showcased, enhancing both the viewing experience and, quite surprisingly, the film itself.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track makes good use of the surround channels, with subtle ambient effects often bleeding into the rears. Rain is especially well rendered, and accents such as fireworks and ice chipping are crisp and potent. Stereo separation up front is often distinct, and a wide dynamic scale generally handles everything that's thrown at it. Even the most cacophonous sequences never sound muddied, as the meticulous mix prioritizes the various audio segments well. I did notice a slight bit of occasional distortion during Maguire's overdubbed narration, but it didn't intrude too heavily upon the rest of the track. Bass frequencies provide a good amount of weight, with roaring roadster engines and the thumping beat of Jay Z's music rumbling through the soundscape.
Dialogue is always clear and easy to understand - even DiCaprio's quiet whispers come across well - and the various music styles all benefit from superior fidelity and tonal depth. Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' beautifully fills the room, while the more pulsating strains of contemporary music commandeer all the speakers for a truly enveloping experience.
This track is chock full of many competing elements, but sorts them all out to produce a cohesive mix that's lively, bright, and often bold. |
Kal
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