kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:26 pm Post subject: Gravity [Blu-ray] |
|
|
Gravity (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2014)
Disclaimer: Using the affiliate links above helps support our forum at no extra cost to you. CurtPalme.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
| Quote: | 'Gravity' is one of my favorite cinematic experiences of the last few years, thanks to tight scripting, bold filmmaking, and master craftsmanship. As a Blu-ray, this 3D set is definitely the way to go -- giving viewers that window into another world feeling -- though the two dimensional version is nice too. The 5.1 sound mix is also amazing, though not quite articulate as some 7.1 mixes, nor the film's own theatrical Dolby Atmos mix. The Special Features offer great insight into how this movie was constructed. Tossing in a commentary and trailers would have rounded out the set.
While I would prefer seeing 'Gravity' in a professional theatre (hopefully it will play in revivals or as a re-release), the Blu-ray experience is pretty close and maintains upon repeat viewings. Just find the biggest screen possible, and avoid smartphones or tablets.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
3D
Meet your new 3D demo. 'Gravity - 3D' launches to on Blu-ray as one of the best 3D discs currently available. It is encoded in MPEG-4 MVC, and presented in its original 2.40:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Unlike some recent productions that had alternate aspect ratios, 'Gravity' was consistent across all exhibition platforms, including IMAX.
Much like the 2D version, black levels are inky though never crushed. Detail and resolution are abundant, from actors' faces to props and costumes and sets, it's all gorgeously rendered. The film's color palette is eye popping, using various Earth environments -- deserts and seas and auroras and nighttime cities to balance the harsh monochromatic sunlight. Skin tones are also very natural, given the various lighting scenarios.
As for the 3D itself? Flawless. Sure, nothing really comes out of the camera, but the infinite depth in an environment like space adds to the whole experience. My particular display is prone to minor crosstalk, but with 'Gravity', there was no sign any. The 3D version also matched the 2D edition's brightness level despite the glasses. Nor did I see any encoding flaws such as banding, macroblocking, aliasing, or edge enhancement.
Oh, and it's a 3D conversion. Yup, given the way the film had to be shot and produced, the majority of what you're seeing on screen was not captured live and in camera. It was either created in 3D, digitally, or post converted. This is why you should only judge the quality of content and not a certain process of filmmaking. For me, the use of 3D in 'Life of Pi' was a little more revelatory, but 'Gravity - 3D' is eye popping. Truly a window into another world. And, for me, trying to watch the 2D version after seeing the 3D is a bit of a disappointment.
2D
'Gravity' hurdles onto Blu-ray with a pristine MPEG-4 AVC encode, presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1.
Though my preferred format / experience is 3D, 'Gravity' is also a two dimensional stunner. Detail and resolution are endless, from the pores on the actors faces to the various space suits and vehicles. Space itself is filled with inky blackness and infinite stares. Shots of, or reflecting, the Earth are particularly gorgeous, with bold and bright colors across the entire spectrum. Skin tones are surprisingly accurate, though they tend to reflect various lighting sources (as they should). It is here where the filmmakers' "light box" really grounds the film, giving accurate iris movement and corneal reflections.
As for flaws, I simply don't see any. No banding, no macroblocking, no damage or dirt, no crush, no edge enhancement, no noise in darker moments. Nada. 'Gravity' looks terrific.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Gravity' tears onto Blu-ray with a delicious, demonstration-worthy 5.1 DTS-HA MA surround sound track that is just shy of perfection.
Though the track is wonderfully diverse in its use of silence, dynamic range, and blockbuster aggression, I have to ask the folks at Warners one question: 5.1? Seriously? I hate to sound like a whiny blogger, but the companies promoting this film, theatrically, went out of their way to point out that the base mix was in 7.1 before the Dolby Atmos conversion. But we only get 5.1? On the surface, that kinda blows. In terms of actual performance, it doesn't matter too much. I put on Dolby ProLogic IIx, and the 5.1 track matrixed perfectly around my home cinema.
Let's talk about why this mix is so special. The filmmakers set out to recreate what it's like going to space where there is no sound. A silent movie would be pretty boring, so they did two things that create a unique sound experience. First, in locking the soundtrack to Dr. Stone's POV, we hear sounds only she could conceivably hear -- that is, only voices from her headset or sounds carried through vibrations as she physically touches things (also, any environment with oxygen has full sound). Second, Steve's Price's heart-pounding musical score is sometimes used like a traditional sound effects -- accentuating movement, and heightening the emotions -- basically, where some movies would focus on the big BOOM of a collision, Price's music instead features a concussive musical movement.
In addition to surround immersion, rock solid (though not obliterating) LFE, and some fun use of dialog placement, the real treat of 'Gravity' on Blu-ray (and in cinemas) is the sound mixes incredible dynamic range. The filmmakers dare to make some voices too quiet to hear because they are too far away. They'll also juxtapose cascading sounds of increase chaos with absolute silence. What a treat. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
