kal
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| Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 2:24 am Post subject: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug [Blu-ray] |
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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack) (2014)
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| Quote: | Picking up soon after the events of 'An Unexpected Journey,' Peter Jackson takes moviegoers and Tolkien fans back to Middle-earth for another adventure in the company of dwarves, a wizard and a mostly reluctant but observant hobbit. This next chapter in the epic-fantasy trilogy improves upon its predecessor. The Blu-ray arrives with an excellent reference-quality audio and video presentation, and a majority of the supplements are exclusive. The overall package makes for a fine purchase for those impatient for the eventual extended edition.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Like its predecessor, 'Desolation of Smaug' was filmed using the high frame rate of 48fps and thankfully, it translates well to the traditional frame rate of 24fps on Blu-ray. Although the video still possesses that digitized and sterilized appearance of shooting in HD, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode is quite remarkable and dazzling to watch. Without the smallest hint of motion judder to be seen, the overall presentation is consistently detailed and razor sharp, exposing the tiniest flaw and imperfection in the clothing, armor, buildings and various weapons seen throughout. Individual hairs are distinct, and the textures of the fabric in the costumes are very well-defined and lifelike. Facial complexions are highly revealing as well, showing every wrinkle and pore in the faces of the cast.
Filmed entirely on a Red Epic camera system, the 2.40:1 image displays a wide array of bright, vivid colors, making the picture pop with energy. A crisp, brilliant contrast allows for extraordinary visibility in the distance, exposing the tiniest objects in the background and the fine lines of various rock formations scattered throughout the New Zealand landscape. The only minor drawback is the brightness levels. While a majority of the video shows excellent, true blacks, many shadows appear a bit murky and sometimes noticeably faded. There are also a couple negligible instances of aliasing in the finest of lines, most apparent when inside the Lonely Mountain. However, all in all, the high-def transfer is spectacular.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The sequel to 'The Hobbit' franchise also debuts on Blu-ray with a reference-quality DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that rivals its predecessor. Dynamic range is astoundingly extensive and broad, exhibiting the smallest detail with superb, crystal-clear clarity. Every pop and sizzle of Smaug's fiery breadth is distinct and accurate with incredible realism, as it spreads across the entire front soundstage and moves into the back of the room. During action sequences, the upper ranges are detailed with precise distinct clarity, giving each death yell of the Orcs and every clash of the metal swords extraordinary intelligibility. All the while, dialogue remains lucid and well-prioritized in the center.
Rear activity is also filled with subtle ambient effects that play almost non-stop throughout the film's runtime, creating a wonderfully satisfying environment. As you'd expect from the several battles, arrows fly overhead, swords swing clear across the room and the Orcs run in swarms from behind the listener to front of the screen with awesome effectiveness. A highlight is when Kili, Fili, Oin and Bofur are about to be attacked and the footsteps of Orcs walking on the rooftops are heard above the audience. Panning is fluid and flawless, creating a stunning 360° soundfield that's immersive while Howard Shore's music envelops viewers with exhilaration.
Like its predecessor, the design also comes with a powerful low-end that's quite effective and occasionally rattles walls. Each thump of the horses' hooves and stomp of a Warg's paw is felt, and battle scenes can make the floor rumble. The bass plays an appreciable role in Shore's thrilling musical score, adding a great deal of weight to the orchestration, especially when hearing the cellos and the low-pitched brass instruments. The best moments are the scenes with Smaug, as his fire breadth and footsteps offer some fun palpable effects. However, and also like the first movie, it never really digs deep or ever hits the lower depths, mostly remaining in the mid to upper ranges of extension. Nevertheless, the presentation remains a marvelously satisfying lossless mix. |
Kal
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