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kal
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| Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 2:33 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Hangover Part II (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2011)
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| Quote: | 'The Hangover Part II' is just like the original, only slightly bigger, louder, and set in Bangkok. As a fan of film one, I wasn't as taken with this chapter as I was its predecessor, but that's simply one man's opinion. The Blu-ray features a bright, saturated, detailed color palate and terrific (better than most "comedies") surround sound track. For fans of the film, this is an easy buy. This mutli-disc set offers access to special features you can't get with any other edition. For fans of the first film and for those who have not seen it, my personal opinion is that you should probably rent it first to see if it’s a must add to your collection. This of course is more difficult given Warners' rental windows, but Vudu and OnDemand should be available day-and-date.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Hangover Part II' arrives on Blu-ray with a pleasing AVC MPEG4 encode in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1.
As one would expect with all modern studio films, this Blu-ray features no source blemishes and oodles detail under a nice filmic layer of grain. Viewers will drink in the facial, hair, and clothing textures of the actors next to the picturesque resort and many filthy Bangkok hotel. The film's saturated color palette is perfect for HDTV displays, with warm, bright colors. Skin tones are generally accurate, but seem a tad flushed. While some of the daytime sequences can feel a little '70s-era gritty, the night scenes pop with color and clarity, featuring deep, inky blacks. There is, however, a tad of crush here.
Overall, 'The Hangover Part II' looks great on Blu-ray and accurately represents the film's theatrical experience.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The Hangover Part II' may be a comedy, a genre known for front heavy soundtracks, but the 5.1 English DTS-HD MA is a well-rounded winner.
Dialog is crisp and clear. The film's score elements and music selections really show off surround channels, providing a wide soundstage. There's nice panning effects as songs spread from front to rear or rear to front for different sequence transitions. Surrounds also get plenty of world atmosphere. Whether you're in an IHOP restaurant, or a Bangkok city street, it sounds like you're really there. There's great use of directional panning as well, for voices, gunfire, squeaking monkeys, and other sound effects. LFE roars when they cut into the riot flashbacks outside the white lion.
Though I saw this film in the theatres, I forgot how good this movie sounds. It's not quit the best of the best, but there's a lot of nice, detailed, discrete work to delight audio fans. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 2:36 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Smurfs / The Smurfs: Christmas Carol (Three-Disc Combo Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2011)
(Click on picture to order from Amazon and support our forum, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'The Smurfs' surprised me with its quality, its humor, and its heart. It still has a number of an issues that made it tough to truly enjoy unconditionally. This is a cute, fun, warm family film, and it's certainly not a grating experience for adults who will be forced to watch it, but it definitely isn't for everyone. This Blu-ray release features exclusive extras, stunning (near demo) video and spectacular audio, as well as a bonus DVD of the film and another for a rip-off/spin-off. This set comes recommended, as it would make a nice Christmas present at the very least. I went in expecting to have a copy to sell and make some money off of, but now it turns out my shelf may get a little bit more crowded...
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Smurfs' come to Blu-ray in near demo-worthy 1080p, with only a few minor hiccups detouring an otherwise amazing transfer. This Blu-ray release has absolutely phenomenal depth, fantastic clarity, and detail levels that are astonishing. Aliasing? None, not in pans, not in tall grass, nothing. Textures are amazing, with the wear and tear and dirt on the white Smurf outfits showing throw so readily, it has to be seen to be believed. This isn't just white and blue, no sir! Smurf skin doesn't have much texture to it, but humans, yowzers, they look so amazingly life like, as if you could touch them, it's beyond amazing. This film is amazingly colorful, and this bright, almost candy-coated appearance really lends itself to HD. What's really great about this disc is there's no edge enhancing, no ringing, no DNR, no black crush (not even in dark shots with Gargamel's outfit or hair!), nothing.
If it weren't for a handful of minor gripes, this would have been a five star disc I'd stand behind and fight to the finish for. First, skin tones are sometimes a little wonky, and aren't all that consistent throughout the film. I can't blame this disc for the following issues, but there are some shots where the Smurfs look a little jagged on their outlines, due to some unfinished or sloppy CG, making them look too artificial (the scene immediately following the FAO store debacle is a perfect example of this). Additionally, sometimes shots heavy in CG have a slight blurriness in other sections, as if to make the CG seem a bit more realistic, or to draw the eye, I have no clue. There is some minor noise in one dark shot, and there is one particularly gritty shot (the moment Gargamel's teleportation spell fails early in the film) that definitely stands out from the rest of the otherwise splendid disc.
'The Smurfs' makes for an amazing Blu-ray experience, gripes be damned. This really is one of the better looking titles on the format, and features a number of scenes that would be great to show off or put in a demo reel. Simply put, this disc has serious "wow" power. A little more consistency and a few blemishes removed, and the word perfection may have been thrown around.
And, no, the "subliminal" Blu-ray ad in this film doesn't give it more points. Nice try, Sony.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Presented in full lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 'The Smurfs' is a slice of sonic heaven. It's utterly perfect, from start to finish, and is one of the most active, well designed films of its genre. From the moment the film starts, with credits swooping through the room, to the end, with Smurfs doing the same, there's something always catching one's attention, with very few moments that don't sound like what you would imagine they would based off any scene's appearance. The soundtrack has great separation, and hits all channels frequently, and while it doesn't quite pack a punch, that's made up for in the other little accents. Bass levels aren't powerful, but they're effective, as they're used mostly to provide any given scene perspective, as though you were in the room as a Smurf, the thumps of a chasing hound, the smallest noises amplified, with impacts receiving nice thuds with a little added heft. Movement through the room is superb, with fantastic use of rear speakers that even feature randomly localized dialogue to keep the film feeling fresh. With solid volume spikes, great bits (like the cars whooshing through the room), tons of activity and dreamy dynamics, Sony hits an absolute home run with this amazing track. Most of the credit does belong to those involved in the sound department of the film, sure, but this disc really makes their presence and work be felt. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Help (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011)
(Click on picture to order from Amazon and support our forum, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'The Help' doesn't tell us anything we don't already know, but it provides a touching, insightful look at the unsung heroines of early 1960s Southern society. Fine performances and a dash of humor distinguish this tale of strength, hope, defiance, and perseverance that tugs the heart strings but never wallows in sentiment. Disney's Blu-ray features excellent video and audio, and a couple of worthwhile supplements, all of which earn this disc a solid recommendation.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Like many recent films, 'The Help' possesses a strikingly detailed, pristine transfer that quickly immerses us in the movie's time period. A slight bit of grain suits the 1960s setting and tempers the superior clarity just enough to provide a lovely film-like feel. Colors are beautifully saturated - the green lawns look particularly lush - but never overpower the image. Pastels and prints show up well, and fleshtones are consistent and always appear natural. Black levels are rich and inky, and no crush creeps into shadow shots.
The transfer enjoys a good degree of depth, allowing background elements to be discerned with ease. Close-ups can be breathtaking, especially those of Davis, with every skin crease and careworn expression marvelously rendered. Best of all, no digital doctoring of any kind has been applied, and no banding, noise, or artifacting breaks the movie's spell.
This is another top-notch effort from Disney that beautifully complements this quiet, thoughtful film.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The Help' is enhanced by a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that provides clear, crisp, seamlessly mixed sound. Some nice atmospherics of chirping birds and crickets bring the rear speakers into play, and good stereo separation up front lends the drama a more realistic flavor. Dialogue is well prioritized in the center channel, and all conversations are easy to understand.
Dynamic range is wide and healthy, marked by warm low tones that add subtle emphasis and highs that resist distortion, while Thomas Newman's music score enjoys fine fidelity and fills the room with ease. Not surprisingly, this recent track is clean as a whistle, with no imperfections mucking up the works.
'The Help' is a talky drama that doesn't have any big sonic showpieces, and, like many of the characters, doesn't call attention to itself. Still, it supports the film well and helps us remain focused on the interactions on screen. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 2:39 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Life, Above All (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | 'Life, Above All' is a coming-of-age story about a young African girl who has to grow up far too fast, but does so without hesitation. She's determined to take care of her family no matter the social costs. It's a heart-warming film that never feels like it's trying to trick or deceive you into crying your eyes out. It feels genuine and its performances feel true. The Blu-ray features exceptional video, very strong audio, and a few extras. 'Life, Above All' comes recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Sony usually does a masterful job with their Sony Pictures Classics releases, and this is no exception. The visuals here are stunning. Demo-worthy perhaps. A movie that you may play to show off some of the more intricate details that your HD television can produce.
Chanda's dustbowl of a town creates a desert feel. The movie has a yellowish hue but it isn't nearly as bad as some of the other yellow filters we've seen on other movies. Instead the effect seems more caused by the beating African sun rather than a filter of any kind.
Detail here is astounding though. Skin appears perfectly natural, as any imperfections, age and smile lines remain visible throughout. Mid-range photography still features quite a bit of detail. Softness never seems to become a problem. Lines are crisp and defined. Blacks are deep and resolute. Shadows offer perfectly delineated scenes that accentuate fine detail even during evening and night scenes. Colors are bursting with life. The pinks, purples, and greens of the women's dresses pops against a background of harsh earthy sand and dirt.
There are no compression problems to speak of. I found 'Life, Above All' to be one of the best, albeit subtle, video presentations of the year. It doesn't feature a lot of glorious animation or action sequences, but that doesn't mean it's any less demo worthy. This is about as perfect as video presentations come.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Sony has given 'Life, Above All' a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless mix, which, for a dramatic movie, is unexpectedly lively. Usually, all we get to say in the audio section of reviews for talkative dramas is that dialogue is clear, but ambient sound is lacking. That's not the case here. This mix is alive in every channel. Yes, dialogue is clean and clear, but that's not what makes this audio presentation one to take notice of.
Chanda's busy village is full of all kinds of activity, and as Chanda rides through it the milling of the townspeople can be heard clearly in the rear speakers. LFE can be felt as a thunder storm rolls in. The whoosh of strong winds blows through the sound stage with force. The movie's geography-influenced score is given ample room to breathe. It fills each channel offering and immersive experience of culturally significant music.
It may be a subtle soundtrack full of intricate details, but it's one that will have you completely engaged in the movie that you're watching. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:04 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Final Destination 5 (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | If you've ever been a fan of the 'Final Destination' movies or like playful horror movies with gross and creative deaths, then 'Final Destination 5' is a worthy purchase. It's definitely the best the series has been since the original 2000 film. The deaths are awesome, the effects are top-notch, and a nice twist takes the franchise in a fresh direction. Aside from occasional aliasing, the near-perfect picture quality compliments the astounding effects. With an also brilliant flawless audio track, surprising, 'Final Destination 5' reaches demo-worthy levels. If only New Line had included some worthy special features. Still, this one comes recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Final Destination 5' hits Blu-ray with a fantastic 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio.
Set to black, the opening credits kick off the sharp images with a montage of killing devices from previous 'Final Destination' movies shattering through plates of glass. Although this is not the 3D version of the Blu-ray, the images still carry a naturally third dimensional feel that carries on throughout the entire film.
The details and textures are phenomenal. As shards of glass, spatters of blood, and speck of chalk dust soar through the air, individual particles of each are clearly visible throughout this 100 percent clean transfer. Facial features – pores, follicle, wrinkles – are ever present. One shot shows the pits and dents in a wet asphalt parking lot. This transfer is heavy in detail.
With rich black levels, shadows are perfectly delineated. No detail whatsoever is lost within them. The overall palette of the film features muted colors, deep reds of blood being the only color that carries any weight. Fleshtones are slightly on the pale side, but that's most likely due to a directorial decision to suck the life out of the characters.
There isn't a single trace of elements such as noise, edge enhancement, DNR, banding or artifacts, although there is some occasional aliasing within finely combed styled hair and objects like car grills, fishnet stockings and air ducts.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The gem of the 'Final Destination 5' audio selections is an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Now you can hear the disgusting sounds of bones breaking, skulls crushing, spines snapping, flesh burning and blood spattering in perfect lossless surround sound.
A lot more was put into this audio track than I had expected. It's rich in small environment-establishing details that emit from all channels. Excluding the sub-woofer, each channel is lit up with sound throughout the whole film. The sub is used with perfection whenever necessary, including plenty of LFE.
The imaging from one channel to another is seamless. The sound travels with fluid movement. You'll notice this even more so during chaotic accidents. As the bridge begins to give, you'll hear cables snapping and soaring past your head. The sound of debris flying past you with each explosion is clear and evident.
The audio mix is well-balanced, the vocal track never being stepped on by the effects or music. Everything is blended with perfection. Nothing is lost. You can hear the wind rush in and swing the groaning bridge while screams of panic and terror ring out in the background. Amidst all this other noise, clear as day, you can hear the voice of our lead character instructing his friends and coworkers to safety |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:07 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Kung Fu Panda 2 / Secrets of the Masters (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2011)
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| Quote: | 'Kung Fu Panda 2' isn't as good as its predecessor, but it does accomplish the feat of entertaining its audience. Even though its first half is shallow and a bit sluggish, the second half lifts it up with its sheer awesomeness. With stellar audio and video and a large selection of worthy special features this one comes recommended to all.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Was there any doubt that this movie would be less than perfect when it came to being presented in outstanding 1080p? Nah! I expected nothing less than perfection when I stuck this in my Blu-ray player and that's exactly what I got.
Dreamworks' animation is lush and vibrant. Lines are clean and distinct. Watch as individual strands of hair and fur wave in the wind without the slightest hint of aliasing. Check out the immaculate detail of Lord Shen's intricate tail feathers. When the 2D animated scenes show up they shine as well. The detail of the hand-drawn characters shimmers, offering a nice respite in between all the high-flying 3D action.
Blacks are tremendously deep. Colors are superb. Check out the contrast between the darkness of Shen's war factory compared to the hot whites, reds, and oranges of the molten fires creating his secret weapons. Textures are presented with the utmost care, from Shen's elaborately decorated robe to the architecture inside Shen's palace. There isn't a detail misplaced or misused. Rest assured when you pick up 'Kung Fu Panda 2' on Blu-ray you're picking up a demo release through and through.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The audio is no slouch either. Matching the 1080p transfer of 'Kung Fu Panda 2' pound for pound is the raucously fun 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio mix. This is simply an audio experience that you'll pull out from time to time to really show off the capabilities of your 7.1 system. It showcases every channel and makes great use of the extra speakers.
Ambient sound is always active. The rear speakers are constantly alive with far off action or people milling around town. Dialogue is clear up front and directionality works well as Po and his comrades fly from one side of the screen to the other taking out bad guys. Their voices and sound effects travel with them from a side speaker through the front and center speakers and on to the opposite side. Panning effects are always smooth. LFE is constantly a deep, thumping presence. The low boom and whoosh of cannonballs is one of the best things about this soundtrack. Even the LFE presence in the other speakers is more than adequate. Every time we get that hollow boohooing when Po's pudgy stomach comes in contact with enemy fists or the ground, the low sound reverberates through the speakers creating a perfect echoing effect.
Like the video the audio mix is simply worth owning. It will make a great addition next to your other demo worthy Blu-rays. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:10 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Meet Me in St. Louis [Blu-ray Book] (1944)
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| Quote: | Musical lovers, rejoice! Warner honors one of Hollywood's finest with a top-notch digibook edition that features superb video, excellent audio, and a huge array of first-class supplements. 'Meet Me in St. Louis' is the quintessential family musical, and its relatable story and characters, enduring songs (performed with heartbreaking warmth and irrepressible verve by the unforgettable Garland), and gorgeous Technicolor photography make it a time-honored classic that continues to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. So hop aboard the trolley and revel in the magic of Garland, Minnelli, and MGM. Highly recommended, even for those who generally shy away from the genre.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
When Warner released the DVD of 'Meet Me in St. Louis' back in 2004, it sported a spanking new digital transfer from restored picture elements, and the results were spectacular. Yet believe it or not, this Blu-ray edition outclasses that fine effort with a perfectly balanced image that showcases the movie's exceptional Technicolor photography and period detail. It's often tempting to over-saturate three-strip Technicolor films, but Warner remains true to the source, fashioning a natural-looking palette that embraces the lush hues without pushing them into an artificial realm. From Garland's auburn hair and red Christmas ball gown to Bremer's green velvet dress and the verdant front lawns that line Kensington Avenue, every color exudes the proper temperature and makes this movie a true visual delight.
The grain structure complements the film as well, lending it a cozy texture that ties into the antiquated setting. (In only a couple of instances did the grain seem excessive, but that's to be expected for a movie of this vintage.) Clarity and contrast are both excellent (and a step up from the DVD), so the picture brims with vibrancy. Details on a Tiffany lamp, wallpaper and carpet patterns, and background elements are all strikingly sharp. Black levels in the Halloween sequence exude a lovely inkiness, yet shadow delineation never suffers and crush never occurs. Whites are solid, too, especially the elaborate dresses the Smith women wear to the World's Fair, but fleshtones adopt a slight rosy tint.
Minnelli was a master of the close-up, and some of his shots of Garland are so exquisitely framed and executed, they take our breath away. The final shot of 'The Boy Next Door' and extended close-up during 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' exhibit a unique lushness and beauty that only a man in love with his leading lady could construct.
The print is primarily spotless, with almost all incidents of speckling erased. There's still a faint vertical stripe with a greenish-yellowish tint that shows up late in the picture for several isolated seconds, but it's not particularly noticeable unless you look for it. No edge enhancement or DNR have been applied, and no banding, halos, artifacting, or noise disrupt the image. Once again, Warner has done a superior job transferring one of its classic titles to Blu-ray, and all fans of musicals and Golden Age cinema should be thrilled with this eye-filling treatment.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The addition of lossless audio really perks up the 'St. Louis' soundtrack, offering more purity of tone, detail, and dynamic range than the previous Dolby Digital mix on the DVD. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 track gently envelops; you won't hear anything distinct coming from the rear speakers, but the overall surround feel, which is most potent during the musical numbers, makes the movie more immediate and involving. The wide dynamic range handles Garland's soaring highs well (with distortion never an issue), while lows possess lovely resonance and weight. Subtleties are more pronounced, too, such as the rustling of dresses and the roaring flames of the Halloween bonfire, and accents, like the clanging trolley bell, are crisply rendered.
Dialogue is always well prioritized and easy to comprehend, and the music score enjoys marvelous fidelty and tonal depth. A couple of errant pops could be detected and just the faintest hint of hiss, but neither in any way hamper one's enjoyment of this aural feast. Listening to Garland sing such standards as 'The Trolley Song,' 'The Boy Next Door,' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' is always a treat, but hearing her legendary voice in lossless audio adds a rare and wonderful extra dimension to the experience.
The original mono track has been dropped from this release, but a music-only track, highlighting Garland's numbers and Conrad Salinger's lilting orchestrations remains, and can be accessed through the Audio Vault section in the special features area. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:12 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Two-Disc Edition Blu Ray + DVD/Digital Copy Combo) [Blu-ray] (2011)
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| Quote: | 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' was terrific on the big screen, and continues to thrill on Blu-ray. I found the scripting, direction, action, CGI imagery to be grounded, effective, entertaining, smart, and exciting. This is a demo-worthy disc with near reference quality picture and audio, though I personally wish it had been a more immersive 7.1 mix. Fans will also enjoy the special features, of which there are many. Highly Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Framed with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, the AVC-MPEG4 encoded 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' Blu-ray is nearly perfect. Save for the occasional soft focus, some minor variances in skin tones, and a barely noticeable layer of faux film grain buzzing over the CGI creatures -- which seemed to suck resolution -- there's a lot to enjoy on this Blu-ray. Detail and resolution are abundant. As I said above, the various ape species look photo real. Colors are bold and vibrant, especially the many magic hour shots set atop Muir Woods overlooking San Francisco. Black levels are good too, as evidenced by many layers of darkness in the row of prison cell cages where Caesar and the others live. And, as we would expect, the source material is in terrific shape. Overall, it looks great and is close to perfect.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Fox's 5.1 English DTS-HD MA audio track is a power house that performs equally as well in dramatic moments as it does in action set pieces. Patrick Doyle's score spreads out wide with lovely highs and thundering lows. Dialog is always nicely articulated. From the opening jungle moments, to the whizzing bullets on the Golden Gate bridge, sound effects spin and pan with ease, creating a sense of depth and of really being there. LFE is supportive and punchy, but could have gone a little deeper in a few moments. Personally speaking, this is about as good as it gets for 5.1, and while it matrices nicely using Dolby ProLogic IIx/z, I'm starting to get spoiled by theatrical mixed, or home entertainment remixed, 7.1 tracks. On one hand, it's unfair to judge a surround sound track based on two channels that do not exist, but on the other, I feel as though a bar has been raised in the audio department. Without 7.1, surround sound tracks can be very good, and tell the story very well, but it's just shy of the perfection it could be.
Minor complaint aside, audio fans will love to crank up this track, especially in the more action-pack sequences. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:15 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Lady Vanishes (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] (1938)
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| Quote: | Hitchcock's penultimate British film is a supremely good-natured and entertaining mystery-comedy distinguished by the director's trademark artistry and flawless pacing. Thrills, romance, intrigue, and a bit of potent social commentary also permeate 'The Lady Vanishes,' making it one of the Master of Suspense's best films. Criterion's Blu-ray release is another winner, featuring top-notch video and audio, and an absorbing array of substantive extras sure to please fans of cinema in general and Hitchcock in particular. So hop aboard the train, join the hunt, and revel in this marvelous romp. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Criterion has done a fabulous job with 'The Lady Vanishes,' fashioning a surprisingly clear and vibrant 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that makes this film appear much younger than its 73 years. The source material has been dandily spruced up, with hardly any nicks or specks marring the black-and-white image. A white vertical line here and black vertical line there occasionally appear on the print, but the instances are brief and barely noticeable. Grain is evident, but the picture never succumbs to it, maintaining a warm, film-like feel without looking overly textured. Gray level variance is quite good, with deep, inky blacks contrasting nicely with well-defined whites and the shades in between.
The enhanced clarity makes the use of miniatures more apparent, but rear projection work is seamlessly integrated into the whole, and the close shots of train tracks and telephone wires are stunningly crisp. Facial close-ups are a tad soft, yet possess a glamorous Hollywood feel, and background elements are easy to discern.
No digital issues or doctoring seem to afflict the image, which remains a delight to watch from start to finish. For a seven-decade-old film, this 'Lady' is quite a looker.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
For vintage films, audio is at least as problematic as video, and Criterion takes great care with this antiquated track. The mono audio is presented in lossless LPCM form, which captures every nuance in Hitchcock's active track. (The director was famous for creating meticulous sound fields, and 'The Lady Vanishes' is a primer on the art form.) The mix can be tricky at times, because there's so much background noise competing against the actors' dialogue, especially once everyone boards the train. As a result, conversations occasionally can be hard to understand (the actors' rapid-fire delivery also doesn't help), but for the most part, the spoken word is clear and comprehendible.
Dynamic range is quite good; high ends occasionally flirt with distortion, but remain in check, while lows possess nice weight. Accents, such as train whistles, stomping, and gunfire, are all distinct, while the constant rail noise provides a solid underlying framework to the track. 'The Lady Vanishes' apparently contains less music than any other Hitchcock film, and the sparingly employed score flaunts decent fidelity without the tinniness that often clouds audio from the 1930s.
Criterion's technicians have done a terrific job cleansing this track - a few errant pops crop up now and then, but hiss is kept to a minimum, and no static or crackles creep in. This may not be perfect sound, but for a classic British film, it's mighty fine. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:05 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray] (2010)
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| Quote: | 'Boardwalk Empire' is another HBO hit, but with the astronomical production costs associated with it, how much longer can it keep running? Hopefully, until Winter and his team have exhausted the story they set out to tell. I'm excited for what 'Boardwalk Empire' has up its sleeve. The sordid affairs of some of the world's most notorious scofflaws make for interesting and engaging television. With the perfect audio and video, along with some clever PiP Blu-ray exclusives, this set comes highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
As has become the custom with HBO TV Blu-rays, 'Boardwalk Empire' features some drop-dead gorgeous visuals that will have you gawking at the TV screen during almost every scene.
As soon as the show opens on that distinct and pristinely created 20s Atlantic City Boardwalk, we can see that no expense has been spared to make this show look as realistic as possible. Fine detail is visible throughout the season. It doesn't matter at what range the camera is place, the detail here is unmistakably noticeable. Close-ups reveal pores and scars, like the light ones on Capone's face. Blood spatter is almost too realistic. When Jimmy takes out one of the Chicago bosses at close range and his brains splatter on the wall behind him it's easy to see chunks of brain and skull dripping down the wall.
Color is a rich feast. From the opulent gold and silver of Nucky's office to the dark shadowy surroundings of speakeasies and illegal distilleries colors run the gamut and they're all presented cleanly. Reds are especially prominent, offering that colorful pop that we've become accustomed to with HD. Textures like Nucky's perfectly manicured pinstriped suits or the rough tweed of henchmen overcoats, it's easy to see every bump and weave.
I know you expected it, but I'm here to simply report what you'd already been hoping for. 'Boardwalk Empire' comes to Blu-ray with a flawless presentation. Each episode being presented in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The show has always had a distinct cinematic feel and nothing has changed with the Blu-ray. It looks as good as it ever has.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
As flawless as the video presentation is, there's a possibility that the audio does an even better job. Too bad there isn't a choice above five stars here at the site. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio blows the original broadcasts out of the proverbial water. This is how 'Boardwalk Empire' was meant to be heard.
Surrounds are teaming with ambience. Nucky's grand parties are full of rabble-rousing crowds all hankering for another drink. The boardwalk, no matter how sparsely populated always has ambient sound making it a full viewing experience. It can be gulls cawing in the distance, the far off sound of waves, or a couple chatting as the walk past. No sounds are lost or mismanaged. Everything is brought in as a whole. Providing an overwhelmingly realistic audio environment in which to envelope the viewer.
Dialogue is always clear and intelligible. Even the soft spoken words of Margaret Schroder are easily audible. Directionality is key because so many of these scenes feature more than a few characters, all talking at once from different areas of a large room. The mix keeps track of all of them placing you in the center being able to hear every word spoken. LFE is alive and well whenever an old 20s car roars to life, or someone opens up on a crowd of unsuspecting mugs with a tommy gun.
Finally the 20s-inspired soundtrack bleeds throughout the soundfield offering a perfect representation of the swinging music from that period. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:09 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Killer Elite [Blu-ray] (2011)
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| Quote: | Making his feature-length debut, director Gary McKendry delivers an entertaining espionage crime-caper with the usual thrills and action, but the movie also tries to include an intriguing plot and good characterization into the mix. With Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Robert De Niro in the leads, 'Killer Elite' is, in the end, an easy, guilt-free way of killing a couple hours. The Blu-ray arrives with an excellent audio and video presentation, but a meager collection of supplements. The overall package, however, should make fans happy and others will want to give it a rent before deciding.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Killer Elite' debuts with a killer 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.40:1) that stays true to the stylized photography of Simon Duggan ('Knowing,' 'Live Free or Die Hard'). The palette changes according to the story's location, leaning towards warm sepia tones in the desert and suddenly shifting to steely blues when in London. Colors remain mostly accurate and bold through these adjustments, and flesh tones are understandably effected but don't hamper the picture's enjoyment.
The high-def transfer also shows outstanding, near-reference quality resolution for a majority of the movie's runtime. Close-ups are particularly revealing and razor-sharp, exposing every wrinkle on Robert De Niro's face and makes Jason Stratham seem scruffier than usual. From the cold, dreary streets of London to the dry, desert hills of Oman, the video is exceptionally well-detailed. Contrast is spot-on with brilliant whites. Black levels are deep and true with nighttime sequences in Paris looking especially gorgeous, providing the image with a nice depth of field.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Right from the beginning, during a botched job in Mexico, the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack for 'Killer Elite' shows how the rest of the movie will play out. The deliberate sound design isn't one to immediately win over listeners with tons of immersive action.
The high-rez track is a generally front-heavy presentation with a soundstage the feels broad and generates a great sense of space. Most of the discrete effects are off-screen and channel separation is very well-balanced. Vocals are precise and rendered perfectly in the center, so much on the film's focus is on the dialogue of characters. When sudden commotion explodes across the screen, the rears come alive with the musical score of Reinhold Heil and Johnny Klimek, all at once pulling the viewer into the middle of the action. The midrange maintains excellent clarity and differentiation of various noises, some of which pan into the back speakers with flawless movement. Bass also joins in with commanding authority and solid force, making the overall lossless mix a very nice surprise. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Drive (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] (2011)
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| Quote: | It's not often enough that we get 5-star video and audio qualities, so it's only fitting that 'Drive,' a 5-star film, winds up with some of very the best demo-worthy technical ratings. In every single aspect of filmmaking – directing, writing, acting, cinematography, lighting, special effects – 'Drive' is pitch-perfect. It never strikes an off note. It functions like a high-performance vehicle, not once misfiring. It takes a familiar and played-out genre of mainstream cinema and gives it revitalizing and refreshingly creativity via the original flare of independent filmmaking. To our great benefit, 'Drive' has been given a demo-worthy Blu-ray release that matches the perfect quality of the film itself. Most of the special features aren't that great, falling a bit short, but one is extensive and highly informative - an interview with the director that's a worthy substitute for a commentary. 'Drive' just might be the very best Blu-ray in my collection, one you should be sure to add to your own.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Drive' has been given a 1080p transfer with an AVC MPEG-4 encode presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Whenever I review a Blu-ray of a film I love, I'm typically over critical, only wanting to see a beloved title in a perfect state – but it's usually a slight let-down. Fortunately, that's not the case with 'Drive.'
I watched the 'Drive' Blu-ray looking for flaws – but none were to be found. I invited a friend over to watch it with me since he missed it during its quick theatrical run and he kept spouting comments like, "I don't know that I've ever seen a Blu-ray look this good." The funny thing is that I can only name a few titles in my collection off the top of my head that also look this amazing.
No matter the shot – nighttime, daytime, long shot, close-up, aerial, whatever – this entire film looks perfectly crisp and clear. It's always sharp and detailed. 'Drive' may be '80s in theme, but it's not in video quality. It is grain-less and 100 percent noise-free.
Ever since hearing 'The Ice Harvest' described as a "retro film noir," that's the only way I've thought to describe films like this. It's dark in picture and theme, yet also vibrant and colorful in design, like something from the '80s. The blacks are deep rich. Of course, they're meant to hide objects and detail in certain shots, but they never resort to crushing. Colors – especially the ever-present reds (like Hendricks' hair) – explode onto the big screen.
Edge enhancement, digital noise reduction, banding and artifacts aren't an issue. I constantly watched for noise – amidst so many dark scenes, it had to pop up, right? Wrong. It never does. There are countless on-screen objects that would cause aliasing on any other indie film's Blu-ray release, yet it never occurs on the 'Drive' Blu-ray.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Only one listening option is presented with 'Drive' – an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track – so there's not an audio option on the main menu. Just like the film itself and the picture quality, the 'Drive' Blu-ray features 5-star demo-worthy audio.
Any scene from the film can be used for demo purposes, but the opening scene is arguably the best for showing off both picture and sound. The ominous synthesized single-tone scoring (when used in place of silence) is almost better at conveying a mood than tradition contemporary scoring. The bass in these scenes convey the feeling of an impeding doom. As the engine revs up and Driver has to outrun squad cars and a chopper, you'll feel like you're sitting in the front seat of a hot rod. The score disappears and this monstrous engine become the mood-conveying score. As a chopper does a low altitude fly-by trying to spot Driver's suspected vehicle below a bridge, the sounds of the off-screen chopper not only seamlessly travel across the room, but they seem to emanate from above – which is insanely effective considering I don't have speakers mounted in my ceiling.
Know that this high quality mix isn't only strong like this in the beginning of the film. It's non-stop. During car wrecks, you'll not only hear house-shaking LFE, but insanely dynamic effects that sound as if there are dozens of layers of sounds added to each effect. The film features a few gunshots, each of them ringing loud and blasting right through you. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:08 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Wings [Blu-ray] (1927)
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| Quote: | In this year of 'The Artist,' it only seems fitting to take a second glance at 'Wings,' the winner of the first Best Picture Academy Award and still one of the finest and most thrilling aerial adventures of all time. This World War I tale of courage, friendship, romance, and devastation, even after 85 years, still possesses the power to dazzle our senses and wring a potent emotional response, and Paramount's glorious restoration allows us to see this epic the way director William Wellman envisioned it. Excellent video quality, first-rate audio, and a decent smattering of supplements all contribute to a superior release that no serious film buff should rebuff. So buckle up, take to the skies, and marvel at the scope and artistry of this ambitious and affecting movie. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
If only all of us could look this good when we're 85! Paramount has done a superior job remastering and restoring 'Wings,' making this silent antique look far younger than its advanced age. If you happen to steer clear of silent films due to poor picture quality, jerky images, and fast projection speeds, rest assured you won't encounter any of those nagging issues here. As smooth as silk and as pristine as a newly minted penny, 'Wings' is a visually enthralling experience from start to finish, featuring perfectly pitched sepia-toned and black-and-white photography, a fine grain structure that possesses a lovely texture, and excellent contrast.
Of course some scenes are clearer than others and a couple of rough patches creep in now and then, but that's to be expected for a film of this vintage. On the whole, however, all the elements have been meticulously massaged to create images that boast impressive depth and a stunning immediacy, putting us square in the cockpit or gunnery seat and up in the air with the steel-nerved pilots who navigate the treacherous skies with breathtaking virtuosity. Any print defects have been erased, and the hand-painted bursts of yellow flames used to enhance fiery crashes and heated dogfights are startlingly distinct, adding an extra layer of style and a flash of color to the brutal battle scenes.
Black levels are deep and inky, especially in the black-and-white sequences, and pleasing variances of tone lend the visuals greater presence and impact. Close-ups are a bit gauzy, but that's typical of the time period, yet clarity remains solid. Shadow detail is fine, too, and no edge sharpening, noise, or banding afflict the picture. A couple of missing frames here and there occasionally break the spell, but this is a stellar rendering made all the more remarkable when one considers the advanced age of this classic film.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
It seems odd to say sound is an important aspect in the overall success of a silent film, but a quality music track and crisp effects can substantially improve the viewing experience. A high-octane action movie such as 'Wings' gains momentum from solid audio, and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers in spades. The music score, which incorporates many period and classical melodies, fills the room with superior fidelity and an exceptional clarity of tone as it perfectly complements light-hearted, dramatic, and warfare scenes. Bright highs and weighty lows are handled with ease by a broad dynamic scale, with plenty of palpable yet well-integrated bass seasoning the mix. When bombs explode, we may not hear the destruction or chaotic mayhem, but we feel their impact and force as they hit the ground, and it's enough to immerse us in the thick of the scene.
Directionality is quite good, too. The score bleeds into all five speakers, while many effects, such as propellers, engines revving and sputtering, marching feet, shells whistling through the air, even floating champagne bubbles in a light-hearted Folies Bergeres scene, benefit from distinct stereo separation up front. This is not an old track, so surface noise and age-related imperfections aren't an issue, and no distortion disrupts the sound's purity. For those seeking a more traditional silent movie experience, there's also a stereo organ track included on the disc, which represents how 'Wings' might have played to some 1927 audiences.
But it's the DTS-HD audio that really shines, providing a contemporary sonic experience for this antique film, making it more relatable, exciting, and involving. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (Two-Disc Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2011)
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| Quote: | 'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas' is a surprisingly funny stoner comedy that makes the very best use of the 3D technology to enhance the humor. Despite featuring a holiday theme, the two buds find themselves in a third misadventure that's just as raunchy as the previous two movies. Considering the amount of jokes related to 3D gimmicks and gags, it's difficult to imagine watching the movie any other way. And thankfully, the 3D Blu-ray arrives with one of the best presentations of the format although the unrated cut would have been to have as well. The audio isn't quite up to par with the video, but it's still a great and entertaining listen. Supplements are the same as the 2D Blu-ray version, but the 3D package makes the better overall purchase simply for the video.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Never before has the search for a 12-foot Douglas Fir Christmas tree been this much fun, and it's pretty much all thanks to the way the movie was shot. With the use of 3D technology every step of the way, 'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas' conjures up every possible gag and camera trick imaginable, including one scene where a giant, "claymation" penis swings across the screen. Making the effect even grosser, as well as more hilarious, the 1080p/MVC MPEG-4 encode (2.40:1) offers a razor-sharp presentation, where viewers can make out all the disgusting details. Whether the best buds are running through the streets of New York or chilling in suburbia, fine lines are distinct and small objects in the background are perfectly visible. Textures on clothing, around various trees and the faces of actors are lifelike.
Being a comedy set around the holidays, colors are understandably vivid and energetic. Reds and greens especially — the primaries commonly on display during the festive season — take precedence with rich saturation, giving the movie a fun animated appeal. Secondary hues also participate in spreading the cheer with a warm, bold appeal. The clay-animation sequence comes with a slightly exaggerated palette, but it appears intentional as it only adds to the laughs. The rest of the picture shows a bright and crisp contrast level, that only compensates for the darken glasses but also gives the stoner comedy a dramatic pop. Except for one minor scene where the luster fades just a tad, blacks are very inky and penetrating with excellent shadow details, providing the image with an attractive cinematic quality that really shines throughout.
Topping it all off, 'Harold & Kumar' crash into the third dimension like they really mean business. Filmed on HD cameras with the new 3D capture and rigs by Panavision, the filmmakers make the very best use of the new toys by having many of the jokes related to the technology. And why not? If you've got it, flaunt it. From the very beginning, a simple conversation about 3D soon moves into a scene with eggs hurling straight at the audience, crashing on surfaces as the white and yolk spread all over the screen. Other gags feature confetti exploding in viewer's faces and each colorful, glossy string flies in the air. Dimensionality and depth is not only consistent from beginning to end, but background object genuinely seem to move independently of the foreground. It's really just one silly 3D gimmick after another, but they're intentional gags with several reach-out-and-touch-it moments and with objects almost appear to leap off the screen.
Ultimately, whatever one's opinion of the movie is, it almost doesn't matter because this is really fun way of showing off what 3D Blu-ray can do.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
On the audio front, the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack doesn't quite match the fun and hilarity of the video. It's still a great track, however, with a great deal of activity in the rears. The musical score, especially, extends into the surrounds, nicely enhancing the soundfield and spreading the Christmas joy. A few of the action sequences also come with clear discrete effects and good panning, but they're not always convincing. Instead, the lossless mix does it best work in the fronts where dynamic range is quite extensive and crystal-clear, broadening the soundstage with clarity and terrific imaging. The low-end is decently deep, but aside from one surprisingly punchy moment with a shotgun, bass never really reaches the lower depths. The center channel delivers clean and precise vocals, allowing every joke uttered to be perfectly heard.
It's a great and entertaining high-rez track overall, but it doesn't compare to the 3D amusement of the video. Honestly, the filmmakers should have exaggerated the design so as to equal the fun of the 3D gimmicks. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:14 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
War of the Arrows [Blu-ray] (2011)
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| Quote: | 'War of the Arrows' is a refreshingly original and creative take on the epic movies. It takes the genre back to its low budget, low CG roots. Instead of banking on huge sequence with hundreds of background actors and CG hoards for your entertainment, it establishes a story and characters worth caring for. With very few special effects, the action is still able to get your heart pumping enough to make you sit on the edge of your seat. The extremely sharp and crisp definition of the video is only lacking because of compression issues – banding and aliasing, to be specific. The audio, however, isn't lacking at all. The five-star demo-worthy lossless track is just as impressive in the down-time than it is during the intense battle sequences. Despite a void of worthy special features, 'War of the Arrows' is still a recommended Blu-ray.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'War of the Arrows' has been given a nice 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. Despite the case claiming that the film is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, it's actually shown in 2.35:1.
What you will immediately notice is the great sharpness and clarity. Despite being set in the dark dead of night, details are powerful and precise in the opening sequence. You'll see individual specks of blood splatter as arrows pass through the bodies of innocent villagers and chomping dogs. Sadly, the second thing you will notice is the banding, which actually occurs more than a handful of times throughout the film. Banding isn't the only compression flaw found on the disc. Flickering aliasing occasionally appears in close-ups of hair and in tightly woven clothing patterns.
Despite the black levels being very strong, there's a small amount of crushing that occurs in the middle of the film. Fleshtones are natural and contract is consistent. 'War of the Arrows' isn't wildly colorful, but the colors are featured are natural and not overly saturated. The red of blood is deep and strong. There aren't any traces of digital noise, DNR, edge enhancement or artifacts.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
While there are both lossless Korean and English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, I recommend going the Korean route with subtitles because the English dub is so inorganic and flat that it's an unnecessary distraction.
Much like the sharpness of the video, the high quality audio is immediately noteworthy upon starting the film – only it's flawless. All channels are constantly in use with well-mixed effects and music, making this the very best and most dynamic use of sound in a Well Go USA release that I've seen to date.
The opening raid is a demo-worthy sound sequence. The footsteps of armed enemies rushing the village adds to the intensity. The speakers are also lit up with barking dogs, crackling sounds of burning torches, chinking armor and swords and screaming civilians. The great use of bass and LFE also adds to the panic attack-inducing tension.
This great mix never lacks. The calm scenes feature just as noteworthy audio as the action ones. Seamless imaging becomes a central character as the bow and arrow fighting becomes more prevalent. Many shots playfully feature arrows whizzing past the camera's point of view. Each time, the mix truly makes the arrows sound as if they're soaring past your head. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:16 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
Hugo (Three-disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | 'War of the Arrows' is a refreshingly original and creative take on the epic movies. It takes the genre back to its low budget, low CG roots. Instead of banking on huge sequence with hundreds of background actors and CG hoards for your entertainment, it establishes a story and characters worth caring for. With very few special effects, the action is still able to get your heart pumping enough to make you sit on the edge of your seat. The extremely sharp and crisp definition of the video is only lacking because of compression issues – banding and aliasing, to be specific. The audio, however, isn't lacking at all. The five-star demo-worthy lossless track is just as impressive in the down-time than it is during the intense battle sequences. Despite a void of worthy special features, 'War of the Arrows' is still a recommended Blu-ray.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Breathtaking is perhaps the best way to describe this reference quality transfer from Paramount. 'Hugo' won Oscars for its cinematography, art direction, and visual effects, and this often jaw-droppingly beautiful 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 effort showcases all those elements to perfection, while transforming the 3D presentation from gimmick to art form in the blink of an eye. The opening shot of the Paris skyline glistens like a newly minted penny, and sets the tone for the entire film. The pristine source material is practically devoid of grain, yet the image never loses its warmth and lushness, even during scenes that heavily rely on CGI effects. Clarity and contrast are exceptional (be sure and catch the reflection of the clock in Kingsley's eye), and colors pop, thanks to marvelously modulated saturation. The bright blue of the station inspector's uniform, the flowers in Lisette's cart, the tinting on Melies' films...all these possess an intoxicating vibrancy and lushness.
Black levels are deep and inky, shadow detail is very good, and fleshtones remain stable and true throughout. The textures of fabrics are easily discernible, as are background details, and though a faint bit of shimmer afflicts a couple of patterns, the intricate designs on many costumes stay rock solid. Razor sharp close-ups accent the distinguishable facial features of the varied cast, including the automaton, which looks almost human.
The inspired use of 3D, however, sends this movie into the stratosphere. Seamlessly integrated into the film and astonishingly well defined, the 3D imagery takes us inside Hugo's world and into the captivating realm of cinema like no other picture I've seen before. And the effects are even more stunning in the home environment than in a theater. The sense of depth and openness the 3D provides is truly amazing, as Hugo peers through bars, windows, and the through the hands of the clock. Various perspectives are heightened and spatial boundaries blurred, so we feel a part of the action. Details like snow, ash, steam, mist, and fireworks gently dance before us; a swinging pendulum cuts through the screen; the glistening snout of a growling Doberman Pinscher protrudes forward; sheets of paper float before our eyes; and, in my favorite dimensional shot, the Station Inspector slowly leans forward, lunging further and further and further and still further into the room, making his intimidating presence not just known, but felt, and making us recoil just a tad in response. Scorsese also adds a hint of 3D to Melies' 'A Trip to the Moon' to make it even more magical. For someone who has never before waded into 3D waters, Scorsese possesses a surprising mastery of the concept, knowing when to push limits and when to pull back. As much as the form dazzles and thrills me, I still find it hard not to regard 3D as some sort of trick or gimmick, but 'Hugo' comes closer than any other film I've seen to using 3D as an artistic tool rather than a commercial draw. And who better than Scorsese to legitimize it and show off its true capabilities.
Aside from the aforementioned brief shimmers, no imperfections mar this exceptional transfer. No noise, banding, pixelation, or edge enhancement rear their ugly heads. Not everyone may be enthralled by the story of Hugo Cabret, but it's impossible not to be blown away by this impeccable 3D treatment that's truly a visual feast.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Along with the reference quality video transfer comes a reference quality DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track that's stunning in its clarity, precision, and level of detail. 'Hugo' possesses a rich audio fabric, juggling big moments and delicate nuances, yet all the sound is distinct, perfectly balanced, and awash in superior fidelity and fine tonal depth. From the opening frames, featuring the rhythmic interlocking of mechanical gears exquisitely apportioned among all the room's speakers, it's evident we're in for an aural treat, and the track never backs down over the course of the film. Superior dynamic range handles screeching highs and low rumbles with ease, and nary a hint of distortion creeps into the mix.
The surrounds are almost constantly engaged, as bits of detail gently flow from speaker to speaker. The hustle and bustle of the busy train station is espcially well rendered, with footsteps, the rustling of clothing, steam, whistles, and rail sounds at once distinct and yet unified. The gears and clicks of the automaton are crisp and lively, the swoosh of flying papers floats about the room, and when the train crashes through the station the cacophony of destruction crashes through the speakers. Stereo separation across the front channels is also excellent, and bass frequencies are potent and perfectly integrated into the track's whole.
Howard Shore's gorgeous, Oscar-nominated score boasts exceptional presence and fidelity, caressing small moments and accenting big ones, yet never overwhelming the on-screen action. Dialogue is always well prioritized and easy to understand, and no surface noise or hiss intrude or distract. 'Hugo' won Academy Awards for sound editing and sound mixing, and this superbly clear, active, and immersive track makes it easy to understand why. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Adventures of Tintin (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | 'The Adventures of Tintin' is a fun, energetic adventure film that harkens back to the Saturday morning serials which inspired Spielberg's 'Raiders of the Lost Arc' (even though Tintin wasn't actually one of those inspirations). While not perfect, the film is a return to form for the director and features stunning, jaw-dropping filmmaking. However, because motion capture was used to animate the characters, some viewers may have trouble emotionally connecting with the material. As a Blu-ray, 'The Adventures of Tintin' boasts demo-worthy picture and audio ratings (though the video is every so slightly shy of perfect) and a terrific set of behind-the-scenes featurettes.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Adventures of Tintin' arrives on Blu-ray with a shiny, sparkling AVC-MPEG 4 encode, framed in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, that is just shy of perfect. Seriously, if "4.95 stars" existed at HDD as a rating, that's what it deserves.
So what's the minor flaw? Every once in a rare while, there's a hint of aliasing. As one example, check out the scene on the freighter where Tintin steals keys from the men sleeping on the bunk beds; there's a touch of flicker on the light coming in the porthole. There's also a couple moments in Haddock's beard and in the Unicorn flashbacks.
Beyond a teeny imperfection most will never see, 'The Adventures of Tintin' is sure to be in some readers' demo rotation. This is a beautiful, colorful film. Daytime exteriors -- ranging from Parisian markets to planes taking off over green oceans to infinite sand dunes to seaside villages -- look exquisite. Colors and textures pop, with the imagery constantly flirting between highly detailed computer animation and photo-realism. Nighttime sequences are equally strong, held tight by rich, exemplary black levels and glistening reflections. Overall, this is a stunning Blu-ray and the reason many of us have large HDTVs.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
7.1 is the only way to experience a modern action movie. The 7.1 English DTS-HD MA track on 'The Adventures of Tintin' is a winner in every way.
Dynamic and clear and bold and refined all at once. Dialog is crisp and well mixed, whether it be a dialog heavy scene or a run and gun set piece with thundering explosions. Speaking of explosions and thunder, LFE is refined, but growls when it needs to. Highlights include the Unicorn's destruction and the lightning strikes surrounding the plane crash. In terms of the surround experience, this dynamic track handles effects and music subtly at times, with the extreme highs of the Opera singer's performance, to the entire swirling orchestra of John William's energetic score. As a 7.1 experience, bullets ping and swirl in all channels, and the sound design really pulls you forward into the world by placing a number of nice effects, such as the airplane propeller, directly behind your ears.
Overall, there's too much to praise in a wonderful, demo-worthy surround track. |
Kal
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kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:30 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Three-Disc Combo Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | David Fincher's 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is a beautifully-crafted motion picture with a challenging murder mystery at its center. Fincher openly embraces the dark overtones of Stieg Larsson's novel and turns it into his own gothic vision of the morbid, violent desires within the hearts of wicked men. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara provide excellent performances as Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, making this English-speaking version a surprisingly wonderful adaptation of the first book in the Millennium series. The Blu-ray debuts with a near-reference picture quality and a first-rate audio presentation that perfectly complements the film's subject matter. The wealth of supplements is a marvelous addition to the release and practically exclusive to the high-def format. Fans of the original novel trilogy should be pleased with this take, and Fincher devotees can chalk up another win for the filmmaker.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Shot with a combination of HD cameras (Red One MX and Red Epic), Fincher's 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' debuts on Blu-ray with a spectacular and practically flawless 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.40:1) that will undoubtedly leave fans very happy.
The digital-to-digital transfer, which for anyone interested takes up nearly 49GB of real estate on a dual-layered BD50 disc, is razor-sharp with incredible clarity into the far-distance. In spite of the naturally dark, heavily-stylized photography of Jeff Cronenweth ('Fight Club,' 'The Social Network'), the picture is beautifully revealing with deep, penetrating blacks in every frame. Shadows are not always to my liking, particularly when characters are conversing near firelight, but they are true and accurate to natural, indoor lighting. Fine object details remain visible and distinct during these same scenes, giving viewers plenty to look at in the background and inside the homes of the Vanger family. Flesh tones are appropriate to the Swedish climate, exposing lifelike texture in facial complexions.
The palette is mostly drained of color throughout with a noticeable gray-bluish tint, matching the film's overall look to the sinister and grim subject matter. Primaries don't seem terribly affected by the deliberate cinematography, appearing quite vibrant as spring approaches within the narrative. Flashbacks sequences show an amber-brown hue to make them feel more antiquated and interestingly corresponding with Martin's house. The rest of the video shows pitch-perfect, reference-level contrast with superbly brilliant whites from beginning to end, making this a lovely high-def presentation of a grim film.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Fincher's latest crime drama also arrives with an amazing but artfully employed DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, which marvelously draws viewers into the mystery with its silence. Although not exactly the type that would compare to more action-oriented flicks, the design makes startling use of the system with very subtle, faint effects in the rears which often feel distant. These small moments are used creatively to enhance the island's isolation while also making the immediate Vanger property seem scarily remote and practically lifeless. Because of this, the stillness of quieter scenes is made more apparent. The understated and haunting score of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross extend the soundfield brilliantly, enveloping the listeners with music that darkly evocative and creepily moving.
The front soundstage displays the rest of the lossless mix with a spacious imaging and excellent channel separation. A couple words from Mara's Lisbeth Salander are a tad difficult to make out, but for the most part, dialogue reproduction is precise and splendidly intelligible. Dynamics are clean and sharply rendered, with exceptional clarity detail in the few action sequences and appreciable acoustics during the several indoor conversations. There aren't many notably examples of low-frequency effects, but in scenes requiring them, bass is fairly deep and appropriately responsive.
Darkly subtle as it is, the high-rez soundtrack is an absolute joy to listen and matches perfectly with the video presentation. |
Kal
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kal
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:32 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
A Dangerous Method [Blu-ray] (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | I found this movie fascinating, and I’m not even all that interested in psychoanalysis. It just goes to show what a film can do for its characters when it isn't all that obsessed with running us through a rigid plot structure. There are three great performances here. It's definitely worth watching, especially with the spot on audio and video provided by Sony. Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Sony has no shortage of immaculate transfers out there, and this is simply another one to add to their splendid looking collection of films. The transfer captures Cronenberg's moody, brooding feel. Peter Suschitzky's ('The Empire Strikes Back') shadow-infused cinematography is presented with crystal clarity here.
Fine detail is at optimum levels. You'll notice hundreds of thousands of tiny pebbles making up Jung's large driveway when Sabina first arrives at his hospital. Freud's smoke from his ever-present cigar curls and circles in the air, all the time perfectly visible. Facial detail is out-of-this-world amazing. Even though Mortensen is sporting a false nose, you can tell that the makeup was applied with high definition in mind since it seamlessly blends into his face.
Blacks are inky, creating the foreboding atmosphere that was intended for the movie. Crushing never rears its ugly head. The shadows here accentuate faces, features and textures. Contrasting the darkness of the film is the natural light that flows freely in many scenes. The great white buildings in Vienna show a wonderful ability of the transfer to provide stellar contrast on each end of the light spectrum. Skin tones are always natural looking and have a nice lifelike glow under the movie's streams of natural light. I was extremely impressed with every aspect of this transfer. Not once did I run into aliasing, banding or any other such artifacts. Another flawless presentation from Sony.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is just as impressive. The first thing that you'll notice is Howard Shore's ominous original score. Shore was nominated for an Oscar for his work on 'Hugo,' but that doesn't mean that this score is any less superb. There's plenty of low-end sound provided in the score to keep the sub-woofer busy. The score bleeds into the rear speakers providing an encompassing effect, instantly drawing you into the movie.
Thankfully this dialogue-heavy movie features crystalline voices. The front and center speakers harbor most of the film's speech – only a few ancillary sounds and voices make it around to the rears. This mix is more about nuance than brashness. So you'll notice little sounds like the crunching of gravel as orderlies try to subdue Sabine on the driveway. The way these nuanced sounds are handled is striking. You never feel like you're missing anything. Even the smallest details are covered here. The rear speakers are a little sparse when it comes to surround sound material, but other than that this is a very engaging track that perfectly represents the mood of the film. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:35 am Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
The Descendants (Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy) (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | I found this movie fascinating, and I’m not even all that interested in psychoanalysis. It just goes to show what a film can do for its characters when it isn't all that obsessed with running us through a rigid plot structure. There are three great performances here. It's definitely worth watching, especially with the spot on audio and video provided by Sony. Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Descendants' has been given such a strong 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that it will make you want to get up and vacation in Hawaii immediately. The strength of this transfer never lets up.
As the opening titles for the film take the screen, the background slides around the color wheel to reveal bold and vibrant colorization of the film's palette. This beautiful color scheme does more justice for the location than a "Visit Hawaii" ad. This vacation hotspot has never looked more appealing than it does on this Blu-ray. As our cast lounges on the beach, you'll swear you can feel the warmth of the strong Hawaiian sun beating down on you too.
Details are always sharp and extremely defined. Even when the camera appears to be placed at a distance, you can still make out all objects with perfect clarity. If Clooney moves closer to the camera and the operator has to rack focus, we can still see his peppered stubble as clear as if he was standing still. When we meet Troy, the reckless driver of the speed boat that cause Liz's accident, we can see the fine details of his hydrogen peroxide blonde hair and the texture of his leathered alligator skin.
Fleshtones are warm and lifelike. Black levels are inky and rich. Bands, artifacts and noise aren't a problem and Fox's transfer is so clean and clear that there was no need for edge enhancement or DNR. There are, however, three small instances of aliasing – once in the hair on the back of Clooney's head, once on Lillard's plaid shirt from a distance and once in the wall-mounted hospital equipment in Liz's ICU room. Aside from these three tiny flaws, this picture quality is perfect.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
From the very opening as the drums kick off the Searchlight vanity reel, the strength of this 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is evident. Aside from lulls here and there, the audio is also downright fantastic.
The film begins with a short dialog-less clip of Liz sitting on the back of a speeding boat that's popping up and down on the choppy waters of some Hawaiian harbor. With each rise and fall, you can her the motor working hard, then letting up. You can hear the water splash each time the boat sinks back into the water. Combine the perfectly mixed traditional music with these dynamic effects and the video quality, and you're really aching for an impromptu Hawaii vacation.
Following the credits is a voice-over narration by Clooney explaining how, from the viewpoint of someone who lives there, Hawaii isn't quite the paradise that mainlanders think it is. During his voice-over, Clooney's voice is clear and bold. The bass of it resonates deeply. In fact, anyone with a low tones in their voices also possess this strong characteristic.
The environmental ambient sounds from the film can always be heard. If we're outdoors, we can heard the gulls cawing, waves crashing, the ocean wind blowing through the trees and dogs barking in the distance. When in the hospital, we hear the pumps and machines breathing for Liz and the nurse chatter in the hallways. All of these sounds and more emit from all channels. The only problem with the mix are a few occasions of downtime where nothing seems to be happening at all. For example, one location near the shore warranted lots of sounds during the daytime shots, yet during the nighttime shots when the beach cannot be seen at that same location, we hear nothing. Luckily, these instances are rare. |
Kal
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