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kal
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 4:21 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc!
X-Men Origins: Wolverine Video: 4/5 Audio: 5/5 (hover over link for price or to order)
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ is an AVC-encoded transfer framed beautifully in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The video presentation is, for the most part, consistently stunning. The movie retains its thin layer of cinematic grain, but it never hampers the picture or distracts the eye. It gives it a great looking cinema feel. The color palette jumps off the screen, as colors are given a vibrant feel here. Blacks seem to have a bit of trouble during the dark shots at the beginning, but otherwise stay consistent throughout. The HD treatment does give plenty of extra clarity to the movie, but it also aids in making some of the special effects appear even more fake. As mentioned above, when Wolverine first sees his metallic claws in a mirror and grinds them together to make sparks, they just look like cruddy 2nd rate animation. The animation isn’t the transfer’s fault, but the precision of the transfer only helps in pointing out the bad effects.
Overall though, this is a fine transfer, not perfect but great enough to warrant showing it off to your friends. Just don’t show them that stupid claw scene.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Well, if the video presentation was near perfect, this 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack IS perfect. It’s one of the most engaging soundtracks I’ve listened to on Blu-ray. Every channel is engaged throughout the film. LFE rumbles from the sub. Directionality is spot on. Dialogue is clear. Panning effects work smoothly as helicopters fly by the screen. Explosions rock the room. Yet even the tiniest sounds, like birds chirping or wind blowing, can also be heard clearly through the surround channels. The surrounds also harbor a lot of the film’s music, which adds to the ambience and that engulfing feel Blu-ray watchers crave. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference title:
Dexter: The Complete Third Season Video: 4.5/5 Audio: 4.5/5
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
If you're a huge fan of 'Dexter' like myself, you don't need me to tell you the series is one of the sharpest-looking programs on television today. The Blu-ray of 'Dexter: The Complete Third Season' delivers yet another strong 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 (1.78:1 aspect ratio) encode that is consistent with the first two seasons already available on the market.
For a show with such dark subject matter, 'Dexter' is surprisingly vibrant. The series is teeming with bright and summery colors accented with deep and rich black levels and searing hot whites. An overblown contrast (similar to 'CSI: Miami' although not quite as extreme) cranks up the intensity for a little extra punch. Delineation and detailing is also superb, and the image has a level of depth that is visually outstanding.
Similar to the previous seasons, there are some instances of mild edge enhancement and the darker scenes tend to have a bit more grain to them, but those are the only real issues that crop up, and even then they're far from hideous. In fact, I'd even be inclined to say there are less noisy areas on this release than the previous ones. Honestly, 'Dexter' makes for one vividly striking experience that's tough to beat.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Stop the presses! It's a TV series on Blu-ray with a lossless audio track! Madness I say, madness! (That's just a little dig at Warner Brothers in case you haven't already figured that out).
Anyways, like the previous releases, 'Dexter: The Complete Third Season' comes with an impressive Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack. Television shows usually tend to have front-channel heavy mixes, but 'Dexter' offers a highly immersive and spacious track that blows them all away. Vocalizations are crisp, prioritized, and well-balanced with the other sounds in the mix. The musical score soothingly fills the entire soundstage and is the main source of a hard-driving bass that really rocks. The rear channels complete the package with a pleasing array of discreet effects peppered throughout all of the episodes. For a televised drama, 'Dexter' sounds awesome.
While the second season offered an improved lossless Spanish Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix, in this third season it reverts back to a Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. The discs also include optional English subtitles for the hearing impaired. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference quality disc:
The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition Video: 5/5 Audio: 4.5/5
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
After viewing the 2005 Collector's Edition DVD, I never dreamed 'Oz' could look any better, but the wizards at Warner have fashioned an exceptional high-def rendering that significantly increases clarity while preserving the original look and feel of this national treasure. Of course, the studio easily could have used its 2005 remaster for this Blu-ray release and most viewers would still be impressed. But instead, at considerable expense, the powers-that-be decided to go back to the drawing board and completely remaster the film again, this time scanning the original Technicolor negatives using 8K resolution. From there, a 4K "capture" master was created for this Blu-ray, giving viewers twice the resolution of the 2005 DVD. (For a more detailed explanation of the technical processes involved in the creation of the 'Oz' Blu-ray, check out this HDD feature article.) Are the differences noticeable? Is the Pope Catholic?
Crisp and colorful, but with all its glorious grain and texture intact, this beautiful 1080p/VC-1 transfer shows how wonderfully film-like Hollywood classics can appear on Blu-ray. Wisely, Warner doesn't try to disguise the film's age or give it a "facelift" by smoothing out and doctoring up the image. The studio merely provides the sharpest, cleanest, most balanced, and best color-timed picture it can, given the elements it had to work with. And what we get is what I like to call the Sophia Loren of movie transfers – an impeccably preserved, gloriously vibrant, almost ageless 70-year-old specimen that defies logic.
Only a couple of stray marks dot the pristine print, and the grain, while noticeable, is so deftly woven into the film's fabric, it never calls attention to itself. Instead, it lends the picture a lovely weight and feel, and neutralizes the intense color and artificiality of some of the sets. The opening and closing sepia sequences are a revelation; never have they exuded such richness and depth. The brown tones hammer home the dusty dreariness of the Kansas plain (and Dorothy's life) so much better than black-and-white, and excellent contrast brings out striking details, such as the candles in Professor Marvel's tent and the hot dog Toto grabs off a skewer.
When the action shifts to the Technicolor wonderland of Oz, the transfer explodes with color, but Warner technicians perfectly modulate the temperature to keep levels in check. Superior saturation brings out all the lush hues in the Munchkinland sequence, but bleeding is never an issue. The Yellow Brick Road and ruby slippers are deliciously bold, the wicked witch's green face takes on a newfound fluorescent tinge, and the horse of a different color manages its changing shades with ease. Blacks are inky, fleshtones look stable and natural (or as natural as the garish makeup allows), and heightened clarity allows us to pick out the freckles on Garland's face, tiny scuffs on the Tin Man's body, and makeup anomalies on the Cowardly Lion and Wicked Witch of the West. The fur on the Lion and Toto is well defined, costumes exhibit noticeable texture, individual sequins on Dorothy's shoes sparkle, and the bricks on the Yellow Brick Road never blur together. Best of all, the heavy checkerboard pattern of Dorothy's dress remains rock solid and resists shimmering throughout the film.
Several of Garland's close-ups are truly breathtaking, exhibiting all the youthful verve, fresh-faced innocence, and subtle beauty of this uber-talented teenage star, while marvelous depth makes the massive sets feel even more expansive. Of course, the super-sharp image draws a bit more attention to the painted backdrops and primitive special effects, but let's face it, we noticed such things even when watching 'Oz' on a 20-inch TV with rabbit ears back in the '70s. Some scenes do look slightly softer than others or not quite as vibrant, but the gradations are so minor they barely merit mention.
Digital enhancements? I couldn't find any. Warner knows better than to monkey with a flick on the National Film Registry, and the studio has steered clear of any blasphemous noise reduction or edge enhancement. Other imperfections such as mosquito noise and banding are also absent, making this digital rendering almost indistinguishable from a filmic presentation. Without question, this is the ultimate 'Oz' transfer, a dream come true for both fans of this particular film and film in general. Whether you've seen it 100 times or are just now discovering the wonders of 'The Wizard of Oz' (lucky you!), this meticulously produced effort provides an immersive, exhilarating viewing experience you won't soon forget.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Warner offers multiple audio choices to please both purists and digital enthusiasts. The disc defaults to the lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 option, but the original mono and a music-and-effects track can be accessed via the Special Features menu. (A Dolby Digital 5.1 track is also listed on the packaging, but could not be found on the disc.) Of course, the TrueHD track offers the most sonic bang for one's buck, and adds welcome dimension to many aspects of the film. Though Warner technicians can't completely mask the antiquated nature of this track, they've done yeoman's work sprucing it up, and the end result is a robust, nicely nuanced effort that complements the glorious visuals well.
Most of the audio is front-based, but faint surround action occasionally kicks in, usually during extended scoring sequences. Details, such as the chirping baby chicks on Uncle Henry's farm and Dorothy's shrieks when she's carried away by the flying monkeys, are crisp and distinct, and some hefty low-end accents that I don't recall on the DVD's DD 5.1 track significantly punch upthe action. When Dorothy's house crash-lands in Oz, a palpable rumble shot through my living room, and when the witch shuts the castle doors as Dorothy and her friends try to escape, another burst of bass emphasized the entrapment. The tornado sequence envelops well, and though it's loud and frenetic, there are enough distinct elements to keep it from becoming a cacophonous mess. In addition, the wizard's amplified bellowing possesses a wonderful hollow tone, as does the echoing empty chamber of the Tin Man's chest.
Dynamic range is wide enough, although the upper registers occasionally flirt with distortion when pushed. 'Over the Rainbow,' however, has never sounded more full-bodied and resonant, and the other songs benefit from excellent fidelity and pleasing tonal depth. Dialogue and lyrics are crystal clear, so even if you don't know the movie by heart like I do, you'll understand everything with ease. All crackles have been carefully scrubbed away, though I did notice a bit of hiss (yet only during the quietest moments) and a few isolated (and jarring) pops, but such imperfections are understandable given the film's advanced age, and are merely brief lapses in an otherwise high-quality track. |
Kal
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paw
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 2:16 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference quality disc:
From Sam Remi, director of Spider-Man and the The Evil Dead trilogy:
Drag me to Hell Video: 5/5 Audio: 5/5
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
From the opening frames I thought to myself "This is a reference quality disc, the kind they'll play on a loop in the home theater section of Best Buy," because, well, it really is that good.
The 1080p/VC-1 transfer on this 50GB disc (2.39:1 aspect ratio) is flawless, capturing all the nuance of director of photography Peter Deming's sharp cinematography. Everything looks flawless - skin tones are spot-on, colors truly pop (the blood that shoots out of Christine's nose is beyond vibrant), blacks and shadows are deep and inky (and there are a whole lot of both in this movie, obviously). Texture is truly fine, detail is rich, and the entire image takes on an almost three-dimensional lushness.
Peter Deming talks about his naturalistic approach to lighting the movie elsewhere on this disc, and you can really tell with this transfer - the harsh overhead lights of the parking garage where Christine is attacked, the twinkly nighttime shots - it just looks fabulous and grounds the outrageousness concretely in reality.
There are no technical issues to speak of. Aliasing, crush, artifacts, none of it is apparent here. It really is one of the more perfect transfers out there. This is insanely great.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
When I saw this movie (several times) in the theater this summer, I mused, "This is going to be the movie that tests the power of Blu-ray sound." (I talk to myself a lot, huh?) 'Drag Me to Hell' had such an aggressive, wildly wonderful surround mix in its theatrical run that I really doubted it could be replicated on the small screen, but you know what? The impossible has been realized. This audio mix is just as good as it was in the theater.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is just amazing. Every speaker is given a workout with this muscular mix. That's not to say this is some pumped-up mix, but it effortlessly captures its original theatrical presentation. Things crash and smash, goo explodes, ghouls shriek and growl, rain pours down into an open grave, and all of this is rendered lovingly and atmospherically.
Directionality is spot on, dialogue is always crisp and clear, and Christopher Young's wonderful score sounds really amazing (the plucking guitar licks in the garage attack scene sound particularly great). Sure, things are LOUD, but they're never OVERWHELMING. Everything is spot-on. This is one of the greatest Blu-ray audio tracks I've ever heard, period.
Also included are Spanish DTS 5.1 and French DTS 5.1 tracks, as well as subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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Here's a fun animated movie that rates a 5/5 on both sound and video:
Monsters vs. Aliens Video: 5/5 Audio: 5/5
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
I've come to expect the finest transfers when we're talking CGI animation, and yet every time a new one comes out, most still find some way to blow me away. 'Monsters vs. Aliens' is a prime example, with a stunning 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 (2.35:1 aspect ratio) encode that really can only be described as reference-quality.
First, the colors. Man, these are some of the most bright and vibrant color schemes I've seen on Blu-ray yet. Blacks are also deep and delicious. Contrast is fantastic and dimensionality is solid too. Where the picture truly shines, though, is in the detailing. When we see the close-ups of Susan applying her make-up, the textures in her skin, lips, eyelashes and hair--it all looks so incredibly lifelike it's almost a little spooky. Just as impressive are the less humanly monsters--from the bubbles and reflections in B.O.B., the sleek and shiny scales of Link, to Dr. Cockroach's teeny well-groomed mustache and tinier set of teeth. Even the backgrounds and inanimate objects are given the same level of care. A lot of hard work went into this, and it shows.
I did catch a bit of motion blurring, although it seems to be intentional. Otherwise the image is free of any artifacts, compression noise, and other eyesores. As far as I'm concerned, 'Monsters vs. Aliens' is a visual treat, one of those films where the viewers notice something new upon each viewing.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'Monsters vs. Aliens' boasts a dynamic range that couldn't be any smoother, an open soundstage that couldn't be more spacious, and widespread directionality that effectively transplants the viewer dead center of the action. The looming meteorite is a showstopper when it passes overhead and smacks into poor Susan, as is the epic battle at the Golden Gate Bridge. Every speaker comes to life with clarity and the bass rumbles away for an extremely immersive experience. Despite being a busy track, the vocal recordings remain crisp and are never drowned out by the music or sound effects. Paramount has done a stellar job on this lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix and like the video, it just doesn't get much better than this. Demo material for sure.
The disc also includes Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in French and Spanish, as well as optional subtitles in English, English SDH, French, and Spanish.
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:45 pm Post subject: |
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An obvious 5/5 on video, audio, and content:
Up (Pixar) Video: 5/5 Audio: 5/5
Comes out Nov 10, 2009! Pre-order today using the link above!
| Quote: | In conclusion: Pixar has done it again. Pete Docter and Bob Peterson's film is easily one of the best, most accomplished, and most beautiful movies of the year. It's equal parts slapstick comedy, ode to the lost magic of flight, old age drama, and breathless action adventure. And it juggles all of these elements with a fearlessness and dexterity that will leave your jaw on the floor.
This is, if not the single greatest Blu-ray release of the year thus far, then one of the greatest Blu-ray releases of the year. I mean, 'Up' has it all - superb AV, a wonderful host of extras in HD, some nice exclusives, and not to mention one of the best films of the year, a profoundly moving comic fantasy that you will revisit over and over and over again. This is one that grandparents and young tykes can watch together, with the same amount of enjoyment. 'Up' is a truly wonderful film and this is a release that lives up to that accomplishment. It's a must own for sure.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
What else is there to say about Pixar home video transfers? This baby is perfect. The MPEG-4 AVC 1080p transfer (aspect ratio: 1.78:1) is flawless. It was just like watching it digitally projected on the big screen. Colors are vibrant, flesh tones look good, shadows and darkness are inky black, motion is stellar, depth is amazing, detail extraordinary - I'm running out of adjectives!
This is just one of the best pictures you're ever going to see on Blu-ray - just solid and beautiful the entire time. Period. And unlike the recently released 'Monsters vs. Aliens' (which was also released in 3-D), 'Up' isn't riddled with gimmicky 3-D effects (no one is rolling a yoyo towards the camera or anything like that). It just looks deep and rich and it doesn't matter how many actual dimensions that takes up.
The gorgeousness of the image never distracts from the emotional underpinnings of the story, either. Kevin's feathers never dazzle you to the point that you forget about what's going on or why these characters are doing what they're doing. It's a tough balancing act, but Pixar has pulled it off marvelously. The day I receieved my review copy of 'Up,' I had just seen 'Toy Story' and 'Toy Story 2' in 3-D at the theater, and just to see how far they’ve come from their first movie ('Toy Story') to up, is amazing. I mean, texture and all that technical stuff have come a long way, yes, but I was more impressed with how the characters move and how their faces work; the emotional stuff.
It should be noted that there were a couple of instances on my screener copy where the image went black and white and a blocky font warned: "PROPERTY OF DISNEY/PIXAR." So, while those few sequences could have gone to complete disaster, I sincerely doubt it, and I'll update this review when they send me a retail version, for sure.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Just as impressive is the Master Audio 5.1 DTS-HD audio track here. I mean it. Like everything else about this disc, it's just stunning. Atmosphere and ambience are always present, with the surround sound getting a vigorous workout, not just in the more action packed sequences, but in the way that the house breathes and groans once its lifted in the air, or the individualized balloons bumping into one another and letting out that brief squeak. I mean, it's just amazing. The amount of nuance is incredible.
On the special features on the disc, they talk about how the mix for this was pared down. They wanted to focus on the story, characters, and theme to the point where a lot of the extraneous noise, that you could have put in at all points, would have taken away from the emotional experience. So you don't hear the balloons at every point in the journey, but when you need to, they're there.
Simple things like a window shattering just sound amazing, and not overwhelming, either. Dialogue is perfect, and everything is well prioritized in the mix. The action sequences are absolutely phenomenal and dwarf the biggest Hollywood action spectacle. Michael Giacchino's score, which has already been praised in this review, sounds even better. It's just the score of the year, hands down, and in this mix sounds lovelier than ever.
Other audio options included are a French Dolby Digital 5.1 track, a Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 track, an English DTS-HD 2.0 track (a nice option, if I do say so myself), and English Descriptive Video Service 2.0. There are also subtitles in English, French, and Spanish. |
Kal
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kal
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| Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:00 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc... this time for the kids!
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure Video: 5/5 Audio: 4/5
| Quote: | I'm not afraid to admit it. I liked 'Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.' It's fun, spunky, and it isn't dumbed down for the masses. It will treat your kids like they can actually think on a comprehensive level. There's some slapstick shenanigans stuck in for good measure, but on the whole, this film is at the top of Disney's direct to home video pile and it's one the whole family will be able to enjoy again and again.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Just the mere mention of "direct to home video" makes a film sound rushed, and therefore of lesser quality, but 'Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure's AVC-encoded 1080p transfer is beautifully stunning. The CGI animation feels natural and the HD presentation gives it the proper platform on which to be viewed. Detail is top-notch here. The pixie dust sparkles with absolute clarity, and the "Fairy Tale Theater" part is amazingly rendered. Pirates, pirate ships, and scenery are all created from sparkling gold pixie dust. It's a sight to see!
One glimpse at the provided DVD and you can tell right off what improvements you're getting with the Blu-ray. Colors on the DVD are slightly washed out, faces appear whiter than normal, and detail like the sparkling pixie dust is softer. The Blu-ray has strong vibrant colors, skin tones are perfectly rendered, and detail is optimal. The animators even saw fit to add dust particles into the air as Tinker Bell is wandering around in a dark pirate ship with her makeshift lightning bug flashlight. As the light cuts through the darkness, tiny particles are seen floating in the air, just as in real life.
This is a dazzlingly spectacular transfer of a richly detailed and boldly colorized film. There's nothing here that keeps this from earning top video score honors.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
While not matching the overall splendor of the video, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track is far better than I would have expected from this type of production. The audio track shows off the movie's soundtrack with precision, although the music makes up much of the surround sound you'll hear. The film is decidedly front heavy, giving an ample stage for the dialogue and pixie dust sound effects. LFE is present, and produced well during most of the movie's action scenes. Panning effects, such as fairies flying across the screen, are perfectly rendered. Overall, this is a strong audio presentation, perfectly suited for a film of this nature. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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Another fantastic looking and sounding movie, and this time one of the best movies of all time:
North by Northwest Video: 5/5 Audio: 4.5/5
One of the best (if not "the" best Alfred Hitchcock) movie out there. If you call yourself a movie buff and have never seen this one, shame on you! Turn in your membership card! 
Comes out on November 3, 2009 and is currently 40% off so only $20.99! Use the link above to order.
| Quote: | | A strong candidate for the most sheerly entertaining and enjoyable movie ever made by a Hollywood studio (with Citizen Kane, Only Angels Have Wings and Trouble in Paradise running neck and neck). Positioned between the much heavier and more profoundly disturbing Vertigo (1958) and the stark horror of Psycho (1960), North by Northwest (1959) is Alfred Hitchcock at his most effervescent in a romantic comedy-thriller that also features one of the definitive Cary Grant performances. Which is not to say that this is just "Hitchcock Lite"; seminal Hitchcock critic Robin Wood (in his book Hitchcock's Films Revisited) makes an airtight case for this glossy MGM production as one of The Master's "unbroken series of masterpieces from Vertigo to Marnie." It's a classic Hitchcock Wrong Man scenario: Grant is Roger O. Thornhill (initials ROT), an advertising executive who is mistaken by enemy spies for a U.S. undercover agent named George Kaplan. Convinced these sinister fellows (James Mason as the boss, and Martin Landau as his henchman) are trying to kill him, Roger flees and meets a sexy Stranger on a Train (Eva Marie Saint), with whom he engages in one of the longest, most convolutedly choreographed kisses in screen history. And, of course, there are the famous set pieces: the stabbing at the United Nations, the crop-duster plane attack in the cornfield (where a pedestrian has no place to hide), and the cliffhanger finale atop the stone faces of Mount Rushmore. Plus a sparkling Ernest Lehman script and that pulse-quickening Bernard Herrmann score. What more could a moviegoer possibly desire?--Jim Emerson |
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
When Warner Home Video released 'North by Northwest' on DVD in 2000, it instantly became one of the preeminent classic movie transfers of the digital age, so expectations were understandably sky-high when the company announced a Blu-ray edition of Hitchcock's iconic chase film earlier this year. The restoration price tag reportedly topped $1 million, but it was money (very) well spent, as 'North by Northwest' comes closer to achieving perfection than any other 1080p classic movie transfer I've seen. The 50-year-old film looks so good, in fact, it puts many recent Blu-ray releases to shame.
Shot in VistaVision (a short-lived, higher resolution widescreen process developed by Paramount in the mid-1950s), 'North by Northwest' is a natural for a Blu-ray makeover, and its exquisitely balanced color and contrast, along with its fine grain structure (a VistaVision staple), produce a crisp, dimensional, utterly pleasing viewing experience. Grain-haters will no doubt rhapsodize over the picture's sleek appearance, but the 1080p/VC-1 encode never looks processed or digitally smoothed. A palpable filmic feel still prevails, and though a few brief scenes sport a hint more grain than most, the levels never seem out of whack.
The transfer's quality is evident from the film's opening frames. The fluorescent green background over which the credits roll is solid and vibrant, and as it gradually dissolves into the glass façade of a skyscraper reflecting Manhattan's teeming cityscape, the level of detail is striking. (It's a very tricky shot, and flawlessly rendered.) Background accents are always razor sharp, so whether Grant is navigating the Big Apple's jammed sidewalks, a dense Indiana cornfield, or the face of Mount Rushmore, the image is always packed with information, and its depth and dimension easily immerse us in the on-screen action. Hitchcock also employs a hefty amount of rear projection work (one of his few shortcomings, in my opinion), and though it's always apparent, it's well integrated into the whole.
Color-wise, primaries pop, but never look synthetic or overly saturated, and though the film's palette often emits a sterile coolness, enough warmth permeates the picture to keep its temperature in check. Grant's heavily tanned skin rivals that of George Hamilton, yet it still appears natural, as do all fleshtones. Blacks are deliciously inky, but no incidents of crush drown out shadow detail. Close-ups are strong – despite the stylistic use of filters to shave a few years off Grant's age and soften Saint's facial features – and textures, such as the weave of various suits, wall coverings, leather upholstery, even the coarse hair on Grant's knuckles, are clearly discernible.
Though the upconverted DVD still looks mighty fine on a high-def display, it pales when compared to this superb Blu-ray presentation. Fine details are substantially clearer, fleshtones lose their reddish tint, colors look more realistic, and any stray speckles or dirt marks have been erased. Edges are also cleaner, though no digital enhancements, artificial sharpening, posturization, or mosquito noise muck up the pristine image. Can 'North by Northwest' look any better? I can't even imagine it.
Simply put, this is a gorgeous, A+ effort that perfectly represents this Hitchcock masterwork. Once again, Warner proves just how brilliant classic movies can look on Blu-ray, and this impeccable transfer more than whets our appetite for the riches yet to come.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track is a fine upgrade from the DVD's previous Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, but doesn't quite achieve the same wow factor as the video. First of all, don't be afraid to pump up the volume; I found the track to be surprisingly quiet at first, yet after two or three sizeable increases above my normal settings, I finally reached a comfortable listening level. (Warner's TrueHD classic movie tracks always seem to be mixed a little on the soft side, but handle augmented volume extremely well.)
Surround elements are understandably faint throughout most of the film, but boy do those rears come alive during the crop-dusting sequence, as the plane makes its dipping and diving passes over Grant, the cornfield, and my living room sofa. (It's hard to imagine a 50-year-old film competing sonically with today's action epics, but 'North by Northwest' tries its best during this one classic scene.) When the surrounds are silent, the front channels pick up the slack with some distinct stereo separation that lends the audio welcome scope. Dialogue is well prioritized and always easy to understand, even when spoken in hushed tones, and Bernard Herrmann's highly recognizable score sounds terrific. Though it doesn't wrap around us as much as we'd like, its fullness of tone and enhanced fidelity make almost every instrument distinguishable. The screeching strings always resist distortion, and the low-end horns and percussion lend great weight to select scenes. (For those who truly want to experience and revel in Bernard Herrmann's marvelous score, a music-only track can be accessed through the disc's special features.)
Details are always crisply rendered, from the subtle use of hedge-clippers early in the film to the gravel beneath Grant's shoes as he shuffles his feet while awaiting the crop-duster's surprise attack. And the one big bass moment doesn't disappoint, as the subwoofer pumps out a hefty rumble during a memorable crash and subsequent explosion. Best of all, the track is as clean as a whistle, with no errant pops, static, or hiss betraying the movie's advanced age.
Sound is an essential element of most Hitchcock films, and the superior audio on this disc does the film proud. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:11 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc and good movie to boot... and only $17 currently at Amazon!
The Negotiator Video: 4.5/5 Audio: 4.5/5
| Quote: | 'The Negotiator' is a fun ride while it lasts, but like most films of this sort, doesn't have much lasting impact. Still, it tells its clever story with style and vigor, boasts an array of fine performances, and keeps both our senses and brains engaged and stimulated throughout. And there aren't a whole lot of thrillers that can do that.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Stunning. That pretty much sums up the image quality of Warner's 1080p/VC-1 transfer of 'The Negotiator,' which significantly improves on the studio's previous standard-def DVD. In a side-by-side comparison, the Blu-ray rendering provides a much cleaner, crisper, more vibrant picture. Gone are the stray marks that dotted the print, and while color temperature and contrast remain similar, the sizeable jump in clarity provides that elusive visual pop many other high-def discs lack. Fine details leap forth even in low light, and dazzling close-ups expose every facial crease, scar, and pore with razor sharpness. Though some fluctuations do exist – a few scenes exhibit some faint noise on solid backgrounds, while others flaunt a coarser texture – this is a predominately smooth, silky presentation that maintains a film-like feel despite the absence of noticeable grain.
Color is used sparingly, but always provides a vivid splash of emphasis without appearing artificially saturated. Rich and inky blacks lend the picture marvelous weight, and fleshtones are always spot-on. Contrast is generally good, although a couple of sequences seem a shade bright, which somewhat flattens their dimension. Best of all, no digital enhancements muck up the film's natural look.
Those on the fence about upgrading shouldn't hesitate to take the leap. For a 10-year-old catalogue title, 'The Negotiator' looks superb, and will thrill both diehard fans and those new to this absorbing drama of police corruption.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Full of dynamism and nuance, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track hits the ball out of the park. The well-balanced mix possesses exceptional range, crystal clarity, and enough surround activity to thrill discriminating action movie junkies. Though the rears aren't always engaged, they get a good workout, emitting a host of terrific effects, from subtle ambience to powerful artillery accents. Seamless pans keep us in the thick of the story (and are especially noticeable during helicopter flyovers), while solid bass frequencies help create highly immersive sonic sequences. (One particular knuckle rap on a car window gave me a surprising jolt.) Dialogue is always properly prioritized and easy to comprehend, and Graeme Revell's pulsating music score enjoys fine front-channel separation, as well as lush low-end tones and excellent depth and presence.
When coupled with the excellent video, this superior track makes 'The Negotiator' a memorable home video experience, and proves how high-def video and lossless audio can substantially impact and improve a catalogue title. Bravo, Warner! |
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject: |
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One that many have been waiting for - I know I have! As expected it's a reference disc too:
Monsters, Inc. Video: 4.5/5 Audio: 5/5
Check out this thread on how to buy this and Pixar's new Up movie for only ~$16 each when you buy both together!
| Quote: | 'Monsters, Inc.' was an instant classic as soon as it hit theaters, and has only gotten better with age. The creativity involved with the film is astounding, the writing is clever, the story is perfect and the characters are loveable. Children and adults alike can sit down and enjoy this film again and again for years to come.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Monsters Inc.'s 1080p AVC-encoded transfer is presented in pure Pixar style, near perfection. The colors have never been more vibrant than they are now. Detail is maxed out. The darker splotches on Mike have never been clearer. Each and every scale on Randall's body is perfectly visible and defined. Blacks are deep and rich, while contrast is perfect. Edges are clearly defined, and the film is free from digital artifacts like banding, crushing, or blocking.
'Monsters Inc.' is about as good as it gets on Blu-ray. For the most part it's perfect demo material. I really wanted to give this five stars for its video transfer, but one technical quibble holds this transfer back from absolute perfection. The fine fringe hairs on Sulley's body are a hotbed for aliasing. At times, during close ups, the aliasing becomes distracting and very noticeable. Having just watched and reviewed 'Ice Age 3' where most of the main characters have fine fringe hairs without any aliasing problems, I couldn't let something like that pass by without letting readers know about it. Be it known though, that the aliasing problem is the one and only annoyance in this otherwise beautiful high definition transfer of one of Pixar's greatest films.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 attached to this release is nothing short of magnificent. I'm glad to say that, unlike the video presentation, the audio track harbors not one single imperfection. Disney and Pixar have created an engrossing soundtrack that sucks you into the film and never lets go. Surround channels are alive for the entirety of the movie. As Mike, Sulley, and Boo fly through the door room being chased by Randall, doors whoosh by you on every side, making you feel like you're hanging on with the heroes. The LFE output is another point of perfection. Some of the deep bass will literally shake your room. The bass is deep and clear without being overpowering. Panning effects, like a helicopter flying in from out of scene, are completely immersive. The front and center channels handle the dialogue and front-centric effects with precision. This is a completely enveloping audio presentation from beginning to end. |
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| Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:21 pm Post subject: |
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Oh yeah! One of my all time favourites makes the "MUST HAVE BLU-RAY" list for audio/video quality! Thank you thank you thank you!
A MUST OWN:
Forrest Gump Video: 4.5/5 Audio: 4.5/5
| Quote: | Paramount’s Sapphire series continues with an American classic that inspires us all to make life simpler and live it to the fullest. ‘Forrest Gump’ is an American classic in every way, and is a perfect addition to any Blu-ray collection. With its stunning audio and video presentations, and its complete host of extras, Paramount has put together a Blu-ray release that is a must own for anyone.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
‘Forrest Gump’ bursts onto the high definition scene with a stellar 1080p AVC-encoded transfer. For a film shot in 1994, the visuals here are fantastically reproduced in high-def. Keeping the cinematic grain from its original debut, ‘Forrest Gump’s transfer is as film-like as you can get. The detail is ramped up from the previous DVD releases. From brickwork to lush foliage, everything is richly handled. Colors are perfectly rendered, giving the greens of Alabama and Vietnam a fine stage to shine on. Digital artifacts like blocking or aliasing are nowhere to be found. Black levels are handled to perfection, with delineation in the darker scenes being wonderfully defined. Unfortunately, the high definition has a habit of pointing out some of the green screen work done by Zemeckis, when cartoonish mouths move on Lyndon B. Johnson or John F. Kennedy, they almost give the appearance of Conan O’Brien’s famous skits involving superimposed lips moving over a celebrity photograph.
Beginning at about the point when Forrest comes back to visit his mother after she becomes ill, original source noise begins to pop up rather frequently. The blips and specks that pop up now and then are the only thing keeping this transfer back from absolute perfection.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track from ‘Forrest Gump’ is fairly front-heavy, because of its dialogue centric story. The voices are presented clearly through the center channel, with directionality from the front channels working well. When people are talking to Forrest on the bus bench their voices are perfectly placed within the soundfield regarding their position on screen. The film does offer up some pretty intense action scenes, with sound effects bleeding into the surround speakers. At first the surrounds seem a tad soft, turning them up a little may be in order. The sound effects, however, like bullets whizzing by, are clearly defined and engulfing to listen to. Another moment of surround sound excitement can be found during the hurricane while Forrest and Captain Dan are at sea. Overall, this is a solid audio presentation for such a classic film, although it isn’t as memorable as the other Sapphire release by Paramount, ‘Braveheart.’ |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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Another must-have title (and really cheap to boot! Hover over the link below for the price):
Flight Club Video: 4/5 Audio: 5/5
Watched it last week. A fantastic movie that's still every bit as good 10 years later.
There's an interesting Easter Egg too when you first put the disc in too... I won't give it away but don't go running back to the store to return it the when you first put it in. You *did* get the right disc. 
| Quote: | David Fincher's 'Fight Club,' ten years on, is just as cutting edge and in-your-face as it was a decade ago. While the Blu-ray retains all of the special features from the groundbreaking 2000 DVD, it does add some interesting features, including a borderline revolutionary Google-y search feature that could be adopted for Blu-ray discs in the future. The AV on this disc is beyond exemplary, and overall this disc is a must own. Fincher has been responsible for two of the best Blu-ray discs this year (with 'Zodiac' and 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'), and now he's responsible for a third.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Having seen this movie at least a couple dozen times since 'Fight Club's' 2000 DVD bow, I was still excited to see what this disc's MPEG-4 AVC 1080p transfer (2.40:1 aspect ratio) had in store. And, without reservation, I can say that this transfer delivers.
Does it deliver in the ways you'd expect? Not exactly. While Fox claims that David Fincher was deeply involved with the production of this Blu-ray, his involvement isn't really apparent anywhere (save for a cute Easter Egg I'll get to in a minute). Considering Fincher was knee-deep into pre-production on 'The Social Network' (aka 'The Facebook Movie'), I don't think he devoted a whole lot of time or attention to this release. Remember the 'Seven' DVD that had Fincher explaining how he re-corrected every frame of the movie? There's nothing like that here.
Still, this is probably the best 'Fight Club' has ever looked after its initial theatrical run. There were times when my mouth was agape as I took in all the extra detail that had been missing from the previous DVD edition. Stuff like a thin, misty layer of dust that trails the giant art ball in the 'Operation Latte Thunder' sequence, which was impossible to discern on the previous release.
The image has a consistent layer of grain, which never overwhelms. Similarly, there are no technical issues to worry about, aside from a few brief instances of crush. On that front, blacks and shadows (of which there are many) are deep and dimensional. Skin tones look good, detail is heightened (especially in regards to textures and fabric - Norton and Pitt's dilapidated mansion never looked so gloriously grimy), and there are no instances of artificial sharpening or DNR.
There are a few moments which look somewhat muddy, but that is most likely an aesthetic decision rather than a fault of the transfer. There isn't a whole lot of color in this movie, but the moments that are punctuated by color are done brilliantly (a fireball erupting from a computer store, a flash cut to a lush green rainforest).
Despite being produced without much involvement from the legendarily picky David Fincher, this Blu-ray transfer is a bold leap forward from the previous DVD, and reason enough to buy this movie again.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
As impressive as the video is, it doesn't compare to the room-shaking dexterity of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Literally from the opening frame, with the aggressive Dust Brothers title music pumping in (as we rocket through the synapses firing in our narrator's brain), I was impressed. I think I might have let out an audible yelp.
This is an amazing, amazing track. It's everything you'd expect it to be and more. The fight scenes are brutal, with the surround sound coming to life not only with the thwacks and cracks of the violence but with the sound of the spectators huddled around watching the blood sport. Similarly, when the action of the Fight Club leaks out into the real world, the track becomes even more muscular and visceral. And as amazing as an explosion or a car alarm sounds, I was taken aback by the simpler directional elements like the squeak of Brad Pitt's shoes as he scuttles across a bathroom floor or distant siren effects.
But as impressive as all the bang, boom, pow! of the track, the subtleties have not gone unnoticed. Dialogue is always clear, crisp, and well prioritized (the narration sounds wonderful), and the Dust Brothers' breakneck score is given new life. And there are no noticeable technical hiccups either, no hiss or hums or crackle.
This track really is reference-quality. It's the kind of track you put on and strap in for - and, again, never at the cost of nuance. Just great. |
Kal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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A reference quality disc that rates 5 stars all around from Quentin Tarantino (who's movies are as hard to spell as his name!):
Inglourious Basterds Video: 5/5 Audio: 5/5 (Hover over link for price)
| Quote: |
With just a couple more weeks left in the year, Universal has delivered one of the year's best Blu-ray discs. Quentin Tarantino's orgiastic World War II masterpiece is perfect for repeated home viewing, and with reference-quality audio and video, plus a whole host of engaging bonus features (many of them in high definition), this is a genuinely great package for a genuinely great movie. Must Own.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Inglourious Basterds' is Tarantino's most beautiful film and this 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer (2.39:1 aspect ratio) faithfully reproduces it for high-def. The results are absolutely stunning.
'Basterds' is rich in period detail, and this transfer is perfect for that. Detail is amazing all around - the costumes (you can really notice the death's head on Landa's cap) and settings (like the autumnal killing field) look truly wonderful, and the little Quentin-verse details (posters etc.) really pop and are more noticeable. All of this stuff works to pull you into his gonzo world.
The color palette of 'Basterds' is surprisingly subdued, with the exception of the color red, which pops up in Shosanna's blush and lipstick, on the Nazi flags, and (this being a Quentin Tarantino film) in the bold splashes of blood. These moments really pop in a truly outstanding way.
Skin tones look great too. Black levels are deep and dark. There's a fine layer of grain that makes it look like an honest-to-god movie. And there are neither technical issues like artifacts or things like blips or scratches or anything else. As far as I can tell, this is more or less a perfect transfer. It's got that dimensionality that digitally reproduced films sometimes lack, but is present and accounted for here.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Equally impressive is the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. A Quentin Tarantino movie really is the ideal choice for any surround sound system, as it's a combination of heavy dialogue and explosive, action-type set pieces.
Both sound absolutely wonderful here. The dialogue, the sharpest and most multi-lingual of Tarantino's career, is always crisp and clear, even when the events surrounding the dialogue get out of control crazy.
The surround really kicks in with something like the tavern sequence in the "Operation Kino" chapter. The ambience and atmospherics are really nice at the beginning of the sequence, with people talking amongst themselves in the background and foreground. And then, when things go to hell, things really kick up another notch, with bullets flying, blood splashing, and debris careening through the air.
Likewise, the killer soundtrack Tarantino has assembled is dynamite. Both his choice orchestral cuts (most of them from other films) and his pop song choices (like the brilliant use of the David Bowie song from 'Cat People') sound radiant on this track. Everything is just gangbusters (there are no hisses or pops or any other anomalies or technical issues, either). This is an exemplary track.
There are also French DTS 5.1 and Spanish: DTS 5.1 audio tracks along with subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish. On the subject of subtitles, I want to talk about the one thing on this entire disc that annoyed me - it's during the tavern scene in the "Operation Kino" chapter. The subtitles are located on the image (instead of in the black netherworld on the top and bottom of the widescreen frame), and there's a cluster of bottles and other things, halo lit by Robert Richardson's heavenly photography. The subtitles are right over that haloed patch and sometimes you can't read them (or it at least makes it very hard). It was literally the only time I was unhappy watching this wonderful film's equally wonderful high definition presentation. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 2:29 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 Video: 4.5/5 Audio: 4.5/5 (Hover over link for price)
| Quote: | 'The Taking of Pelham 123' isn't a terrible film, but it really could have been handled so much better. Tony Scott cakes so much make-up on its face that he even gets it on the eyebrows and all over its teeth. The Blu-ray, however, will stop traffic, having a few extras and a stunning audio/video presentation. Still, this is one film that likely won't hold up well for repeat viewings, so I'd probably go with a rental.
Oh, and just so I don't get hate mail for this review's intro here's something to consider: Tony Scott's next film, 'Unstoppable,' apparently also stars Denzel Washington… and a train. I guess a new trick won't be showing up anytime soon.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
While I may have thought the movie was just so-so, it sure does look pretty sweet on Blu-ray. If you're familiar with the high-definition releases of 'Man on Fire' or 'Deja Vu,' you should have an idea of what to expect with this dazzling 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 (2.40:1 aspect ratio) transfer.
The source is intentionally grainy, but there are no blemishes, dirt, or artifacts to be found. Colors are a bit subdued yet still striking, while contrast runs hot. Black levels are incredibly rich and deep throughout with very little crushing, and the level of depth and detail is also impressive. The crispness of facial features reveal delicate textures and every skin imperfection with clarity, and the graying hair and stubble on Washington is so distinguishable you can practically go at them with a pair of tweezers. There's occasional blurring due to the lightning fast movements of Scott's cinematography, though the picture never breaks up or bleeds. I did notice one excessively noisy tunnel shot lasting only a few seconds when the train started moving again, but other than that Sony has once again delivered another razor-sharp and nearly spotless transfer.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The high-definition version of 'The Taking of Pelham 123' comes with three lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks (English, French, and Spanish) that have a very engaging sound design.
The soundfield benefits from seamless pans and an expansive dynamic range. Surrounds are most pronounced during the smattering of action scenes, but the rear channels also provide widespread discrete effects on the train and in the highly populated control room. Powerful bass gives the moving train a dominating presence, the hard-driving music extra punch, and gunshots distinct heft. Dialogue balance is precise as well. The vocals and frequent radio banter between Travolta and Washington is never obscured by other noises. In short, your remote can pretty well have the night off with this superbly presented DTS-HD mix.
The Blu-ray also includes a Catalan Dolby Digital 5.1 track as well as optional English, English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish subtitles. |
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| Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 6:23 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
Terminator Salvation
(Click to order, hover over link for price)
| Quote: | If I were asked to make a list of the three biggest blockbuster busts of 2009, 'Terminator Salvation' wouldn't be among my picks. Now that doesn't mean the film is great by any means and it certainly doesn't hold a candle to James Cameron's entries, but considering some of the year's other disasters it could have been far worse. If you're able to get over the initial hump of disappointment the movie isn't half bad, although in all fairness I do think the amazing video/audio presentation of the Blu-ray makes it go down a little easier. Let's not forget the entire supplemental package is exclusive to the format as well, and as usual Warner's cutting-edge Maximum Movie Mode is enough of a reason to own this disc.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
On a technical level, Warner's 1080p/VC-1 (2.40:1 aspect ratio) encode on the 'Terminator Salvation' Blu-ray is practically flawless. The source is terrific, completely devoid of dirt, debris, and other imperfections. As one would expect from this type of movie, the picture has a very washed-out palette primarily consisting of various shades of browns and grays to replicate the bleak futuristic world of tomorrow. There's a mild to medium grain presence for a gritty film-like appearance, and although grain levels do become heavier in poorly lit areas like the tunnels and sewers, it's never a distraction and really suits the mood of the film. The sense of depth is also pleasing and detailing is fantastic. Everything looks grungy and is caked with dust and grime. Facial close-ups reveal pores, stubble, and other fine intricate details with incredible distinction. The texturing on clothing and weathered remnants of civilized life is outstanding. I did spot the occasional scene having a slight softness and black level down to about 98 percent, but both of these instances were minimal at best in an otherwise stellar transfer.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Even better is the bombastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. Man, is this thing intense.
Starting things off is Danny Elfman's score that fills the soundstage like liquid metal, and as soon as it is punctuated with the thunderous Terminator percussions it pretty much seals the demo material deal. Dialogue is always intelligible even amidst all the chaos going on in the film. Dynamic range is also among the grandest I've heard yet. Explosions, gunfire, and clanking machinery are extremely powerful, and the sense of directional movement is as authentic and immersive as it can get. Aerial flybys have smooth pans and a hefty presence viewers can actually feel. The rear channels are vigorous throughout too (the scene when Connor is attacked by the hydrobots is amazing) and even the quieter, subtler moments deliver realistic and convincing acoustics. Without any doubts whatsoever, I can safely say fans will be ecstatic with this mix.
The disc also includes alternate Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks on the theatrical cut in French and Spanish, as well as optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles. |
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc (and currently on sale for 51% off!):
Public Enemies
(Click to order, hover over link for price)
| Quote: | 'Public Enemies' may not meet everyone's expectations, but it's a well-crafted, absorbing, wonderfully acted, and often exciting gangster film with plenty of style and substance. Terrific video and a powerful audio mix make the experience even more immersive, and a fine supplemental package enhances our knowledge of and connection to the legendary figures depicted on screen. This one's got some replay value, so fans of the genre and those who appreciate quality moviemaking shouldn't hesitate to pick it up. Recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
When done properly, period movies on Blu-ray exude a warmth and lushness that's unparalleled in the format, and though the 'Public Enemies' transfer isn't perfect, the 1080p/VC-1 encode possesses plenty of sublime scenes that showcase the beauty of high definition. The racetrack sequence, shot in the waning daylight hours, bathes the screen in a striking iridescent glow, while the vibrant splashes of color in the nightclub interiors recall the sumptuous Technicolor films of yore. All the while, a faint veneer of grain enhances the bygone look, and only becomes distractingly heavy during a number of low-lit, nocturnal scenes late in the film.
Mann shot 'Public Enemies' using HD cameras, which explains the hyper-crisp look, but the film often retains the texture and feel of celluloid. Contrast and clarity remain spot-on throughout the movie's duration, and marvelous close-ups reveal every pore, scar, and hair follicle on the actors' faces. Fabrics and small background elements are also well defined, and fleshtones always appear natural. Verdant greens add a welcome soft touch to the violent rural scenes, and blacks are so rich and inky, they almost swallow fine details. As a result, shadow delineation could be a bit clearer, but it's hardly a deal-breaker. I did notice an odd yellow blotch on a single frame around the one-hour-seven-minute mark that seemed to be some kind of print anomaly, but that's the only blemish on the otherwise spotless source material.
A bit of edge sharpening could be detected when I viewed portions of the film on my LCD display, but my primary DLP set almost completely muted the effect. Other digital enhancements and defects are completely absent. This is a terrific presentation from Universal that really makes the story of Dillinger leap off the screen.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
When done properly, period movies on Blu-ray exude a warmth and lushness that's unparalleled in the format, and though the 'Public Enemies' transfer isn't perfect, the 1080p/VC-1 encode possesses plenty of sublime scenes that showcase the beauty of high definition. The racetrack sequence, shot in the waning daylight hours, bathes the screen in a striking iridescent glow, while the vibrant splashes of color in the nightclub interiors recall the sumptuous Technicolor films of yore. All the while, a faint veneer of grain enhances the bygone look, and only becomes distractingly heavy during a number of low-lit, nocturnal scenes late in the film.
Mann shot 'Public Enemies' using HD cameras, which explains the hyper-crisp look, but the film often retains the texture and feel of celluloid. Contrast and clarity remain spot-on throughout the movie's duration, and marvelous close-ups reveal every pore, scar, and hair follicle on the actors' faces. Fabrics and small background elements are also well defined, and fleshtones always appear natural. Verdant greens add a welcome soft touch to the violent rural scenes, and blacks are so rich and inky, they almost swallow fine details. As a result, shadow delineation could be a bit clearer, but it's hardly a deal-breaker. I did notice an odd yellow blotch on a single frame around the one-hour-seven-minute mark that seemed to be some kind of print anomaly, but that's the only blemish on the otherwise spotless source material.
A bit of edge sharpening could be detected when I viewed portions of the film on my LCD display, but my primary DLP set almost completely muted the effect. Other digital enhancements and defects are completely absent. This is a terrific presentation from Universal that really makes the story of Dillinger leap off the screen. |
Kal
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| Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc :
Gone With the Wind: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition (Blu-ray)
(Click to order, hover over link for price)
| Quote: | If you still have a classic movie lover to shop for this Christmas (or need something special for yourself), there's not a nicer gift out there than the 70th anniversary Blu-ray edition of 'Gone With the Wind.' This cinema masterpiece still delivers the goods both dramatically and aesthetically, and the superb video and audio transfers will sweep viewers back to a bygone age and immerse them in one of the most epic stories of all time. Hours and hours of high-quality supplements enhance this deluxe package, as well as several collectibles that will appeal to hardcore film enthusiasts. No doubt about it, this is a must own.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Just the idea of seeing 'Gone With the Wind' in the splendor of 1080p sets many classic movie lovers' hearts aflutter, and Warner Home Video has made sure those pulse rates remain high with a superior transfer that more than lives up to expectations. Lest we forget, though, Selznick's epic is 70 years old, and no matter how advanced the technology, it's impossible to completely erase the film's age. That age is immediately evident during the opening credits, as heavy grain and several print marks dominate the background. Thankfully, however, both elements substantially diminish once the narrative begins; the source material cleans up nicely, while the grain reverts to pleasing levels that represent the natural texture of celluloid and never look overly processed. Some scenes, of course, appear fresher and more alive than others, but there are never any jarring moments where the picture quality feels inferior. A bit of softness does creep in now and then, especially in dimly lit sequences, but doesn't detract from the integrity of the whole.
Clarity is superb, and a big step up from the previous DVD. In a side-by-side comparison, the Blu-ray close-ups are sharper and more dimensional, colors flaunt a more natural and vibrant look, far fewer speckles and marks dot the print, grain is less pronounced, and fine details are easier to discern. The biggest difference, however, is in long and wide shots, where the Blu-ray outclasses the DVD by a wide margin, exhibiting a much clearer image and allowing us to palpably experience the setting instead of feeling as if we're observing it from afar. The enhanced resolution of the 1080p/VC-1 encode outclasses any prior transfer, making this version of 'Gone With the Wind' indisputably the best.
The Technicolor photography is a joy to behold. Hues possess terrific saturation without appearing garish or overblown. The colorful accents of various costumes pop, fleshtones are spot-on, and black levels are always rich and deep. Contrast, especially in exteriors, is perfectly modulated, so the image achieves wonderful depth, and the various textures of gowns and upholstery stand out nicely. Shadow delineation is excellent, too, and any digital doctoring is so judiciously applied, it escapes notice. Thankfully, no banding, noise, or other anomalies distract from the purity of this exceptional presentation.
Like 'The Wizard of Oz' before it, 'Gone With the Wind' is another painstakingly restored, beautifully rendered transfer of a classic film, and the team at Warner deserves the highest praise for taking such great care of our most treasured films. Bravo!
The Audio: Rating the Sound
An upgrade to Dolby TrueHD 5.1 distinguishes this Blu-ray disc from its standard-def predecessor, and the audio is surprisingly enveloping for such an antiquated picture. Of course, much of the sonic action is anchored up front, but Max Steiner's iconic score enjoys a lovely surround presence, punctuated by robust, textured tones and excellent fidelity. Dialogue is crystal clear and always easy to comprehend, and bass frequencies, especially during the shelling of Atlanta, exhibit appropriate power and presence. There's not much ambient activity – you won't hear such subtle atmospherics as birds chirping or trees rustling – but that's completely understandable given the limitations of the source material.
The greatest problem with audio from the 1930s is surface noise, and I'm happy to report Warner technicians have scrubbed the track clean, leaving nary a trace of hiss and no pops or crackles. The sound also lacks the tinny quality that pervades lesser productions of the period. Despite several shrill exchanges and the predominance of swelling strings, distortion is never an issue. Purists will appreciate the inclusion of the original mono track (found in the special features menu), but the lossless option is so good and respects the original's integrity so completely, I can't imagine anyone finding fault with it. |
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 Dec 25, 2009 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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Another reference disc:
9 (Blu-ray)
(Click to order, hover over link for price)
| Quote: | '9' is a stunning piece of creativity that will shock the eye. Its images are so intricate that they spring to life automatically. I love this film. The spectacular audio and video only help solidify this as a highly recommended title that can, for the most part, be used as demo material from your home theater setup.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The 1080p VC-1 encoded transfer for '9' is nearly flawless, and for all intents and purposes can be considered a fine demo-worthy disc. This animation works tremendously well on Blu-ray. The palette here is a dim one, but what do you expect, the world just ended! Lots of dark scenes, but blacks are perfectly blended. Delineation is revealing. While the movie is bathed in browns and blacks, the giant red eye of The Machine leaps off the screen in stunning clarity. Speaking of clarity, fine detail is pumped up to maximum, rivaling any of the recent releases by Pixar. The stitching and the crosshatch of the puppets is always discernible and clear. At one point in the film a very, very slight bit of aliasing can be detected around The Machine. Other than that, this is a top notch video presentation.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
When I heard this film in theaters I knew, without a doubt, that if done right, the sound here would be some of the most demo-worthy bass to ever be put on Blu-ray. I'm happy to report that the DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track will most likely shake the foundation of your house. The bass here is deep, resonant, and freakishly strong. The deep, foreboding tones gives The Machine and its monster children more creepiness than can be imagined. There is some slightly soft speaking here and some of the voices are drowned out at times by the hustle and bustle of the break-neck action. Everything else though, is done to perfection. If you want to show someone what high definition bass sounds like, stick this film in. |
Kal
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MikeEby
Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Posts: 5237
Location: Osceola, Indiana
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| Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 11:11 pm Post subject: |
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| kal wrote: | Another reference disc (and currently on sale for 51% off!):
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Watched it last night....It's all shot with a Sony CineAlta digital camera. Lots of hand held shots, super sharp. A many of the scenes had a "Video look" to it, that takes some getting used to.
Mike
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