Home Theater Movie Renter’s Guide – May, 2012

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

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Synopsis

No plan. No backup. No choice. Agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his elite team (Renner, and Pegg) go underground after a bombing of the Kremlin implicates the IMF as international terrorists. While trying to clear the agency’s name, the team uncovers a plot to start a nuclear war. Now, to save the world, they must use every high-tech trick in the book. The mission has never been more real, more dangerous, or more impossible.

Specifications

  • Paramount Pictures
    • 2011, Color, Rated R, 133 Min
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.85:1
  • Codec: AVC-4
  • 1080p
  • English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
  • Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg
  • Directed by Brad Bird

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: No
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

In what I think is the best of the series, Cruise isn’t the brooding Ethan Hunt of previous movies. He’s a man on a mission, so to speak. Simply put, the IMF has been shut down and disavowed after a massive explosion at the Kremlin. That explosion is blamed on the IMF. But, it was nothing more than a diversion to steal a nuclear detonator by a terrorist hell bent on ensuring peace on Earth by starting a nuclear war between the super powers. Now it is up to Ethan and his team of three to save the world. This movie has nail biting action and some pretty cool CGI effects. I love the fact that the hi-tech gadgets have a tendency to fail at the most inopportune moments. Cruise does almost all of his own stunt work, too. Make no mistake people, the worlds tallest building in Dubai is just the nuts! Because the film is more character driven, you will get pulled into the story quickly, unlike the second installment of the series. This is what an action movie should be.

Technical

The sound and picture of this flick are absolutely demo class. The detail, contrasts and colors are what you want to see in a BD release and the 7.1 surround sound does not fail to disappoint. Even the fly-overs of cities and sand dunes show exquisite details with no artifacts or aliasing. The sound of explosions and the swirling of sand during a sand storm are all wonderfully captured and completely encompassing. Wowzers!

Extras

Included are: Mission Accepted, Impossible Missions, Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by director Brad Bird, Alternate Opening and trailers.

 

A Streetcar Named Desire (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Clements

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Synopsis

During the time just after World War II, a teacher from Mississippi, Blanche DuBois, moves in with her sister, Stella, who lives with her husband in New Orleans’ French Quarter.  We later come to find out that Blanche was ousted from her hometown for seducing one of her teenage students. Once she’s moved in, it doesn’t take long until Blanche begins clashing with her untrusting brother in law, played by the young, virile Marlon Brando.  So Blanche goes about trying to create a rift between her sister and Brando while she kindles a romance with one of Brando’s friends played by Karl Malden.  Meanwhile, her sister, Stella, is pregnant and soon expecting.  What will happen with Blanche when Stella goes to the hospital to give birth to her first child?

 

Specifications

  • Universal Studios
  • 1951, Black and White, Unrated, 2 Hr 5 min
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
  • Codec: AVC
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
  • Starring: Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden
  • Directed by Elia Kazan

Rating

  • Entertainment:
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  • Extras:
  • Violence: Mild
  • Sex: Suggested
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

This American classic was based on the Tennessee Williams Broadway show by the same name.  The subject matter was considered quite extreme for cinema in its time.  As a result, the screenplay was toned down and only implies through inuendo much of the characters’ atrocities.  This will mean that modern audiences unfamiliar with the story may be a little confused about what exactly is happening on screen.  The fabled “rape” scene is a great example of this.  It is so watered down that modern viewers are likely to walk away not sure as to what exactly happened there.  In any event, this film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won four – Best Supporting Actor (Malden), Best Actress (Leigh), Best Supporting Actress (Hunter) and Art Direction (B&W).  It is also number 47 on the AFI Top 100 List.  It is a dark and brooding character study that showcases amazing acting talents who were very well directed at the height of their careers.  This Blu-ray is a basic necessity for any serious collector and is highly recommended.

Technical

This is a fully restored version of a classic Warner Brothers title from the early 50’s.  The movie is presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The image is somewhat on the dark side while paradoxically managing to retain very analog-like gradations in the shadows.  And the picture is also a bit soft.  I still give it 4 stars because the transfer is apparently as good as the engineers could eek out from the source material.  The audio is DTS HD-Master Mono.  Most of the movie is set indoors in the house so the audio generally involves simple dialog with the occasional loud effect.  The sound is on the whole quite old-fashioned and lacking in dynamic or frequency extension.

Extras

This special edition restoration comes in a premium book-style package with 40 pages of screen shots and capsules regarding the film, its makers, the characters and the actors.  The set is also chock full of other extras – Audio Commentary with Producer Laurent Bouzereau, Karl Malden and historians Rudy Behlmer and Jeff Young; Elia Kazan: A Director’s Journey; A Streetcar on Broadway; A Streetcar in Hollywood; Censorship and Desire;  North and the Music of the South; An Actor Named Brando; Marlon Brando Screen Test; Outtakes; Audio Outtakes and Trailers.

 

Pariah (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Clements

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Synopsis

Adepero Oduye plays Alike, a seventeen-year-old who lives in Brooklyn with her parents and little sister.  Alike is a budding talent in poetry while quietly embracing her identity as a lesbian.  Her parents’ relationship is already strained and the inevitable realization of Alike’s sexual orientation adds immeasurably to the pressure.  Will Alike be able to hold it all together and come out alright?

 

Specifications

  • Universal Pictures
  • 2011, Color, Rated R, 1 Hr 27 min
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Codec: VC-1
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Starring: Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, Aasha Davis and Charles Parnell
  • Directed by Dee Rees

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Mild
  • Sex: Mild
  • Language: Yes

Commentary

This is a very engaging movie right from the start.  Much of this is due to the solid performance of Adepero Oduye.  She shows great poise as a maturing young woman who is struggling to cope with the impact of her own unique individuality.  Her on-screen mother, played by Kim Wayans is another well done acting job particularly in the first half of the movie.  Kim plays the role of the sisniter, single-minded mother to a tee.  I was thoroughly entertained by this movie.  It is a solid recommendation.

Technical

The image dislays a natural palette of colors with solid black levels and satisfying grain.  There is good inner detail in the shots and I didn’t see any compression artifacts or edge enhancement.  The film is a bit on the dark side and this transfer is true to this style.  I like the audio very much as well.  There is solid ambience in the atmospheric settings with downright amazing sounding music.  All in all, this is a very solid transfer.

Extras

This Blu-ray has a few brief but interesting extras – “Dee Rees: A Director’s Style”, “A Walk in Brooklyn” and “Trying Out Identity: Pariah’s Wardrobe”.

“Roadracers” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

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Synopsis

A 1950’s rebel greaser Dude Delaney (Arquette) wants to escape his small town and hit it big as a rocker.  Standing in his way are a corrupt sheriff (Sandler) and his jerk of a son.  It’s evident from the beginning of the film that they have it in for each other.  Salma Hayek play’s Dude’s attractive girlfriend. The always excellent John Hawkes takes on Dude’s smart-ass buddy.  It comes down to Dude deciding between his pride and standing up to Teddy and his sheriff daddy, or his dream of becoming the new guitar player for a band on the rise.

 

Specifications

  • Echo Bridge Entertainment
  • 1994, Color, R, 93 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
  • Codec: AVC
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Starring: David Arquette, John Hawkes, Salma Hayek
  • Directed by Robert Rodriguez

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: Mild
  • Language: Yes

Commentary

Roadracers was part of a Showtime series called Rebel Highway, a collection of made-for-TV B-movies that aired back in 1994. It was Robert Rodriguez’s second film after El Mariachi a couple year prior.  I had never even heard of this movie until this Blu-ray release.  It reminded me a lot of Tarantino’s recent Grindhouse, of which Rodriguez directed Planet Terror.  Old school 50’s flair, but with a B-grade feel.  It isn’t his best film, but I was entertained and William Sadler plays the perfect skeezy cop.  You can’t miss Rodriguez’s style of directing here- lots of moving shots and different camera angles keep the movie flowing.  This Blu-ray release by Echo Bridge is pretty solid. I’d recommend it for any Rodriguez fan.

Technical

The transfer is pretty good on Roadracers. Plenty of detail and a nice touch of film grain are supported by natural colors and solid contrast.  I don’t think you could ask of more from a low budget made for TV movie. 

The DTS-MA 5.1 track is not very active, but dialog is generally clear and at proper volume levels.

Extras

“Ten Minute Film School: The Making of a Degenerate Hot Rod Flick”, Audio Commentary with director Robert Rodriguez.

“One For the Money” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

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Synopsis

Stephanie Plum (Heigl) is a bright, attractive, confident woman whose entire life has just taken a sudden turn — in the wrong direction. Newly divorced and recently laid off, the only work she can scrape up is a dead-end job at her sleazy cousin’s bail bond office. But when her first big assignment involves tracking down an on-the-lam ex-flame (O’Mara), this tough-as-nails lady bounty hunter will be redefining the meaning of hot pursuit in this thrill-packed action comedy. Based on the popular books by Janet Evanovich, this film mixes romance, action and wry humor that will keep you “on the case” until the very end.

 

Specifications

  • Lionsgate Studios
  • 2011, Color, PG-13, 91 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.35:1
  • Codec: AVC
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Starring: Katherine Heigl, Jason O’Mara, Daniel Sunjata, John Leguizamo
  • Directed by Julie Anne Robinson

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: Brief Nudity
  • Language: Yes

Commentary

I hate to admit it, but I actually read the first three of Janet Evanovich’s books upon which this movie was based. The books were actually better than the film, but the movie covered most of the important ground. My main complaint with Heigl is her inability to pull off a real New Jersey accent, but her portrayal of Stephanie Plum was well done. Debbie Reynolds plays the grandma, but her character is only briefly touched upon for comic relief. My wife (who has read almost all of the series) liked the film a lot…and I liked it some. Written and directed by women, perhaps it doesn’t take a detective to figure who the target audience is supposed to be. If you liked the books, this Plum is a peach.

Technical

The picture quality was actually quite good with vibrant, solid colors and fine details like hair and textured clothing demonstrating a very natural look. Skin tones were good and no details were lost in the dark, rainy scenes. Sound was also very good with full use of the surrounds. Gunshots and punches sound natural and realistic. The music was also well panned across the front with full, rich sound. I saw no artifacts or aliasing, even when the camera panned from side to side.

Extras

Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette, a short gag reel, one deleted scene, real female bail bonds featurette (which was actually interesting), the theatrical trailer and movie trailers.

“Haywire” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

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Synopsis

This dynamic action-thriller introduces mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Gina Carano as Mallory Kane, a black-ops agent for a government security contractor. After freeing a Chinese journalist held hostage, Mallory is double-crossed and left for dead – by someone in her own agency. Suddenly the target of assassins who know her every move, Mallory unleashes the fury of her fighting skills to uncover the truth and turn the tables on her ruthless adversary. Featuring Carano performing her own high-adrenaline stunts and an all-star cast, this action-packed film will leave you wondering why a seemingly simple job could go so terribly haywire.

 

Specifications

  • Lionsgate Studios
  • 2011, Color, R, 91 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.35:1
  • Codec: MPEG4
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Starring: Gina Carano, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas
  • Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: None
  • Language: Yes

Commentary

Carano may not display a lot of acting chops in this, her debut film, but boy can she beat men to a pulp! Soderbergh literally built this movie around her after watching her in action on a bout on TV. The story wastes no time on plot development (we have all seen this script a dozen times before), but focuses on Carano’s technical skill. Don’t get me wrong, I think she does well as an emotionless assassin and this movie delivers unflinching violence without the “shaky” camera technique that is so prevalent in action movies theses days. The fight scenes are well choreographed and quite realistic. Carano’s physicality is astounding! I have no idea how they made the action look as real as it does, but I really enjoyed watching her do her stuff. Her dark, smoldering eyes were both sexy…and dangerous. Antonio Banderas still mumbles his few lines and his part could have gone to any other number of lesser actors. Same for Douglas, but ultimately, they all play a minor role to the action star.

Technical

Shot with a Red One digital camera, the movie looks great. Skin pores (and flaws) show up with great detail. Textures look exquisite and even the dark scenes look three dimensional. The sound was stunning as well. The smack of a fist into the face of an assailant sounded “strikingly” real. The surrounds and sub are used to good effect throughout the entire movie. I even enjoyed the soundtrack which reminded me of action films from the 70s.

Extras

Not a whole lot for extras here: Behind-the-scenes featurette exploring Carano’s transition from the MMA world to film and a look at the men of Haywire.

 

“Buck Privates” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

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Synopsis

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello star in Buck Privates as con artists who accidentally enlist while hiding out from New York street cop. Naturally that cop winds up their drill sergeant and comic foil as they wreak havoc on the armed forces. It’s vaudeville in fatigues, with the bare bones of a story provided by spoiled millionaire playboy Lee Bowman, his strapping All-American former chauffeur Alan Curtis, and the girl-next-door they both pursue, Jane Frazee.

 

Specifications

  • Universal Studios
  • 2012 (1941), B/W, G, 85 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
  • Codec: MPEG 4
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono
  • Starring:Lou Costello, Bud Abbott, Lee Bowman and the Andrews Sisters
  • Directed by Arthur Lubin

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Slap stick
  • Sex: None
  • Language: None

Commentary

The film’s energy comes completely from the snappy repartee between Bud and Lou. The plot is paper thin, but it showcases Costello’s slapstick physical comedy which includes a rifle drill gone awry and plenty of people breaking into songs. Shemp Howard cameos as the boot camp cook, too. That must be why it is called a “mess hall”! The Andrews Sisters sing “You’re a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and the whole movie exudes nostalgia from a by-gone era, the likes which we will never see again. This movie launched the Vaudeville team into the talking picture shows and for the next decade, Abbott and Costello were the most popular comedic force in America.

Technical

Of course the film is in 4:3, black and white with a mono soundtrack. But the sharpness and details are pretty amazing. The print has gone through a rigorous cleaning and all scratches and blemishes have been removed. In an early scene, Costello has a “loud” herringbone jacket that never goes “moire pattern” on the screen. Everything looks solid and stable. The stock footage of the army camp look a bit soft, but otherwise the picture looks great. The soundtrack is crystal clear with no audible crackles and hiss thanks to a new HD audio re-mastering. I am both astonished and excited with the effort that Universal is putting into their classic vaults. I can’t wait for the Universal Monster movies to be released (Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman and Mummy).

Extras

Some very worthwhile extras are included: Restoring the Classics, The Carl Laemmle Era, Unforgettable Characters, Abbott and Costello Meet Jerry Seinfeld (this is very good!), a forty-page booklet featuring an appreciation from director John Landis and rare movie memorabilia, vintage photographs, and classic routine scripts. A DVD is also included.

“Albert Nobbs” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

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Synopsis

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) gives a “powerhouse performance” (New York Post) as a woman who passes as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making. A fine film adapted from the short story by Irish author George Moore.

 

Specifications

  • Lionsgate Studios
  • 2012, Color, R, 113 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.35:1
  • Codec: MPEG 4
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Starring:Glenn Close Mia Wasikowska, Janet McTeer, Brendan Gleeson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
  • Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Brief
  • Sex: Brief nudity
  • Language: Yes

Commentary

What an unusual film, but what wonderful performances by Close and McTeer as women living as men in order to survive the harsh economic times of late Victorian era. You might think this is a tale about lesbianism, but that aspect is left in ambiguity. It is more about the determination to survive, even at great cost. Choosing to become another gender can mess you up physiologically and emotionally. Though I found the film to be very interesting, I think it faultered with the characters because there were several important questions raised by the movie, but never fully answered. In fact, the ending leaves you wondering how things finally shake out in the end. However, that may have been the intention of the director. In any case, I recommend this movie just for Close’s performance alone. It is a role she has done on Broadway and been meaning to put up on the Big Screen for years.

Technical

The film looks very good. Details are abundant in the ornate Victorian clothing and buildings. Skin tones are very good and colors are vibrant and solid. You can see the fine facial hairs on Close and the pale blue veins on her temples. Sound was also very good with clear dialog and wonderful turn of the century music that basically lulls your sub into restful sleep. All in all, a well done film from a technical stand point. Handsome and proper, as they would have said 150 years ago.

Extras

An audio commentary, deleted scenes and trailers are all there is for extras. Somewhat disappointing for a movie like this. You’d expect more insights into the performances.

“Underworld: Awakening” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

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Synopsis

Ultimate Vampire Warrioress Selene (Kate Beckinsale) escapes from cryogenic imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. Can Selene save the vampire race from certain extinction? And what about the discovery of the mysterious child Eve, who holds the fate of their future in her DNA?

 

Specifications

  • Sony Pictures
  • 2012, Color, R, 88 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
  • Codec: MPEG 4
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
  • Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, India Eisley
  • Directed by: Mans Marlind

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: None
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

Kate is back and looking as svelte as ever in a skin tight rubber jump-suit, however, after the horrible third installment of this franchise, I was hoping for a better plot development. Instead, all you get is a “humans vs. the non-humans” story with a hybrid child (unexplained origin) that somehow has the ability to replenish the thinned vampire ranks. Is the child Selene’s? Sorry, but can a dead person get pregnant? It just felt to me that the primary reason for all this silly action (with less than stellar CGI) is just to set up another Underworld movie. I think they should have quit after the first two, but what do I know? Great throat ripping action, but a sub par script. At not even an hour and half in length, this Underworld flick is underdeveloped!

Technical

Using Red Epic 3D cameras certainly helps make this film look great. The sound quality also will not disappoint and equally matches the sound from the other Underworld movies. Though a dark film, details are sharp and focused. The color palate is somewhat muted, but shadow details remain distinct. Your sub woofer is called into action early and remains so throughout the entire movie, as bass is about as intense as any action movie I have seen this year. Surrounds also pick up rain, explosions, gun shots and heavy breathing sounds from rather surly wolves.

Extras

Cracking the Underworld picture-in-picture experience, commentary, blooper reel, behind the scenes featurettes, Heavy Prey music video.

“Dark Tide” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

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Synopsis

A professional diver who specializes in swimming with great white sharks returns to the sea after a close friend died from a shark encounter.  Financial problems lead her to take a rich dad and his son out on the water to swim with sharks.  Her husband returns after they had separated and attempts to rekindle their marriage.  Drama is brought into the mix via the rich father who is used to getting what he wants.

 

Specifications

  • Lionsgate
  • 2012, Color, PG-13, 114 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
  • Codec: AVC
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Starring: Halle Berry, Olivier Marinez
  • Directed by: John Stockwell

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: None
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

Dark Tide is a relatively low budget film, costing $25 million to produce.  Weak dialog and performances are to be expected, but from a box office star like Halle Berry? I really expected more from her.  The suspense of open water and great white sharks never quite got to me.  Perhaps if I had cared a tiny bit more about the characters that would have gotten me an inch closer to the edge of my seat.  If you are a huge Halle Berry fan, or love sharks, you might be OK with watching this film. Everyone else should steer clear.

Technical

Dark Tide is actually a pretty nice looking film. There are some beautiful shots of sharks and other marine life. The Blu-ray transfer is very well done.
 
The audio on Dark Tide is good, but not very exciting. There are some good sound effects that convey the sense of being underwater.  Dialog is sometimes on the weak side and could have used more clarity.

Extras

Trailer for Dark Tide.

“Men in Black II” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Chris Eberle

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Synopsis

Evil alien Surleena (Boyle) returns to Earth in search of the Light of Zartha.  Doing his best to prevent the destruction of the planet is MIB Agent J (Smith).  He quickly finds he needs the help of former Agent K whose memories were erased some years ago.  J rescues him from his job at the Post Office and manages to restore his memories.  It turns out K helped hide the Light 25 years earlier and it’s now with pizza parlor employee Laura (Dawson).  K and J have only a few hours to get her and the light off Earth before all life is destroyed.

 

Specifications

  • Columbia Pictures
  • 2002, Color, PG-13, 1 hr 28 min
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Codec: AVC
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Lara Flynn Boyle, Rosario Dawson
  • Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Mild
  • Sex: No
  • Language: No

Commentary

This movie is firmly in the good clean fun category.  It’s not a cinematic masterpiece by any means but it is highly entertaining.  I’ve enjoyed watching it for years and this new Blu-ray release makes a great addition to my collection.  It seems almost impossible for Will Smith to make a bad movie (except for Hancock).  His comic timing and endless quips are the stuff of genius.  Jones plays the perfect straight man and provides an ideal yang to Smith’s yin.  Lara Flynn Boyle is also quite delicious as the villain bent on acquiring power no matter what the cost.  For fans of corny slapstick, it’s a must-own.

Technical

This transfer is a huge improvement over the first Men in Black Blu-ray from 2008 which suffered from soft detail, edge enhancement and pale color.  This disc is razor-sharp even though there’s obvious film grain.  Detail in facial close-ups is superb.  Contrast is also excellent with no crushing of shadows and nice bright highlights.  My only complaint is some redness in flesh tones.  Tommy Lee Jones looks especially ruddy.  Overall color is quite good with nice saturation and a generally natural-looking palette.

Audio is also much better than the first film with a very dynamic DTS-HD Master Audio encode.  My sub and surrounds were used often to great effect.  While this is not a thrill-a-minute action flick, there is still plenty to be enjoyed if you have a state-of-the-art system.  The musical score is pretty much the same material as before.  You will enjoy watching Frank, the pug-alien, singing “I Will Survive” as he hangs his head out the window!

Extras

Bonus features include multiple making-of featurettes, audio commentary, a blooper reel, multi-angle scene deconstructions and a digital copy downloadable from the Ultraviolet cloud service.