Home Theater Movie Renter’s Guide – July, 2014

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

movies-jul-2014-Robo

Synopsis

When Alex Murphy – a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit – is critically injured, OmniCorp grabs their chance to build a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and will stop at nothing – no matter the cost to Alex – to make sure the program succeeds.

Specifications

  • MGM Studios
  • Color, PG 13, 1 hour 58 minutes
  • 1080p/ AVEC 4, 2.35:1 Aspect ratio
  • Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, Abbie Cornish, Gary Oldman
  • Directed by: Jose Pahdila
  • Rating

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

Commentary

Loosely based on the original, this re-boot focuses more on Murphy “the family man” and less on bringing the bad guys to justice. Unfortunately, the satire and wit (and yes, the excessive violence) are sacrificed as well, leaving the movie with a lot of dialog and not much action. I liked the new tactical look of Murphy and the fact that his vehicle is a motorcycle, but by the end of the film I still felt a bit let down. Verhoeven was trying to make a social commentary of the times, while this film is a “by-the-numbers” action flick that left me feeling a bit “M’eh”. I guess the Sam Jackson diatribes about drones and a mechanized police force was a heavy handed attempt at current relevance. Still, if you are in the mood for a pop corn flick, you could do worse.

Technical

The picture is top quality with rich deep blacks and sizzling detail. Sound was excellent as well with lots a things going on all around you during the shoot out scenes.

Extras

“Making of”, theatrical trailers and commentaries.

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

movies-july-2014-Sabotage

Synopsis

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the pulse-pounding action film Sabotage, from the director of End of Watch and the writer of Training Day. When DEA task force leader Breacher Wharton (Schwarzenegger) storms a heavily armed cartel safe house, rogue members of his team use it as a cover to steal $10 million in cash. But just when they think their secret is safe, agents are killed off one-by-one, and everyone is a suspect, including the squad itself.  Sabotage is an explosive tale of betrayal and trust.

Specifications

    • Universal Studios
    • Color, Rated R, 1 hour 37 minutes
    • 1080p/ AVEC 4, DTS-MA 5.1, 1.85:1 aspect ratio
    • Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Olivia Williams, Terrence Howard, Joe Manganiello
    • Directed by: David Ayer

Rating

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

Commentary

Arnold may be getting old, but he can still take charge if he puts his mind to it. This movie is not like the Expendables, but is gritty and darker than anything Arnold has done before. In spite of some unexplained plot points, the movie moves right along. Be warned, there are more F-bombs than actual bullets in this film. I think they were trying a bit too hard to make Arnold tough and mean, but when he says,”F-U” with that accent, I almost cracked up! All that said, the movie was still interesting and if you like your action raw, bloody and excessively violent, this is worth your time (but NOT for your kids). Kudos to Arnold for not trying to be a comic book movie hero this time around.

Technical

The picture quality was very good, and I suspect it was shot digitally, as there was no grain visible. The sound was more of a mixed bag. Most of the dialog was clear, but there were a couple of scenes where I could not hear what was being said over the action. It was if the dialog was turned down too low and I had to turn up the volume just to hear what they were saying to each other. Most of the time they were just hurling more F-bombs, but still, the sound sabotages the flick. Did I really just say that?

Extras

‘Making of”, alternate endings (both of which were horrible), and some deleted scenes. An Ultra Violent copy is included…I mean Ultra VIOLET. My bad…

 “Transcendence” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Chris Eberle

movie-july-2014-transcendence

Synopsis

Visionary computer scientist Dr. Will Caster (Depp) is attacked by terrorists who are trying to prevent the development of a super-advanced AI. Before his death, he and his wife Evelyn (Hall) decide to upload his consciousness to a computer in an attempt to create an AI with human emotion. They are successful and Will immediately takes steps to grow beyond his original programming. Through nano-technology, he gains the ability to create human/machine hybrids that are networked to him. The terrorists, now working with the government develop a virus to shut him down; but it will also take down every networked computer on Earth. When Evelyn is injured he must decide whether to upload her consciousness or save himself.

Specifications

    • Warner Brothers
    • Color, Rated PG-13, 1 hour 59 minutes
    • 1080p/ AVC, DTS-MA 5.1, 2.40:1 aspect ratio
    • Starring: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman
    • Directed by: Wally Pfister

Rating

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

Commentary

This is one of the most thought-provoking films I’ve ever seen. With so much attention focused on online privacy and the alarming evolution of technology, it seems particularly relevant to current events. Transcendence explores just how far we might go to integrate technology with humanity; and how it might change the world. It’s not like the Skynet version of the future where humanity is the enemy. Rather, Will wants to improve the human race without understanding the nature of humanity. It’s easy to see both sides of the equation in this powerfully written and beautifully acted film; highly recommended.

Technical

Image quality gets high marks for both clarity and contrast. In fact it’s a little too much so in that blacks are sometimes too deep and lacking in detail. Many scenes suffer from the black-blob syndrome. Overall though, the color and crispness wins out and makes for a pleasing presentation.

The audio emphasizes subtlety and ambiance rather than the usual in-your-face style of most modern movies. The surround channels are used masterfully to create sound all around; not just to the sides but also behind and above the viewer. It’s one of the most realistic presentations I’ve heard to date.

Extras

Bonus features include a making-of documentary, a cast and crew discussion of the concept behind the story, and a featurette about modern-day AI technology. Also in the package is a DVD plus digital copy.

 “The Raid 2” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

movies-jul-2014-Raid2

Synopsis

Following immediately after the events of THE RAID, Rama (Iko Uwais) is forced to reinvent himself as an undercover cop in order to provide protection for his wife and child. Working for the anti-corruption taskforce led by the one person he can trust, Bunawar, he is given a mission to engage himself as an enforcer for a local mob boss, Bangun. Finding a way in through Bangun’s son Uco, Rama must hunt for information linking Bangun with police force corruption. All the while, he harbors a dangerous and personal vendetta for revenge and justice that threatens to consume him – and bring both this mission and the organized crime syndicates crashing down.

Specifications

    • Sony Pictures
    • Color, Rated R, 2 hour 29 minutes
    • 1080p/ AVC, DTS-MA 5.1, 2.40:1 aspect ratio
    • Starring: Iko Uwais
    • Directed by: Gareth H. Evans

Rating

    • Entertainment:
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    • Violence: Yes
    • Sex: Bosoms
    • Language:Yes

Commentary

If you liked the first installment, you’ll love this one too. Uwais brings certain intensity to his role and performs some stunning martial arts. I watched this with sub-titles so I could concentrate on the copious action sequences that look so very real. The premise of this film was to have the hero infiltrate the mob in order to catch “dirty cops”. Instead, the mob is brought down and the cops are not brought to justice….which makes me wonder if a Raid 3 is not in the works. Just to be clear, there is no “raid” per se, and the action takes place all around town and not just in a single apartment complex. The characters are better developed here than the first movie. This is a violent film, but a “must see” if you like action. The acting is good and the story solid, if not a little formulaic. Watch it for the adrenaline rush!

Technical

Picture and sound are very good. I saw no artifacts or crushing in the darker scenes. Colors have plenty of pop and the surrounds put you in the middle of the action. Flesh tones are rendered naturally and I noticed no visible film grain. Yes, some of the splatter looks too CGI, but that is a minor quibble.Your sub will get a good work out as well.

Extras

A few deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer for The Raid.

 “Made in America” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

movies-july-2014-America

Synopsis

A celebration of both the unifying power of music and pursuit of the American dream, Made in America is an all-access backstage pass to the one-of-a-kind festival created by rap superstar Jay Z, and directed by Academy Award® winner Ron Howard. Featuring remarkable performances and fascinating backstage interviews with many of today s biggest music stars, Made in America shows how one giant celebration of music can change people’s lives.

Specifications

    • Phase 4 Pictures
    • Color, Rated NR, 1 hour 32 minutes
    • 1080p/ AVC, Dolby Digital 5.1, 2.40:1 aspect ratio
    • Starring: Jay Z, Run DMC, Pearl Jam & others
    • Directed by: Ron Howard

Rating

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

Commentary

I am not really into documentaries. I’m really not into this type of music, either. But I do appreciate the effort these guys put into making this event that took place last year in Philly. Ron Howard puts his faith in these concerts, so they can’t be too bad. And in reality, it is not. The back stage banter and exposition really do help you enjoy the work and effort they put into this concert. Music is a very emotional part of almost everyone’s lives and these concerts bring in huge crowds that feed off the exuberant performances. The music is pretty diverse, so if you aren’t totally ruined by classical music like me, this event may be worth your time. All in all, this disc is a promo for future concerts, so expect more films to be released. As for me, I still don’t “get” rap. It’s just iambic pentameter to me.

Technical

Picture quality is very good (thank you, Mr. Howard), and the sound is very dynamic. The opening scene starts with a very low note that sweeps slowly upward till the credits hit the screen. It really got my subs enthused. My only quibble with the soundtrack is that it is Dolby Digital, and not a HD format. What’s up with that Jay Z?

Extras

A few movie previews.