Every month, DVDFuture will highlight a few shows, TV specials, movies and documentaries on DVD and Blu-ray that are well worth checking out. We will be updating this article weekly to include as many selections as possible.
DVDFuture's 'Film and TV Highlights' -- May/June 2009
DVDFuture's 'Film and TV Highlights' -- May/June 2009
Every month, DVDFuture will highlight a few shows, TV specials, movies or documentaries on DVD and Blu-ray that are well worth checking out. We’ll try and update this article weekly to include as many titles as possible.
Movies:
TOP PICK:
Grease (new to Blu-ray)
Click on the image above to see a full-res 1900x1080 Blu-ray screengrab!
I used to hate this flavorful musical comedy, but looking back, it's really quite great -- the original "High School Musical" if you will. The picture is loaded with memorable songs, great performances and awesome choreography. There's such a timeless quality to the picture -- unlike "High School Musical" which will likely fade with time, "Grease" will forever be ingrained in our culture.
"Grease" is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen using the AVC MPEG-4 codec on a dual-layered BD50 disc, taking up 38 gigs of space. The last DVD re-release of this film boasted a stunning transfer. Thankfully, not much has changed with this direct hi-def port. Colors are vivid and striking. Black levels are stark and inky. Fleshtones are perfectly balanced. Depth and shadows give life to the print.
Very few encode flaws were noted. My only complaint is that DNR (digital noise reduction) seems to have been applied to remove film grain and the result occasionally flattens the transfer in spots. There are also a few soft spots in the film, but they seem to be in-camera flaws or permanent damages to the master. Still, this is a great transfer and a fine improvement over the reference DVD release.
Audio choices are English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Mono with English, Portuguese, French and Spanish subtitles and English captions for the hearing impaired. Obviously, this movie wouldn’t be anything without an engaging surround mix, and Paramount does a fine job presenting fans with an aggressive, immersive TrueHD hi-res experience. The track is flush with surrounds and enveloping, catchy music. It’s almost impossible not to get into the tunes while listening to the film.
That said, while the film does boast incredible sound design, the mix is minimally marred by uneven center balancing. Transitions between song and dialogue are often jarring as the sound field opens up from a mono-like field to an expansive 5.1 field. I’m sure it’s an intentional decision, but it proved somewhat distracting during a few musical numbers. Regardless, fans are sure to be pleased with the crystal clear clarity of this hi-res mix.
The disc comes fully loaded with an impressive array of special features, ported from the original DVD. You've got featurettes, a commentary track, deleted scenes, trailers, photo galleries and more. The only thing really missing is a digital copy and a few BD-Live extras. This Blu-ray blows away previous DVD editions, but I wish Paramount would have ponied up a few BD-enhanced exclusives for this release.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the Blu-ray over at IGN.
FILMS FOR DAD...
Fletch (new to Blu-ray)
Click on the image above to see a full-res 1900x1080 Blu-ray screengrab!
The cult classic Chevy Chase comedy is back -- now on Blu-ray. Here, Chase plays Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, an investigative reporter who enjoys going undercover to get his story. In this particular instance, Fletch is investigating a drug ring and uncovers a plot much more deadly floating beneath the surface. Like "Beverly Hills Cop," which arrived just one year prior, "Fletch" cleverly blends crime-action with comedy (and a score from Harold Faltermeyer). Comparisons aside, this is a pretty damn entertaining movie that holds up quite well. It's a fine showcase for comedian Chevy Chase and a great action-comedy. Hopefully, if the series ever gets remade, it'll be just as exciting, and funny, as this one.
"Fletch" is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen using the VC-1 codec on a single-layered BD25 disc consuming 23 gigs of disc space. It’s hard to really fault Universal for the quality of this transfer – the print hasn’t aged well over the past twenty years, so the film has a soft, ugly, degraded look to it, but the encode is proficient. The film is presented in DTS-MA 5.1. Beyond the well-mixed score, this is a fine, but front-heavy dialogue-driven experience. Dialogue has been cleaned, but there a few spots that sounded tinty and hollow.
Extras are tragically thin here. All fans get are three relatively uninspired featurettes (in standard definition) and BD-Live functionality. It's a shame Universal didn't take this opportunity to offer up a few additional supplements. This is a pretty sad "special edition." Still, if you're a fan of this film, this disc is well worth owning.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the Blu-ray over at IGN.
Spy Games (new to Blu-ray)
Click on the image above to see a full-res 1900x1080 Blu-ray screengrab!
Director Tony Scott crafts an exciting spy drama that pits venerable actor Robert Redford and upcoming star Brad Pitt together. The film serves as a sort of passing of the torch, if you will, between the two stars. But in between the obvious themes of the picture lies a truly engaging spy adventure that gives us a more realistic view of the job of a field CIA agent. Stack this on top of "3 Days of the Condor" and "Sneakers" and you've got a great evening of spy intrigue.
The film is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen using the VC-1 codec on a dual-layered BD50 disc consuming 35.6 gigs of space. The transfer is certainly sharp, but unfortunately, this release hasn't been restored in the slightest. What we're left with is a visually alluring transfer that's loaded with dust and dirt specks. There isn't a single moment that isn't cluttered with them. The DTS-MA 5.1 mix isn't much better. Dialogue is oddly louder than the rest of the mix forcing everything to sound uneven. Bass and surrounds are put to good use though -- they just don't match center dialogue.
Fans get a pretty decent special edition here. There are two engaging audio commentaries to enjoy (one from Tony Scott, another from producers Marc Abraham and Douglas Wick). There's also a storyboard featurette and an enhanced viewing mode which takes you behind the scenes. Universal's standard BD-Live port is also here. I wish the A/V presentation were better here. This is a great movie and it deserved a better hi-def presentation. Still, if you don't own this one, I'd pick this up. I don't see a double-dip coming in the near future.
Cinderella Man(new to Blu-ray)
Click on the image above to see a full-res 1900x1080 Blu-ray screengrab!
"Cinderella Man" might sport a few too many shades of "Raging Bull," but Ron Howard brings this harrowing story to life thanks to his wonderful cast and his soft, poetic direction. The only weak link here is Renée Zellweger, an actress who keeps finding herself in great roles, and flushing each role right down the toilet.
The film is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen using the VC-1 codec on a dual-layered BD50 disc consuming just under 45 gigs of space. This isn't the finest quality BD out there, boasting an extremely soft transfer that doesn't give way to many details. The DTS-HD 5.1 mix fairs a little better packing a surprising punch, pun intended.
The disc really steps things up with the special features, ported over from the impressive two-disc DVD. You've got three commentary track, documentaries, featurettes, Photos and more. In all there's a good 10-plus hours of material here to sink your teeth into. Impressive.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the Blu-ray over at IGN.
Seabiscuit (new to Blu-ray)
Click on the image above to see a full-res 1900x1080 Blu-ray screengrab!
"Seabiscuit" is a wonderfully energetic, true story and an excellent “sports” movie. The picture plays a little like "Rudy" in spots (thematically), but the inspirational tone of the film churns tear-jerking emotion. This folks, is a film that gets better with each repeat viewing.
Seabiscuit" is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen using the VC-1 codec on a dual-layered BD50 disc consuming 41 gigs of disc space. It's not the finest encode out there -- this is the same one used for the dated HD DVD. The transfer is a little soft in spots and suffers some edge enhancement. Overall, it's a crisp, clean presentation, but a little disappointing.
The DTS-HD 5.1 mix is impressive, providing expansive surround use that immerses the viewer in the narrative tone. The special features are equally impressive, ported over from the special edition release on DVD. We've a commentary track and several awesome documentaries and featurettes that perfectly compliment the picture. This BD doesn’t improve much on the HD DVD, but there was little room for improvement in the first place. Fans should pick this one up.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the Blu-ray over at IGN.
TV, Documentaries and Short Films:
TOP PICK:
Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music - The Director's Cut (on DVD and Blu-ray)
.jpg "Woodstock")
It’s arguable whether or not Woodstock really made an impact on life as we know it – there are varying opinions, many based on what political belief system people buy into. But it’s impossible to deny that the event wasn’t somehow magical, driven by classic music, peace and love. There were road blocks along the way, and those who didn’t abide by the concert’s methodology, but overall Woodstock really was a celebration of peace and music.
Director Michael Wadleigh bit off more than he could chew when he chose to document the massive three-day long concert. But somehow, Wadleigh took the disjointed schedule and made sense out of it with his documentary, "Woodstock." The picture is a nonbiased bird’s-eye view of the music festival, from its construction to the mass confusion of the actual event.
Running nearly four hours long (the DVD and Blu-ray features the extended Director’s Cut), the 1970 documentary combines interview footage with a myriad of subjects ranging from Woodstock’s producer Michael Lang to musicians to local townspeople and attendees of the concert. The documentary explores the flustered confusion of the festival, the varied scope and scale of everything, from the arrival of the cars to the bathroom issues. No stone is left unturned. Virtually anything and everything you could ever want to know about this monumental festival is documented here in some form or another.
Warner has done a remarkable job bringing this exciting music documentary to life, giving fans a pristine presentation marred only by minor compression flaws (likely because of the slightly compressed bitrate). Obviously, the 16MM master itself suffers major flaws like dust, scratches, grain and noise – many of which seem to have been made in-camera before the film ever got exposed. Some of scratches and dust add flavor and texture to the picture – others are distracting as usual. Depth and details are only as strong as the source, which here isn’t exactly the highest quality level. Same goes for colors, which range between washed out to oversaturated. Contrast almost always runs hot, thanks to the sunny days in Bethel, New York. On the whole, Warner’s restoration of "Woodstock" is quite impressive. This release should please most fans.
Even better is the awesome surround mix. Ambient effects, awesome concert music and dialogue are aggressively mixed and fine-tuned, immersing the listener in the concert atmosphere. The film’s numerous songs fill all five speakers, with crowd cheers in the background and bass handling the inner dynamics of the concert. Nonmusical segments are flush with discrete elements, again creating the atmosphere of Woodstock, from the raging helicopters that fly around all throughout the three-day event to the thundering crowds, sirens, hoots, hollers and chatter. This folks is probably about as close it gets to actually being at Woodstock. What an awesome surround experience.
While the Blu-ray comes loaded with extras (and an awesome case) this DVD is major letdown with just one featurette, a way-too-brief featurette about the Museum at Bethel Woods. If you've got the player, buy this one on Blu-ray. The DVD looks and sounds nice, but the additional features (and the cool case) are worth the price.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the Blu-ray over at IGN.
Saturday Morning Cartoons: 1960s Volume 1 and 1970s Volume 1 (both discs on DVD only)
Collecting some of TVs best Saturday Morning Cartoons, these two sets include great shows like "Josie and the Pussycats," "The Funky Phantom Kids," "Batman" and "Tarzan," "The Jetsons," "The Flinstones," "Quick Draw McGraw" and "The Funky Phantom Kids." With over ten hours of material spread between the two sets, fans and newcomers alike can relive the fun of some of TVs trippiest, and entertaining, Saturday Morning Cartoons.
Some of these shows are in pretty bad condition, and some have not held up all that well over time. Some are even offensive, like "Chan and Chan Clan." But Warner does its best to restore classic and cult classic shows to their original glory. The "60s" set includes 33 cartoons and the "70s" set includes 17 cartoons. Both discs house a few exciting extras. The "60s" set includes three bonus episodes while the "70s" set includes two bonus episodes. I wish Warner was giving each show its own separate release, but what we get here is still quite entertaining. And perhaps this set is just a precursor for future sets to come. Cross your fingers.
TV FOR DADS...
24: Season 7 (on DVD and Blu-ray)
.jpg "24: Season 7 Blu-ray screen grab")
Click on the image above to see a full-res 1900x1080 Blu-ray screengrab!
Jack Bauer returns for yet another day filled with terror, deception, torture, murder and action. While many fans have argued that season seven was a return to form for the series, I found season seven to be lacking quite a bit. Kiefer Sutherland seems bored with the role, simply going through the motions. So does his supporting cast. The story is pretty well worn territory with few twists and turns fans haven't seen in other, better, seasons. Still, when it comes to gritty intrigue, "24" delivers in strides. Just don't expect a stellar season, because season 7 feels a bit stale.
The transfer is presented in 1.78:1 using the AVC codec spread across six BD50 discs. I wasn't 'wowed' by what Fox gave fans here. The transfer is gritty and soft, with a lot of noise elements sneaking into the print and few details gleaned. The DTS-HD 5.1 audio mix isn't much better -- only a few sparks of ingenuity. It's fine for a TV-on-BD release, but considering the action-orientated nature of the show, it's somewhat underwhelming.
Extras are pretty meaty, but Keifer Sutherland is nowhere to be seen. There are several informative episodes commentaries (12 total), a slew of deleted scenes and three fairly informative EPK featurettes. Fans should be pleased.
The Best of Star Trek: The Original Series and The Best of Star Trek: The Next Generation (on DVD only)
With J. J. Abrams’ "Trek" scoring massive box office numbers, and collecting throngs of new fans with each screening, it seems like now is the time for the venerable franchise to return to the spotlight. And what better way than this "Best of" collection (not to the mention the exciting BD release)!
Each disc here contains four episodes, digitally remastered. The "Original Series" collection includes "Amok Time," "The Trouble with Tribbles," "City on the Edge of Forever" and "Balance of Terror." Sadly missing from this set is " Space Seed," another major fan favorite and the prequel film to "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn."
The "Next Generation" set includes "The Best of Both Worlds Parts 1 and 2," "Yesterday's Enterprise" and "The Measure of a Man." I wish the classic series finale were here as well, but since this set serves as more an intro to the series, that wouldn't make much sense.
CSI: The Complete First Season (new to Blu-ray)
Click on the image above to see a full-res 1900x1080 Blu-ray screengrab!
CSI: The Complete First Season" is an awesome, inventive crime drama which is why it’s still around today, nearly ten years later. This Blu-ray release bests the weak DVD release by updating the transfer (now in widescreen) and updating the audio (now in 5.1). Plus, you get a whole new set of extras including commentary tracks, the original pilot episode and a few additional featurettes.
The transfer's still a little grimy in spots, particularly after the polished pilot, but they look pretty good considering the age. The audio is impressive, but not quite as impressive as newer TV-on-DVD releases. The extras added here are informative. I wish there were more commentary tracks, but what we get here is still quite informative.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the Blu-ray over at IGN.
The Best of Whose Line is it Anyway: Uncensored (on DVD only)
The classic improv variety show, starring Drew Carey, Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady and Colin Mochrie, arrives on DVD in this "Uncensored" best-of collection compiling 10 rock-solid episodes spread over two discs.
I wasn't sure if this series would hold up, but it does so swimmingly. Sadly, the Robin Williams guest star episode is not on this disc. I always liked that episode. Hopefully this release is just the first part of many "Whose Line is it Anyway" releases.
The disc sports a decent, but underwhelming full frame transfer, stereo surround and a bonus "recap" episode highlighting the best of season one and two. Sadly, no retrospective material featuring the cast of this series is here. What a shame.
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CONTESTS:
Nothing right now...
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----R. L. Shaffer