Blu-Ray Reviews

[sam tyler]

THE NEVERENDING STORY Blu-ray Review

Distributor : Warner Home Video (UK)

A classic example of a 1980's family movie arrives on UK Blu-ray having been previously available in Holland on Blu release.

This film it has to be said is deep. Having seen it originally through a childs eyes when it was first released and at that time enjoying the film only for the family adventure title that it was, watching it again as an adult brings a whole new experience. For the sensitive viewer, the film brings out a variety of emotions including sadness, remembrance and general feelings of nostalgia for things long forgotten. The premise of the movie being that as we grow older, we abandon those childhood dreams and imagination for a more adult existence and it is this process which is destroying Fantasia.

As previously stated this movie was released on Blu-ray first in the Netherlands, however that release has gained a fair amount of criticism for having a very flat and unimpressive transfer. This release I am pleased to report, fares much better with a marvellous clean and crisp 2.40:1 non-anamorphic 1080p transfer which is free from any visible print damage and looks surprisingly good for an older title. Colours are strong throughout and there are some feint traces of grain during certain scenes, but in all honesty this movie has never looked better. Admittedly some of the effects do appear a little dated now but this is a common issue with HD sources which bring out the increased detail.

The audio presented here is DTS-HD and sounds fantastically impressive, beginning with Limahls' iconic opening musical number and continuing to impress throughout the movie, especially during the action scenes and Giorgio Moroders' magnificent electronic score.

As far as extra features are concerned for this release, it is unfortunately a real let down. There was so much opportunity for extras for this movie. For a start an altogether different cut of the film exists in Germany which has many different scenes and substitutions. This footage would have been a most welcome addition here, even as deleted scenes, or failing that, even a few interviews with the cast or a documentary on the making of this classic. This is a movie for which I would have really been interested in seeing some retrospective thoughts on the film by the movies creators or players, but unfortuantely it was not to be. The extra features we are given is scene selection and nothing more. Having just re-ignited my interest in the film by presenting it to me via it's best ever transfer and audio, I honestly found the lack of any extras here, to be nothing short of criminal.

Anyway, for picture and sound quality, you will not do any better than this release and arguably that is the main point of Blu-ray in the first place so although the lack of extras was almost as upsetting as certain scenes in the movie itself, I still have to recommend this release for the impressive visuals and audio which are offered here.

Certainly another in the increasing series of movies released on Blu-ray which appear that much better when experienced through a decent presentation.

This one will transport you right back to your childhood, re-igniting those lost memories and magical adventures that we all used to dream of, before it quickly became time for us to out grow. Life passed into adulthood and became serious, fantasy became forgotten, but dreams and especially stories, can still be...never-ending.

[wayfarer]

Going back to 28 Days Later, I agree wholeheartedly. The only issue I had, and it's minor, is a drive past of the Taxi near a field of flowers. The shot looks like it's a moving image on top of a still photograph. It's all of 2 or 3s, so not a major problem.

The climax of the movie is superb, with Thunder cracking through the speakers and the sound of the rain pouring down.

I've still got to watch 28 Weeks Later in the double disc release.

[sam tyler]

Originally Posted by wayfarer

Going back to 28 Days Later, I agree wholeheartedly. The only issue I had, and it's minor, is a drive past of the Taxi near a field of flowers. The shot looks like it's a moving image on top of a still photograph. It's all of 2 or 3s, so not a major problem.

The climax of the movie is superb, with Thunder cracking through the speakers and the sound of the rain pouring down.

I've still got to watch 28 Weeks Later in the double disc release.

I'm glad someone else liked it,

I just don't get all the negativity over the Blu-ray.

The film in my opinion is a masterpiece and would easily be in my top 10 films of all time, so admittedly I wanted to like the release anyway, but even bearing that in mind the Blu-ray genuinely seemed fine to me.

[frosty]

great reviews, i've also joined your facebook group, well done

[sam tyler]

Originally Posted by frosty

great reviews, i've also joined your facebook group, well done

cheers mate nice to know that people are finding them useful

[antmumford]

Originally Posted by sam tyler

cheers mate nice to know that people are finding them useful

Hell yeah we are, keep it up

[sam tyler]

Point Break Blu-ray Review

Distributor : 20th Century Fox

This US Blu-ray is in fact one of the main contributing factors behind my investing in a multi region Blu-ray player, as unfortunately it being a 20th Century Fox release, this one is region locked to A.

There is a Blu-ray available in Spain of this movie, but that one is presented in1080i and has lip sinc issues on the English audio track, making it one to avoid for English speaking collectors. This US release however, is presented with a 2.35:1 1080p transfer which really looks quite strong with decent colours and black levels throughout. The image quality is sharp and considering the age of the film, is more than likely the best that this film will ever look. It is certainly fair to say that the transfer is a noticeable improvement over the DVD releases, especially over the original first DVD release, which is still the only option currently available in the UK as the newer Pure Adrenaline Edition has never been made available over here on any format.

As this is the US disc, the film itself is also uncut, unlike the original UK release, which had some edits to some of the more violent scenes.

The audio on this Blu-ray is strong and impressive. Offering a lossless DTS HD track which again is a world away from the audio presented on the DVDs. Sound is crisp and clear throughout, whether you are listening to the slower dialogue scenes or the many louder action sequences.

As far as extra features are concerned, there are approx 4 featurettes, some theatrical trailers and a hand full of deleted scenes. Nothing to get too excited about, but at least there is something included here for fans of movie extras.

All things considered this is a worthwhile Blu-ray release. If you are a long time fan of the film, you will definitely appreciate the higher quality transfer and audio presented here. Quite why this hasn't made a UK release yet is anyone's guess, however with multi region Blu-ray players available these days from as little as £60, this US disc could just be one of a number of reasons to convert you over to multi region player freedom.

Definitely a movie of it's time and still just as enjoyable to this day. Point Break on Blu-ray comes highly recommended.

“IF YOU WANT THE ULTIMATE RUSH, YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE.”

Thankfully, that doesn't apply to the cost of this Blu-ray disc, which can be found reasonably cost effectively, from most on-line suppliers.

[sam tyler]

Assault on Precinct 13 Blu-ray Review

Distributor : Image Entertainment (US)

The original John Carpenter classic find it's way to Blu-ray disc courtesy of US distributor Image Entertainment who have unfortunately put this out on a region A locked disc.

The film has always been a must own title for classic movie collectors, so this review aims to see if the same would also apply to this Blu-ray release.

Assault on Precinct 13 has previously been widely available on a number of poor quality DVD releases which have mostly had varying degrees of problems including poor transfer, print damage and even wrong aspect ratio among them. This Blu-ray release presents a new1080p correctly framed 2.35:1 transfer which is a revelation to fans of the film. The detail which is present in the print is actually quite stunning considering the films low budget roots, colours are especially well defined and even black levels look impressive here. This film never has and probably never will again, look this good. There really is no comparison between this new Blu-ray transfer and some of those earlier DVD releases, finally this is how the film needs to be seen.

The DTS HD 5.1 audio is clear, although can seem a little flat during some of the quieter scenes, however it is at all times, free from distortion and I'm sure that any very slight muffling effect, is actually due more to the low budget roots of the film itself, rather than the presentation here. One really noticeable point on the audio, is the now classic score which sounds fantastic clearly pounding through your speakers like never before.

As far as extra features are concerned, firstly, there is an interview with director John Carpenter and actor Austin Stoker which takes place in some form of convention recorded in 2002. Following this, there is the original theatrical trailer, radio spots, still gallery, isolated score soundtrack and full director's commentary, which although perhaps not as fast paced as his usual commentary tracks, actually covers a wealth of information regarding the making of the movie, actors, filming locations and so on and it is highly recommended.

All things considered, this Blu-ray release has to be a must have package for fans of the film, or even for collectors of classic 70's action thrillers. It is unlikely that the movie will ever be bettered in it's presentation and to see the film in this new fabulous looking transfer, alone makes the Blu-ray purchase worth while.

For some unknown reason, Image Entertainments Blu-ray release seems to be a little harder to find than most regular Blu-ray titles. Whether through lack of advertising or lack of retailer promotions, this one seemed to slip through the net and it is surprising just how many people do not yet realise that the movie has even been made available on Blu-ray disc. This may also be the reason that even in the second hand markets the disc appears to be keeping it's retail price, so it may be a while before you find this one in the bargain section. Do not let that put you off though, if you can play region A locked titles, then this release is worth every penny.

An all time classic with a worthy Blu-ray release, comes highly recommended.

“L.A.'s deadliest street gang, just declared war on the cops”

[Stephen@Cult Labs]

Point Break on BD looks superb. It's probably my favourite Patrick Sawyze film (along with Road House).

Watching and listening to Gary Busey in the special features is a mesmerizing experience. How one man can be so mad and an utter genius all at the same time is astonishing.

[sam tyler]

Originally Posted by stevoj

Point Break on BD looks superb. It's probably my favourite Patrick Sawyze film (along with Road House).

Watching and listening to Gary Busey in the special features is a mesmerizing experience. How one man can be so mad and an utter genius all at the same time is astonishing.

Agreed mate,

I got so sick of waiting for a UK release of Point Break, I bought a multi region player for it.

Saw the film in the cinema on release and always loved it since.
There is so much to the film.

Roadhouse is great as well and another reason I wanted multi region capability.