H D - S E N S E IA view on Hi-def DVDs by Gary W. Tooze |
Introduction: Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out new film experiences. I currently own approximately 7500 DVDs and have reviewed over 3000 myself. I appreciate my discussion Listserv for furthering my film education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver. Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our Amazon links.
Although I never wanted to become one of those guys who
focused 'too much' on image and sound quality - I
find HD is swiftly pushing me in that direction. So be
it, but film will always be my first love and I list my
favorites on the old YMdb site now accessible
HERE.
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Lucky Number Slevin [Blu-ray]
(Paul McGuigan, 2006)
Review by Gary Tooze
Studio: MGM Video: Weinstein
Discs: Region: 'A' Feature Runtime: 1:49:55 Chapters: 18 Feature film disc size: 34.09 Gig One dual-layered Blu-ray Case: Standard Blu-ray case Release date: November 18th, 2008
Video: Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 Resolution: 1080p
Audio:
Supplements: • Feature commentary by director Paul McGuigan • Feature commentary with actors Hartnett , Lucy Liu and writer Jason Smilovic
•
Conversation with Hartnett and
Lucy Liu (14:27) in HD
Product Description: Set in the New York underworld where nothing is as it seems, Lucky # Slevin is an action-packed, "fun-as-hell roller coaster ride" (Venice Magazine). When down-on-his-luck Slevin (Josh Hartnett) stumbles into a running feud between the city's most feared crime bosses (Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley), he ignites an all-out war. Tracked by a mysterious assassin (Bruce Willis) and distracted by his flirtatious neighbor (Lucy Liu), Slevin must try to cheat death by turning the tables on the gangsters. "If you take the best parts of Pulp Fiction, The Usual Suspects and The Professional, what you get is Lucky # Slevin" (Shawn Edwards, Fox-TV)....
The Film: "Lucky Number Slevin" is too clever by half. It's the worst kind of con: It tells us it's a con, so we don't even have the consolation of being led down the garden path. The rug of reality is jerked out from under us in the opening scenes, and before long the floor is being dismantled. Crouched in the dark, I am resentful. Since the plot is irrelevant and the dialogue too mannered to be taken seriously, all I'm left with are the performances and the production design..
Excerpt from Roger Ebert at the Chicago Sun Times located HERE
Image : NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were ripped directly from the Blu-ray disc. This came out in the, now defunct, HD format but this must be a new transfer as it is larger than the capacity of an HD disc. The Blu-ray image looks 'acceptable' for Lucky Number Slevin. It has moments of solid depth but tends to appear a bit flatter than we can come to expect from this new format for the majority of the film. I'm more inclined to blame the cinematography or the intended 'look' with many scenes showing extensively bright background lighting. I found it detracted from a more polished modern appearance. But detail is quite strong but not pristine, as are colors and contrast. Noise and grain exist (the latter more so in the dampened black and white flashback sequence than the color). Yes, I don't have issue with the transfer itself, at all, and expect it gives a good representation of the film. The image is fairly smooth and totally blemish-free. Technically it is dual-layered with the feature size being a strong 34.1 Gig. I don't see evidence of DNR or edge enhancements. In fact I'd have to say the VC-1 encoded image is acceptable and the Blu-ray image looks very good at times. Hopefully, the screen captures below will give you an idea of what it will look like on your system. It's pretty consistent and solid - most won't be displeased.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Below Capture shows nudity and sexual activity - mouse over to see - scroll away to avoid.
Audio & Music:
Extras:
Bottom line:
Gary Tooze November 7th, 2008
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