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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Vexille (aka 'Bekushiru: 2077 Nihon sakoku' [Blu-ray]
(Fumihiko Sori, 2007)
Review by Gary Tooze
Studio: Video: FUNimation
Discs: Region: 'A' Feature Runtime: 1:49:43 Chapters: 24 Feature film disc size: 19.6 Gig One single-layered Blu-ray Case: Standard Blu-ray case Release date: November 4th, 2008
Video: Aspect ratio: 1.78:1 Resolution: 1080p Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Audio:
Supplements:
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Opening Comments from the
Locarno Film Festival
Product Description: 2067: Isolation. Japan seals herself off from the eyes of the world in the face of unilateral international policy setting strict limits on the use of robotic technology. The island nation exists only behind a veil of seclusion. No soul shall enter. No soul shall leave.
The Film: Ten years after Japan withdrew from the U.N., cut their ties with all the nations of the Earth, and built an impenetrable electromagnetic field to prevent any outsiders from entering their borders, a high-tech American commando unit is dispatched on an unofficial mission to penetrate the shield surrounding the country and gather information about their highly advanced robotics program. The year is 2077, and Japan has been accused of conducting illegal robotics research. As a result, the leaders of Japan have decided to construct a massive electromagnetic field known as RACE to prevent any further meddling in their domestic affairs. Meanwhile, back in the United States, an elite commando unit dubbed SWORD launches a surprise attack on a powerful Nipponese conglomerate known as Daiwa Heavy Industries and nearly captures primary android Saito (voice of Akio Otsuka).
Excerpt from Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guid
Image : NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were ripped directly from the Blu-ray disc. Despite what you may think of the still captures below - the moving image of Vexille on Blu-ray is immensely impressive . The picture quality is nothing short of pristine. Being digital animation (straight digital-to-digital) there are virtually no flaws whatsoever at 1080P resolution. The transfer seems to represent an 'absolute' in terms of a perfect visual presentation. As for the animation style itself - it was something I quickly became accustomed to. It has such a realistic look at times with an excessively high level of detail for inanimate objects (floors, walls, still water, motion-less robots, the Shanty-town of Tokyo etc.). Faces and eyes can appear very good at times too - but hair has a tendency to look like plastic (of course perhaps all the cast were wearing gel :) ) and shadow lighting is clumpy - but this is part of the 'style'. The feature size is a respectable 19.6 Gig on the single-layered Blu-ray. Of course there is no DNR or edge enhancements necessary. You may click on the screen grabs to see the full 1080 resolution. This may be one of the more impressive animation Blu-rays that I have seen and in motion it can be quite stirring. It is extremely pure and crisp.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio & Music:
Extras:
Bottom line:
Gary Tooze October 25th, 2008
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