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Iron Man 2 [Blu-ray]
(Jon Favreau, 2010)
Review by Gary Tooze
Production: Theatrical: Paramount Pictures Video: Paramount Home Video
Disc: Region: FREE! (as verified by the Momitsu region FREE Blu-ray player) Runtime: 2:07:23.035 Disc Size: 41,980,944,478 bytes Feature Size: 37,991,424,000 bytes Video Bitrate: 29.96 Mbps Chapters: 17 Case: Standard Blu-ray case Release date: September 28th, 2010
Video: Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio English 3897 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3897 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) * Dolby Digital Audio English 640 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps / DN -4dB * Dolby Digital Audio French 640 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps / DN -4dB * Dolby Digital Audio Portuguese 640 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps / DN -4dB * Dolby Digital Audio Spanish 640 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps / DN -4dB * Dolby Digital Audio English 224 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 224 kbps / DN -4dB
Subtitles: English (SDH), English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, none
Extras:
• Commentary by director Jon Favreau
Bitrate:
Description: Robert Downey Jr. returns as billionaire Tony Stark in this thrilling sequel to the worldwide blockbuster. Now that his superhero secret has been revealed, Tony’s life is more intense than ever. Everyone wants in on the Iron Man technology, whether for power or profit…but for Ivan Vanko (“Whiplash”), it’s revenge! Tony must once again suit up and face his most dangerous enemy yet, but not without a few new allies of his own. Co-starring Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, Iron Man 2 is a “total blast!”* *“A TOTAL BLAST!” – Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
The Film: “Iron Man 2,” the first superhero sequel of the summer, fulfills the basic requirements of the genre, which can be summed up as more of the same, with emphasis on more. Having introduced its physically and intellectually gifted, emotionally tormented protagonist in both his regular and alter egos, a comic book franchise will typically set out, in the second installment, in search of new villains, bigger suits, brighter gadgets and tendrils of plot that can blossom in subsequent sequels.
But sometimes — for instance in the recent Spider-Man, X-Men and Batman cycles — the second time is a charm, as filmmakers and actors use the reasonable certainty of financial success to take chances and explore odd corners of their archetypal, juvenile stories. “Iron Man 2,” directed by Jon Favreau from a screenplay by Justin Theroux, doesn’t achieve the emotional complexity of “Spider-Man 2” or the operatic grandeur of “The Dark Knight,” but it does try something a little bit new and perhaps, given the solemnity that has overtaken so much comic-book-based filmed entertainment, a little bit risky. It’s funny. Excerpt from A.O. Scott at the NY Times located HERE
There isn't a lot to say here... Iron Man 2 looks very impressive on Blu-ray - as a strong representation of its theatrical presentation. Like other Paramount, big-budget, releases - see Transformers - the image is heavy - balancing nicely between saturation and detail. Contrast is deft. Colors are bright but grain seems a bit blocky and there is some noise in darker sequences. I wouldn't consider it a flaw but zooming in close - it was surprising. But as far as providing an entertaining experience - it's often outrageous eye-candy visuals seamlessly export the effects (and there are plenty) and the 1080P dual-layered transfer supports an incredible visual and aural presentation. As super-hero film dynamics go - this disc will represent some explosive time in the home theater.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio :The DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 3897 kbps has everything audio film-fans will want from a surround sound experience. There are plenty of effects that gravitate crisply to the rear channels - often in a jolting fashion. John Debney's score blends in nicely with the bass-pounding aggression as well as the less dynamic sequences. The track mix is, at times, exceptional with excellent range. There are optional subtitles and m y Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.
Extras :Firstly, while I recall - there weren't any preview extras preceding the film - just the Paramount logo going from dull SD to ultra-bright HD. Extras include a commentary by director Jon Favreau - he covers all the bases discussing comparisons with the first film (wanting part 2 to be more traditional) and talking about production and a lot of the storyline - of which he is an expert. It's a long film to cover - and although he narrates - maybe too much - it will be enjoyable to hear for devout fans. You may choose the 'S.H.I.E.L.D. Data Vault' mode (2 options - 'Footage Scan Mode' or 'The Vault') which will run along with the film popping up information on the people, weapons and technology. Previsualization and Animatics allows you to view storyboard for key scenes - in a picture-in-picture feature as the film runs. When this happens subtitles are turned off. There is a Three-disc version Blu-ray Edition (DVD and Digital Copy included) also available with same transfer.
BOTTOM LINE: Gary Tooze September 20th, 2010
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About the Reviewer: 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 9500 DVDs and have reviewed over 3500 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
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