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The Island of Dr. Moreau [Blu-ray]
(John Frankenheimer , 1996)
Review by Gary Tooze
Production: Theatrical: New Line Cinema Video: New Line Home Video
Disc: Region: 'FREE (as verified by the Momitsu region FREE Blu-ray player) Runtime: 1:40:30.065 Disc Size: 24,288,066,791 bytes Feature Size: 123,453,011,968 bytes Video Bitrate: 23.95 Mbps Chapters: 25 Case: Standard Blu-ray case Release date: July 24th, 2012
Video: Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio English 4278 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 4278 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) Dolby Digital Audio German 640 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps / DN -4dB Dolby Digital Audio Portuguese 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB / Dolby Surround Dolby Digital Audio Spanish 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB / Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English (SDH), Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish , none
Extras: • Behind the Scenes Featurette (5:43 in 480i) • Original Theatrical Trailer (1:59 in 480i)• International Trailer ( 1:08 in 480i)
Bitrate:
Description: Val Kilmer and Academy Award winner Marlon Brando star in this fantastic sci-fi thriller. Dr. Moreau uses the key of science to turn animal life forms into human-like beasts who threaten not only Moreau's island laboratory, but ultimately all mankind!
The Film: John Frankenheimer's nasty new screen version of ''The Island of Dr. Moreau'' brings fur-bearing special effects to H. G. Wells's century-old novel about a mad scientist melding humans and animals on a remote island. Talk about out-of-control experiments: the film combines the subversive high jinks of Val Kilmer, playing a jaded young scientist in full Lizard King mode, with those of Marlon Brando. Mr. Brando's performance will be deemed interestingly audacious only by those who found ''Apocalypse Now'' too sane. Excerpt from Janet Maslin of the NY Times located HEREOn a remote tropical island, Dr. Moreau has appointed himself ruler over a menagerie of genetic mutants fashioned in his gene-splicing chamber of horrors. The products of his misguided attempt to create a more "pure" human species, the man-beasts worship Moreau as their god and "father" and live by his code of law -- a code rigidly enforced by radio-operated implants in their bodies capable of inflicting pain and death. Into this surreal nightmare arrives UN negotiator Edward Douglas (David Thewlis), the sole survivor of an airplane crash. Douglas is brought ashore on Moreau's island -- against his better judgment -- by the doctor's insane, drug-addled assistant, Montgomery (Val Kilmer), and eventually becomes a prisoner. Horrified by the doctor's monstrous experiments and afraid for his own life, Douglas seeks the aid of Moreau's lovely daughter, Aissa (Fairuza Balk), in escaping the island, but is foiled at every turn by Montgomery and his armed man-beast lackeys. Eventually, the creatures discover the existence of their electronic implants and remove them, providing the opportunity for an armed rebellion -- but eventual regression into their original animal state causes their revolt to collapse into anarchy. Excerpt from MRQE located HEREImage : NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc. The Island of Dr. Moreau goes Blu-ray from New Line. This is only single-layered with a mid-tier bitrate and the image doesn't overly impress. Jungle colors and tight detail close-ups look 1080P. Contrast exhibits decent black levels. Daylight scenes dominate but there is some noise on the night shots. This Blu-ray can look a shade glossy but I discount any manipulation as I doubt the film was worth the effort. This look good but I wouldn't say great. It's probably a fair representation of the theatrical. You can't really ask for more.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio :There is a very proficient track in the form of a DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround at 4278 kbps. Separation has its moments and the depth is chilling at times. There are no flaws - this track evenly supports in all areas from aggressive snarls, crackling fires, punchy gunfire to the tension-filled soundtrack. All good. There are optional subtitles and m y Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.
Extras : Taken from the last DVD (and still in 480i) we get the 5-minute Behind the Scenes featurette which has Kilmer discussing his experience of making the film. There are also 2 SD trailers.
BOTTOM LINE: Gary Tooze July 18th, 2012
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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 5000 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.
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