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The HD Movie thread
- Thread starter Ignatz Mouse
- Start date
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BotoxAgent
Member
Ignatz Mouse said:
Cool. I might pick this up tomorrow along with 30 Days of Night.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
my biggest complaint with movie review sites is how late they can be with reviews. I want to know how Justice League and Led Zeppelin look but the reviews aren't up yet. sigh.
The Main Event
Member
Looks like There Will be Blood HD DVD is officially canned: http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/DreamWorks/Paramount/Street_Date_Changes/Paramount_Nixes_There_Will_Be_Blood_HD_DVD/1501
HD DVD or BD, they better announce this movie day and date with the DVD.
HD DVD or BD, they better announce this movie day and date with the DVD.
KZObsessed
Member
Yeh sure:dallow_bg said:
The Movie Itself: Our Reviewer's Take
1998 and 1999 seemed to spark an evolution in cinema, with the looming turn of the century inspiring challenging explorations of humanity, reality, and purpose that haven't been duplicated since. 'American Beauty,' 'The Big Lebowski,' 'Pi' 'Fight Club,' 'Rushmore,' 'The Matrix,' 'Out of Sight,' 'Magnolia,' 'Being John Malkovich' -- I could go on and on, but despite of getting most of the credit, this revolutionary evolution wasn't just an American trend, foreign films had been pushing the same boundaries throughout the '90s, daring to ask the questions Hollywood desperately tried to avoid. German arthouse extraordinaire 'Run Lola Run' emerged from this pack, defying the rules of studio filmmaking.
The film doesn't waste any time -- Lola (Franka Potente) gets a panicked call from her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu), a petty criminal who has accidentally lost 100,000 deutsche marks of a gangster's money on a train. Manni begs Lola to come up with the money in the next 20 minutes before he has to deliver the missing cash to his uncompromising boss. So begins a desperate run to come up with an impossible amount of money in an impossible amount of time. Lola inevitably fails and ends up helping Manni in a supermarket robbery before she is caught, gunned down, and killed.
Don't worry, I didn't just give away the ending -- these first twenty minutes are merely the beginning. In the wake of this tragedy, Lola is suddenly alive and ready to receive the same panicked call from her boyfriend. When she hangs up the phone, she's given another chance to make her twenty minute run and change her fate, but does she remember her first run? Is this an alternate reality? A fold in time? Another life? Thankfully, this isn't a science fiction melodrama, so we're never given the answer. Instead, we're taken on a roller coaster ride through a total of three versions of Lola's run, as split second alterations change the course of her life, as well as the lives of everyone with whom she comes into contact.
Writer/director Tom Tykwer ('The Princess and the Warrior,' 'Perfume') uses a variety of kinetic, visual techniques to thrust Lola into a world that seems to swirl around her in reaction to her every decision. Animation, photographic flashes of the future, and color drenched memories appear at Tykwer's command and whip the film into a frenzy of imaginative imagery, but Tykwer's compelling vision isn't limited by its style, his careful (and sometimes methodical) attention to detail is at play in every scene, deliberately undermining the film's tension to construct a story that says more about the human condition than its hyperactive plot initially suggests. The time-bending setup is just a hook -- his real ambition lies in examining relationships, loyalty, and the ultimate roles individuals play in one another's lives.
Potente's instincts are just as integral to the film's success. She essentially plays three characters, a naïve and easily wounded Lola, an angry and defensive Lola, and eventually, a strong willed and self controlled Lola, moving through each role with a confidence that gives the film its real tension. The music and imagery may be exciting, but her drive and determination is what propels the film from scene to scene. She has an astounding level of control over her emotions and expressions, using each line or reaction to reveal something new about her engaging heroine. Frankly, I didn't care about her lifestyle, her willingness to participate in Manni's crimes, or her behavior under extreme stress -- five minutes into the story, I was rooting for her regardless.
Don't be fooled by the film's post-MTV framework. There's a lot more going on under the hood of this intriguing cinematic masterpiece than some people give it credit for. Admittedly, Tykwer's style will be distracting to some, and others will find the film a bit pretentious, but personally, I've watched this movie time and time again over the years, and I always come away from it with something new. If amazing cinema is defined as an experience that challenges our thinking and forces us to consider our own lives, then 'Run Lola Run' is worthy of every bit of praise.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Despite its frantic visual stylings, Sony reinvigorates 'Run Lola Run' with a remarkably reliable and colorful 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer. Lola's hair blazes across the screen with an intensity often lost in modern cinematography. Many of the films I've reviewed are bleached, depressing affairs with muted palettes -- 'Run Lola Run' is packed with vibrant reds, blues, and greens. Contrast is appealing as well, preserving a fair amount of detail in the dark shadows and a comfortable sheen of white in the bright sky. Fine object detail receives the most notable improvement over the aging standard DVD. While the upgrade is evident across the board, look no further than the casino scene to see how much of an impact it has. Note the etching on each chip, the felt on the tables, and the texture of the clock -- compared to the muddy DVD, its near revelatory.
Unfortunately, it's not a perfect experience. Blacks aren't always completely resolved and are randomly tinted with a variety of colors throughout the film. Skintones are usually spot on, but occasionally appear flushed, even when the actors aren't exerting themselves. Finally, there were a handful of instances where grain spiked mid-scene, leaving me wondering if I was witnessing a product of the camera or a mild compression issue on the disc.
Even so, these three minor issues are mere nitpicks in an otherwise impressive catalog presentation. Fans can chuck their old DVDs and finally see 'Run Lola Run' the way it was meant to be seen.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'Run Lola Run' features two Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks -- an original German language mix and an English dub for anyone who can't stand subtitles. Both tracks are particularly strong, but the German mix is my track of choice since I feel dubbed dialogue always seems disjointed from the soundfield (even when I close my eyes and simply listen).
Preferences aside, each track provides a substantial improvement over the early DVD release. The first thing I noticed was that the dynamics really pop -- low-end LFE support is both healthy and generous, inflating the intense beats of the techno soundtrack with heavy, pulsing thooms. The extreme treble ranged tones in the film also receive the benefits of an uncompressed mix -- the wail of the ambulance's siren is crystal clear, and Lola's high-pitched screams don't encounter the peaking issues they did before. Dialogue is clean and well prioritized, subtle ambiance constantly contributes to the soundscape, and pans are perfectly transparent.
If I take any legitimate issue with the TrueHD tracks, it's that the rear channels aren't used to their potential. There are quite a few times when these speakers are called upon to deepen the soundfield (the snapshot montages, the casino scene, and the staircase run, to name a few), but more often than not, the rear channels are relegated to support work. Considering the fact that 'Run Lola Run' is such a kinetic experience, I expected the new tracks to be more involving.
Still, both the German and English TrueHD tracks provide an excellent upgrade for anyone who already owns the standard DVD. For a foreign catalog film, Sony has once again pulled out the stops and delivered an impressive effort.
The Supplements: Digging Into the Good Stuff
The Blu-ray edition of 'Run Lola Run' includes both of the main supplements from the standard DVD, and tosses in a new featurette for good measure (discussed in the next section). The features serve the film well, despite their limited nature, but they really made me wish there was more to be had.
* Audio Commentary -- Director Tom Tykwer and actress Franka Potente sit down for an engaging chat about 'Run Lola Run' that covers every aspect of the production. The two speak fluent English and the commentary is a blast to listen to. Tykwer does an excellent job pointing out the location details, cameos by famous German actors, and the intricacies of the carry-through elements that appear in each of the three Lola runs. Potente peppers the conversation with anecdotes, observations, and witty banter, effectively keeping the commentary away from the mundane. If you didn't already give this track a listen when it appeared on the standard DVD, this is the perfect time to do so.
* Believe (SD, 4 minutes) -- While best reserved for uber-fans of the film, this music video featuring Franka Potente's performance of the title song is a nice little treat.
HD Bonus Content: Any Exclusive Goodies in There?
Sony has put together a new featurette called "Still Running" that, to my knowledge, isn't available elsewhere on any domestic or international DVD. Better still, it's an incredibly candid look behind the scenes that I instantly took a liking to. While the English speaking Tykwer and Potente are once again front and center, they don't linger on topics that were already discussed in the commentary. There are plenty of fun revelations (Potente hates running), quick tidbits about the shoot, and a few additional comments on Tykwer's hopes for the film's lasting impact. Be sure to check this one out alongside the commentary track.
Final Thoughts
'Run Lola Run' is a stark, challenging film that manages to excel in style and substance. The Blu-ray edition is remarkable in its own right, offering a striking video transfer and a pair of powerful English and German TrueHD audio tracks. It also retains the slim supplements of the original DVD and throws in a new featurette for good measure. In the end, it bests the standard DVD in every way and will certainly please fans looking for a worthy upgrade.
KZObsessed
Member
dallow_bg said:
Yeh it just started working for me today, strange.
The Main Event said:
Agreed. It should be region free too which is great coz I don't want to wait for May/June when Disney release the UK version. Im desperate to watch it again.
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
The Main Event said:
Fuck fuck fuck. Fuck! Really poor decision by Paramount - it isn't as though all of the HD-DVD owners have suddenly stopped buying movies - and now it's unlikely that there'll be a high-def version alongside the DVD, further increasing my painful wait to see this movie.
OokieSpookie
Banned
Cosmic Bus said:Fuck fuck fuck. Fuck! Really poor decision by Paramount - it isn't as though all of the HD-DVD owners have suddenly stopped buying movies - and now it's unlikely that there'll be a high-def version alongside the DVD, further increasing my painful wait to see this movie.
I am surprised that they have not done it with more movies already.
Toshiba and then are going back and forth about certain red suit cases.
The Main Event
Member
Cosmic Bus said:Fuck fuck fuck. Fuck! Really poor decision by Paramount - it isn't as though all of the HD-DVD owners have suddenly stopped buying movies - and now it's unlikely that there'll be a high-def version alongside the DVD, further increasing my painful wait to see this movie.
It's still showing on Amazon.co.uk , also to be released on April 8th.
I'll probably buy the import copy from MovieTyme (if it still shows up there). Free international shipping, and it'll cost only a couple of bucks more.
KZObsessed
Member
The Main Event said:
That's odd, Disney are supposed to have UK distribution - "Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (2008) (UK) (theatrical)"
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=804
I think that amazon.co.uk listing is the US import...
OokieSpookie
Banned
DJ_Tet said:
I wouldn't mistake lack of announcements for Paramount not preparing blu releases.
The moment the lawyers are finished their bickering they will be ready to go.
The Main Event
Member
FFObsessed said:
Yeah, Disney has the international rights outside of the US.
Both Geonosis and MovieMinded on HDD says that it's still listed on the retailers website:
Geonosis said:
MovieMinded said:
OokieSpookie said:
I'm not worried about any of their releases besides There Will Be Blood. To sit there and re-affirm it's availability a day after Toshiba throws in the towel and then to pull it away is pretty crappy (although standard Paramount from what I can gather.)
Hopefully they can deliver the movie on Blu with the dvd at launch, we'll see.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
It will be harder and harder to move HD DVD titles as retail space shrinks and people give up on it, I'm hardly surprised.
On a seperate note, Justice League: New Frontier comes out tomorrow, and I'm stokd for that. Loved teh comic. And I picked up Run Lola Run
last night and eager to watch that one, too.
Still haven't decided if I'll rewatch 3:10 to Yuma enough to buy it.
On a seperate note, Justice League: New Frontier comes out tomorrow, and I'm stokd for that. Loved teh comic. And I picked up Run Lola Run
live-action Un Jammer Lammy
Still haven't decided if I'll rewatch 3:10 to Yuma enough to buy it.
OokieSpookie
Banned
Definitely day one.
We all knew it was coming but confirmation is always nice.
The Main Event
Member
xS1TH L0RDx
Banned
Mifune said:
I have it but i haven't watched it yet. GAF says it's boring so my excitement has been a little crushed.
Cosmic Bus said:Fuck fuck fuck. Fuck! Really poor decision by Paramount - it isn't as though all of the HD-DVD owners have suddenly stopped buying movies - and now it's unlikely that there'll be a high-def version alongside the DVD, further increasing my painful wait to see this movie.
I don't think its a poor decison at all. It costs money to make these discs and with sales of them questionable at best it's reasonable to not bother. One should actually be counting their lucky stars for any releases on HD-DVD to hold at this point. It would be nice to have a blu-ray version ready but given the circumstances you have to cut both Paramount and Universal some slack for a good 2 or 4 months now. I actually feel sorry for these two studios.
Woo Hoo on Batman Gotham Knight in HD! Now heres hoping its part of that Batman Blu-ray pack rumored along with all the other batman movies for an all in one buy.
Truelize said:I wouldn't even bother asking man. The HD-dvd version is beautiful and either version is worth your $30. If you don't want it, but it for me. I'll give you $31.
You can get it too. It's an online sale.
Unedited how? Stuff was taken out of the US version? It doesn't matter much to me at $30.DJ_Tet said:
For anyone else who might be interested in it (Truelize), it's on discovery.com for $29.99 with free shipping. You'll see the $50 discount after you add it to your shopping cart. I'm gonna go ahead and buy it.
http://shopping.discovery.com/product-65763.html?jzid=40588073-0-0
The US version (one you're linking to) has worse picture quality and features Weaver as the narrator.Beezy said:You can get it too. It's an online sale.
Unedited how? Stuff was taken out of the US version? It doesn't matter much to me at $30.
For anyone else who might be interested in it (Truelize), it's on discovery.com for $29.99 with free shipping. You'll see the $50 discount after you add it to your shopping cart. I'm gonna go ahead and buy it.
http://shopping.discovery.com/product-65763.html?jzid=40588073-0-0
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
Not one I'm interested in, but Shawshank Redemption is coming in November:
OokieSpookie
Banned
It is a must have on any format.Beezy said:Yeah, I just read that about 50 minutes of content is cut out of the Discovery Channel version. I think I'm just gonna say screw it and buy the BBC version next week.
OokieSpookie
Banned
http://hollywoodinhighdef.com/
Watch the "There Will Be Blood" trailer in the upper right corner and tell me if you see what I see...
Actually scratch that, that font text is re-used on alot of their vids...
Watch the "There Will Be Blood" trailer in the upper right corner and tell me if you see what I see...
Actually scratch that, that font text is re-used on alot of their vids...
captscience
Member
OokieSpookie said:
Fantastic!
It was bound to happen but it's still nice to see it.
Hopefully they can replicate it in time to hit the previously announced HDDVD release date.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
at the end of the trailer it says "only on Blu-Ray". That's new, right?OokieSpookie said:
OokieSpookie
Banned
For the sake of full disclosure on that site, I will say that it seems to be owned by Fox when you do a whois which on one hand makes it questionable yet on the other hand kind of makes it more solid...
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