2012 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "2012" offers an impressive visual experience that is a testament to the high standards of modern home entertainment. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, framed at 2.39:1, delivers rich, textured blacks which enhance the overall dimensionality of the picture, particularly in low-light conditions. The transfer adeptly balances the integration of CGI with real-life imagery, offering seamless transitions that maintain the immersive quality of the film. Details remain perceptible even at moderate-to-great distances, with finely-rendered debris and human forms consistently clear amidst the chaos of disaster scenes. While there are some minor instances of banding, these are negligible and do not detract from the visual fidelity of the film.

The color palette is vibrant and naturally rendered, with flesh tones maintaining a lifelike quality across different ethnicities. Contrast levels are strong and dynamic, ensuring that whites and grays are empowering without overwhelming the darker elements of the scene. Shadow delineation is notably excellent, allowing background information to remain visible even in the darkest portions of the frame. The overall sharpness is commendable, although there are select scenes where a softer appearance might be perceived due to textural smoothness. A fine layer of film grain adds a cinematic texture, aligning well with the movie’s gritty storyline.

However, it is worth noting that the use of HD cameras occasionally introduces an artificial, digital appearance, which can be distracting as it diverges from the otherwise cinematic quality of the film. This inconsistency might stand out more on larger projection screens, potentially irking viewers attuned to such visual shifts. Additionally, subtitles for foreign language dialogue are placed outside the image frame, posing an issue for constant image height projection setups. Despite these minor quibbles, "2012" on Blu-ray undoubtedly delivers a visually engaging experience that aligns closely with its theatrical representation.

The Blu-ray release of "2012" presents an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that stands as a new reference standard for audio presentations. The mix uses the entire soundstage to phenomenal effect, with surround speakers delivering an expansive and immersive sound experience. Helicopters ripping through the sky and jet engines roaring across the soundscape are meticulously rendered, adding realism and depth. The subtle atmospheric effects, from chirping birds to the gentle hum of a jet engine, are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the sense of space and drawing the listener into each scene.

Exceptional dialogue reproduction ensures that spoken words remain clear and balanced amidst the cacophony of disaster-induced chaos. While the low end is generally tight and invigorating, some may find it slightly lacking in terms of immersive intensity, particularly during earthquake sequences. Nonetheless, the musical score is delivered with pinpoint clarity and a wonderful low-end presence, setting a tone that complements the material. The soundtrack’s ability to deliver high-energy, intricate surround activity during cataclysmic moments is unmatched, providing a fully enveloping auditory experience.

Overall, the "2012" audio presentation exhibits a dazzling array of sonic qualities that solidify its status as a demonstration-worthy disc for home theaters. Despite a minor shortcoming in bass performance, the track remains extraordinarily engaging and precise, easily keeping listeners absorbed in its vivid and dynamic sonic environment. The attention to detail in effect placement and the seamless delivery of directional sound elements ensure it succeeds in not only enhancing the film's narrative but also providing an overwhelmingly immersive listening experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "2012" offers a rich array of engaging and informative extras, though they vary in quality. The commentary track with writer/director Roland Emmerich and co-writer Harald Kloser provides insightful information about the production, though it's somewhat monotonous in delivery. The Picture-in-Picture feature, "Roland’s Vision," offers valuable behind-the-scenes content, enhancing the viewing experience significantly. Disc two houses several high-definition featurettes covering topics from the intricacies of the Mayan calendar to the science behind the film’s apocalyptic scenarios, culminating in a fulfilling extras package. The included deleted scenes, music video, and digital copy further add to the value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion by Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser.
• Picture-in-Picture: Roland's Vision: Behind-the-scenes insights.
• Alternate Ending: An unused conclusion for the film.
• Interactive Mayan Calendar: Features on Mayan culture and prophecies.
• Deleted Scenes: Five omitted scenes from the final cut.
• Featurettes: Various behind-the-scenes and thematic explorations.
• Music Video: Adam Lambert's "Time for Miracles."
• Digital Copy: Watch the film on PC or iPod.

Roland Emmerich's "2012" epitomizes the disaster movie genre through its lavish use of CGI to depict apocalyptic events. Drawing from his repertoire, including "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Independence Day," Emmerich expands his vision with an unparalleled scale of destruction and seamless special effects. The narrative launches with a catastrophic premise: the Earth's core heats due to solar neutrinos, leading to a sequence of natural disasters that propel our protagonist, Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), on a mission to save his family. The plot adheres to Emmerich's familiar formula—a dysfunctional family amidst turmoil, characters facing monumental challenges, and a spectrum of intertwined subplots. Despite its predictability, the film maintains an exhilarating pace, ensuring audiences remain engaged with heart-stopping sequences and impressive visual spectacles.

The ensemble cast enhances the spectacle, with John Cusack delivering a relatable everyman performance that grounds the visual excesses in emotional reality. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Oliver Platt shine in their roles as the conscientious scientist and conniving Chief of Staff, adding depth through convincing portrayals of their respective archetypes. Woody Harrelson's Charlie Frost injects eccentric humor, serving as both a harbinger of doom and comic relief. Though Danny Glover's President Wilson is less compelling, the supporting cast collectively infuses enough sincerity to elevate the otherwise clichéd script.

Visually, "2012" is a technical marvel. Its $200 million budget is evident in the meticulously detailed sets and cutting-edge CGI. The calamitous scenarios—from collapsing buildings to tsunamis engulfing entire cities—are executed with breathtaking precision, blending physical and digital effects harmoniously. The film’s primary achievement lies in its ability to create an immersive experience that captivates through sheer spectacle. While it might lack narrative depth or originality, Emmerich's commitment to creating an awe-inspiring visual journey defines "2012" as a benchmark in disaster cinema, delivering exactly what fans of the genre expect and more.

Roland Emmerich's "2012" emerges as a quintessential big-budget, end-of-the-world flick that excels in delivering a grand visual spectacle and engaging entertainment. The film, while not devoid of clichés typical to disaster genres, offers a mesmerizing experience with its extensive scope, impressive special effects, and a touch of emotional depth. Rejecting comparisons to films like "Gone With the Wind," it stands firm as a popcorn movie designed for pure enjoyment. The plot, albeit implausible, is crafted with enough heart and gripping moments to keep viewers invested from start to finish.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release does absolute justice to the film's ambitious vision. The 1080p transfer is superb, ensuring that the visually arresting sequences are delivered with stunning clarity and detail. Additionally, the lossless audio track is noteworthy, providing an immersive soundscape that accents the film's dynamic action scenes and thrilling storyline. This three-disc set is also packed with a wealth of extra content, making it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In conclusion, "2012" may not break new ground in narrative innovation or character development, but it succeeds magnificently as an entertaining spectacle that leverages cutting-edge audiovisual technologies. The Blu-ray edition is a stellar offering, recommended not only for fans of the genre but also for home theater aficionados looking for reference-quality material. The combination of top-tier video and audio presentation ensures that this release remains a compelling addition to any collection. For those seeking a thrill, "2012" on Blu-ray stands as an exemplary choice, encapsulating an unforgettable cinematic experience.