Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Blu-ray Review

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" delivers a sophisticated and technically impressive video presentation on Blu-ray, available in both AVC encoded 2D and MVC encoded 3D transfers which maintain the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The 1080p transfer showcases exceptional detail and clarity, with the intricately rendered CGI, particularly the texture of the apes' fur, being nothing short of remarkable. The muted color palette, dominated by dark greens and browns, imparts a gritty realism fitting its post-apocalyptic settings. While the overall tonal darkness does slightly reduce detail in some scenes, there are no noticeable issues with noise or artifacts. Midrange shots stand out with their capacity to preserve intricate details among large assemblies of characters.

The 3D presentation enhances the immersive experience, especially in action sequences where the sense of depth becomes nearly inescapable. Although the film's relatively darker environment limits depth perception at times, particularly in wide exterior shots, the well-balanced integration of foreground and background elements adds to the engaging visual depth. Director Matt Reeves' subtle use of depth, rather than overt pop-out effects, adds a layer of nuanced sophistication to the viewing experience. However, the 3D version is somewhat darker compared to its 2D counterpart, and shallower depths of field used by filmmakers occasionally undermine the 3D effect, rendering some scenes flatter and less immersive.

Overall, both the 2D and 3D presentations of "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" are exceptionally well-executed. The 2D version is nearly reference quality for its exceptional detail and color accuracy despite minor quibbles like occasional banding and brief noise spikes. Meanwhile, the 3D version, despite its slight drawbacks in depth perception and black level fidelity, offers a captivating way to experience the film’s complex visual narrative.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix that provides a remarkable audio experience, maintaining high fidelity and a broad dynamic range. From its opening moments, the track immerses listeners with potent Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) and impeccably placed sound effects, creating a vivid aural landscape. An immersive sound stage is constructed, capturing everything from the delicate rain forest ambiance of Muir Woods to the intense chaos of a fire sequence later in the film. Dialogue is crisply rendered and directional, contributing to clarity and engagement. Notably, forced subtitles are provided for the apes' sign language, aiding in comprehension without detracting from immersion.

Michael Giacchino's evocative score is skillfully distributed through the surround channels, bolstering crucial scenes and providing thematic consistency reminiscent of the franchise's legacy. Although the Blu-ray does not include the theatrical Dolby Atmos mix, the 7.1 DTS-HD MA track remains a reference-quality demonstration of sonic excellence. The soundtrack excels in both kinetic action sequences and tranquil, atmospheric moments, retaining precise LFE management that is both tight and impactful without becoming overpowering. Surround panning is assertive, creating a dynamic and engaging home theater experience.

Overall, whether through the enveloping soundscapes or the clear, directionally nuanced dialogue, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" on Blu-ray offers a premier audio presentation that stands as a testament to advanced sound engineering. The mix's capability to draw listeners into its carefully crafted auditory world sets a high standard for home entertainment audio tracks.

The Blu-ray release of "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" provides a comprehensive set of extras, all found on the 2D disc. The supplements deliver in-depth insights into the film's production, spearheaded by the use of groundbreaking motion capture technology. Highlights include a detailed commentary by director Matt Reeves, who articulately expresses his passion and reveals the complicated processes behind the movie's stunning visuals. Andy Serkis' acclaimed performance as Caesar is rightfully spotlighted, exploring both his method and the sophisticated CGI involved. Additionally, the production design, location work, and exceptional achievements of Weta's visual effects team are extensively covered. The inclusion of deleted scenes, cast interviews, and various galleries further enriches this well-rounded package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Matt Reeves: Deleted scenes with insightful commentary.
• Journey to Dawn: Focus on franchise development and interviews.
• Andy Serkis: Rediscovering Caesar: Motion capture technology and Serkis’ portrayal.
• Humans and Apes: The Cast of Dawn: Plot overview and character insights.
• The World of Dawn: Production design and CGI integration.
• The Ape Community: Interaction and supporting ape characters.
• Move Like an Ape: An Artist's Medium: Motion capture and rendering insights.
• Weta and Dawn: Weta's visual effects contribution.
• The Fight for a New Dawn: Fight choreography and rehearsals.
• Audio Commentary by Matt Reeves: Technical and anecdotal discussions.
• Gallery includes:
  • Concept Art
  • Characters
  • Costumes
  • Props
• Theatrical Trailers: Promotional material.

These supplements provide a thorough and engaging exploration of the film's innovative production techniques and narrative depth.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes stands as a masterful continuation of its predecessor, set ten years after a global pandemic decimates humanity. The apes, under Caesar's leadership, have established a thriving society in the forests north of San Francisco. This fragile peace is shattered when human survivors seeking to restore power at a dam encroach on ape territory, setting the stage for an inevitable conflict.

The film excels in its character-driven narrative, underscoring themes of leadership, trust, and survival. Caesar and Malcolm (played by Andy Serkis and Jason Clarke, respectively) attempt to broker peace, but are countered by Koba (Toby Kebbell) and Dreyfus (Gary Oldman), whose past traumas instill deep-seated distrust. The relationships, particularly between Caesar and Koba, are compelling and emotionally charged, offering a nuanced portrayal of conflict within and between species.

On the technical front, the film’s achievements are unparalleled. State-of-the-art motion capture and CGI bring the apes to life with astonishing realism, making their struggle visceral and believable. Weta's visual effects, combined with stellar performances, ensure that the apes are not just characters but fully realized beings. While some human elements feel less developed, the film's emotional depth and intelligent script more than compensate. As a blockbuster, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes sets a high bar, blending spectacular action with profound thematic exploration.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" successfully balances epic scope and intimate storytelling, delivering a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling. This Blu-ray release excels in technical execution, showcasing photo-realistic visual effects and top-tier motion capture performances, especially by Andy Serkis. His portrayal of Caesar is captivating and often outshines human characters, underscoring the strength of the character development within the narrative. The film deftly explores and expands on the Apes canon with creativity, making it a standout sequel that truly advances the story.

The Blu-ray package offers several key advantages that elevate the viewing experience. The 3D video is immersive, bringing an added layer of depth to the stunning visuals, while the 2D video remains sharp and detailed. The reference-quality 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio sound mix is exemplary, delivering a powerful and immersive auditory experience that is both dynamic and nuanced. Additionally, a wealth of HD-exclusive bonus materials enrich the package, providing deeper insights into the film's production and the technologies employed. Whether you prefer 3D or 2D formats, this Blu-ray release meets high standards of audiovisual excellence.

In conclusion, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" on Blu-ray is an exceptional release that combines state-of-the-art technical achievements with robust storytelling. It comes highly recommended for both its cinematic quality and its superior home entertainment presentation.