Next Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Next" on Blu-ray offers a mixed but generally satisfying high-definition experience, striking a balance between its strengths and weaknesses. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, framed at 2.35:1, showcases a color palette that leans heavily towards golden hues, evident in flesh tones and even Nicolas Cage's attire, enhancing the thematic elements of the narrative. Despite this, there are instances of oversaturation and an inclination towards elevated contrast levels, occasionally affecting the detail in whites and resulting in slightly artificial-looking skin tones. However, the transfer excels in delivering crisp detail, particularly in close-ups where every hair and line is visible, and the Las Vegas skyline and casino interiors are portrayed with stunning clarity and vibrancy. Dynamic range is commendable, with deep, mostly noise-free blacks enhancing night scenes, though some fluctuation in black levels is noted.

The disc's technical execution is proficient, with a bitrate ranging in the lower-to-mid 30s, ensuring that images are sharp and clear without any discernible softness or focus issues. Detail remains high in both foreground and background elements, from close shots to expansive aerial views of cityscapes and a notably detailed observation of a wet street scene that adds a layer of realism to the visuals. Despite its achievements, the presentation is not without flaws, including occasional washed-out CGI effects and rear-projection elements that detract from the overall quality. Moreover, the black levels and contrast inconsistencies occasionally mar the image fidelity, hinting at what could have been a more polished output.

In summary, while "Next" does not set a new standard for high-definition transfers, it presents a mostly pleasing visual experience that adheres to the film's aesthetic intentions. The MGM 2 encoded video with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 ensures that colors pop—especially in sequences set against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas or during uniquely shot scenes like those at the Grand Canyon. However, the slight overemphasis on golden tones and occasional lapses into oversaturation slightly hinder what is otherwise a commendable effort by Paramount in their Blu-ray catalog. Despite these minor quibbles, the video quality of "Next" stands as a solid representation of the film’s visual appeal, though it leaves room for improvement in consistency and color handling.

The audio presentation of "Next" on Blu-ray, featuring an uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track (48kHz/24-bit), stands out as a robust yet slightly reserved auditory experience. Critics note the high-quality mix retains all the favorable elements of the Dolby Digital version, elevating them for an improved surround sound encounter. The dynamic range is praised for making sounds clearer, thereby enhancing moments of impact with better solidity and punch, particularly during the film's action sequences, such as the Dodge Charger's collision and large rolling debris scenes. Nonetheless, some reservations were mentioned regarding the slightly compressed sound in the rear channels during lower level background ambiance and a general wish for more ambient noises in the surrounds. Despite these minor gripes, the track was appreciated for its clear dialogue and overall immersive soundstage.

Additionally, there seems to be agreement on the effectiveness of the track in delivering a good mix of sustained envelopment across both action and quieter moments, with an emphasis on how layers of sound from different sources—be it Mark Isham's score or the natural ambience of on-road scenes—are well integrated into the soundscape. Although the bass was described as strong but not overwhelming, it adds a clean definition across frequencies without overpowering other elements. Dialogue maintains excellent clarity throughout, ensuring that viewers can follow the narrative without adjusting volume levels. Some critiques highlighted a bit of subduing in the mix's expansiveness and the impact of certain sound effects like gunshots, suggesting these could have been more pronounced for a fully engaging experience.

In conclusion, while "Next" doesn't pioneer new ground in high-definition audio presentation, it delivers a very good and reliably entertaining listening experience once the action intensifies. Complemented by uniformly excellent dialogue reproduction and strategic use of rear channels for action sequences, it creates an enveloping atmosphere that, despite some minor setbacks in ambient representation and bass impact, remains a commendable effort. Paramount's choice of uncompressed PCM over Dolby TrueHD is seen as maintaining a solid mix between clarity and involvement, making it an enjoyable audio experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray edition of "Next" brings an array of extras that enthusiasts will find notable for their in-depth exploration of the film's production, special effects, and thematic elements, all in glorious full 1080p/VC-1 video. Amidst these extras, the featurette "Making the Best Next Thing" stands out by offering a well-rounded insight into the movie's genesis from Philip K. Dick's short story, delving into the unique aspects of Cris' precognitive powers, and the ethical questions they pose. Similarly, "Visualizing the Next Movie" provides a fascinating look into why CGI was favored over practical effects, highlighting the film's heavy reliance on visual effects to bring its futuristic visions to life. Moreover, "The Next Grand Idea" gives viewers a peek into the film's romantic subplot and showcases some of the picturesque locations featured in the movie. Less impactful, though still interesting, is "Two Minutes in the Future with Jessica Biel," albeit it feels more like an afterthought than a substantive addition. The package is rounded off with the film's theatrical trailer, ensuring a comprehensive overview for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making the Best Next Thing: A detailed featurette covering the making of "Next," including interviews with cast and crew.
• Visualizing the Next Movie: Exploration of the film's special effects and the decision to use CGI.
• The Next Grand Idea: Insight into the story's romantic aspects and filming locations.
• Two Minutes in the Future with Jessica Biel: A brief segment with Jessica Biel discussing the potential of seeing into the future.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for "Next."

"Next," a film adaptation of Philip K. Dick's story, explores the intriguing concept of precognition through its protagonist, Cris Johnson (played by Nicolas Cage), who possesses the capacity to see two minutes into his own future. This unique ability is central to the film’s premise, as Cris navigates a life shrouded in low-key Las Vegas magic shows and minor gambling wins, all while dodging the keen interest of government agents and a pending terrorist threat in Los Angeles. The film cleverly intertwines Cris's personal narrative with broader themes of fate, responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas posed by his extraordinary gift. Unlike typical portrayals of psychic abilities, "Next" dedicates itself to examining the limitations and implications of Cris's power, particularly its effect on personal freedom and societal safety.

While "Next" ambitiously endeavors to weave together a complex narrative involving federal agents, terrorists, and a mysterious woman who extends Cris's visions beyond their usual limit, it is somewhat compromised by its execution. The film’s dual focus on a looming terrorist threat and a burgeoning romance struggles under the weight of underdeveloped villains and an unconvincing love story. Moreover, the inconsistent application of Cris’s powers—pivotal to the film's logic—sometimes confounds rather than captivates. Despite these narrative shortcomings, "Next" is lauded for its entertaining action sequences and a thought-provoking premise rooted in Dick’s philosophical inquiries about predestination and the morality of altering future events.

Technical imperfections aside, "Next" manages to stand out with its compelling exploration of precognition, augmented by solid performances and several standout action scenes. The film invites viewers into a speculative discourse on the ethical dimensions of foreknowledge, juxtaposed with high-stakes scenarios that keep the adrenaline pumping. Though it falls short of delivering a fully coherent resolution—leaving many philosophical threads untied—the movie offers enough intrigue and speculative flavor to engage audiences willing to overlook its narrative and logical lapses.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Next" manages to walk the fine line between being an enjoyable, if not entirely mindless, cinematic experience and a showcase of the nuanced capabilities of modern home theater systems. Utilizing a vast array of high-end equipment including the Sony VPL-VW50 SXRD 1080p High Definition Front Projector, Panasonic DMP-BD30 Blu-ray Disc Player, and an immersive audio setup featuring Canton Ergo Series speakers and the SV Sound PB-13 Ultra subwoofer, the technical fidelity of this disc is poised to satisfy even the most discerning enthusiasts. The video quality shines on Blu-ray, making full use of the increased resolution to bring the film’s unique style to life. Likewise, the audio presentation, while not groundbreaking, offers a sufficiently engaging experience to complement the on-screen action, anchored by a solid performance from the Outlaw Audio Model 7700 seven-channel amplifier and Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers.

From a content perspective, "Next" is a film that encourages viewers to disengage their analytical minds in favor of enjoying a light, action-packed narrative that is best appreciated as a casual viewing experience. Despite its shortcomings in narrative depth and originality, the film’s technical aspects on Blu-ray are commendable. The video and audio quality are notably above average, though the extras package is somewhat lean yet visually appealing. This reflects a consistent effort from Paramount in their Blu-ray releases to balance quality with a restrained but effective selection of supplementary materials.

In conclusion, while "Next" may not be the pinnacle of sci-fi thrillers, its release on Blu-ray stands out for its solid technical presentation. It offers sufficient visual and auditory enjoyment that will likely appeal to both sci-fi aficionados and casual viewers looking for an effortless watch. The disc’s overall quality underscores Paramount's welcome return to the Blu-ray market, presenting a product that, despite its narrative flaws and sparse extras, proves to be a worthy consideration for those seeking entertainment paired with high technical merit.