Inferno Blu-ray Review

Director Ron Howard's decision to switch to digital for 'Inferno' and shoot on the Arri Alexa XT has provided a visually distinct departure from the previous two Robert Langdon films. The film adopts a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, diverging from the 2.35:1 (2.40:1 on home video) of its predecessors, which results in a broader visual presentation. Despite the change, the digital cinematography offers impressive clarity. The details are striking, revealing the intricate textures of cityscapes and tight close-ups of facial features with near-photorealistic precision. The brick and stonework, older wooden accents, and the cleaner lines in Langdon's hospital room reflect notable depth and sharpness, which is maintained throughout various scene compositions.

The color palette is naturally vibrant without being overstated, providing a balance that enhances the film’s visual storytelling. Black levels are firm and dark, offering better shadow delineation compared to the previous films shot on film. This improvement is particularly evident during low-light scenes, where the image maintains a consistent depth without falling into problematic areas such as noise or banding.

Overall, 'Inferno' benefits from the transition to digital, presenting a high-caliber visual experience that remains technically sound with no visible encoding or source flaws. The switch has enabled the film to attain an exceptional level of detail and clarity, making it a noteworthy example of modern digital cinematography in high-definition video presentation.

Sony has once again opted for a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack for its 1080p Blu-ray release of "Inferno," despite the UHD version featuring a superior Dolby Atmos track. While this decision may be perplexing and frustrating considering the industry's trend towards providing the highest quality audio, the offered DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track remains exemplary. The audio presentation boasts precise positioning and clear movement, particularly notable during Langdon's hallucinatory visions. Ambient sounds in various settings such as the hospital room and urban streets are rendered with a remarkable sense of place, contributing to an immersive listening experience. Dialogue remains clear, center-focused, and well-prioritized throughout the duration.

The surround engagement is robust, with surround speakers employed effectively for atmospheric sounds and enhancing the eerie quality of Langdon's flashbacks and visions. A standout moment is the drone sequence that moves smoothly between speakers, creating an engrossing auditory experience. The low-end capabilities of the track are showcased when a train passes through the scene mid-film, providing a full-stage engagement. Hans Zimmer's score is skillfully integrated, delivering musical clarity without overpowering the dialogue or background effects. Key action sequences, such as gunshots and alarms, further demonstrate the dynamic range and spatial accuracy of the track.

In addition to the primary audio track, the Blu-ray includes an English Audio Descriptive Service track and a Spanish Dolby 5.1 track. Subtitles are available in English, English SDH, and Spanish, providing accessibility options for a diverse audience. Despite its lack of Atmos support, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track impresses with its detailed and expansive soundstage, making it a formidable offering that should satisfy most viewers.

The Blu-Ray release of "Inferno" provides an extensive assortment of extras that enrich the viewing experience by delivering in-depth insights into the film’s production and narrative elements. Key bonus features include deleted and extended scenes that offer additional context to various sequences and character arcs, though they do not significantly alter the storyline. The featurettes cover a range of topics from the international casting approach to Ron Howard's directorial choices, including his use of social media and behind-the-scenes footage from Italy. Notably, these segments also delve into the film’s intricate themes, protagonist evolution, and antagonist motivations, with insights from cast and crew members, such as Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, Dan Brown, and others.

Extras included in this disc:

• Extended & Deleted Scenes: Additional footage extending six key scenes and an alternate ending.
• Visions of Hell: Discusses the film’s darker narrative and thematic connections to Dante.
• Inferno Around the World: Explores the film's diverse international casting.
• A Look at Langdon: Examines Robert Langdon’s character throughout the Dan Brown series.
• This Is Sienna Brooks: Provides insights into the female lead's character.
• The Billionaire Villain: Bertrand Zobrist: Offers a closer look at the film’s antagonist.
• Ron Howard, a Director's Journal: Behind-the-scenes insights on filming locations and social media engagement by Ron Howard.
• Previews: Additional trailers for other Sony titles.

"Inferno," the third film in the Robert Langdon series, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, offers a darker, more intense narrative compared to its predecessors. The film delves into themes of overpopulation and existential threats, powered by the disoriented and mentally weakened Langdon, who finds himself in a Florence hospital with amnesia. This compromised state adds a layer of vulnerability to Langdon, raising the stakes as he, alongside Dr. Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), races to thwart a global catastrophe devised by billionaire Bertrand Zobrist (Ben Foster). Despite predictable twists, Howard's vision, coupled with Hanks' performance, keeps the film engaging.

"Inferno" sets a unique tone, beginning with Zobrist’s suicide and swiftly throwing Langdon and Sienna into a frantic chase across picturesque European locales. As they unravel clues tied to Dante’s Divine Comedy, viewers are treated to a mix of action sequences and dense exposition that, while sometimes long-winded, effectively propel the narrative. The film maintains a balance between high-stakes thrill and intellectual intrigue, although some may find the modified ending, which deviates from the novel’s more ambiguous conclusion, a potential drawback.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is robust, ensuring that Howard’s craftsmanship is fully appreciated. The disc includes vital industry-standard packaging with an eco-Lite Vortex keepcase, digital copy codes, and promotional material. The image quality holds up with excellent clarity, enhancing the visual storytelling integral to the film's immersive experience. While "Inferno" may not have hit commercial expectations in the U.S., its combination of dark thematic elements and intense pacing makes it a worthy continuation of the Langdon saga.

"Inferno" continues the tradition of the Robert Langdon series, incorporating elements of conspiracy theories and cryptic messaging that fans have come to expect. While the narrative doesn't fully capitalize on its urgent themes or link them to real-world conspiracies in a profound way, it does provoke thought by expanding on basic knowledge and established truths. Tom Hanks once again delivers a reliable performance, with the plot utilizing interesting devices such as Langdon's temporary mental disarmament to maintain engagement. The film flows nicely and, despite its transparent twists, manages to captivate audiences better than its predecessors.

The Blu-ray release of "Inferno" boasts exceptional video and audio quality, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The high-definition transfer is sharp and detailed, bringing the film's rich visuals and atmospheric settings to life. On the audio front, the soundtrack is dynamic and well-balanced, enhancing both the action sequences and subtler moments. The inclusion of special features adds value, though the absence of a commentary track is somewhat disappointing for those looking for deeper insights into the film's production.

Conclusively, "Inferno" may not bring groundbreaking revelations to the table, but it serves as a solid addition to the Robert Langdon franchise. If you enjoyed the previous films, this installment is likely to satisfy your expectations. With superior Blu-ray quality from Sony, it’s a worthwhile watch for its engaging narrative and technical prowess. Recommended.