U-571 Blu-ray Review

Universal’s Blu-ray release of "U-571" presents a stellar 1080p transfer that truly showcases the capabilities of the format. Striking in its clarity, the film comes to life in its theatrically correct aspect ratio of 2.40:1 utilizing a VC-1 codec. This high-quality transfer boasts an exceptional level of detail, making every scene—from the imposing exteriors of the submarine in the vast, open ocean to the confined, rust-worn interiors—come alive with breathtaking realism. The fine detailing of textures, such as the wear on leather jackets and the crispness of Naval uniforms, stands out, complemented by accurate, bold colors and spot-on black levels, ensuring that both the dark, tension-filled sequences and brighter outdoor scenes are rendered with striking contrast and depth.

The film's visual presentation benefits from a natural, film-like quality, with a pleasing touch of grain that enhances rather than detracts, preserving the cinematic feel without compromising on sharpness. Notably, the nighttime scenes, filled with complex shadows and silhouettes, exhibit no loss in detail, showcasing Universal’s commitment to maintaining high standards across various lighting conditions. The color palette is carefully balanced, with rich blacks and solid color reproduction that adds intensity to the visuals, allowing for a truly immersive viewing experience. The intentional addition of a yellow tinge in certain scenes further aids in achieving a genuine WWII ambiance without affecting the accuracy of skin tones or the boldness of colors.

The transfer does show a few softer moments that are slightly less sharp than the rest, but these are minor when compared to the overall excellence of the presentation. The level of detail in close-up shots is particularly impressive; every drop of sweat and line on the sailors' faces is visible, enhancing the emotional impact of their perilous journey. This commitment to quality ensures that "U-571" not only stands as a testament to Universal’s technical prowess but also serves as reference-quality material for enthusiasts seeking to showcase the potential of their home entertainment systems.

The audio presentation of "U-571" on Blu-ray is a standout, offering an auditory experience that not only matches but surpasses what has been previously available on other formats. This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless mix delivers on all fronts, providing a splendidly spacious, immersive soundscape that engulfs the listener from beginning to end. The undersea world is brought to life with a detailed soundscape that includes the subtle creaks of the sub's hull, the tension-filled silence broken only by distant depth charges, and the dynamic range of explosions that fill the room with a palpable tension. The dialogue issues that previously marred the cinematic experience have been meticulously addressed, allowing for clear and concise speech that effortlessly carries the story's narrative.

The technical prowess of the sound engineers shines through in their skillful handling of directionality and imaging, creating a convincingly immersive environment that showcases their aptitude for sound design. From the nuanced environmental ambiances to the full-force action sequences, every sound element is placed with precision, crafting an aural experience that’s as close to reality as one can get without being aboard a real submarine. Notably, the balance between the robust bass and the clarity of quieter moments allows for a more controlled, yet still powerful listening experience. The attention to detail is evident in moments where sound effects traverse from one speaker to another, perfectly aligned with on-screen action.

However, it's not just about the overwhelming action scenes; the soundtrack's finesse lies in its ability to convey subtlety and nuance. The low hum of dialogue amid a tense submarine standoff or the quiet drip of water in an otherwise silent room contributes as much to the film’s atmosphere as any depth charge explosion. While the balance of dialogue remains a point of slight contention, with some lines still challenging to discern amidst the cacophony of war, the overall mix is an undeniable improvement over previous releases. This Blu-ray edition of "U-571", with its reference-quality audio, stands as a testament to how far home cinema has come, offering an experience that is both bombastically entertaining and acoustically refined.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "U-571" exhibits a mindful approach in leveraging new technology to repurpose extras, much to the interest and possibly the chagrin of enthusiasts familiar with previous formats. The director's commentary, a carryover from earlier releases, features Jonathan Mostow, who offers a mix of dry historical insights and passionate film-making anecdotes. His dedication to authenticity, from the on-set presence of veterans to the minimal use of CGI, underscores a commitment to realism, despite a leisurely pace that may test some viewers' patience. The standout feature is the U-Control capability, introducing an interactive layer that allows users to access Picture-in-Picture (PiP) content during film playback. This innovation reimagines the featurettes from prior DVD and HD DVD releases as integrated experiences, though it restricts viewers to the timing chosen by Universal rather than permitting leisurely, on-demand exploration. This choice encapsulates Universal's endeavor to modernize extra content delivery, though it might leave some wishing for the flexibility of traditional modes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A commentary track with director Jonathan Mostow, providing insights into the film's historical liberties, production challenges, and dedication to authenticity.
• U-Control: An interactive feature which allows access to Picture-in-Picture (PiP) content related to the film's making, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage at specific points during the movie playback.

U-571, encapsulating the thrills and spills of World War II underwater warfare, offers a cinematic experience that sails through the realms of historical liberties to anchor in the harbor of entertainment. Despite its departure from the factual chronicles, particularly the British Navy's pivotal role in capturing the Enigma machine, the movie churns the oceanic adventures with a grip tight enough to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. As a specimen of Hollywood's penchant for blending fictional heroism with actual events, U-571 manages to submerge into the depths of audacious missions, compelling action, and the raw courage of submariners.

The ensemble cast, led by Matthew McConaughey and supported by stalwarts like Bill Paxton and Harvey Keitel, embarks on a daring raid to seize the Enigma code machine from a crippled German submarine. This plot, albeit historically skewed, is buoyed by sterling performances and immersive direction by Jonathan Mostow. The visual and auditory grandeur of the film especially benefits from the Blu-ray edition, which enhances the claustrophobic tension and relentless thrill inherent to submarine movies. Critics might argue about the representational accuracy and the oversimplified portrayal of multidimensional conflict, but U-571 does not falter in delivering a high-octane narrative filled with gunfire, strategic confrontations, and the omnipresent threat of deep-sea oblivion.

While U-571 navigates through the turbulence of creative liberties and historical inaccuracies, its commitment to keeping the audience engrossed with potent sound editing (an aspect that garnered an Oscar nod) and commendable visual storytelling cannot be understated. Admittedly, it does not ascend to the echelons occupied by classics like Das Boot or The Hunt for Red October, but it solidifies its position as a capable vessel for showcasing wartime valor and the unyielding spirit of naval soldiers. As a piece tailored more towards entertainment than education, U-571 stands as a testament to the genre's capacity for fusing factual elements with fictional dynamism, thereby offering a spectacle that resonates with war film aficionados and action enthusiasts alike.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "U-571" presents a complex mixture of exceptional audiovisual quality and some innovative but potentially frustrating features. The studio has made a commendable attempt to distinguish this release by recycling the extras package from previous releases, incorporating them into the U Control feature. This allows for a picture-in-picture viewing experience, albeit it requires viewers to be vigilant for the U to flash onscreen to access these featurettes. While the inclusion of original director’s commentary offers a nod to the comprehensive content of past editions, the absence of several behind-the-scenes featurettes due to the disc’s BD-25 format limitation is noticeable. Despite these drawbacks, the technical execution of the film on Blu-ray is beyond reproach, with reference-quality picture and sound that arguably makes "U-571" a demonstration-worthy disc for the audiovisual prowess of the format.

The movie itself, while not aiming for historical accuracy as it candidly admits, serves up an action-packed experience enhanced by its award-winning sound. It might not be the premier choice for submarine movie aficionados seeking depth and authenticity, but it undoubtedly stands out for its A/V quality that could entice Blu-ray collectors looking for content that showcases their home theater setups. This release shines in rendering an immersive auditory and visual spectacle, making it appealing for those prioritizing technical excellence over comprehensive supplemental material and historical fidelity.

In conclusion, while "U-571" on Blu-ray may not satisfy all desires for extensive extras or accurate historical portrayal, it firmly establishes itself as an asset for those interested in a visually stunning and aurally arresting viewing experience. The decision to innovate with the U Control feature and maintain high standards of audiovisual quality recommends this release as valuable demo material for enthusiasts keen on exploring the capabilities of their Blu-ray setups. Its shortcomings in supplemental content are somewhat mitigated by the technical merits that make it a recommended addition for collectors prioritizing A/V performance.