Skyscraper Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray 3D presentation of "Skyscraper" is a commendable effort in the realm of post-conversion 3D cinema. The movie leverages its setting within The Pearl, the tallest building in the world, to create expansive and immersive visual experiences. Early scenes within closed spaces exhibit a decent sense of depth, accentuated by elements like floating snowflakes that add a touch of realism. As the film progresses to the wide vistas of Hong Kong, the differentiation of depth through fog and varied building heights becomes particularly striking. The grand interiors of The Pearl, notably the Sawyer family's living quarters and the massive open areas as characters move upwards, offer a substantial sense of dimensionality, further amplified by well-placed lighting.

As the action sequences intensify, the 3D effects consistently enhance the visual narrative. The night scenes, especially Will's acrobatics as he breaks into the burning building using a crane, invoke a palpable sense of height and peril. Other dramatic scenes, such as the family's precarious crossing over a burning chasm, utilize the 3D format to heighten tension and immersion. Even in lower light conditions, interior settings retain their impressive scope, with characters maintaining solid three-dimensional shapes. Additionally, sequences involving external elements, like turbines and narrow beams, benefit significantly from the enhanced depth and detail.

While the 2-D UHD version remains the best choice for overall visual fidelity, the 3D Blu-ray provides a unique, engaging experience that arguably surpasses many recent releases in effectively utilizing the 3D format. The technical execution sees few flaws, with occasional minor dips in effect during scenes like the final mirrored confrontation. Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the better post-conversion 3D titles recently available, offering a robust sense of space and depth that caters well to fans of three-dimensional viewing.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Skyscraper" employs the same outstanding Dolby Atmos mix featured in both the 2D Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray editions. This mix excels in delivering crystal clear dialogue that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding sound effects and music. Noteworthy is the natural quality of the sound effects, supported by precise object-based placement which creates an immersive surround experience. The sequence when terrorists ignite the building’s sprinkler system exemplifies the audio design, with pops and sparks providing dynamic surround movements and notable overhead actions.

The film leverages the Dolby Atmos track to its full potential, enriching action scenes with layers of auditory details. A standout moment occurs when Johnson maneuvers the crane amidst the roar of nearby helicopter turbines and the blazing inferno—this scene alone showcases remarkable low-frequency effects (LFE) that will test the limits of any subwoofer. Moreover, Steve Jablonsky’s score punctuates these moments perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The mix maintains optimal levels across the board, ensuring viewers won’t need to adjust volumes excessively beyond typical viewing settings.

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The Blu-ray release of "Skyscraper" offers a solid collection of extras, providing a deeper dive into the film production. The standout feature is the audio commentary by Writer/Director Rawson Marshall Thurber, delivering insightful analysis and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The deleted and extended scenes, available with optional director commentary, offer additional context and showcase what was trimmed for pacing. While the other content primarily consists of promotional materials, they still add value by briefly highlighting various aspects of filmmaking and character development.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Optional director commentary available for each scene.
• Extended Scenes: Also with optional director commentary.
• Dwayne Johnson: Embodying a Hero: Exploration of the lead actor’s role.
• Inspiration: Insights into the motivations behind the movie.
• Opposing Forces: Examination of the film’s antagonistic elements.
• Friends No More: Breakdown of character relationships.
• Kids in Action: Focus on younger cast members.
• Pineapple Pitch: Short segment on a notable scene.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth track by Writer/Director Rawson Marshall Thurber.

Skyscraper delivers an intense, action-packed experience centered on an intimate tale of familial devotion. Dwayne Johnson stars as Will Sawyer, a physically disfigured yet mentally resilient father who transitions from a security expert to an unyielding protector. His singular focus is his family, comprising his wife Sarah (Neve Campbell) and their children, trapped in the world's tallest building, "The Pearl," during a terrorist attack. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the film melds the high-stakes drama of classics like The Towering Inferno and Die Hard with Johnson's signature emotional depth and sheer determination to save his loved ones, regardless of complexities or personal danger.

From its initial, audacious promotional poster of Johnson leaping into a burning skyscraper, Skyscraper set expectations for a thrilling, albeit improbable narrative. It executes this premise effectively, offering solid escapism akin to Johnson's previous work, such as San Andreas. The film's groundwork of exaggerated stunts and suspenseful sequences maintains an engaging pace, though it does occasionally stretch believability. Still, viewers looking for "big dumb fun" summer entertainment will find Skyscraper engaging – so long as they suspend disbelief and focus on the sheer enjoyment of its high-octane action and emotional resonance.

"Skyscraper" brings the classic action film formula to life with modern effects and exhilarating sequences, despite the storyline offering little in the way of originality or substantial depth. Dwayne Johnson's compelling performance energizes the film, making it a thrilling experience for genre enthusiasts. The hero’s journey is familiar but personalized in a way that ensures consistent engagement from start to finish. Universal’s Blu-ray 3D release manages to significantly enhance the movie’s appeal through its superb conversion that adds considerable depth, perfect for fans of the format.

Technically, the Blu-ray features impressive extra-dimensional visuals, carefully converted to provide an immersive viewing experience that amplifies the adrenaline-fueled scenarios. The Dolby Atmos audio mix stands out, delivering a powerful and rich soundscape that effectively complements the on-screen spectacle. Additionally, the package comes with a satisfactory assortment of extra content that provides further value for fans looking to delve deeper into the movie.

In conclusion, while "Skyscraper" may not break new ground, it capitalizes on its strengths - thrilling action sequences, robust performances, and top-notch technical presentation. The Blu-ray 3D offers a highly enjoyable and immersive rendition of this entertaining action flick, making it a worthwhile addition for any home theater aficionado. However, for those seeking the best possible at-home experience, the UHD version remains the superior choice.