Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds Blu-ray Review

Well Go USA brings the visually compelling Korean fantasy film "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" to Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The digital shoot's aesthetics are dominated by a thick blue color grading which gives the movie a consistently dark look. Outdoor scenes stand out with their crisp highlights and well-defined textures, presenting vibrant, warm colors with excellent primary splashes such as the bright red and orange of the guardian’s blades and the pooling blood from Soo-hong’s wound. However, a pervasive issue is the ever-present banding, especially during excessively dark scenes and sudden changes in bright lighting conditions.

The intricate CGI design seeks to create an illusion of depth, perhaps nodding to a potential 3D theatrical release in its native market, although this home release is presented in 2D. The film's extensive use of green screen contributes to a soft and hazy ambient background that occasionally sacrifices fine detail. Despite this, the performers themselves retain a remarkable level of fine detail, as seen in the small lacerations on Ja-hong's face and the opulent costumes. However, substantial banding detracts from this otherwise impressive visual experience—most notably during dark scenes and sequences involving swift transitions in lighting. While the banding slightly mars an otherwise excellent visual presentation, the daytime scenes alone ensure that fans of high-quality Blu-ray transfers will still find much to appreciate in this release.

The Audio presentation of "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" on Blu-ray is notable for its robust and immersive 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track in the original Korean language. The dynamic range is impressively wide, handling everything from quiet dialogues to explosive battle scenes with finesse. Dialogue is consistently crisp and intelligible, while the film's sound design capitalizes on the use of the surround channels effectively. This includes sequences like Soo-hong's otherworldly rage, which delivers roaring bass and enveloping surround effects that significantly enhance the viewing experience.

In terms of effects, the audio track excelled in creating an atmospheric soundfield. Noteworthy scenes, such as a wild water roller coaster ride, populate the surround channels with environmental effects that are both complex and inviting. The side and rear channels are continuously active, providing a full-bodied and engaging auditory experience throughout the film. While not flawless, the 5.1 mix is more than adequate for a sci-fi/fantasy adventure, contributing significantly to an enjoyable and immersive audio experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" offer a professional and engaging selection that enhances the viewing experience with insightful glimpses behind the production. The disc is designed for seamless navigation, where the supplementary materials follow sequentially, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of information. The extras include a concise yet informative behind-the-scenes featurette, character introductions, and official trailers. This well-rounded package provides fans with a deeper understanding of the film’s creation and its characters, while also promoting other releases by the distributor, Well Go USA.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: A brief EPK with interviews, scenes being shot, and clips from the film.
• Character Intros: Overview of some key characters.
• Teaser Trailer: Short promotional clip.
• Trailer: Full promotional trailer.

"Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" is a grandiose entry into Korea's cinema, reminiscent of Hollywood's ambitious back-to-back filming approach exemplified by "The Matrix" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchises. This fantasy epic delves deep into Korean folklore, portraying the afterlife trials of Kim Ja-hong (Cha Tae-hyun), a firefighter who meets a heroic death. Ja-hong embarks on a soul-trying journey guided by three spiritual guardians, facing seven formidable trials over 49 days. Should he falter, eternal damnation awaits. Initially perceived as straightforward, Ja-hong's trials reveal the complexities and moral ambiguities embedded in his life, adding rich layers to his otherwise virtuous character.

The film intricately balances two main narratives: Ja-hong's trials in the celestial realms and the turmoil caused by his recently deceased brother, Soo-hong (Dong-wook Kim). The unexpected infusion of Soo-hong as a vengeful spirit adds an unpredictable twist, intertwining their fates. This sub-plot not only fuels tension but also paves the way for the anticipated sequel, primed for emotional and narrative depth. The plot complexity is skillfully complemented by stunning visuals, crafted through extensive CGI work that showcases various afterlife realms with inventive creativity.

However, the movie isn't without its tonal inconsistencies. While attempting to infuse dramatic tension and suspense in Ja-hong's journey, director Kim Yong-hwa's script veers into melodrama and occasionally undermines suspense by softening antagonist characters with redemptive arcs. Furthermore, the inclusion of comedic elements amid intense emotional scenes can disrupt the narrative flow. Despite these fluctuations, "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" remains a visual spectacle with an engaging storyline that promises more revelations in its sequel, making it a significant milestone in Korea's fantasy film genre.

Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds stands out as a unique marvel in Asian fantasy cinema, deviating sharply from the conventional Chinese and Korean fantasy narratives. The film refreshingly combines familiar 'afterlife' themes with a novel execution, delivering an enchanting and imaginative story. While certain narrative quirks exist and the concluding setup for the already-filmed sequel feels somewhat forced, the film manages to captivate its audience effectively. Exceptional performances by Jung-woo Ha, Tae-hyun Cha, and Ji-hun Ju further enhance its appeal, making it a fresh breath in a genre overflowing with clichés.

Technically, the presentation on Blu-Ray is commendable. The film is presented in a 2.40:1 AVC aspect ratio, maintaining visual fidelity with minor intermittent video issues that do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The audio, however, excels magnificently, especially in the Korean DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, which provides immersive soundscapes and clear dialogue. The inclusion of English subtitles ensures accessibility for non-Korean speakers. The runtime of 140 minutes is well-utilized, providing ample time for character development and intricate plot revelations.

Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds—while occasionally slipping into maudlin tones when delving into Ja-hong's personal history—offers an engaging viewing experience filled with visually arresting yet predominantly fabricated CGI. Though those with an understanding of Buddhist scripture might appreciate the nuances more deeply, the film's appeal stretches beyond religious confines, offering an intriguing spectacle for a broader audience. Despite some minor flaws, it remains a recommendable and entertaining watch.

Conclusion: Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds pushes the boundaries of Asian fantasy cinema with its fresh narrative and captivating execution. Supported by strong performances and solid technical specifications on Blu-Ray, it stands as a noteworthy recommendation for both general audiences and genre enthusiasts.