Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" via Lionsgate Films showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. Shot with Arri Alexas and finalized at a 2K DI, the visual presentation stands out, despite the occasional overly artificial CGI. Fine details are prevalent, especially in key scenes, such as the intricate textures on props and costumes. Particularly notable is the detailed depiction of the small lizard creature central to the plot, which demonstrates the exceptional level of detail possible. However, certain CGI-heavy sequences, like the early scenes on the pearl planet, lack realism, appearing somewhat akin to video game graphics. The color palette, true to Besson’s style, is a riot of hues, making for an engaging and visually vibrant Blu-ray experience.

Presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the transfer also excels with excellent contrast and bright, clean whites that enhance the overall HD presentation. Thierry Arbogast's cinematography shines through with flamboyant primary colors and richly saturated secondary hues, imparting a fun, animated feel to the production. Brightness levels remain robust with deep blacks, particularly effective in scenes involving the protagonists' police-like suits and the Commander's robot soldiers. However, shadow details are slightly lacking, occasionally resulting in flatter and murkier visuals despite maintaining overall detailing and clarity.

Overall, "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" on Blu-ray offers a visually enchanting experience. While some CGI elements appear less realistic, the general quality of detail in practical items and the robust color spectrum make it a compelling addition to any high-definition collection.

"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" offers a Dolby Atmos track that is both engaging and technically impressive, yet occasionally flawed. Notable for its excellent use of surround activity, the presentation excels with sweeping panning noises, detailed midair effects, and a robust low-frequency extension (LFE). However, the track does suffer from some inconsistency, particularly in dialogue prioritization. Early scenes on the pearl planet elevate ambient sounds over spoken (alien) dialogue, and in later sequences, human dialogue seems overshadowed by other elements like Alex, the AI voice. Despite this issue, fidelity remains top-notch, with an exceptionally wide dynamic range.

Complementing the film's sci-fi adventure, the soundtrack includes thrilling bursts of spaceships zooming above and the electric pings of control room computers, though these instances of overhead activity are disappointingly infrequent. The ceiling channels remain mostly silent, making this Dolby Atmos track less immersive than expected. However, the side and rear surrounds come to the rescue, providing a consistently aggressive and awesomely immersive soundfield. The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track arguably offers a better demo-worthy aural experience. Alexandre Desplat's score is delivered with superb fidelity and balance, seamlessly spreading across the front channels and lightly bleeding into the front heights, ensuring rich mid-range clarity. Dialogue remains precise and never overwhelmed during action-packed sequences, while the powerful low-end delivers room-energizing impact without delving into ultra-low frequencies.

With pinpoint spatial placement and immersive soundscapes, the presentation offers enhanced auditory engagement albeit with minor mix deficiencies. Fans of the genre will appreciate the expansive imaging and dynamic range, which elevate the overall home theater experience despite occasional prioritization quirks.

The extras on the Blu-Ray of "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" offer a detailed look into the making of the film, brimming with insights and behind-the-scenes footage. The "Enhancement Mode" allows viewers to access numerous featurettes via an on-screen icon while watching the film. "Citizens of Imagination: Creating the Universe" provides an extensive and engaging 59-minute documentary on the production, featuring interviews with the cast and crew and in-depth discussion of the special effects. Additionally, "Enhancement Pods" compile these featurettes separately, totaling 36 minutes of focused content. The disc also includes "The Art of Valerian," which is a still gallery showcasing concept art, and the teaser and final trailers for promotional content. This array of extras makes the Blu-Ray a rich resource for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Citizens of Imagination: Creating the Universe: Detailed documentary on production with cast & crew interviews.
• Enhancement Mode: Interactive viewing experience with supplementary featurettes.
• Enhancement Pods: Standalone access to featurettes from Enhancement Mode.
• The Art of Valerian: Still gallery with concept art.
• Teaser Trailer: Promo trailer.
• Final Trailer: Promo trailer.

"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets," directed by Luc Besson, ambitiously attempts to bring the renowned French comic book series to life, blending elaborate visual splendor with a high-concept sci-fi narrative. The $200 million production showcases the director's unmistakable flair for visually stunning set pieces, reminiscent of his earlier works such as "The Fifth Element." The movie opens with a riveting depiction of the International Space Station's transformation into Alpha, an intergalactic mega-hub hosting various species. This imaginative premise sets the tone for a visually immersive experience, although it traffics in familiar sci-fi tropes akin to classics like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Battlestar Galactica."

Despite the rich visual feast, the film struggles with narrative coherence and character depth. Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne portray the lead characters, Major Valerian and Sergeant Laureline, but their on-screen chemistry feels forced and their performances lack the gravitas needed to anchor such a sprawling story. The plot is propelled by convenient, rather than compelling, developments – from the dream-like vision Valerian receives to the duo stumbling upon a major conspiracy – resulting in a series of events that often feel disjointed. While their clunky romantic subplot and flat performances are notable detractors, the film still manages to capture a sense of wonder through its eccentric alien designs and vibrant world-building.

Ultimately, "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" thrives on its audacious visuals and creative inventiveness. Thierry Arbogast's cinematography and the computer animation team's efforts significantly elevate the material. The film includes appearances by notable actors such as Clive Owen, Rihanna, and Ethan Hawke, adding some star power to its charming madness. Though burdened with a shallow screenplay and some predictable character arcs, Besson's film stands out as an entertaining if flawed spectacle that might eventually find its place as a cult classic.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, based on the French sci-fi comics, is directed by the visionary filmmaker Luc Besson. Despite its box office struggles, this film has the potential to cultivate a dedicated following on home video. The Blu-ray release showcases Besson’s ambitious vision through an excellent video presentation that captures the stunning visuals with impressive clarity and vibrant color. The solid Dolby Atmos soundtrack further elevates the immersive experience, complementing the film’s dynamic and fantastically imaginative sequences.

The narrative, characterized by an abundance of predictable elements and ham-handed performances, indeed detracts from the overall experience. However, Besson’s talent for creating visually arresting frames cannot be understated. The elaborate and diverse alien designs, expansive space vistas, and meticulously detailed cityscapes offer an unparalleled visual feast that is particularly well-suited for high-definition home viewing.

This review continues in my by now long (and growing longer) tradition of stating that if you're the same kind of fan of eye candy as I am, you may well be willing to overlook the other manifest issues hobbling Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The film's plot is resolutely predictable, and some of the performances are ham handed (at best), but Lordy does Besson ever know how to fill a frame. Technical merits are excellent for those considering a purchase.