Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" offers a mixed bag in terms of video quality. The 1080p MPEG-2 encode exhibits moments of fantastic clarity, lending the image a near 3D quality, particularly in the texture and detail of some scenes. Yet, this is contrasted by periods where the image appears scarcely better than its DVD counterpart, plagued by grain and a lack of detail. Notably, while the source material is in commendable condition—with no apparent pops, scratches, or film artifacts—the inconsistencies in picture sharpness and occasional edge enhancement, marked by slight halos on contrasted objects, detract from the overall high-definition experience.

Color reproduction stands out as a strong point, demonstrating smooth hues and accurate fleshtones, though the color palette leans toward the drab and dialed down, reflecting perhaps an intentional aesthetic choice by the filmmakers. Despite this fidelity to the movie's original theatrical presentation, the sporadic bursts of grain and softness can be jarring, interrupting what could otherwise be a more immersive viewing experience. The transfer's inconsistency persists throughout, notably improving in the latter half of the film, which suggests varying degrees of attention to the digital mastering process.

Overall, while certain scenes showcase remarkable detail and depth, making a strong case for the film's high-definition release, these high points are regrettably uneven. Both the Blu-ray and its HD DVD predecessor suffer similar issues, pointing to limitations in the original master rather than format-specific shortcomings. Though by no means is this the worst high-definition transfer available, it falls short of expectations for showcasing the capabilities of the Blu-ray format, offering a viewing experience that is, while not terrible, decidedly inconsistent.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray edition of "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" excels in delivering an aural experience that is as dynamic and engaging as its on-screen action. Both the Dolby Digital 5.1 (encoded at 640kbps) and DTS 5.1 surround tracks offer an enveloping soundfield, effectively utilizing directionality between channels to create immersive soundscapes. The sound design is aggressive and fun, capturing the film's high-energy sequences with precision. While both tracks are commendable, the Dolby Digital variant slightly edges out its DTS counterpart in imaging, presenting a broader and more coherent sound stage. Nevertheless, the DTS track compensates with tighter, deeper bass, enhancing the film's intense action sequences.

Graeme Revell's score adds a distinctive layer to the film's atmosphere, opting for industrial and ambient sounds over traditional dramatic motifs. This choice enriches the already vibrant sound mix, though it occasionally risks overwhelming background dialogue with its intensity. The audio dynamically balances the highs and lows, with a noteworthy mid-range and treble that maintain clarity even amidst the chaos —the LFE channels deliver tight, deep bass that adds weight to the film's thrilling moments without overpowering them. Despite being a few years old, the dynamic range of this soundtrack holds up remarkably well, ensuring that every punch, kick, and explosion lands with a satisfying impact.

Dialog remains crisp and easy to follow, even during the film's most sonically busy scenes, proving the mix's ability to balance dialogue against the backdrop of Revell's enveloping score and the robust sound effects. This soundtrack serves as a showcase for how effectively a film can use its audio track to enhance the overall viewing experience, providing listeners with a 360-degree auditory adventure. The careful crafting of the sound stage, combined with precise effects placement and a thoughtful balance of bass, ensures that "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" remains a standout example of audio presentation on Blu Ray.

The Blu-ray edition of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider carries over the comprehensive set of extras previously seen on its DVD and HD DVD releases, offering a solid glimpse behind the scenes of this early 2000s action-adventure. Director Simon West's commentary stands out for its insightful look at the challenges faced during production, from adapting the iconic video game character to the big screen to the specifics of concealing Angelina Jolie's tattoos. Altogether, the nearly 75 minutes of making-of featurettes delve deeply into various aspects of the production, including stunts and visual effects, though their age somewhat lessens their impact. The inclusion of deleted scenes and an alternate main title sequence provides additional interest, though their absence from the original film might not be sorely missed. Promo items, highlighted by U2's "Elevation" music video and trailers in full 1080p HD, round off the package, underscoring the film's significant cultural footprint during its release period.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Simon West: Insightful details from the director.
• Digging Into 'Tomb Raider': An in-depth look at the production.
• The Visual Effects of 'Tomb Raider': Focus on the film's action set pieces.
• Stunts of 'Tomb Raider': Exploration of the stunt work.
• Crafting Lara Croft: Behind-the-scenes on turning Angelina Jolie into Lara Croft.
• Are You Game?: Background on the videogame phenomenon.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional character development footage.
• Alternate Main Title Sequence: An alternate look at the film's opening.
• Music Video for U2's Elevation (Tomb Raider Mix): Featuring clips from the movie.
• Theatrical Trailer and Teaser: Presented in 1080p high-definition video.

"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," a film adaptation of the popular video game series Tomb Raider, emerged in 2001 as Hollywood began delving into the video game-to-movie adaptation trend. With its high-stakes action sequences and globetrotting adventure, it positioned itself as a female answer to the beloved Indiana Jones franchise. The plot centers around an astronomical alignment that happens once every 5,000 years, setting the stage for Lara Croft's race against the secretive Illuminati for the powerful Triangle of Light. This cinematic endeavor captures the essence of its video game roots while offering a visual spectacle that appealed to a broad audience, domestic and international alike, with box office earnings of $130 million domestically and $147 million internationally.

Despite its financial success and being a stepping stone for Angelina Jolie towards becoming an A-list star, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" struggles to find a middle ground between being a faithful extension of the video game's universe and standing as a coherent stand-alone film with a compelling narrative. The film floats in a precarious bubble where the intense focus on action and technology overshadows any substantial character development or plot sophistication. This imbalance leaves it not entirely satisfying as either a deep adventure story or a straightforward video game adaptation. The character dynamics and archaeological adventures, despite their potential, feel underdeveloped and derivative of existing templates in the genre.

Upon reevaluation, especially on Blu-ray, the film's reliance on CGI and action spectacle over substance becomes evident. The narrative's attempt to explore Lara Croft's relationship with her father and her quest against the Illuminati lacks the depth and originality needed to sustain lasting interest or justify a film series. The sequel's diminished returns reflect this, marking "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" as a visually entertaining yet ultimately shallow addition to the video game movie genre. Without a strong narrative foundation or character development, it serves more as a momentary diversion rather than a memorable cinematic experience, highlighting the challenges of transitioning video game icons to the big screen.

"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag for fans and newcomers alike. On one hand, it brings Angelina Jolie's iconic performance as the titular character to vibrant life, offering a serving of popcorn munching fun that many will find hard to resist. The action sequences do not fail to entertain, showcasing Jolie in a role that seems tailored to her strengths. However, it's not all smooth sailing. The film is marred by inconsistencies, notably in its pacing and dialogue, with some scenes dragging and others hampered by lines that lack impact. This Blu-ray release mirrors the film's uneven quality. The video transfer shows variability in quality, failing to consistently deliver the crisp and immersive experience that Blu-ray aficionados might expect.

On the audio front, the Blu-ray does a commendable job, with a strong soundtrack that manages to enhance the viewing experience, somewhat making up for the visual shortcomings. The inclusion of extras identical to those found in previous DVD and HD DVD releases is appreciated, though it does little to make this edition stand out for those already owning an earlier copy. Paramount's effort in this release can be seen as solid yet unremarkable, fitting the overall reception of the film itself.

In conclusion, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" on Blu-ray finds itself in an odd position. It's a product that offers enough to be a worthwhile purchase for those new to the franchise or die-hard fans of Jolie's portrayal of Lara Croft. However, for viewers expecting a flawless home theater experience or significant upgrades from previous versions, it may fall short. While the action and Jolie's performance are high points, the inconsistent quality and lack of new features make this release a curious, if tentative, addition to one's Blu-ray collection.