Nine Lives Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Nine Lives" delivers a faithful 1080p transfer with the 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio preserved, utilizing the AVC codec. The transfer thrives in color fidelity and vibrancy, with certain aspects, such as the reds and pinks, almost reaching gaudy levels due to their oversaturation, occasionally resulting in a slight bleed. Despite this, the rest of the color palette remains exuberant yet balanced, helping to enhance the visual engagement of scenes. Flesh tones tend to carry a warm red push but are generally well-managed.

Detailing is a standout feature of this transfer, revealing intricate elements like the finer points on high-end fashion, furnishings within the office building and Brand home, and even the complexities of cat fur with remarkable clarity. The transfer ensures that finer details in settings like the cat shop and urban back alleys are distinctly visible. While some source noise is present in the background, it doesn't detract from the overall sharpness or viewing experience.

Contrast levels are well-applied throughout, creating a balanced visual result. Black levels maintain sufficient depth without introducing additional visual distractions. The 1080p presentation excels in sharpness, capturing minute aspects such as hair and facial features with precision. The sharpness ensures that elements like the contrasting greens of Walken's suit and the blues in Spacey’s and Amell’s eyes are particularly striking, showcasing the transfer’s ability to handle vibrant color ranges effectively. The division of the film into nine chapters complements the overall video quality, making navigation seamless.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Nine Lives" demonstrates a fundamental, albeit somewhat lackluster, sound presentation. Dialogue and narration are consistently clear, well-positioned, and maintain proper prioritization; however, they lack the commanding presence expected at a calibrated volume. Music tracks, predominantly lingering along the front channels, exhibit basic clarity and never stretch the system to its full potential. Instances such as a large gathering around the 10-minute mark showcase commendable reverberation effects, though the track remains overall timid.

Surround activity proves minimal, with ambient effects like gusting wind and driving rain providing modest back channel involvement but rarely enveloping the listener fully. The most dynamic audio moment occurs near the film's end, with popping fireworks impressively extending to the sides and delivering a satisfying bass impact. Despite this, sporadic use of rear channels for background music integration leaves the sound mix feeling front-heavy. The professional dialogue recording does, however, ensure that all spoken lines remain clear and accurately centered.

The Blu Ray of "Nine Lives" features insightful and entertaining extras that delve into the film's production nuances. The primary attraction is the featurette "Letting the Cat Out of the Bag," which provides an extensive behind-the-scenes look at the movie, offering director Barry Sonnenfeld’s direction insights, cast contributions, and production design influences. Another highlight, "Russian for Herding Cats," explores the unique challenges of working with hypoallergenic cats imported from Russia, including training and stunt execution. Additionally, the disc includes the film's theatrical trailer and a promo trailer for "Ice Age: Collision Course." Supplementary materials such as a DVD copy and a UV digital copy voucher are also part of the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Letting the Cat Out of the Bag: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
• Russian for Herding Cats: Insights into working with the Russian cats in the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for "Nine Lives."
• Promo Trailer: Trailer for "Ice Age: Collision Course."

"Nine Lives," directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, is a family comedy that follows the pattern of many workaholic-turned-reformed parent stories. The film stars Kevin Spacey as Tom Brand, an ambitious billionaire who gets caught in a fantastical predicament: his soul is transferred into a cat named Mister Fuzzypants following an accident. Jennifer Garner and Malina Weissman portray Brand’s neglected second family, while Christopher Walken plays the eccentric pet shop owner who orchestrates Tom’s transformation. Despite the intriguing premise and a cast of seasoned actors, the film struggles with predictability and fails to effectively capitalize on its comedic potential. The film is visually engaging, though notably CGI-dependent, suited for cat enthusiasts who particularly appreciate the nuances of feline behavior.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is commendable. The video quality stands out with sharp outlines and vivid hues that enhance the film's upbeat tone. Details such as fur textures and indoor set decorations are rendered with striking clarity, immersing viewers into the rich environments that range from a Diagon Alley-inspired pet shop to a towering modern architectural marvel. Meanwhile, the audio, despite becoming overbearing during intense lightning scenes, delivers clear dialogues and crisp sound effects which integrate smoothly within the mix, creating an atmospheric but balanced auditory experience. Voiceover work, primarily Spacey’s internal monologues as Mister Fuzzypants, is cleanly incorporated, though somewhat missing the visual humor due to non-anthropomorphized mouth movements.

The film doesn’t break any new ground in its narrative or execution but offers lighthearted entertainment that may resonate better with a younger audience or feline aficionados. Viewers should adjust their expectations accordingly to fully appreciate this feel-good comedy that wraps familiar tropes in a cuddly, cat-themed package.

"Nine Lives" manages to engage cat enthusiasts with its charming feline antics and relatable humor, but it falls short in other areas. Kevin Spacey’s transformation into a cat injects the storyline with some humor, although the movie’s script often lacks wit and depth. There are moments where the pacing slows down significantly, particularly during scenes involving business dealings, which fail to generate substantial tension.

Technically, the Blu-ray is impressive. The video quality is strikingly vibrant, showcasing the rich color palette and detailed imagery. The sound mix, while not extraordinary, is more than adequate and complements the visual aspects effectively. However, the film's heavy use of CGI can be glaringly obvious in certain scenes, slightly diminishing its overall appeal. The disc also includes a limited selection of extras, which may interest fans of the genre but do not significantly enhance the value of the package.

In conclusion, "Nine Lives" will resonate primarily with cat lovers who appreciate its feline charm despite its narrative shortcomings. The Blu-ray boasts excellent video quality and satisfactory audio, making it a decent addition to any cat enthusiast’s collection. However, those who are indifferent towards cats may find the film less enjoyable and somewhat lacking in comedic substance.