Immortals Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Immortals" in 2D offers an image quality that both delights and disappoints in certain respects. Shot digitally using the Panavision Genesis camera and later converted to 3D, the transition back to 2D is mostly successful, with the 1080p AVC encode presenting a stunning level of detail. The textures of armor and fabric, the fine facial features of the actors, and the depth of the digitally-created backdrops are rendered with exceptional clarity. The film's color palette is striking—skin tones have a perfect bronze hue, reds are vibrant, and the gold attire of the Olympians shimmers against a predominantly warm, yellow cast scene. However, the picture struggles with contrast balance, often tipping towards the dark side and muddying details in shadow-heavy scenes, despite an overall vivid presentation.

Moreover, while the film stands out with its ornate set designs and clear makeup effects, it suffers from a somewhat washed-out appearance at times. Black levels inconsistently sway between deep and dark grey, affecting the visual depth and causing colors to appear somewhat flat in certain sequences. Noteworthily, issues such as bad roto-scoping around characters in Mount Olympus scenes detract from the otherwise immersive experience, presenting them in an almost cardboard-like fashion. Instances of banding and digital aliasing are minor but evident nuisances. These technical blemishes aside, the Blu-ray does manage to capture the film's ambitious aesthetic, from the sparkling bronze color palette to the intricate designs that make 'Immortals' visually arresting.

In conclusion, 'Immortals' Blu-ray in 2D showcases a remarkable yet imperfect visual feast. Despite its issues with contrast, occasional washout effects, and digital artifacts, the superior resolution and color rendition make it a noteworthy release. It's a vivid portrayal of Tarsem Singh’s vision, offering both spectacle and detail that will satisfy most videophiles seeking arresting imagery on Blu-ray.

The Immortals Blu-ray offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that fully capitalizes on the capabilities of a high-end home theater system, promising an immersive and guttural auditory experience that will command every speaker to contribute to an enveloping soundscape. From the meteoric impact of its LFE channels delivering room-shaking bass fitting for the depicted deity clashes, to the precise directional audio that makes every arrow shot and sword clank a palpable presence, the sound design excels in immersiveness and clarity. The mix is further enriched by Trevor Morris's brassy score, providing a majestic auditory backdrop to the on-screen action. While dialogue levels can occasionally dip beneath the auditory spectacle of effects and score, it generally remains clear and intelligible without detracting from the overall experience. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles, along with a French Dolby Digital 5.1 dub, are provided for additional accessibility.

Despite its strengths, the soundtrack's dynamic range doesn’t quite reach the zenith of perfection expected from contemporary audio tracks, suggesting a slight compression that may leave audiophiles yearning for more detailed highs and lows across the sonic spectrum. Some sound effects appear exaggerated beyond the point of enhancing the on-screen action, occasionally breaking the immersive spell cast by the otherwise meticulous sound design. The auditory experience, while potent and energetically matched to the film's grandiose visual narrative, shows room for refinement in achieving the perfect balance between dialogue, effects, and music levels—a balance crucial for when adjusting volume to accommodate softer spoken moments results in an overly bombastic reawakening during action sequences.

In conclusion, while Immortals' audio presentation rocks the foundational aspects of home theater engagement with its robust use of surround sound and deep bass, it falls just shy of audio nirvana due to issues with dynamic range and some inconsistent sound effect levels. Nonetheless, for those seeking to test the mettle of their sound systems with a cinematic spectacle, this Blu-ray delivers an auditory experience that is as close to divine as it is earthen, making it a worthy addition for enthusiasts willing to overlook its minor sonic blemishes.

The "Immortals" Blu-ray extras deliver a commendable assortment of additional content that enriches the viewing experience and offers insights into the film's development. From mythology enthusiasts to cinema students, the collection presents an engaging blend of educational and entertaining material. The behind-the-scenes looks, particularly in "Caravaggio Meets Fight Club - Tarsem's Vision," shed light on the creative process encompassing special effects, stunts, and the director's unique approach to Greek mythology. Meanwhile, the alternate beginnings and endings present intriguing what-ifs that provoke thought about narrative decisions. The deleted scenes provide a peek into omitted content, although their exclusion seems justified. One minor grievance involves the "Immortals: Gods and Heroes" comic adaptation's text size, which strains readability. Overall, these extras reinforce the film's artistic vision, though viewers should heed caution with the audio levels in certain features.

Extras included in this disc:

• It's No Myth: Experts discuss Greek mythology’s influence on the film.
• Caravaggio Meets Fight Club - Tarsem's Vision: A four-part documentary exploring the director's interpretation and the creation of visual and auditory elements.
• Alternate Opening - Young Theseus: An unused scene providing Theseus' backstory.
• Alternate Ending - This is Our Last Embrace: Extended death scene for Hyperion.
• Alternate Ending - Theseus Kills Hyperion: An alternate confrontation between Theseus and Hyperion.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes left on the cutting room floor.
• Immortals: Gods and Heroes: A comic series tied to the film, challenging to read due to small text.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original trailer.
• Sneak Peeks: Previews of other releases.

Immortals," a promising visual odyssey directed by Tarsem Singh, sails into the choppy waters of mythological storytelling with a visually arresting yet conceptually flawed approach. Immersed in Greek mythology, the film chooses to prioritize style over substance, diverging significantly from traditional narratives to the point of frustration for purists. This reinterpretation introduces a visually fantastical universe, where the clash of gods and mortals unfolds in a spectacle of CGI grandeur, described aptly by Singh as "Caravaggio meets Fight Club." Despite its visual prowess, courtesy of unforgettable costume designs by Eiko Ishioka and Singh's unique stylistic vision, the film struggles to anchor its grandiose aesthetics with a coherent story, leaving viewers adrift in a sea of narrative convolution.

The heart of the discord lies in the treatment of the film’s characters, particularly Theseus (Henry Cavill), portrayed as a reluctant hero whose journey teeters on the edge of insignificance. While Cavill delivers a commendable performance, the script fails him, rendering Theseus's arc as frustratingly ineffective in the grand scheme. The gods, despite their divine intervention, are reduced to momentary distractions rather than pivotal narrative forces. This diversion dilutes the mythological essence, relegating timeless tales to mere backdrops for action sequences. Similarly, Mickey Rourke's portrayal of Hyperion offers a glimmer of depth in a sea of superficiality, yet his motives and actions, like those of other characters, get lost in the film's ambition to awe rather than to narrate.

The overarching narrative attempts to weave together epic battles, divine machinations, and human strife but ultimately succumbs to a disjointed assembly of scenes lacking emotional gravity. The critical element — a compelling reason to care about the gods’ plight or humanity's survival — remains elusive. As much as Singh’s direction imbues "Immortals" with spellbinding imagery, the film’s penchant for prioritizing visual spectacle over narrative integrity leaves a hollow echo, reminiscent of missed opportunities to blend mythological reverence with cinematic innovation.

Tarsem Singh's "Immortals" faces familiar criticism for prioritizing style over substance, as witnessed in his previous work, "The Cell". The film, veering from Greek mythology for a visually charged narrative, fails to engage beyond its eye-catching CGI and 3D spectacle. Despite boasting of stunning visuals and some impressive choreographed fight scenes, "Immortals" falls short of delivering a compelling narrative, rendering it less entertaining than one might hope. It stands as a visual feast for audio and video purists, thanks to its remarkable picture quality and dynamic sound on the Blu-ray release, but for a general audience, it might not rise above being a mere rental option.

The Blu-ray presentation shines with its high-definition video and robust lossless surround sound track, offering an enhanced viewing experience that arguably elevates the movie more than its theatrical release. Notable also is the inclusion of a series of behind-the-scenes supplements, adding value for fans or those with a penchant for filmmaking process insights. Collectors might find the standard Blu-ray satisfactory unless 3D capabilities are a priority, in which case the three-disc Blu-ray 3D release would be preferable. For those contemplating their first venture into "Immortals" via Blu-ray, a rental is advised to gauge personal reception before committing to a purchase.

In conclusion, while "Immortals" on Blu-ray stands as a paradisiacal exhibit for enthusiasts of superior audiovisual experiences, it remains encumbered by its core narrative and thematic weaknesses. The film, despite its impressive technical merits and supplementary content, might not vindicate a full purchase price for a broader audience. It serves as a testament to the fact that cinematic brilliance is not merely a function of visual splendor but also of evocative storytelling, which "Immortals", unfortunately, lacks.