Heavenly Sword Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Heavenly Sword" by Cinedigm showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The visually engaging transfer reveals both strengths and minor inconsistencies. Some scenes and particularly characters achieve near photorealism, whereas others display slight rendering issues leading to minor macroblocking and stairstepping on edges. Noteworthy is the bold and alluring color palette, with Nariko's red-orange hair being a standout feature. While some segments appear surprisingly soft, the non-rendered elements akin to traditional cel animation display impressive sharpness.

Cinedigm's effort to deliver detailed imagery is evident, with fine details prominently visible in most scenes, particularly textures and skin, which allow the viewer to see individual facial hairs and pores. The depth of field is exceptional, giving a near 3D effect that causes characters to pop off the screen, though occasionally at the expense of background clarity. Black levels are consistently deep and inky, adding to the richness of the visuals. Color reproduction is vibrant and consistently matches the tone of the scenes, maintaining visual coherence throughout. Despite a few instances of haloing, the overall presentation is largely free from noise and artifacts, making for an immersive viewing experience.

In summary, while "Heavenly Sword" on Blu-ray has minor visual inconsistencies, Cinedigm’s meticulous attention to detail and color rendition results in a visually striking presentation. The combination of near photorealistic scenes, exceptional depth, vibrant colors, and minimal artifacts make it a noteworthy technical achievement in animated CG Blu-ray releases.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Heavenly Sword" excels in creating an immersive audio experience, particularly characterized by dynamic surround activity that enhances both action-packed sequences and dialogue-driven scenes. Particularly noteworthy is how the midrange and low-range audio deliver a robust and authentic sound. However, the LFE performance is relatively underwhelming given the intense and bloody battles depicted in the film. Subwoofer activity, while present, lacks the assertiveness one would expect from a franchise emphasizing heavy, impactful combat.

Cinedigm's presentation further impresses with its surround sound prowess. The audio track effectively utilizes all channels, producing a vivid auditory landscape marked by sword clashes, flying arrows, and immersive environmental sounds like a waterfall cascading behind the listener. Although the low-frequency extension could have been more aggressive, it still delivers palpable effects with each kick, punch, and sword smash. Dialogue reproduction also stands out for its clarity and intelligibility, maintaining audibility even at lower volumes. While there are minor shortcomings in the LFE section, the overall audio quality remains robust and engaging.

The Blu-ray extras for "Heavenly Sword" offer limited but insightful content for fans. The primary feature, "The Making of Heavenly Sword," provides a thorough behind-the-scenes look, revealing how the project evolved from a potential TV mini-series to its current form. Key discussions include Anna Torv's involvement pre-fame and Alfred Molina's replacement of Andy Serkis as King Bohan. The crew sheds light on the motion capture process, character development, and aspirations for future installments. However, aside from this feature, the extras are sparse and lack a Digital Copy option, making it less appealing for mobile viewing enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Heavenly Sword: Delves into the production process with insights from cast and crew.
• Teasers: Features four different teaser trailers.
• Trailer: The official trailer for the film.

"Heavenly Sword" offers a nostalgic return to one of the early gems that graced the PlayStation 3. Fans of the game will find some satisfaction in seeing Nariko (voiced by Anna Torv) back in action, continuing her role as the protector of the eponymous heavenly sword—a weapon whose immense power exacts a devastating toll on its wielder. This animated film strongly captures the rich visual style of the original game, yet struggles with a fragmented narrative that feels like a series of cut scenes stitched together. The story veers towards conventional big battle sequences and external conflicts, rather than delving into the potential psychological depth promised by Nariko's tragic arc.

Despite its shortcomings, "Heavenly Sword" does evoke a sense of nostalgia with its familiar characters and visual elements. Anna Torv, Alfred Molina as King Bohan, and Thomas Jane lend their voices to a story with single-layer twists and straightforward plot reveals. The movie is essentially a revenge tale, where Nariko must prevent the power-mad ruler Bohan from obtaining the sword. What fans may miss is the more introspective character development and complex storytelling that made the game compelling. While some of the flashback moments are rendered through unique cartoon styles, these only serve to emphasize the disjointed feel of the overall plot.

In summary, "Heavenly Sword" functions more as a love letter to the original game's fans rather than a groundbreaking standalone film. Its adherence to action-packed scenes over deep narrative could disappoint those expecting more from Nariko’s return. Still, for those who fondly remember battling as Nariko, this film provides a visually pleasing albeit narratively shallow continuation of her journey.

Heavenly Sword on Blu-ray is a unique offering that attempts to bring the intense action of the 2007 PlayStation 3 game to a cinematic medium. The technical merits are undeniably robust, with the video presentation delivering sharp, high-definition visuals that exhibit rich colors and exquisite detail. The CGI, while not groundbreaking, is competent and effectively conveys the world and characters of the original game. Audio quality is exceptional, providing an immersive experience with clear dialogue and dynamic sound effects that enhance the high-energy action scenes.

The narrative, however, falls short in delivering a compelling cinematic experience. Fans of the original game might find some nostalgic value, but the story feels dated and lacks the depth to truly captivate new audiences. The film’s plot is fairly predictable and does not offer much in terms of innovative storytelling. As a result, it functions more as an extended cut scene from the game rather than a standalone piece of entertainment. The inclusion of minor new elements does little to elevate the overall experience, making it feel somewhat redundant.

In conclusion, although technically sound with impressive audio and video quality, "Heavenly Sword" struggles to transcend its video game origins into a thrilling and engaging movie. It seems tailored primarily for hardcore fans of the video game who may appreciate the nostalgic journey down memory lane. For most viewers, however, the predictability of the story might deter prolonged interest. While it serves as a commendable artifact in a Blu-ray collection for gaming enthusiasts, its broader appeal remains limited. Those drawn to this title might ultimately prefer revisiting the actual game rather than re-watching the film.