Babylon A.D. Blu-ray Review

"Babylon A.D." makes its way onto Blu-ray with a video presentation that deftly balances filmic texture with high-definition clarity, courtesy of a 2.35:1, 1080p transfer. The image quality, predominantly characterized by a consistent grain structure and a color palette leaning towards sepia and de-saturated neutrals, contributes to a visually distinctive experience. Despite the grain occasionally becoming uneven and somewhat heavy in places, which may distract, the overall cinematic feel is preserved. Detail is meticulously captured in close-ups, notably in the rugged features of Vin Diesel's face, where every scar, tattoo, and strand of facial hair is vividly portrayed. However, the image sometimes appears dim and lacks the vibrancy of bright colors, maintaining a cooler, almost lifeless ambiance that perfectly complements the dreary, dystopian settings from Eastern Europe and Russia to the pristine Alaskan wilderness and the technologically advanced New York City.

The blacks presented in this transfer are notably deep and inky, providing contrast that adds depth to the darker scenes without compromising detail. This is particularly evident in low light scenarios both indoors and outdoors, where staggered lighting reveals an impressive subtlety in background details and a fine delineation that enhances the two-dimensional depth of distant shots. Despite some variability in resolution and an occasional crush in the shadows, the black levels remain a strong point, contributing to the film’s atmospheric visual style.

Accompanying the robust video presentation is an engaging DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that complements the visuals with its dynamic range and immersive sound environment. The audio experience is rich and full-bodied, featuring crisp and clear dialogue, enveloping surround effects, and potent bass that bring action sequences to life with palpable impact. From the strife-filled streets of New York City to the adrenaline-pumping drone chase in Alaska, the sound field is expansive, with well-integrated panning effects that create a 360-degree auditory experience. The special attention to auditory detail during the memory flashback sequence in the third act is especially noteworthy, utilizing the full potential of the audio system to deliver powerful bass and an all-encompassing surround sound effect that enhances the overall viewing experience.

"Babylon A.D." on Blu-ray delivers an auditory experience that leverages the full prowess of its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, presented by 20th Century Fox, to create a sonic backdrop that is as immersive as it is dynamic. The audio mix utilizes the soundstage to its fullest, encapsulating viewers in a world where distant gunshots and the thunderous rotors of helicopters don't just sound; they resonate with a depth and clarity that echoes around the room. Similarly, the film's score, particularly the hip-hop tracks accompanying the opening credits, thumps with an intensity that fills the space, demonstrating a careful balance between power and precision. Explosions and action sequences make an indelible mark on the soundscape, showcasing extended dynamic range and a powerful low-end that ensures every blast and gunshot feels viscerally impactful.

This soundtrack shines equally in moments of calm and chaos, with quieter scenes embedded with a rich tapestry of ambient sounds such as the rustling of leaves or the bustling energy of a crowded street, adding layers to the film's atmosphere and drawing audiences deeper into its world. Such attention to sonic detail extends to dialogue which remains crisply intelligible against the most raucous of backdrops—be it booming explosions or the heavy beats in a club scene—which itself delivers deep, resonant bass that places listeners right in the heart of the action. The effective use of rear speakers augments this immersive experience, wrapping audiences in a cocoon of sound that extends beyond the immediate action to include subtler sounds that contribute to the world-building.

Notably, the audio presentation's technical prowess lends scenes an additional layer of realism and impact, from seamlessly integrated panning effects that create a 360-degree sound field to aggressive surround mixes that fill the room with sound. The memory flashback sequence in the third act exemplifies the soundtrack’s capability to dynamically engage the entire system, enveloping viewers with expansive surround sound punctuated by short bursts of powerful bass. Such sequences highlight the soundtrack’s ability to not just accompany the visual element but enhance the overall experience of "Babylon A.D.," making it as memorable for its sound as for its cinematic storytelling.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Babylon A.D." enriches the viewing experience with a commendable array of extras, highlighting the blend of technical prowess and creative storytelling behind the film. Noteworthy is the 'Bonusview' feature, offering a dual insight with 'Scene Evolution'—a 50-minute delve into the scenes' makings—and imaginative 'Babylon A.D. Commercials'. The addition of the 'Hummer Sequence' deleted scene enhances the main narrative. Further exploration is facilitated through five featurettes, including insightful discussions on the source material in 'Babylon Babies', a detailed look at a key action sequence in 'Arctic Escape', and the intricacies of fight choreography in 'Fit for the Screen'. The 'Prequel to Babylon A.D.: Genesis of Aurora' stands out for providing a rich backstory through animation. Supporting extras like still galleries, trailers, and an Inside Look at 'Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia', alongside D-Box motion code compatibility and a digital copy for portable viewing, round off a package that offers both depth and variety to fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bonusview features: Includes 'Scene Evolution' and 'Babylon A.D. Commercials'.
• Deleted Scene - Hummer Sequence
• Featurettes: Including 'Babylon Babies', 'Arctic Escape', 'Fit for the Screen', 'Flight of the Hummers', and 'Prequel to Babylon A.D.: Genesis of Aurora'.
• Still Galleries
• Trailers: For Stargate: Continuum, X-Files: I want to believe, and The Happening.
• Inside Look at Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia
• D-Box Motion Code Compatibility
• Digital Copy Bonus Disc: Standard definition version for portable playback devices.

In the stark, dystopian future Babylon A.D. unfolds, Vin Diesel portrays Toorop, a mercenary navigating a devastated Eastern Europe to New York City with a young woman whose secret might change the world. Despite the tantalizing premise steeped in science fiction and action, the film stumbles over its ambitious narrative, echoing the sentiments of both hope and missed opportunities. Viewers expecting a breakthrough are instead presented with a plot mired in mystery and incoherence, lacking the clarity to truly resonate or redefine its genre. Nevertheless, Diesel's performance, alongside commendable special effects and action sequences, provides a measure of redemption, offering fleeting entertainment despite the overarching narrative's shortcomings.

Drawing parallels to other science fiction endeavors, notably the 1999 novel "Babylon Babies" and the less celebrated "Cyborg," Babylon A.D.'s narrative ambitions are undercut by its execution. While it boasts superior acting and special effects compared to its predecessors, it falls victim to superficiality, unable to deliver on the inherent promise of its premise. This inability to fully exploit its potential relegates it to a cautionary tale of what could have been—a film hinting at depth and importance but ultimately failing to achieve either.

Director Mathieu Kassovitz attempts to steer the ship with a steady hand, supported by strong performances from Diesel and Michelle Yeoh, among others. However, the film's attempts to mirror iconic sci-fi visuals and thematic depth—evoking comparisons to classics like Blade Runner—fall short, despite technological advancements. Babylon A.D., for all its attempts at hard-edged action and speculative fiction, remains a conflicted blend of unfulfilled promise and transient spectacle, illustrating a landscape of what might have been rather than what is.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Babylon A.D." offers a significantly elevated viewing experience, leveraging an extensive array of high-end equipment, such as the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and the Carada Precision Brilliant White 96" Screen, coupled with state-of-the-art audio systems including Canton Ergo Series speakers and the Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor. This setup ensures that both video and audio are rendered with exceptional clarity and depth, far surpassing standard viewing conditions. The film's action sequences and dystopian landscapes are particularly benefitting from this enhanced treatment, with crisp visuals and immersive sound that somewhat mitigate the narrative's shortcomings.

Despite the film's narrative flaws, the technical brilliance of the Blu-ray release shines through. Through components like the Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player and Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-ray disc Player, coupled with high-quality cabling from Wireworld and Audioquest, the release manages to present "Babylon A.D." in the best light possible. The supplementation of behind-the-scenes materials adds value for enthusiasts interested in the filmmaking process, offering insights that are both informative and engaging. However, these technical merits and bonus materials can only elevate the film's overall appeal to a certain extent, given its lack of depth and originality which might leave audiences wanting more.

In conclusion, while "Babylon A.D." might not fulfill the expectations of hardcore science fiction aficionados or those seeking a film with substantial meaning, the Blu-ray release stands out as a showcase of how superior audiovisual technology can enhance the home cinema experience. The quality of the video and audio presentation, alongside a decent array of bonus content, makes it a commendable release from 20th Century Fox. However, it is perhaps best approached as a rental, where viewers can appreciate the technological merits without the commitment of a purchase, given the film's inability to fully engage its audience.