Hero Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray edition of "Hero" has long been a topic of discussion among fans and videophiles alike. Previous home video iterations have left much to be desired, struggling with issues ranging from poor color handling to various forms of digital degradation. However, this 1080p/AVC-encoded high definition transfer by Disney represents a significant, albeit imperfect, step forward. The film's rich visual palette, masterfully shot by Christopher Doyle, benefits greatly from this release. Reds are more vivid, blues more dynamic, and greens more striking than in any prior version. Contrast and black levels show notable improvement, bringing warmth and depth previously unseen. While detail tends towards the softer side and inconsistency in texture and object definition can detract from the overall experience, close-ups remain commendably clear.

Despite these advancements, the transfer is not without its flaws. The presence of intermittent noise reduction and occasional heavy grain disrupt the integrity of some scenes, hinting at underlying compression challenges. Such irregularities, alongside moments of faint artifacting, hold back the release from achieving an unreserved recommendation. Colors, though solid and generally accurate, lack the three-dimensional vibrancy that might have elevated the visuals further. Issues noted in earlier versions, such as edge enhancement and oversaturation, have been largely addressed, leading to a presentation that is the best the film has looked on home video to date.

This release stands as a testament to both the progress made and the challenges remaining in home video transfers. While definitely a marked improvement over previous DVDs and even HD DVD releases with its restored grain and better handling of the film’s unique color palette, discerning viewers might still find room for critique. The softness of the image and occasional focus issues, particularly in wider shots and complex action sequences, underline the need for cautious optimism. Fans of "Hero" may find much to appreciate here, but those with a keen eye for technical fidelity should temper their expectations, recognizing this Blu-ray as a step in the right direction rather than the definitive edition.

The audio presentation of "Hero" on Blu-ray has elicited a range of reactions primarily due to its distribution of audio codecs between the original Mandarin soundtrack and its English dub. While the English version receives the deluxe treatment with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, the original Mandarin falls short with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. This disparity has certainly ruffled feathers among audiophiles and film purists who lament the missed opportunity to experience Tan Dun's evocative score and the intricate sound design in optimal quality. Nonetheless, this decision, regrettable as it may be, should not detract from the overall prowess of both tracks. The English track shines with superior vocal clarity, dynamic LFE output, and a crisp soundscape, making it a formidable choice for those unbothered by dubbing.

On the flip side, despite its lossy compression, the Mandarin track still manages to convey the film's sonic ambiance with commendable proficiency. Dialogue remains prominent and lucid, and the lighter effects are rendered with precision, maintaining the atmospheric integrity of Zhang Yimou's vision. However, it's not without its shortcomings; a notable imbalance between dialogue and sound effects can at times overshadow finer details, and the lack of lossless encoding is felt, particularly during scenes rich in auditory nuances. It's an aggressive mix that thrives on its immersive qualities but occasionally suffers from harshness in its high-end frequencies.

Ultimately, while the decision to prioritize the English dub in terms of audio quality has sparked controversy, dismissing this Blu-ray release on those grounds alone would be unwise. Both audio tracks present "Hero" in a manner that, while imperfect, captures the essence of its storytelling through sound. The film's auditory landscape remains vibrant and engaging, ensuring that viewers, regardless of their audio track preference, will find something to appreciate in this cinematic experience.

The Special Edition Blu-ray of "Hero" notably repackages content from previous releases with limited additional material, offering little in the way of fresh insight or substantial behind-the-scenes coverage. The extras, largely carried over from the 2004 DVD version, are presented in standard definition and can be fully explored in under an hour. Among these, "Hero Defined" provides a basic, albeit surface-level, making-of documentary experience. An unconventional addition is the conversation between Jet Li and Quentin Tarantino in "Inside the Action," highlighting Tarantino's admiration for the film amidst a somewhat misplaced focus. The exclusive "Close-up of a Fight Scene" and a brief look at storyboards offer scant glimpses into the film's action choreography and pre-production process. Additional features like a soundtrack promo and D-Box Motion Code present minor enhancements, yet the overall package falls short in delivering a compelling deep dive into the creation and legacy of "Hero."

Extras included in this disc:

• Hero Defined: A making-of featurette providing an overview of the production.
• Inside the Action: A dialogue between Jet Li and Quentin Tarantino on the film.
• Close-up of a Fight Scene: Exclusive featurette offering insight into the action sequences.
• Storyboards: Comparison of selected scenes with their storyboards.
• Soundtrack Promo: Advertisement for the film’s soundtrack.
• D-Box Motion Code: For syncing with D-Box equipped furniture for an immersive experience.
• Digital Copy: Portable version of the movie for convenient viewing.

Zhang Yimou's "Hero," a visually stunning film that transported audiences to an ancient China adorned with breathtaking landscapes and infused with a philosophical depth, marked an ambitious exploration into the wuxia genre by the acclaimed director. Bolstered by an ensemble of eminent talents including Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Donnie Yen, and Zhang Ziyi, the movie weaves a complex narrative of a lone warrior who, against all odds, claims to have eliminated the emperor's most formidable enemies. Through a series of Rashomon-esque flashbacks, "Hero" unfolds its intricate plot that delves into themes of truth, deception, and the quest for peace beyond the visceral thrills of combat. Despite its critical acclaim for the choreography of its action sequences and the poetic use of color symbolism by cinematographer Christopher Doyle, the film's storytelling prowess has evoked polarized reactions, attributed to its elaborate structure and pacing.

The presentation of "Hero" on Blu-ray brings this cinematic masterpiece into sharp relief, highlighting the meticulousness of its production design and the vibrancy of its palette. However, the release has not been without its controversies, notably concerning its marketing in the U.S. and the choice to include only the 99-minute theatrical version over the longer cut available in the Asian market. This decision might leave enthusiasts longing for a more expanded view of Yimou's vision yet does not detract from the overall quality of this edition. For aficionados of the wuxia genre or cinephiles appreciative of film as an art form, "Hero" remains an indelible experience that continues to resonate due to its dynamic fusion of form, function, and narrative. The film challenges viewers to look beyond the surface spectacle, offering a rich tapestry of insights into human nature and the costs of heroism, therein lies its enduring appeal and significance within contemporary cinema.

Yimou Zhang's "Hero" stands as a cinematic marvel, its storytelling prowess and striking visuals leaving an indelible mark on the art of film. The transition to Blu-ray, however, has not done justice to its narrative and aesthetic impact. Despite being a superior version compared to previous DVD releases, the Blu-ray edition faces critical setbacks. The video transfer does not live up to the high expectations set by the movie's visual allure, presenting a less-than-optimal viewing experience. Furthermore, the decision to offer the original Mandarin soundtrack in a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 format, while providing a lossless encoding for the English dub, is bewildering and undermines the movie’s authentic auditory splendor. Supplemental materials are also scant, further diminishing the overall value of this release.

Equally disappointing is the quality of subtitles, which fails to accurately convey the nuanced storytelling of the original script, making this aspect a significant detractor for enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience. The lack of meaningful extras and the poor subtitle translation exacerbate the feeling of an opportunity missed, sidelining what could have been a definitive edition of this landmark film. These issues indicate a lack of commitment to preserving the director’s original vision and a misplaced focus on less pivotal aspects of the release.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray edition of "Hero" represents a marginal improvement over its DVD predecessors, it falls frustratingly short of delivering a package worthy of the film's masterpiece status. Between the compromised video quality, problematic audio options, insubstantial supplementary content, and inaccurate subtitles, it's hard to wholeheartedly recommend this version. Fans may appreciate the upgrade but should temper their expectations and perhaps wait for a more polished release that this influential film rightfully deserves.