Stardust Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray presentation of "Stardust" manifests remarkable visual fidelity, capturing the essence of its filmic origins. The 1080p transfer boasts strong depth of field and stable, punchy contrast, paired with bright, detailed whites and deep blacks that accentuate shadow detail superbly. The subtle refinement in close-ups reveals intricate textures within facial features, clothing, and other onscreen objects. Wide-angle shots of panoramic vistas, particularly the Iceland/Isle of Skye landscapes, offer significant dimension and discernable rendering of foreground and background elements. Although the film isn’t overly colorful, its earth-toned palette and secondary hues exhibit modest tonal variety and look striking in high definition. Grain is presented in fine layers that are noticeable but not obtrusive, maintaining a natural film-like quality.

The Blu-ray's handling of colors is noteworthy. Bright primaries appear sparingly yet vividly, contrasting sharply against the dominant sepia tones, and skin tones remain consistently natural. Despite occasional moments where blacks become slightly too absorbing or the image takes on a digital sheen, the overall visual experience is impressively filmic, free from unsightly debris or print damage. This high-definition presentation significantly enhances the visual effects. Elements like Captain Shakespeare's flying pirate ship attain a striking presence, though they sometimes expose minor flaws in CGI. The transfer enriches visual effects more often than it detracts, delivering a predominantly opulent viewing experience. No technical glitches such as aliasing, macro-blocking, or digital noise reduction mar this presentation.

In summary, Paramount’s meticulous handling of "Stardust" on Blu-ray adeptly balances clarity and fidelity to the source material. This transfer masterfully reproduces a film-like aesthetic while taking advantage of high definition to illustrate depth and vibrancy where the director intended. This Blu-ray release is undeniably captivating, promising an immersive visual journey through its fantastical narrative landscape.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "Stardust" is truly exceptional, rivaling the film’s impressive video quality. The audio presentation is characterized by an extended dynamic range and a robust bass that resonates deeply. Initially, the track is understated, with minimal surround effects, but it evolves magnificently as the story progresses and the adventure intensifies. Key sequences, particularly those involving Captain Shakespeare's flying ship, showcase dynamic energy and deep bass extension within an immersive 360-degree sound field. This balance offers rich, percussion-heavy orchestration that commands the soundstage with high-level resolution. Notably, the dialogue remains crisp and clear even during the film’s most bustling moments, enhancing both the depth and clarity of spoken lines and low-level effects.

As the movie unfolds, the soundtrack escalates in complexity and engagement, perfectly mirroring the narrative flow from a calm start to a thrilling climax. The final action sequence stands out as demo-worthy, combining precise dialogue with powerful bass and enveloping surround effects. Sequences where characters converge in dynamic environments captivate with vivid soundscapes that place the viewer right at the heart of the action. Atmospheric enhancements throughout the film come in both subtle and direct forms, consistently driving the story forward. Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is a stellar and well-balanced presentation that delivers a thoroughly engaging auditory experience for both casual viewers and discerning audiophiles.

The Blu-ray edition of "Stardust" offers a robust collection of extras that add depth and context to the film. The highlight is the engaging audio commentary by Director Matthew Vaughn and Writer Jane Goldman. They provide an honest and informative discussion, covering production challenges, budget constraints, and working with the cast. The standout feature is the five-part documentary series "Crossing the Wall: The Making of 'Stardust'," which offers an exhaustive look at the adaptation and production process. Additional extras include the insightful "Nothing Is True" behind-the-scenes short, a set of five deleted scenes, a light-hearted blooper reel, and the theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman: Engaging and informative.
• Crossing the Wall - Making of Stardust: Comprehensive five-part documentary.
• Nothing is True: Behind-the-scenes with Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes offering minor additional context.
• Blooper Reel: Light-hearted outtakes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

Matthew Vaughn delivers a whimsical and enchanting tale with "Stardust." In hopes of winning the heart of the beautiful Victoria (Sienna Miller), Tristan (Charlie Cox) ventures beyond the borders of his small English village into the magical land of Stormhold. Here, he encounters an extraordinary realm filled with quirky characters, swashbuckling action, and a peculiar blend of serious adventure and light-hearted moments. The most captivating aspect is the boundary between the ordinary world and the fantastical universe, symbolized by an ancient stone wall guarded by an equally old guardian. Instead of relying on clichés like magic mirrors or hidden portals, "Stardust" uses this simple yet effective device to merge two distinct worlds and create a relatable narrative foundation.

Despite its charms, the film's pacing can feel cluttered, particularly in the first half. Initial viewers might experience information overload, though repeat viewings do smooth out these issues. Vaughn’s direction is visually captivating, enhanced by a grand score from Ilan Eshkeri reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean's musical elements. The casting stands out, with Charlie Cox embodying a mix of innocence and heroism, while Claire Danes breathes life into Yvaine with radiant charm. Michelle Pfeiffer excels as the villainous witch Lamia, and Robert De Niro delivers a surprising performance as a cross-dressing pirate, adding a layer of eccentricity to the film.

Overall, "Stardust" doesn't necessarily break new ground in the fantasy genre, but it assembles well-known elements into a magical and heartfelt narrative. Its technical shortcomings are overshadowed by its rich visual scheme and engaging story, making it a valuable addition to any Blu-ray collection.

"Stardust" on Blu-ray delivers a captivating blend of storytelling prowess and technical excellence that manages to both entertain and visually engage its audience. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, this film combines humor, heart, and action within a fantastical narrative that, while not wholly original, provides a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The cast performs admirably, though character development remains somewhat superficial. Nevertheless, the film maintains a steady pace guided by Vaughn’s effective direction. The Blu-ray presentation stands out with robust picture quality and immersive sound that enhances the viewing experience significantly.

Repeated viewings of "Stardust" reveal its depth, showcasing it as a bold and ambitious entry in the fantasy genre. Despite initial reservations about its pacing and some stylistic inconsistencies, the movie ultimately proves itself as an enduring piece that pushes the boundaries of fantasy filmmaking. Its length might be felt at times, but the overall entertainment value remains high. The Blu-ray edition provides reference-quality audio and video, making it the definitive way to watch the film. The inclusion of substantial extras, such as a comprehensive commentary track and an extensive documentary, add layers of insight and enjoyment.

In conclusion, "Stardust" on Blu-ray is a fantastic choice for both fans of the genre and those looking for a high-quality home theater experience. Its engaging narrative, coupled with top-tier technical presentation and substantial bonus content, makes it a valuable addition to any Blu-ray collection. Recommended.