Ultraviolet Blu-ray Review

"Ultraviolet" arrives on Blu-ray boasting a striking presentation in 1080p with a MPEG-2 encode, viewed either in a 1:85:1 or a 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio that screams of its digital creation. Shot using Sony's HDW-F900 digital cameras, the direct digital transfer ensures the source material is pristine, devoid of filmic anomalies such as dirt and blemishes, delivering a picture quality that's both vibrant and crisp. The color palette is intensely vivid, leaning heavily on primary and secondary colors which tend to pop off the screen, though it comes at the expense of natural hues, lending the imagery an artificial, cartoonish feel. Details in textures, especially non-facial elements, are commendably sharp, showcasing especially well in certain scenes like the detailed cemetery. However, this clarity contrasts markedly with the soft filtering applied to character faces to achieve a comic book-like aesthetic, resulting in a peculiar blend of hyper-detail and softened features that might not sit well with all viewers.

The ultraviolet spectrum of colors within "Ultraviolet" on Blu-ray presents a double-edged sword; while it brings eyepopping visuals that give certain scenes profound depth — courtesy of deep, ink-like blacks — it also tends to oversaturate, rendering some images gaudy or garish. The film's ambitious digital processing eschews naturalism for a distinctive look that's nothing short of polarizing. Viewers will note the absence of grain and a lack of wide, natural color palettes, further distancing the film from traditional photo-realism. Despite this, anomalies typical of heavy digital manipulation such as noticeable pixelation, color banding, and edginess around contrast-rich objects subtly betray the film’s high-definition potential, injecting moments of distraction into an otherwise meticulous presentation.

Drawing all elements together, "Ultraviolet's" Blu-ray video presentation encapsulates a bold visual experiment that manifests the director's unique vision — albeit with some inconsistency. The absence of digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement is a welcome preservation of detail amidst the largely altered cinematic landscape that grapples with balancing extreme visuals and maintaining fidelity to its digital essence. This contrasting imagery lends itself to an overall aesthetic that may not achieve universal appeal but certainly stands out for its audacity to redefine engagement through its distinct visual style.

The audio presentation of "Ultraviolet" on its Blu Ray release is prominently powered by an uncompressed English 5.1 PCM track, delivering an intense auditory experience that is nothing short of aggressive. The soundtrack's dynamic range and frequency response are remarkably wide, accentuating depth and clarity, especially notable in the bass and deep bass frequencies. Bass performance is exceptional, reaching down to 25hz in the LFE channel and even down to 50hz in the surrounds at concert levels without a hint of distortion. The film’s kinetic action ensures all speakers are effectively utilized, immersing the listener with smooth directional pans and consistent ambience, enhancing scene transitions and depth within the soundstage.

Dialogue in "Ultraviolet" remains clear and natural throughout, ensuring that it integrates seamlessly with the bombastic score and sound effects without sacrificing intelligibility. Klaus Badelt’s film score benefits from high-quality recording, presenting a smooth and extended high end, alongside a midrange that is uncolored and inviting. This results in a robust sonic transport that not only tests but also rewards high-resolution speaker systems with its detailed layering and prioritization of sound elements according to the visual scene.

However, listeners should be wary of the soundtrack’s intensity, which can pose a challenge to subpar systems at high volumes. The techno-drums and accompanying low-frequency effects provide a visceral experience that can be as thrilling as it is system-threatening, necessitating caution not to overwhelm your subwoofer. Overall, "Ultraviolet"'s audio track is an exhilarating sonic ride, characterized by its aggressive stance and meticulous balance that showcases its spectrum from deep bass to the high-end clarity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ultraviolet" present a mixed bag that leans heavily on previously available content, slightly enhanced by the higher resolution format. The centerpiece is a screen-specific audio commentary by Milla Jovovich, where her enthusiasm for the film and its sci-fi/action genre shines, despite the commentary's sparse insights and long silences. "UV Protection: The Making of Ultraviolet" offers a more substantial dive into the production with its behind-the-scenes footage and breakdowns of the film's locations, costumes, and more, though hampered by standard definition presentation and a lack of depth in interviews. The inclusion of a few deleted scenes might pique interest but does little to change perceptions of the film. A notable omission is the unrated cut of the movie, limiting viewers to the PG-13 theatrical release. Also included are trailers for other Sony titles, yet disappointingly, no trailer for "Ultraviolet" itself. Extras are constrained by the use of MPEG-2 encoding and uncompressed PCM audio on a BD-25 disc, diminishing potential enhancements offered by the Blu-ray format.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Milla Jovovich: A somewhat sparse but enthusiastic commentary from the star.
• UV Protection: The Making of Ultraviolet: A four-part featurette diving into various aspects of production.
• Deleted Scenes: A selection of scenes not included in the theatrical release.
• Trailers: Previews for other Sony titles, though lacking a direct trailer for "Ultraviolet".

"Ultraviolet," a film that ambitiously attempts to dive into the late 21st-century sci-fi genre influenced by a videogame aesthetic, unfortunately, falls short of delivering a comprehensive cinematic experience. The movie embarks on a futuristic journey with a backdrop of a global pandemic causing hemoglophagia, an infectious disease endowing its hosts with supernatural abilities. Milla Jovovich stars as Violet Song jat Shariff, a character who epitomizes the physical embodiment of resistance against oppressive government forces, yet the film heavily relies on her physical appeal and action scenes rather than developing a substantial narrative or emotional depth. Despite its clear intentions to craft a kick-ass, sci-fi adventure teeming with advanced CGI and stylized fight sequences, "Ultraviolet" struggles to rise above its convoluted storyline and underdeveloped characters.

The visual effects and soundtrack are notedly polished, aiming to enhance the film's appeal as a modern tech marvel; yet, this focus on style over substance results in a viewing experience that feels more akin to navigating through a video game rather than being engrossed in a compelling story. Director Kurt Wimmer's vision of blending elements from iconic films such as "The Matrix," "Blade," and "Resident Evil" into a singular dystopian universe sounds promising on paper. However, the execution detracts from the potential uniqueness of "Ultraviolet." The dialogue and character interaction border on the periphery of being perceived as wooden, making it challenging for the audience to forge an emotional connection or invest in the plights faced by the protagonists. This deficiency in character development and storytelling leads to a film that appears visually arresting but lacks the essential narrative cohesion and emotional impact to make it memorable.

In essence, "Ultraviolet" aspires to captivate with its high-octane action and futuristic landscape but is bogged down by its inability to weave these elements into a coherent and engaging storyline. The film might attract viewers looking for a visually stimulating experience devoid of any expectation for character evolution or a gripping plot. However, for those seeking depth and a meaningful cinematic journey, it falls dramatically short, rendering "Ultraviolet" as a missed opportunity in the realm of sci-fi action cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Ultraviolet" has certainly sparked diverse opinions, but a common thread among reviewers has been disappointment in both the film's content and its home release treatment. This science fiction action movie suffers significantly from a lack of originality and a convoluted plot that fails to engage the viewer on any meaningful level. From an artistic standpoint, "Ultraviolet" is criticized for being visually over-stylized with a color palette that, while clean, is overwhelmingly garish, reducing the overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the absence of the unrated cut, which is available on the standard DVD version, represents a missed opportunity to add value to this Blu-ray edition.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray, however, receive some praise. The sound quality is highlighted as exceptional, providing an auditory experience that could justify the purchase for audiophiles or fans of the film's score and sound effects. The video transfer, despite being true to the movie’s highly stylized vision, walks a fine line between impressive and overly artificial. Extra content is notably sparse, adding to the sense of an incomplete package. Given these factors, the disc’s more affordable price point on platforms like Amazon barely compensates for its shortcomings.

In conclusion, "Ultraviolet" on Blu-ray presents a paradox of excellent audio quality trapped within a film that struggles artistically and narratively. The lack of significant extras and the absence of the unrated version further diminish its appeal. Unless one is a die-hard fan of Milla Jovovich or specifically seeks out movies to showcase their home theater systems, this release is hard to recommend. It seems that "Ultraviolet" remains enveloped in its own hyper-stylized world, failing to connect on a level necessary to transcend its myriad issues.