John Carter Blu-ray Review

Disney's Blu-ray presentation of "John Carter" showcases an exceptional 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that almost completely sidesteps the film's CGI inconsistencies, asserting no fault in the encoding process. The visual palette is a captivating array of warm, sun-soaked tones—ranging from earthy alien-desert browns and yellows to striking golds, vibrant reds, and deep blues—not to mention the rich, bottomless blacks that add depth to every scene. Skintones remain incredibly faithful under various lighting conditions, from the glaring Martian sun to the depths of its night. The level of detail presented is impressive, highlighting textures and fine elements without inducing artificial sharpness, maintaining a genuine film-like quality. Despite the near-perfect delineation and clarity, some may find the overall sharpness and detail slightly lacking compared to other contemporary transfers, noting a minor shortfall in the most intricate close-ups.

The encode is presented in a widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio, ensuring that each frame delivers a clear image albeit with margins for improvement in sharpness and detail in specific shots. Nevertheless, colors are rendered with exceptional vivacity, while black levels exhibit admirable depth with solid shadow delineation. A remarkable feat is achieved with the use of colored filters, which enhance the Martian landscape without compromising the naturalism of skin tones. The encoding process refrains from digital noise reduction (DNR) and edge enhancement, preserving the film’s original texture.

One isolated compression issue manifests as slight flickering in an early scene— a testament to the overall robustness of the transfer. This minor aliasing, alongside sporadic hints of banding, does little to mar an otherwise pristine presentation. Such negligible flaws are eclipsed by the consistent clarity and contrast that embellish every moment of "John Carter's" visual journey on Blu-ray.

The Disney DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track for "John Carter" brings the Martian adventure to life with a plethora of sonic nuances that makes for an enveloping and immersive experience. The audio presentation excels in showcasing a dynamic range where massive creatures and thunderous battles fill the room with palpable tension, while flying crafts and chariots provide a seamless auditory journey across the skies of Barsoom. LFE output impresses with its boldness, adding depth to every action sequence, yet it stops short of overwhelming, maintaining an equilibrium where dialogue remains clear and central. The mix effectively utilizes the rear speakers, enhancing the ambient atmosphere of Barsoom's deserts and cities, and complements Michael Giacchino's score with seamless cross-channel pans and directional effects that draw listeners deeper into the movie's world.

Imaging across the front soundstage is exceptional, with sharp channel separation and impressive directionality that places voices firmly in the scene, ensuring that dialogue is never lost amidst the cacophony of battle. The off-screen effects are rendered with a clarity and precision that adds to the realism of the Martian landscape and its diverse inhabitants. However, while low-frequency effects are effectively integrated and contribute to the overall experience, they occasionally lack the forcefulness one might expect from such a visually striking film. This serves as a minor detraction in an otherwise captivating audio experience.

In sum, "John Carter's" audio track is a significant triumph, presenting an array of immersive auditory moments that surpass the visual experience in some aspects. With meticulous attention to environmental sounds, directional accuracy, and a balanced mix that respects both the bombastic and the subtle, this DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack not only pleases audiophiles but also significantly enhances the viewing experience, cementing its place as a standout aspect of the Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "John Carter" offer an extensive and engaging array of content that enriches the viewing experience significantly. From the in-depth audio commentary by Director Andrew Stanton and producers Jim Morris and Lindsey Collins, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the film’s development and challenges, to the innovative Disney Second Screen Interactive Experience, these extras deliver an exceptional behind-the-scenes look. Particularly noteworthy are the deleted scenes, offering a glimpse into what might have been with the director's commentary adding valuable context. The "100 Years in the Making" featurette, despite its brevity, presents an insightful overview of Edgar Rice Burroughs's legacy and the lengthy journey of adapting his work for the screen. The "360 Degrees of John Carter" diary and minimal "Barsoom Bloopers" round out a compelling package that fans and newcomers alike will find enriching, providing both entertainment and a deeper appreciation for the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Spirited overview of "John Carter's" journey from concept to screen by director and producers.
• Disney Second Screen Interactive Experience: A companion app providing additional content synced with the film.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Director's Commentary: A collection of ten deleted scenes in various stages of completion.
• 100 Years in the Making: A concise examination of Edgar Rice Burroughs's impact and the film's long development process.
• 360 Degrees of John Carter: Day-in-the-life production diary exploring different facets of the film's making.
• Barsoom Bloopers: A brief blooper reel from the film's production.

Disney's venture into the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ "John Carter" finds itself in a challenging position right from its inception. For starters, while Burroughs' writings may evoke a deep sense of early 20th century American nostalgia, particularly his Tarzan series, "John Carter" struggles with its relatively unknown status compared to its jungle-dwelling counterpart. Despite possessing the high-flying action that sees our protagonist uniquely adapt to Martian gravity, the film's footing stumbles, partly due to its less distinctive appeal and the absence of a strong, recognizable lead to anchor its entry into public consciousness. Consequently, its theatrical performance reflected this disconnect, amassing a modest $72 million at the U.S. box office against a grand production budget of $250 million.

Upon delving into the narrative structure and thematic exploration, "John Carter" floats in a realm of déjà vu for seasoned science fiction aficionados, notably due to the evident influences it shares with iconic franchises like Star Wars. Its tale, woven around John Carter’s inadvertent voyage to Mars and ensuing adventures, threads closely with aspects now familiar from other sci-fi narratives; arena battles reminiscent of intergalactic duels and the archetypal hero’s journey. However, it must be acknowledged that director Andrew Stanton and his team made earnest efforts to adapt Burroughs’ vision with integrity, purging dated elements while attempting to retain its adventurous essence.

Despite critique on originality and pacing - where the plot seems compressed to fit within a limited runtime - "John Carter" exhibits shades of brilliance principally through its action sequences and emotional depth. Standout moments, particularly one depicting Carter’s poignant past interwoven with present conflict, underscore Stanton’s directorial finesse. While adult viewers might find certain aspects wanting, the younger audience is primed to enjoy this visual feast with less reservation. The film does succeed as fun, adventurous family entertainment, igniting sparks of intrigue for the possibilities of exploring Burroughs' Barsoom further, provided it finds its foothold in home entertainment avenues like Blu-ray to secure its continuation.

Despite the lackluster box office performance of "John Carter," its home video release provides an opportunity for redemption and a second chance to capture an audience with its grand-scale Old Hollywood space adventure. While the movie itself may not have delivered outstanding performances or a particularly memorable story to distinguish it from other cinematic offerings, its Blu-ray release stands out thanks to a fantastic video transfer and an absorbing DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. The inclusion of high-quality, worthwhile extras adds value, though potential buyers might want to consider renting before making a purchase decision due to the mixed reception and the movie's reliance on CG, which may age poorly over time.

Critics of "John Carter" have often pointed out that it didn't live up to its potential as an adventure movie, partially due to misleading marketing that failed to accurately represent the film. However, with its availability on Blu-ray, viewers now have the chance to reassess the movie devoid of prior expectations. The Blu-ray edition's decent video quality and very strong audio capabilities complement the film well, making it a must-have for those who find themselves enchanted by the movie's world. The special features included are likely to satisfy fans who appreciated the film, providing further depth to the "John Carter" experience.

In conclusion, while "John Carter" might not have made a significant impact in theaters, its Blu-ray release offers a comprehensive package that may win over new fans. The high-quality audiovisual presentation and engaging extras make it a worthy addition to any sci-fi enthusiast's collection, giving the film the potential for a cult following. Whether it will be enough to catalyze interest in a sequel or trilogy remains to be seen, but for now, "John Carter" on Blu-ray presents an opportunity for reevaluation and perhaps appreciation of what it aimed to achieve within the science fiction genre.