The Three Musketeers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Three Musketeers" exemplifies high-definition excellence with its rich, dynamic quality that showcases near-flawless rendering of detail. The 2D 1080p transfer boasts impressive depth and clarity, reproducing colors with a vibrancy that leaps off the screen. Deep shades of gray, blue, red, green, white, and black are vividly displayed with strong contrast and deep blacks maintaining excellent delineation. Flesh tones appear natural and diverse in structure, while the video seamlessly integrates real imagery with CGI to create a distinguished visual experience perfect for high-definition displays.

Transitioning to the 3D transfer, the Blu-ray maintains much of this excellence, albeit with a slight drop in brightness compared to the 2D version. However, it features wonderful colors, strong clarity, and impeccable detailing of period costumes and structures. The 3D transfer excels in spatial representation, delivering a natural sense of depth whether in close shots or along long corridors. Despite some minor downfalls such as slightly darker blacks and rare crosstalk instances, the 3D elements present an immersive viewing experience with objects like swords and debris appearing to extend into the viewer's space during key scenes.

The film's use of HD digital cameras combined with PACE Fusion 3D technology results in a phenomenal presentation enriched with a marvelous sense of depth throughout. Framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the video offers razor-sharp details and crystal-clear clarity. Architectural lines and ornate decorations of King Louis's mansion are sharply defined, while skin textures and intricate costumes present lifelike textures. Contrast is spot-on with inky black levels and excellent shadow delineation, enhancing visibility in dimly lit scenes. Primaries are vividly saturated, giving the film an animated appeal, making "The Three Musketeers” arrive with a reference-level 3D presentation that captivates from start to finish.

The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio mix for "The Three Musketeers" offers an enthralling audio experience that stands as a reference quality soundtrack. This meticulously crafted mix thrives on its active surround sound, extended dynamic range, and potent, room-filling bass. Noteworthy is the precise auditory detail, evident in every creak of timbers or in the dynamic energy of the airship battles, producing a fluid, immersive soundscape. The seamless transitions between front and rear soundstages ensure that directional sounds are rendered with pinpoint accuracy, creating a cohesive listening environment. Low frequencies are delivered with a tactile richness that intensifies appropriately, while dialogue is clear, full-bodied, and descriptive.

Moreover, Summit Entertainment's DTS-HD MA 5.1 track dazzles with its crisp definition and cavernous soundstage. The music flows naturally within the balanced surround element, enhancing even the quieter moments with remarkable sonic precision. The balanced dialogue remains focused, presenting a big cinematic flair that adds to the immersive quality. Complemented by minor ambient effects and set against a backdrop of powerful winds and thunder, the soundtrack brilliantly captures the high-flying aerial action sequences. Explosions and cannon fire are rendered with such vivid clarity that they seem to splinter through the room, showcasing a well-orchestrated chaotic sound design where everything is perfectly placed.

The dynamic range of this lossless track is extensive and room-penetrating, providing startling clarity to audio elements. Haslinger's score benefits from pitch-perfect mid-range lucidity and timber resonance. The rear activity is particularly impressive, filling the soundstage with subtle atmospheric sounds and explosive low-frequency effects that enhance the overall envelopment. Airship scenes feature various rattles and squeaks, adding an authentic ambiance. During battle scenes, directional pans and flawless imaging create an immersive soundscape, making this DTS-HD Master Audio mix a demo-worthy track that greatly complements the visual presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "The Three Musketeers" offers an impressive extra features package that will appeal to fans and film enthusiasts alike. Highlights include an informative audio commentary with director Paul W.S. Anderson and producers Jeremy Bolt and Robert Kulzer, who delve into the adaptation's unique take on the classic story, technical aspects, and digital effects. The "Access: Three Musketeers" feature enhances the viewing experience through a picture-in-picture mode with cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and trivia. Additionally, several short featurettes explore specific facets of the production, such as Orlando Bloom's portrayal of the Duke and the creation of 17th-century aerial warships using practical effects. The collection is rounded out by twelve deleted and extended scenes, offering further depth into the film’s narrative and character development.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion on production and adaptation nuances.
• Access: Three Musketeers: Interactive PiP experience with behind-the-scenes content.
• Paul W.S. Anderson's Musketeers: Director's vision for the story.
• Orlando Bloom Takes on the Duke: Focus on Bloom’s role.
• 17th Century Air Travel: Practical effects for aerial warships.
• Uncovering France in Germany: Filming in Bavaria to depict France.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Twelve additional scenes.

Paul W.S. Anderson's "The Three Musketeers" is an ambitious, visually arresting modern take on Alexandre Dumas' classic story, yet it falls short on substance. The film follows D’Artagnan (Logan Lerman) teaming up with the legendary trio of Musketeers—Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson), and Aramis (Luke Evans)—in a bid to thwart the scheming Duke of Buckingham (Orlando Bloom) and the treacherous Milady de Winter (Milla Jovovich). Despite the impressive visual splendor and action-packed sequences, the film relies too heavily on superficial spectacle rather than meaningful narrative or character development.

The technical achievement of recreating 1600s Europe is commendable, with meticulous attention to art direction and costume design. Anderson injects the film with an array of contemporary action stylings—dramatic angles, slow motion, and quick cuts reminiscent of post-"Matrix" cinema. While these modern touches provide flashy, entertaining moments, they lack emotional depth, resulting in a hollow experience. The Musketeers' adventures are set against a backdrop of opulent settings and high-flying airship battles, evoking an overly stylized and somewhat disjointed blend of classic storytelling and modern-day kinetic action.

Narratively, the film suffers from shallow characterizations and a predictable plot. The Musketeers and their foes are rendered as two-dimensional archetypes with little evolution or emotional engagement. Key performances are mixed; while Jovovich and Bloom bring flair to their roles, Lerman's portrayal of D'Artagnan lacks nuance. The script fails to offer substantial arcs or meaningful interactions, leading to a disjointed series of action scenes without cohesive storytelling. "The Three Musketeers" is ultimately an exercise in style over substance, creating a visually stunning yet emotionally unengaging film that does little to honor the depth of Dumas' original work.

Paul W.S. Anderson's "The Three Musketeers" presents a visually stunning yet disappointingly shallow take on Alexandre Dumas's classic novel. The film prioritizes an action-heavy, fantasy-driven approach that strays far from the source material's depth and narrative complexity. The plot often feels absurd and convoluted, lacking the engaging and intelligent storytelling that fans of the original tale might expect. However, if one can overlook the flimsy narrative, the production’s set design and costuming certainly offer a visual feast.

In terms of technical presentation, Summit Entertainment's Blu-ray 3D release of "The Three Musketeers" is nothing short of exceptional. The 3D transfer is impeccable, offering clear, precise visuals that elevate the viewing experience. This is complemented by a high-quality lossless soundtrack that delivers an immersive audio experience, transforming even mundane moments into remarkable auditory events. Accompanying these technical highlights are a set of supplements that, while moderate in scope, provide informative insights into the film's production and design.

In conclusion, while "The Three Musketeers" may falter significantly in its storytelling and character development, its Blu-ray 3D rendition is technically superior and serves as a benchmark for live-action 3D presentations. The film is worth considering for those seeking top-tier 3D visuals and exemplary audio quality, although it remains a rental at best for those desiring more substance in their cinema.