The Walk Blu-ray Review
Score: 81
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
A technically impeccable Blu-ray of 'The Walk' with flawless 2D and 3D visuals, impressive DTS-HD Master Audio, though minimal extras.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 89
The Walk's Blu-ray presentation impresses with flawless 1080p visuals in both 2D and 3D, boasting rich blacks and detailed textures. Despite a slightly flat digital image, the 3D conversion is vertigo-inducing and benefits greatly from large screens, offering seamless integration of practical and CG effects.
Audio: 90
The Walk's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is superb, creating an immersive, lifelike experience with clear dialogue, refined musical reproduction, and detailed ambient effects. While offering excellent dynamic range and surround envelopment, the lack of a Dolby Atmos or 7.1 mix is a notable omission.
Extra: 62
The Blu-ray extras for 'The Walk' provide detailed insights into Joseph Gordon-Levitt's wire-walking training with Philippe Petit, the roles of the supporting cast, and the technical challenges of recreating Petit's walk and the Twin Towers via green screen and 3D conversion; deleted scenes add little to the narrative.
Movie: 81
The Walk is a visually arresting and emotionally uplifting film directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Philippe Petit, who dreams of walking a high wire between the Twin Towers. The film masterfully recreates this real-life event with breathtaking CGI and 3D effects, especially during its vertigo-inducing climax, capturing the human spirit's triumph amidst immense challenges.
Video: 89
The Blu-Ray video presentation of "The Walk" is exemplary for cinephiles and technical aficionados alike. Presented in a 2-disc set featuring both 2D (AVC codec) and 3D (MVC codec) versions, the film is delivered at 1080p24 in its correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Despite being shot in 6K, the digital intermediate was finalized at 2K, a decision that doesn’t compromise the breathtaking visual quality. The transition between practical sets and computer-generated visuals is seamless, offering a photo-realistic depiction of the Twin Towers and convincingly placing Joseph Gordon-Levitt hundreds of meters above ground. The image clarity is outstanding, revealing intricate details from costume stitches to facial features, with colors maintaining a warm '70s golden hue while primary colors pop effectively.
Whether viewed in 2D or 3D, "The Walk" retains immaculate picture quality. The digital origin ensures a pristine, artifact-free source with deep, rich black levels and extensive shadow detail, particularly evident in nighttime scenes. The film's slightly blue-gray dominant color grading complements certain vibrant hues like yellow hard hats and New York cabs. Flesh tones appear natural within this color palette, supported by a generally cold undertone. Though some reviews noted slight noise in backgrounds, these instances are minimal and do not detract from the overall visual impact.
The 3D post-conversion, guided by director Robert Zemeckis’s expertise, elevates the depth sensation significantly. While the 2D version provides a vertigo-inducing experience on larger screens, the 3D version enhances this significantly, making it tangible for home theater enthusiasts equipped with projectors or large screens. Nonetheless, the depth and immersive qualities of the high-wire sequences remain remarkable even in 2D. Ultimately, "The Walk" sets a high benchmark for Blu-Ray transfers, offering a flawless visual feast whether you opt for the 2D or 3D viewing experience.
Audio: 90
The Blu-ray release of "The Walk" features an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel lossless soundtrack that meticulously replicates the film's theatrical experience. The immersive audio experience, notably evident in the IMAX 12-channel mix, is not included in this disc, which may be a disappointment for some enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the DTS-HD 5.1 mix delivers a top-tier auditory experience. The sound design is refined and supportive, with music and dialogue distributed seamlessly across the front channels. Dialogue remains clear and well-positioned, which is crucial given the varied French accents.
This soundtrack excels in atmospheric and ambient effects, bringing to life the bustling streets of Paris and New York while making scenes on the wire feel tangibly realistic. Low-frequency effects are used sparingly but effectively, adding impact without overwhelming the listener. Surround channels are consistently active, particularly during the climactic final twenty minutes, utilizing all five channels to envelop the viewer in a richly immersive soundscape. The score is beautifully integrated, contributing to the film's emotional weight. Overall, while the absence of a more immersive mix like Dolby Atmos or a 7.1 configuration is noticeable, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track offers a superb and near demo-quality audio experience that complements the film's visual storytelling.
Extra: 62
The Blu-ray extras for "The Walk" provide an insightful and technically robust exploration of the film's production, featuring a series of well-crafted featurettes and deleted scenes. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s dedication to his role is highlighted in First Steps - Learning to Walk the Wire, where intensive training from Philippe Petit himself is dissected in detail, emphasizing both the physical and emotional preparations required. The Pillars of Support featurette delivers an engaging look at the ensemble cast and their roles, underscoring the collaborative nature of Petit's ambitious venture. For enthusiasts of filmmaking techniques, The Amazing Walk delves into the film's technical feats, including the meticulous CGI recreations and the rationale behind its 3D post-production conversion.
Extras included in this disc:
- Deleted Scenes: A compilation of brief, plot-light scenes.
- First Steps - Learning to Walk the Wire: Covers Joseph Gordon-Levitt's training with Philippe Petit.
- Pillars of Support: Introduction to the cast and their roles.
- The Amazing Walk: Examination of the film’s technical aspects.
- Previews: Additional Sony titles.
Movie: 81
"The Walk" brings the mesmerizing true story of Philippe Petit to life through the visionary direction of Robert Zemeckis. The film recounts Petit's audacious high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center in 1974, captured with breathtaking visual effects that transport viewers to a dizzying 400 meters above ground. Portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Petit is depicted with infectious energy and zeal, turning his improbable dream into a cinematic spectacle that combines the suspense of a heist thriller with the emotional depth of a human drama. The final twenty minutes, showcasing Petit's walk, are particularly outstanding, leveraging cutting-edge CGI to evoke both vertigo and immense awe.
Zemeckis' film is a technological marvel, seamlessly integrating CG recreations of the Twin Towers with practical sets to create an authentic 1970s New York environment. The use of 3D elevates the film's immersive quality, making audiences feel as if they are walking the wire alongside Petit. Alan Silvestri's evocative score underscores the emotional nuances of Petit’s journey, while the narrative intertwines the grandeur of the feat with intimate character moments, highlighting Petit's relationships and the meticulous planning behind his act. Despite the occasional narrative drag in the second act, Gordon-Levitt's performance and Zemeckis' direction ensure that the film maintains its gripping tension throughout.
Overall, "The Walk" transcends its role as a mere retelling of events, instead capturing the essence of human perseverance and the power of dreams. Zemeckis masterfully balances the cinematic experience between a visually arresting spectacle and a heartfelt tribute to Petit's incredible achievement and the Twin Towers' legacy. This results in a profoundly moving film that not only entertains but inspires, embodying the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.
Total: 81
"The Walk" presents a deeply engaging narrative, focusing on the adrenaline-charged final act where Philippe Petit walks between the Twin Towers. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of Petit is largely commendable, even if his accent at times verges on caricature. While the supporting cast is adequate, the film's true star is its technical prowess. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the meticulous recreation of the World Trade Center is visually stunning, creating an inextricable link between the film’s triumphs and the towers’ historical significance.
In terms of Blu-ray quality, "The Walk" does not disappoint. Featuring both 2D and 3D versions, the disc offers exceptional clarity and detail, with natural colors and deep blacks that enhance the visual experience. The digital transfer is flawless, free from any unwanted artifacts or banding. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack complements the stunning imagery, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience that places viewers right on Petit’s wire. Although more sophisticated audio formats might have intensified the already impressive sound design, the provided track is still remarkable. The supplemental content is sparse but insightful, with recommendations to explore the documentary "Man on Wire" for those craving a deeper dive into Petit's feat.
"The Walk" Blu-ray is a must-have, particularly for those with large screens to truly appreciate Zemeckis’s 3D vision. The film's compelling blend of heist-like structure and emotional resonance ensures it remains gripping throughout. The video and audio qualities are top-notch, ensuring an engaging viewing experience whether in 2D or 3D. While extras are limited, they sufficiently cover key production aspects, making this release highly recommendable for both fans and new viewers.
avforums review by Steve WithersRead review here
Video: 100
The transfer is free of any unwanted digital artefacts and there was no banding apparent, resulting in a perfect image that's demo quality whether you choose the 2D or 3D option....
Audio: 100
However it seems rather churlish to complain about the lack of an immersive audio soundtrack because the 5.1 lossless mix on the Blu-ray is superb and certainly delivers a fantastic audio experience....
Extras: 60
Movie: 70
Petit’s tale is fascinating but much of The Walk recreates events that were better covered in the documentary, so the film ultimately is about putting the viewer up on that high-wire with the driven (some...
Total: 80
Ordinarily we would recommend watching The Walk in 3D, as Robert Zemeckis intended, but for the film to fully achieve its intended effect it needs to completely fill your field of view....
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Facial and clothing textures fare well but never quite find the same level of absolute, lifelike, tangible exactness as seen in other feature films....
Audio: 100
There's a nice cross-section of styles, each of them presented with exemplary attention to detail, perfect volume and stage balance, strong supportive bass, and natural surround envelopment....
Extras: 50
Pillars of Support (1080p, 8:27): A fun look at the supporting characters and the cast that portrays them....
Movie: 100
Indeed, Gordon-Levitt fine-tunes an accent and idiosyncrasies and even convinces the audience he's fully capable of walking that wire just as his character once did, but beyond that he inspires a hope...
Total: 90
Once the action shifts to New York and the film spends much of its second half in the actual preparations for, and recreation of, the walk, it takes flight like few films before it and commands the audience's...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
Considering how this film was hyped as a 3D experience intended to be seen on large format screens, I was a little worried how the film would scale down to consumer television screens in 2D. While the...
Audio: 100
Dialogue is crisp and clear and never a trouble to hear - unless you have a hard time with faux accents....
Extras: 20
This is a decent, better than average EPK style look at the supporting actors and their roles....
Movie: 80
Sure, it's a cavalcade of computer-generated trickery, but it's done so well, with such an impressive level of photo-realism, that it's impossible to not get caught up in the moment, and at the same time...
Total: 80
As with any film touching upon the Twin Towers, it's hard not to have any number of feelings come to the forefront of your mind, but thankfully 'The Walk' doesn't dwell on the horrible events that took...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
This was a 3D post convert, not shot in 3D. Even in 2D this thing is quite a spectacle with its depth on the high wire acts, be it the Twin Towers or just 5 feet up from the ground....
Audio: 100
Normal everyday sounds and the like come across impressive and lifelike in their audibility....
Extras: 50
Pillars of Support (HD, 8:27) – A piece based around all the supporting characters and actors with interviews of all of them telling what they bring to the table....
Movie: 80
Its an old and rather lame device, and its still not good here, but the rest of the film is good enough that it starts to matter less and less as the film progresses....
Total: 80
Technical merits strong, bonus material decent, a nicely texture slip cover if you’re into that, its a good solid Blu-ray release of a modern film.<br />...
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Actors: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon, Ben Kingsley
PlotIn the early 1970s, a young French street performer and wire-walker named Philippe Petit dreams of performing a high-wire walk between the newly constructed Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Inspired by the spectacle and challenge, he meticulously plans his venture, devising an elaborate scheme to gain access to the towers and complete the walk. With the help of a diverse group of accomplices, including his girlfriend Annie, photography enthusiast Jean-Louis, and mentor Papa Rudy, Philippe hones his skills and begins the intricate preparations needed to turn his vision into reality. The film showcases Philippe's determination, rehearsals, and elaborate security breach.
As the project progresses, Philippe and his team face numerous obstacles, including technical difficulties, limited financial resources, and the looming threat of detection by authorities. Philippe's passion and charisma drive the group forward despite growing tension and several close calls. The narrative builds suspense through their efforts to stealthily transport equipment, secure key locations inside the World Trade Center, and rig the wire across the towers. The story culminates as Philippe prepares for his audacious walk high above the streets of New York City, embodying his dream against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Writers: Robert Zemeckis, Christopher Browne, Philippe Petit
Release Date: 09 Oct 2015
Runtime: 123 min
Rating: PG
Country: United States
Language: English, French, Czech