The Forbidden Kingdom Blu-ray Review

"The Forbidden Kingdom" shines on Blu-ray with an impressive presentation, framed at a theatrically correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio and utilizing the AVC-MPEG4 codec on a BD-50 dual-layered disc. The high-definition video source contributes to a pristine quality video that is both sharp and detailed, with a first-rate visual acuity that brings the lush landscapes and vibrant vistas of China to life in breathtaking clarity. The colours are rich and eye-catching, from the verdant greens dominating most scenes to the oversaturated primaries that pop off the screen, though they sometimes verge on being slightly too warm or edgy, hinting at a digital sharpness that contrasts with the otherwise naturalistic portrayal of ancient China.

Detail in the video presentation is noteworthy, with fine textures on costumes and sets rendered with exceptional clarity, contributing to a refined, three-dimensional appearance that enhances the film's visual storytelling. The balance in contrast and black levels is commendable, providing a solid foundation for both bright outdoor scenes and darker interior shots, where shadow detail is good enough to reveal textures in the darkest corners. However, minor faults such as occasional black crush, banding, and a slight softness in some shots prevent this transfer from achieving absolute perfection. Flesh tones occasionally sway towards unnatural hues, with some scenes casting characters in a slightly yellow glow indoors and a reddish tint in others.

Despite these minor imperfections, the overall visual experience of "The Forbidden Kingdom" on Blu-ray is dazzling. Lionsgate's authoring has produced an image of incredible depth and vitality that showcases the sweeping landscapes and intricate details of costumes and weapons with undeniable brilliance. While artifacts and softness in a few scenes slightly mar the presentation, they do not significantly detract from what is an overwhelmingly successful effort to bring this visually stunning film to home theaters.

Lionsgate has once again set the bar high with their release of "The Forbidden Kingdom" on Blu-ray, showcasing an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack that will satisfy any audiophile. From the moment the film begins to its epic finale, every sound detail is meticulously captured, creating an immersive audio experience that rivals the best cinemas. Dialogue remains crystal clear even amidst the most chaotic action sequences, ensuring that every word is heard without interference. The soundstage is expansive, with seamless integration between front and rear channels, making sound effects and dynamic impacts feel as if they’re occurring all around the viewer. The use of the LFE channel adds a robust foundation, enhancing every punch, kick, and environmental effect with deep, resonant bass that never feels overpowering.

Throughout the movie, the audio quality remains consistent, with hard-hitting bass and astute clarity that leaves listeners in awe. The utilization of all seven channels envelops the viewer in a cocoon of directional sound, with spot effects and atmospheric sounds adding to the overall ambiance. The soundtrack expertly balances intense action scenes with quieter moments, allowing for a dynamic range that keeps the audience engaged without fatigue. Whether it's the nuanced sound of a distant waterfall or the thunderous roar of a climactic battle, the mix manages to convey a sense of place and mood that’s incredibly evocative.

Despite the wealth of positive attributes, there’s a minor critique regarding some sound effects that occasionally feel less impactful, hinting at a disparity in the original sound design rather than the track’s execution. However, this does little to detract from an otherwise exemplary audio presentation. Lionsgate has proven their dedication to high-fidelity audio, crafting an experience that not only enhances the visual spectacle but also sets a benchmark for home theater setups. The meticulous attention to detail in the mix ensures that "The Forbidden Kingdom’s" soundscape is as compelling and engaging as its visual counterpart, making it a reference-quality presentation that will delight both casual viewers and discerning audiophiles alike.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Forbidden Kingdom" not only retains all the special features found on the standard DVD release but elevates the experience with everything presented in stunning high definition, plus a few Blu-ray exclusives that fans won't find anywhere else. The highlight is undoubtedly the feature-length commentary by director Rob Minkoff and writer John Fusco, offering a mix of engaging anecdotes and technical insights into the film's creation, despite some moments that might test your wakefulness. The extras delve deeply into the collaboration between Jet Li and Jackie Chan, revealing how "The Forbidden Kingdom" presented the perfect project for their historic team-up, accompanied by a wealth of behind-the-scenes explorations from storyboard to screen, including detailed looks at both key locations across China and the choreography of fight scenes. Despite some features, like MoLog, facing accessibility issues, and others perhaps indulging in unnecessary length, this package affords an extensive peek behind the curtain of filmmaking, balanced neatly with lighter content like bloopers and deleted scenes—making it a comprehensive companion to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A feature-length track with director Minkoff and writer Fusco.
• The Kung Fu Dream Team: Insight into Jet Li and Jackie Chan's collaboration.
• Dangerous Beauty: Spotlights on actresses Yifei Liu and Bingbing Li.
• Discovering China: Explores the film's Chinese locations.
• Filming in Chinawood: Coverage of set design and studio shooting.
• Monkey King and the Eight Immortals: Discusses the cultural inspirations behind the film.
• Storyboards and PreViz: Animated storyboards for pre-visualizing key scenes.
• Deleted Scenes and Bloopers: A collection of cut material and on-set fun.
• BonusView PiP Feature: Pop-up trivia and interviews during movie playback.
• MoLog: An interactive movie blog toolset, exclusive to Blu-ray.
• Digital Copy: A portable version of the film for mobile devices.

"The Forbidden Kingdom," featuring the long-awaited collaboration between martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li, emerges as an enigmatic blend of fantasy and martial arts that thrives on its splendid execution and the indelible mark of its stars. It serves not only as a homage to the martial arts genre but also as a bridge for newcomers, presenting a story rich in action, humor, and a touch of the mystical. Through the eyes of Jason Tripitikas, a modern-day teen thrust into an ancient battle, viewers are treated to a visually stunning journey underscored by exemplary fight choreography courtesy of the renowned Yuen Woo-ping. The dynamic between Chan and Li—portraying mentors to the young protagonist as they navigate him through his quest to free the Monkey King—is the film’s beating heart, showcasing their talents in both combat and performance.

However, amidst its spectacle and engaging narrative, "The Forbidden Kingdom" grapples with familiar tropes and sometimes slips into cliché, balancing on the edge of becoming a by-the-numbers adventure. Critics may argue that the film’s decision to anchor its fantastical elements through Jason's modern perspective sacrifices the depth and originality it aspires towards. Despite these pitfalls, the movie's accessibility and appeal cannot be overlooked; it cleverly intertwines traditional and contemporary martial arts cinema, while offering sequences that dazzle and entertain across the board. The vibrant landscapes and spirited score amplify the film's allure, making it a visually compelling experience.

Ultimately, "The Forbidden Kingdom" embodies a mixed bag of missed opportunities and delightful achievements. Its grand promise—the legendary pairing of Chan and Li—delivers enough kinetic energy, charm, and nostalgia to overlook its narrative shortcomings. As it stumbles in fully realizing the potential of its epic premise, it nevertheless stands as a testament to the genre's enduring appeal. The film's visual artistry, combined with spirited performances, crafts a fantastical tapestry that captivates the imagination. For aficionados and novices of martial arts cinema alike, it offers a gateway into its rich, storied world—making it a worthwhile addition to any Blu-ray collection for its array of merits, despite its flaws.

"The Forbidden Kingdom," as delivered on Blu-ray, offers a compelling mix of action, humor, and breathtaking visuals that seamlessly blend to transport viewers to a vividly imagined realm. This fantasy adventure, studded with the star power of Jackie Chan and Jet Li, has been crafted to appeal not only to dedicated fans of the genre but also to a broader audience, potentially serving as a gateway to the rich world of martial arts cinema. The Lionsgate package takes this experience a notch higher by presenting a reference-quality picture that rivals the best on the Blu-ray market, paired with a DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack that exemplifies auditory excellence. The comprehensive array of extras offers deep insights into the film's creation, though a minor hiccup with the MoLog feature slightly mars an otherwise exemplary collection. The meticulous attention to audiovisual quality is further highlighted through testing on top-tier home entertainment equipment, ensuring an immersive viewing experience that pays homage to the film’s dynamic range and visual spectacle.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray release is showcased using an array of high-end devices, ranging from projectors like the JVC DLA-RS1x 1080p HD to Blu-ray players from Panasonic and Sony, augmented by advanced audio setups featuring equipment from Marantz, Denon, and Axiom Audio. This diverse hardware suite not only underscores the disc's compatibility across various platforms but also showcases its ability to deliver exceptional quality through different audio and video systems. The meticulously curated setup tests confirm that whether through a Canton Ergo Series speaker arrangement or leveraging the Outlaw Audio Model 7700 amplifier, the Blu-ray’s audiovisual fidelity stands unequivocally strong.

In conclusion, "The Forbidden Kingdom" Blu-ray presentation is an exemplary offering that combines cinematic flair and technical prowess. Despite the film's narrative choices favoring a more family-friendly approach over a straight martial arts extravaganza, the Blu-ray elevates the experience to commendable heights. The exceptional video and audio presentations, when experienced through high-caliber entertainment systems, affirm Lionsgate's commitment to quality. While it may not fully satiate the thirst of those yearning for an unadulterated martial arts team-up between Chan and Li, it undeniably sets a benchmark for home entertainment quality, making it a worthy addition to any collection.