Seventh Son Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Seventh Son" on Blu-ray delivers an exceptionally detailed and visually engaging experience. Shot digitally, the image quality could easily be mistaken for film, with excellent textural details, particularly in the costumes which reveal intricate adornments and signs of wear. Environmental elements such as wood, brick, stone, and vegetation are also displayed with complex and intricate clarity. Faces render pores, sweat, accumulated grime, and stubble meticulously, and overall image clarity is impressive with minimal flaws. Although some darker, warmer shots appear mildly flat and bright skies occasionally seem blown out, these are minor issues in an otherwise admirable display. Color saturation is managed superbly; despite a subdued palette leaning towards grays, blacks, blues, and earthy hues, the presentation remains striking. Skin tones and black levels are accurate, exhibiting no banding or blocking, while minor noise appears only in a few instances.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode additionally features the stylized cinematography of Newton Thomas Sigel, known for his work on 'Drive' and 'X-Men: Days of Future Past.' His approach alternates between sharp deep-focus shots and softer diffusion filters, which create a hazy effect during intimate scenes. This softening doesn’t detract from the ultra-fine detail in foliage, costumes, and facial features, though it can sometimes make the presentation appear overly digital and sterile. The color palette throughout is vibrant and energetic, with terrific contrast and well-balanced brightness. Black levels are true and accurate, enhancing the 2.40:1 image with a pleasing cinematic quality. Overall, while the varying sharpness may distract some viewers, the presentation remains engaging and visually compelling with minimal technical distractions.

Seventh Son features an exemplary DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack that demonstrates an impeccable blend of technical prowess and engaging auditory experiences. From the start, the presentation is superb, bombarding the soundstage with effective surround effects, penetrating bass, and detailed precision. The use of rear channels is particularly noteworthy, offering immersive and comprehensive soundscapes filled with dynamic village sounds, natural atmospherics like rolling thunder, and fantastical elements such as swooping creatures. Each channel delivers fine immersive details that contribute to a consistently lively and enveloping audio environment, augmented by a compelling and naturally flowing dialogue prioritized from the center channel.

The sound design in Seventh Son is nothing short of a symphony of medieval and magical mayhem. The presentation seamlessly integrates Marco Beltrami's score, exhibiting extraordinary separation and fidelity among various notes and instruments. Action sequences are enhanced with notable low-end authority, capable of rattling walls and delivering heart-pounding impacts, while quieter scenes maintain an intricate 360° environment teeming with subtle ambient sounds. Be it dragons flying overhead, spells being cast, or Master Gregory's potions exploding, every sonic detail is meticulously placed to ensure comprehensive immersion. The soundtrack is well-balanced and provides an impeccable dynamic range that heightens the excitement for fans seeking a demo-worthy lossless mix.

The Blu-ray release of "Seventh Son" comes brimming with an array of insightful extras that will captivate fans of the film. These supplementary materials offer a deeper dive into the filmmaking process, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in the production of both story and visual effects. Viewers are treated to a variety of deleted and alternate scenes that provide additional context and nuances to the narrative. The multi-part feature "The Making of Seventh Son" stands out, providing comprehensive insights into the characters, costumes, and set design. Other highlights include a look at the real-life lore behind the tale and a visual effects gallery that demonstrates the creation of key scenes. Together, these extras enhance the appreciation of the film’s craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: An alternate conclusion to the movie.
• Deleted/Alternate Scenes: Various scenes offering new perspectives.
• The Making of Seventh Son: In-depth look at characters, heroes, villains, wardrobe, weapons, and set design.
• The Legend and Lore of The Seventh Son: Overview of the folklore inspiring the film.
• Visual Effects Gallery: Deep dive into the visual effects used in critical scenes.

Based on Joseph Delaney's book "The Spook's Apprentice," "Seventh Son" offers a visually compelling but narratively conventional journey through the fantasy genre. Director Sergei Bodrov delivers a movie that is well-crafted from a technical standpoint. Special effects and landscapes are meticulously designed, creating an expansive and immersive world that enhances the film's epic flavor. However, the storyline is undeniably predictable, adhering closely to familiar fantasy tropes: a grand journey, an aged hero, an eager apprentice, and an ancient evil that must be vanquished. This lack of originality is the film's Achilles' heel, rendering the plot uninspired and formulaic despite its visual prowess.

In terms of performances, Julianne Moore as the villainous witch Mother Malkin and Jeff Bridges as the grizzled Master Gregory offer inconsistent contributions. Their chemistry shines briefly but is not fully leveraged, limiting their impact on the narrative. Moore’s portrayal brings a striking visual presence to her character, although it slides into caricature. Bridges, channeling a blend of past roles, waffles between engrossing and disengaged. Ben Barnes as Tom Ward, the eponymous seventh son, is the standout, delivering a sincere and engaging performance that adds depth to his otherwise archetypal character.

Overall, "Seventh Son" manages to entertain with its strong visual effects and large-scale battle scenes. However, it falls short in emotional and narrative complexity. The film is baseline entertaining but lacks the creative spark required to elevate it beyond its genre conventions. Despite these shortcomings, the technical execution and spirited direction make it a visually appealing, if not particularly groundbreaking, addition to the fantasy film canon.

Seventh Son is a straightforward yet engaging Fantasy film. Adapted from Joseph Delaney's The Spook's Apprentice, it features solid performances from Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore, though not their best. What the film lacks in originality, it compensates for with a rich setting and visual splendor that hold the viewer's interest. While it leans heavily on well-worn tropes, it remains an enjoyable ride for dedicated genre aficionados.

Universal's Blu-ray release of Seventh Son excels in technical presentation, boasting outstanding video and reference-quality audio. The high-definition transfer highlights the film's imaginative visuals despite the occasionally cumbersome CGI. The supplements, although limited, are informative and add value to the package. For those seeking a visually satisfying home-viewing experience, the Blu-ray does not disappoint.

In conclusion, Seventh Son delivers as basic Fantasy entertainment, balancing a familiar narrative with immersive settings. Universal's Blu-ray release enhances this experience with impeccable video and audio quality, making it well worth a rental for genre fans and a confident purchase for collectors.