Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Sherlock Holmes" on Region-Free Blu-ray is adorned with a 1080p VC-1 transfer, encapsulating director Guy Ritchie's raw and stylized rendition of 19th-century England. Framed at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film proffers a deliberately desaturated color palette, with shades of dark blue, gray, and black, punctuated by splashes of crimson and warm golden hues. This artistic choice enhances the thematic elements of the narrative, grounding the mystical adventures of Holmes and Watson in a semblance of gritty realism. Despite a minor gripe about the darkness and supposed dullness of colors, the aesthetic finely complements the late Victorian era setting. The intentional grain and slight softening due to green screen usage in wide-angle pans do not detract but instead lend an authenticity to the historical backdrop.

On the technical front, this Blu-ray transfer showcases an exceptional level of detail, from the intricate textures of the London cobblestones and brickwork to the meticulous costuming. Contrast is robust, ensuring that whites are crisp without overshadowing the multi-layered grays and deep blacks that enrich the overall visual depth. The usage of directional lighting magnifies these contrasts, while simultaneously challenging display capabilities without yielding to overt video degradation artifacts or compression noise. The CGI components, notably the depictions of London and Tower Bridge, withstand close examination and retain their integrity under the 1080p scrutiny.

Some viewers might take issue with the film’s overall darkness and the use of a subdued color scheme; however, these elements are crucial to Ritchie’s vision, successfully evoking a 19th-century portrait aesthetic. Attention to detail is paramount, with both close-ups and wide shots revealing a commendable sharpness and clarity. Although occasional soft shots and faint artifacting are observed, none are frequent or significant enough to detract from the viewer’s experience. This transfer successfully marries Ritchie’s dirty and dark cinematic style with high-definition clarity, ensuring that both newcomers and fans of Holmes are treated to a visually stimulating experience that stays true to the narrative’s somber tone.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the "Sherlock Holmes" Blu-ray is a testament to how sound can elevate a film's immersive experience. From the onset, the soundstage is set with a meticulously crafted blend of atmospheric sounds and Hans Zimmer's score, encapsulating viewers in a vividly recreated 19th Century London. The design intricately weaves the dynamics of bustling streets, the thunderous clatter of horse-drawn carriages, and the subtle yet crisp dialogue that propels the narrative. Dialogue clarity remains paramount, ensuring that despite Robert Downey Jr.'s rapid-fire delivery, the witty banter and complex interactions are not lost, albeit some softly spoken lines may challenge the audience's attention.

The mix skillfully employs the entire surround spectrum, placing the listener at the heart of action sequences and quiet deductions alike. The surround channels are not only used for ambiance but become an integral part of the storytelling, with sounds moving fluidly across channels to create a palpable sense of space and movement. LFE is engaged with restraint yet effectiveness, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the mix. However, the mix is not without its minor grievances, as some scenes exhibit a slightly dampened audio quality compared to the overall vibrant presentation.

Audiophiles will appreciate the attention to detail in sound design and mixing, showcasing a balance between dialogue, score, and environmental sounds that is both engaging and nuanced. Even in its most bombastic moments, the track does not sacrifice the intricacy of quieter scenes, maintaining a cohesive auditory journey that complements the visual spectacle on screen. This Blu-ray release evidences a thoughtful audio presentation that augments the enjoyment of "Sherlock Holmes," making it a worthy addition to any collection.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Sherlock Holmes" enriches the viewing experience with an outstanding array of special features, emphasizing high definition quality across the board. Central to these is the Maximum Movie Mode (MMM), showcasing director Guy Ritchie’s in-depth exploration of the film’s making, coupled with Picture-in-Picture (PiP) interviews, storyboard comparisons, and a spotlight on the innovative use of the Phantom camera for slow-motion effects. This mode transcends traditional director commentaries by offering a comprehensive, interactive deep-dive into the production process, underpinned by Ritchie's detailed explanations and on-screen demonstrations. Moreover, the collection of Focus Points further elaborates on various production facets, from the reimagined costume designs to the meticulously crafted Victorian London and the innovative combat style tailored for Holmes. These segments, alongside the featurette "Sherlock Holmes: Reinvented," provide invaluable insights into the creative decisions that shaped the film, its respect for Conan Doyle's work, and its fresh take on the iconic detective, all without necessitating an internet connection for access.

Extras included in this disc:

• Maximum Movie Mode: An immersive, interactive experience with director Guy Ritchie offering in-depth commentary, PiP interviews, storyboard comparisons, and details on the use of the Phantom camera.

• Focus Points: A comprehensive set of clips detailing various aspects of production:

  • Drawbridges and Doilies: Designing a Late Victorian London
  • Not a Deerstalker Cap in Sight
  • Ba-ritsu: A Tutorial
  • Elementary English: Perfecting Sherlock's Accent
  • The One That Got Away
  • Powers of Observation & Deduction
  • The Sherlockians
  • Future Past

• Sherlock Holmes: Reinvented: A featurette providing an overview of the character's reimagining by Guy Ritchie and Robert Downey Jr., along with cast reflections.

"Sherlock Holmes," directed by Guy Ritchie, makes a remarkable entrance onto Blu-ray with a stunning 1080p VC-1 transfer that beautifully captures the gritty yet sharp essence of late Victorian London in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The slightly desaturated colors and subtle grain enhance the atmospheric setting, pulling viewers into the Holmesian era with impeccable detailing. Complementing the visual experience is the exceptional DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix that fully utilizes surround sound capabilities, ensuring that every nuanced sound effect and piece of Hans Zimmer’s captivating score is experienced just as intended.

The film itself presents a dynamic reimagining of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson (Jude Law). This iteration of the detective genre offers a fast-paced, engaging storyline filled with wit, charm, and intrigue that breathes new life into the Sherlock Holmes legacy. It skillfully combines elements of mystery, action, and humor, anchored by strong performances from its lead actors. Downey's portrayal of Holmes as a slightly manic yet ingenious detective and Law's disciplined yet adventurous Watson provide a refreshing and modern take on the classic characters. Their on-screen chemistry is palpably electric, driving the narrative forward with an irresistible blend of cerebral puzzles and physical altercations against the dark machinations of Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong).

While maintaining fidelity to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creations, Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes" ventures into new territories of character development and storyline, offering both die-hard fans and newcomers a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience. The film's careful balance of traditional sleuthing with innovative twists ensures it stands out within the Holmes catalogue. Coupled with the immersive technical presentation on Blu-ray, including standout features like Warner Bros’ Maximum Movie Mode, this release not only satisfies purists but also attracts a broader audience, promising great entertainment and rewatchability.

Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes" Blu-ray presentation shines brilliantly, showcasing a film that effortlessly combines snarky humor, pulsating action, and a rich narrative woven with intricate characters. The visual and audio quality of this release is unparalleled, playing directly to the strengths of a meticulously calibrated home theater setup, including but not limited to devices such as the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector, Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 Screen, and Anthem AVM50v THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor. Supported by a high-caliber cast led by Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, the film's dynamics are further enhanced by an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio mix and an engaging Maximum Movie Mode track, ensuring a memorable viewing experience.

Warner's commitment to quality is evident in the Blu-ray's strong video transfer and the delightful audio presentation, complemented by an array of hi-definition special features that promise to engage fans for hours. The set pieces’ exquisite detail, along with high-octane action sequences, propels this release into a must-have category for aficionados and newcomers alike. However, while the film offers substantial entertainment value through its lead's performances and production virtues, potential viewers should be mindful of its adherence to traditional Holmes' narratives intertwined with contemporary twists.

In conclusion, "Sherlock Holmes" on Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for both seasoned fans and those newly introduced to the sleuthing world of Holmes and Watson. The combination of Ritchie’s daring directorial vision, exceptional lead performances, and a high-quality technical presentation justifies its place in any collection. While some may find the plot occasionally convoluted, the overall package—boasting stellar audiovisuals and comprehensive special features—affirms this release as a compelling addition to your Blu-ray library.