Prometheus Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Prometheus" delivers a reference-quality experience that is nothing short of superb. Shot primarily with Red Epic digital cameras and bolstered by 3ality Technica Atom 3D rigs, the film leverages high-end Zeiss lenses and meticulous lighting schemes to achieve an impeccable clarity and dimension. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer exhibits a nearly flawless rendering of detail, providing visually arresting images with a rich, dynamic quality. The color palette is meticulously controlled, predominantly featuring deep shades of gray, blue, sepia, black, and white, which are starkly and fully appreciable onscreen. Contrast is robust, with deep blacks and a strong delineation that maintains excellent depth even in shadowy areas. This superb use of CGI and real imagery results in an overwhelmingly satisfying visual design.

Fine details such as the textures on the actors' faces, the intricate designs of the set pieces, and the fabric of costumes are constantly showcased. The visual clarity extends to both CGI elements and practical imagery, ensuring that even quick visual transitions are sharp and clear. Lighting is a standout feature, allowing significant detail to remain visible even in the darkest scenes without falling victim to digital noise or chroma artifacts. Despite its dark settings, the expertly crafted lighting and universally deep black levels ensure that the film remains visually pleasing throughout. Furthermore, digital compression issues are essentially non-existent; there are no signs of banding, aliasing, artifacts, or digital noise, which speaks volumes about the encoding quality.

In addition to technical prowess, "Prometheus" benefits from Ridley Scott's distinct visual style which perfectly complements the thematic elements of the film. Flesh tones are diverse yet subtly complex, contributing to a superlative video presentation that not only supports but enhances the narrative's emotional undertone. Although there is a minor lament about the non-inclusion of the IMAX 2:1 ratio in the Blu-ray release, this does not detract from what is an overall stellar video performance that stands as a benchmark for high-definition home entertainment visuals.

The audio presentation of "Prometheus" on Blu-ray is an auditory marvel, anchored by its DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. This meticulously crafted mix delivers an impeccably detailed, dynamic, and immersive surround sound experience that excels in every regard. From the outset, the audio immerses the listener with deep subwoofer engagement, capturing the essence of a massive waterfall and the thunderous rumble of an alien ship overhead. The surround channels are exploited to their fullest, elongating the front soundstage and reproducing the spatial nuances with precision. Multi-layered sound effects are seamlessly integrated, ensuring each element is discernable without being overstated, and dynamics are presented with remarkable articulation and clarity.

One of the most striking features of this mix is its use of low-frequency effects (LFE), delivering clean, hard-hitting, and resonant bass that fills the room. The seamless transference between front and rear sound fields during panning sequences supports an undisturbed auditory flow. Every detail, from the sensors beeping to the gusts of metallic rock during a storm on LV-223, is captured with phenomenal clarity. The score by Marc Streitenfeld underscores the film’s tension and grandeur, switching effortlessly between quiet uneasiness and magnificent bombast. The dialogue is equally impressive, maintaining excellent presence and intelligibility throughout, reflecting the acoustics of various environments whether aboard the ship or inside helmets and pyramids.

The richness of this mix truly comes to the fore in sequences like the storm on LV-223, where meticulous attention to imaging effects provides a nerve-wracking left-to-right motion as debris hurtles through the soundscape. Vocal detail is also superbly captured; Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of David is highlighted by bass-rich resonance, adding depth to his character. Overall, "Prometheus" on Blu-ray is an exemplar in audio presentation, offering a fully enveloping, demonstrative-worthy soundtrack that demands to be experienced at high volumes to appreciate its full impact.

The Blu-ray release of "Prometheus" offers an array of supplemental materials that provide invaluable insight into the film’s production and thematic underpinnings. The two audio commentaries are particularly noteworthy; Ridley Scott’s track is an in-depth exploration of the creative decisions behind revisiting the "Alien" universe, while the writers’ commentary sheds light on the narrative construction and character development. Not to be missed are the high-definition deleted and alternate scenes, which span 37 minutes and include pivotal scenes that illuminate the Engineers' mythology. The Peter Weyland Files and various promotional videos add fascinating layers to the story, making this a comprehensive package for fans and scholars of the film alike. Excluding specific home theater equipment details ensures a more universally relevant review.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio commentary by director/producer Ridley Scott: Detailed exploration of creative decisions.

Audio commentary by writer Jon Spaihts & writer/executive producer Damon Lindelof: Insights into narrative construction.

The Peter Weyland files: Behind-the-scenes promotional material.

14 Deleted & Alternate scenes: Extended character-building moments.

Prometheus – Weyland Corp Archive Second Screen App: Additional content linked with the film.

Bonus DVD: Standard definition version of the main feature.

Digital Copy: Digital version for various devices.

In Ridley Scott's "Prometheus," archeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) discover a star map that suggests a connection to humanity’s creators, the enigmatic “Engineers.” This hypothesis propels them to board the advanced spaceship Prometheus, funded by the wealthy Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) and managed by the stern Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron). Accompanied by Weyland’s multifunctional android David (Michael Fassbender), the crew embarks on an interstellar mission to uncover the mysteries of mankind's origins on the desolate moon LV-223. Their journey into the abyss quickly evolves into a fight for survival as they confront existential questions and monstrous threats, forcing them to navigate the treacherous nexus of science and faith.

"Prometheus" marks Scott’s majestic return to the science fiction genre, incorporating thematic elements reminiscent of his earlier work, yet carving out a unique narrative detached from direct ties to the "Alien" series. The film delves into fundamental queries about creation and purpose, exploring them through visually enthralling sequences bolstered by premises akin to those in pseudo-scientific literature such as Erik von Däniken's "Chariots of the Gods?" The opening scenes are striking, depicting an Engineer's self-sacrifice to seed life on Earth, setting a chilling tone that resonates throughout. Scott's cinematic craftsmanship is evident in meticulously designed sets and practical effects that ground the science fiction elements in a discernible reality.

The ensemble cast's performances range from serviceable to stellar, with Michael Fassbender's David standing out as a highlight. His portrayal of an android longing for human experiences is intricately layered, evoking comparisons to classic sci-fi characters. The movie juxtaposes exploration and horror effectively, showcasing grotesque mutations and tense encounters with new alien life forms. Despite its ambitious scope, "Prometheus" occasionally falters with plot inconsistencies and character decisions that strain credibility. Nonetheless, it remains a visually captivating and intellectually stimulating addition to the genre, inviting discourse on humanity’s place in the universe through a blend of philosophical inquiry and thrilling sci-fi action.

Prometheus on Blu-ray is a stunning audiovisual experience that transcends the expectations set by its lineage in the Alien franchise. Ridley Scott's ambitious exploration of human origins, faith, and science is packaged within a gripping sci-fi narrative that both respects and diverges from its Alien roots. This thematic depth may not meet the anticipations of die-hard franchise fans seeking pure interstellar horror, but it introduces a refreshing philosophical angle that revitalizes the series. While the film is not without its flaws—such as narrative conveniences and an occasionally overwhelming ensemble cast—the overall execution more than compensates for these shortcomings.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray presentation of Prometheus is nothing short of exemplary. The video quality is impeccable, showcasing detailed visual effects and stark, hauntingly beautiful landscapes with absolute clarity. The audio mix complements the visual splendor with immersive soundscapes that plunge the viewer deeper into the film's universe. The 3D version is particularly noteworthy, offering a mesmerizing depth that enhances the cinematic experience. Moreover, this 4-Disc Collector's Edition is replete with several hours of engrossing bonus features, including a meticulous three-and-a-half-hour making-of documentary, which provides an invaluable insight into the film’s production.

In conclusion, Prometheus on Blu-ray is highly recommended for both its cinematic bravado and its peerless technical attributes. Despite some narrative blemishes, it emerges as a significant achievement in modern science fiction cinema. Whether opting for the enriched 3D version or the conventional 2D release, this edition assures an experience worth revisiting time and again.