Knowing Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer of "Knowing" is a stunning showcase for Blu-ray technology, delivering a virtually flawless 2.35:1 image quality. Filmed with RED ONE digital cameras, the film benefits from an unparalleled level of clarity, depth, and intricate detail that sets it apart from traditional 1080p transfers. The colors are natural and vibrant, capturing the autumnal palette with breathtaking accuracy. Outdoor scenes are particularly impressive, with orange and golden leaves appearing almost touchable in their realism. Equally remarkable are the fine details visible in every frame, from the writing on gas station packaging to the textures of wood-grain floorboards.

Despite its near-reference quality, the transfer has a unique clean, processed look, which may be polarizing for some viewers accustomed to a more film-like appearance. The image is completely devoid of grain and noise, presenting a hyper-realistic visual experience. While shadows and blacks are strong overall, some viewers noted minor issues with blacks appearing too bright, though this is easily overshadowed by the overall quality. The image employs solid contrast levels and showcases mesmerizing depth and three-dimensionality.

Though opinions may vary on its aesthetic qualities, from subdued colors to the unique digital softness around facial features, this Blu-ray presentation offers an objective triumph in video quality. The sharpness and compositional beauty of scenes like John’s lecture or aerial views of Earth emphasize the meticulous attention to detail. Absence of edge enhancement, banding, and artifacts further cement this as a high-quality high-definition release, likely to impress even the most critical cinephiles.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on "Knowing" delivers an exemplary audio experience, spotlighting the dynamic sound design crafted by Alex Proyas. The standout moments—specifically the plane crash and the train disaster—are nothing short of breathtaking. Deep, floor-rumbling bass permeates these scenes, creating an incredibly forceful and immersive atmosphere. Yet, this soundtrack maintains a delicate balance between aggression and clarity. Marco Beltrami's score shines throughout, with anxious strings and resonant melodies that are presented with remarkable precision and warmth.

Listeners will appreciate the nuanced details that contribute to a lifelike auditory environment. From the whispering of the Strangers that spatially surrounds the listener to the subtle ambient sounds such as rustling leaves and the gentle clunk of car doors, every element is reproduced with stunning fidelity. Dialogue is natural and spatially accurate, enhancing the immersive quality of this masterful mix. The surround channels are extensively utilized, making directional effects seem omnipresent and organic rather than forced or gimmicky. High-ends are crisp, the mid-range is sweeping, and the bass is deep and clean.

This audio track stands out not only for its raw power but also for its meticulous attention to ambient and atmospheric detail. The scene transitions—from a subtle rumble during the opening credits to a subway car racing through the soundstage—are executed seamlessly, demonstrating a 360° sound field with impeccable fidelity. Whether it's the intensity of a raging fire or the slight echoing effect of a microphone at a university ceremony, each soundscape is captured with clarity and accuracy. Simply put, this is a demo-quality audio track that elevates "Knowing" into an incredibly engaging sonic experience.

The Blu-ray of "Knowing" includes extras that are unfortunately limited in depth and overall value. The commentary track by Director Alex Proyas, although intended to be a conversational and engaging discussion with an unnamed accomplice, often becomes meandering and lacks focus. Despite touching on themes such as the dichotomy between science and faith, the commentary feels tiresome. The making-of featurette titled "Knowing All: The Making of a Futuristic Thriller" is a standard Electronic Press Kit (EPK) filled with spoiler-heavy clips and unremarkable cast and crew interviews. However, "Visions of the Apocalypse" offers a slightly more intriguing dive into various apocalyptic prophecies and beliefs, though it still remains somewhat superficial. Overall, these extras do not provide significant insight or enrichment.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Discussion with Alex Proyas and an unnamed co-speaker about film themes and production insights.

Knowing All: The Making of a Futuristic Thriller: Brief EPK covering basic production details and special effects.

Visions of the Apocalypse: Mini-documentary on human fascination with doomsday prophecies and related events.

"Knowing" is a compelling sci-fi thriller that delves deep into philosophical musings about fate and randomness. Directed by Alex Proyas, the film thrives on its ability to maintain intense suspense throughout. The premise is intriguing: a time capsule from 1959 contains a sheet filled with seemingly random numbers. However, these numbers, unearthed by John Koestler (Nicolas Cage), an MIT astrophysics professor, predict major disasters accurately. The narrative's strength lies in how it blends large-scale catastrophic events with intimate moments of personal revelation. The film questions the interplay of love, faith, and determinism in human existence.

The film's visuals are striking, especially during the disaster sequences, which are rendered with high-quality CGI. Proyas' direction ensures that the viewer is absorbed in a continuous state of tension and fascination. Nicolas Cage's performance has been polarizing; some critics note his characteristic monotone delivery in the initial half, transitioning into a more engaging portrayal as the plot advances. Meanwhile, child actors Chandler Canterbury and Lara Robinson provide commendable support in their respective roles, adding depth to the overarching storyline. Marco Beltrami’s score further amplifies the film's eerie and urgent ambiance.

Despite these strengths, "Knowing" is not without its detractors. Some viewers may find the blending of Biblical symbolism, philosophical speculation, and pseudo-scientific elements overly ambitious or even bewildering. Additionally, the climax has elicited mixed reactions, with some finding it unsatisfying or less impactful compared to the original buildup. Nonetheless, the film's ability to provoke thought and its visually intense scenes make it a noteworthy entry in modern sci-fi thrillers, especially for audiences interested in apocalyptic narratives and existential questions.

Alex Proyas' "Knowing" provides a blend of suspense, drama, and thought-provoking moments. The film embraces a well-paced narrative and competent acting, complimented by notable direction which maintains a seamless flow. Summit Entertainment's Blu-ray release boasts reference-quality sound and an impressive transfer that enhances the overall viewing experience, cementing its status amongst high-quality discs in the current market. Despite some geographical accuracy issues and sparse bonus materials, the technical prowess of the Blu-ray more than compensates, showcasing its visual and aural capabilities.

The DTS-HD lossless audio delivers an immersive 360° sound experience, efficiently handling both subtle atmospheric effects and intensified action sequences with remarkable fidelity. Marco Beltrami’s score, which oscillates between mysterious and intense, is presented impeccably. The visual clarity of the high-definition transfer further elevates the film's presentation, providing crisp detail and vibrant colors that bolster the film’s aesthetic appeal.

In conclusion, "Knowing" executes a compelling narrative enriched by superior technical quality on Blu-ray. While some may find geographical mismatches distracting, the overall experience offered by the impeccable audio-visual presentation is undeniably engaging. The limited bonus content might deter some potential buyers, but for enthusiasts of sci-fi thrillers and high-caliber home media, this Blu-ray remains a worthy addition that commands an enthusiastic recommendation.