Moon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Moon" stands out with its impressive 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, maintaining an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The image quality is excellent, achieving an impressive balance between clarity and authenticity. Skin tones appear quite natural, effectively reflecting the ambient lighting of the moonbase setting, which lends a lived-in feel to the environment. The overall sharpness is well-maintained despite the general use of soft lighting within the pre-lit studio set, and the contrast is consistently good throughout. The lunar landscape is especially noteworthy, with space not depicted as the usual deep black but rather nuanced by lens flares and scattered light from the Sun.

Technical prowess is evident in this transfer, particularly in scenes featuring the massive harvester, which are rendered with stunning detail. "Moon" boasts a clean and organic visual style, dominated by a blue palette while ensuring that whites and grays are warm and occasionally soft, and blacks remain rich and well-saturated. Notably, there is no visible grain, edge-enhancement, macroblocking, or severe banding issues. The transfer's integrity is commendable, free of scratches, debris, dirt, or stains. Moreover, when projected digitally, the film maintains its visual stability efficiently. This Region-Free Blu-ray ensures compatibility across different geographical locations without issues. Overall, this Blu-ray release captures the aesthetic and thematic essence of "Moon" with admirable fidelity.

The audio presentation of "Moon" on the Blu-ray is rendered in a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, with an additional option of a Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 track. From a technical standpoint, the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix consistently delivers high-quality audio, with crystal-clear dialogue anchored firmly to the center channel. This ensures speech intelligibility throughout the film, devoid of any distracting pops, cracks, or hiss. Furthermore, Sony Pictures Classics has included a range of subtitle options, including English, English SDH, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Hindi, and Bahasa, which can be activated without intruding on the visual frame.

The audio mix successfully creates an immersive soundscape, subtly utilizing the surrounds for ambient effects within the moonbase setting. These ambient sounds significantly enhance the sense of place without overwhelming the primary audio elements. Clint Mansell's evocative score is treated with exceptional care; it weaves seamlessly into the background, providing both a sense of anticipation and a rhythmic pulse that drives the narrative arc. The balance between music and dialogue is adeptly managed, allowing Mansell's compositions to augment rather than overshadow the dramatic tension of the film. Overall, the audio mix is commendably refined, enhancing the movie's atmosphere without vying for attention.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Moon" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the making of this remarkable film. The dual audio commentaries stand out, with Director Duncan Jones joined by different key production members. The first, featuring Gary Shaw, Gavin Rothery, and Tony Noble, gives a detailed account of production intricacies—perfect for film enthusiasts. The second commentary with Producer Stuart Fenegan delves deeper into the technical construction, offering a richer understanding of the film's creation. Additionally, Jones' short film "Whistle" presents an intriguing narrative on surveillance and morality. The featurette on "The Making of Moon" and Simon Stanley-Clamp’s breakdown of visual effects are informative, showcasing behind-the-scenes craftsmanship. Two Q&A sessions with Jones at the Science Center and Sundance Film Festival provide further insights into thematic elements and collaborative efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Duncan Jones, Gary Shaw, Gavin Rothery, and Tony Noble.
• Audio Commentary: With Duncan Jones and Stuart Fenegan.
• Whistle: A short film by Duncan Jones.
• The Making of Moon: Behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Creating the Visual Effects: Analysis by Visual Effects Supervisor Simon Stanley-Clamp.
• Science Center Q&A with Director Duncan Jones: Audience questions answered.
• Film Makers Q&A at the Sundance Festival: Insights from Sundance premiere.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for "Moon".

Duncan Jones' "Moon" (2009) stands out as an exceptional directorial debut, blending thoughtful narrative with impressive technical execution. The film benefits from a sharp 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, framed at 2.40:1, capturing the lunar setting with fine color and contrast, devoid of digital artifacts. The audio, presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround, offers crisp dialogues and subtle ambient sounds while Clint Mansell's score heightens the atmospheric tension.

Sam Rockwell delivers a remarkable performance as Sam Bell, a lone technician overseeing helium-3 harvesters on a remote lunar base. His portrayal of isolation and existential crisis is masterful. Complementing Rockwell is Kevin Spacey's voice acting as Gerty, the intelligent computer whose interactions with Bell add layers to the narrative.

"Moon" intelligently navigates its minimalist sci-fi landscape, presenting a story rich with philosophical inquiries. It's visually arresting, thanks to the efforts of cinematographer Gary Shaw and visual effects experts Sam Bassett and Kevin Campbell. The film refrains from heavy-handed commentary on futuristic advancements, focusing instead on timeless human emotions and ethical dilemmas.

The Blu-ray release is packed with insightful supplements, including dual audio commentary tracks featuring key production personnel, a short film by Jones, and Q&A sessions from the Sundance Film Festival. These extras provide a deeper understanding of the film's creative process and thematic depth. Moon is an exemplary blend of strong storytelling and technical prowess, making it a must-have for any film aficionado’s collection.

Review 1: "The Blu-ray release of 'Moon' showcases an exceptional transfer with pristine picture quality. The visuals are sharp, with deep blacks and a high level of detail that does justice to the film's striking cinematography. The audio track is equally impressive, providing a robust and immersive sound experience. The extras included are enlightening, offering deep dives into the film’s production and thematic elements."

Review 2: "A visually stunning and thought-provoking film, 'Moon' benefits greatly from its Blu-ray release. The transfer maintains the film's unique atmospheric quality, with superb contrast and clarity. The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack enhances the experience, delivering clear dialogue alongside an evocative score. Supplementary materials are extensive and well-produced, adding significant value for fans and new viewers alike."

Review 3: "'Moon' on Blu-ray is a treat for both cinephiles and sci-fi enthusiasts. Sony's attention to detail in the picture and sound quality is evident, making the viewing experience remarkably immersive. The disc also includes a rich set of special features that not only entertain but also deepen understanding and appreciation of the film. Highly recommended for its technical excellence and insightful extras."

Review 4: "With its stellar Blu-ray presentation, 'Moon' is a testament to Duncan Jones' craftsmanship. The transfer is impeccable, preserving the movie's moody aesthetics with excellent detail and contrast. Sound editing is top-notch, effectively utilizing the DTS-HD Master Audio to create atmosphere. The special features round out the package nicely, providing valuable insights into the making of the film."

Review 5: "Sony's Blu-ray release of 'Moon' is an exemplar of how a well-executed physical media release should be. The visual fidelity is remarkable, capturing every nuance of Gary Shaw's cinematography. The audio quality offers a perfect balance between subtle ambient sounds and Clare Corbould’s score. The supplementals are plentiful and informative, making this a must-own for any serious collector."

The Blu-ray release of Duncan Jones' "Moon" is a masterclass in high-definition filmmaking presentation, delivering both an unparalleled visual and auditory experience. Featuring an immaculate transfer, the Blu-ray disc showcases pristine picture quality with deep blacks and intricate detail that enhance Gary Shaw’s stunning cinematography. The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack provides a robust, immersive soundscape that beautifully complements the film's narrative tone.

The Blu-ray edition also excels in its supplemental offerings. Viewers are treated to a comprehensive suite of extras that provide insightful explorations into the film’s production process and thematic subtleties. These supplemental features answer nearly any question a viewer could have about this thought-provoking sci-fi gem, significantly enhancing its replay value.

In conclusion, "Moon" on Blu-ray is a meticulously crafted package that stands out for its technical precision and enriching extras. It comes highly recommended for both collectors and casual viewers who appreciate stellar filmmaking and in-depth behind-the-scenes content. It is an essential addition to any serious film library.