Project Almanac Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of Project Almanac delivers a compelling visual experience, maintaining the kinetic, handheld style characteristic of found footage while achieving a surprisingly high level of image quality. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode presents a film-like image that's detailed and crisp, even amidst the chaos of the time travel sequences. General details are exceptionally clear; for example, backgrounds in David's basement and various school settings reveal sharp accents with pinpoint precision. Facial and clothing textures are accurate, and flesh tones appear natural. There is some intentional image break-up during the more turbulent scenes, but this effect is consistent with the film's narrative style and doesn't detract from the viewing experience.

Colors are simple but well-executed, without any element standing out as excessively flashy or overly muted. The color palette manages to evoke realism rather than drawing attention to itself, which serves the film well. Black levels are particularly strong, especially during nighttime scenes, providing deep and true blacks that enhance the sense of dimensionality. Primary colors are energetic while secondary hues exhibit boldness and full-bodied saturation. Whites tend to be bright and clean, though there are some instances where contrast levels run hot, affecting the depth and dulling a few sequences.

Technically, the film's encoding showcases a high degree of clarity and detail despite its "found footage" roots. The picture exhibits an excellent sense of depth even in shaky sequences; black levels remain impressive throughout, contributing to an immersive visual experience. While there is minimal banding and scattered noise, these issues do not detract from the overall clarity. This Blu-ray presentation from Paramount captures both the raw energy of its unique format and a strong level of technical polish, making for an engaging viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack of "Project Almanac" is expertly engineered to deliver an engaging auditory experience. The heavy, rumbly sound effect accompanying time travel sequences creates an immersive depth, supported by a low-end thrust that adds significant weight to these moments. Surround sound elements, such as debris and whooshing air, fill the soundstage effectively, contributing to a believable environmental immersion. Noteworthy details include a drone buzzing through speakers, ambient neighborhood sounds, and precise sound effects in everyday settings like school hallways and store interiors. Music is balanced and clear, while dialogue remains centered and natural, ensuring a clean auditory experience that thoroughly complements the visual narrative.

Despite a front-heavy design, where much of the action and excellent panning effects are centralized in the front soundstage, the soundtrack occasionally utilizes surround elements to enhance critical scenes. Dynamic range is impressively extensive, with clear separation between highs and mids, and vocals situated distinctly in the center channel, never overshadowed by louder sound effects. The subwoofer's low-frequency extension is particularly effective during the time travel sequences and concert scenes, although it sometimes does not fully capture the depth suggested by the visuals. The track's overall balance and precision, attributed to a high-standard production background, result in a captivating auditory journey.

Atmospheric elements are sparingly but effectively used during key moments like the Lollapalooza concert or when the characters activate the device. These sequences create an immersive soundfield that feels both authentic and satisfying. Despite some limitations in utilizing the entire surround soundscape fully, the lossless audio mix remains a pleasurable listen. Coupled with naturally reproduced dialogue and strategically employed sound effects, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track ensures that viewers are sonically drawn into the experience of "Project Almanac" from start to finish.

The Blu-ray release of "Project Almanac" features a limited but notable selection of extras that provide some insight into alternate narrative possibilities. The package includes an Alternate Opening and multiple Deleted Scenes, though it lacks any substantial behind-the-scenes content or making-of documentaries. This absence is a missed opportunity for deeper engagement with the film's production process. The technical presentation of these extras is solid, rendered in high definition, and provides additional context to the film's storyline through various narrative cuts and endings. Additionally, buyers will find both a DVD copy and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Opening: An alternate beginning to the movie.
• Deleted Scenes: Several omitted scenes including Adam Plays Baseball, Scholarships, and more.
• Alternate Endings: Two different conclusions that explore other potential endings for the film.

"Project Almanac" offers a fresh take on the time-travel genre, blending the classic high school adventure with intriguing temporal mechanics. Directed by Dean Israelite and produced by Michael Bay, this sci-fi thriller follows the story of 17-year-old David Raskin (Jonny Weston) and his quest to get into MIT. Thwarted by the lack of scholarship funds, David, along with his friends and sister, stumbles upon his late father's unfinished time travel machine. Despite the film's shaky-cam style and somewhat flat character development, it maintains a spirited and engaging narrative that tackles the consequences of altering the past with a certain level of seriousness.

The film excels in its middle stretch, exploring all the wild "what ifs" involving teenage fantasies: passing tests, winning lotteries, and romantic pursuits. Despite being a bit heavy on the predictable tropes, these sequences offer a fun and refreshing take on time travel shenanigans. However, the film does not shy away from delving into the darker aspects of temporal alterations. David’s increasingly reckless time travel escapades lead to significant repercussions, grounding the film with relatable emotional reactions and moral dilemmas. While it stops short of fully exploiting its dark potential, it introduces younger audiences to complex concepts like the butterfly effect in an approachable manner.

Unfortunately, "Project Almanac" struggles with its characters, who lack distinct personalities and depth. The found footage style further detracts from the overall experience, adding little to the visual or dramatic impact. The technical ingenuity needed to complete the time machine stretches plausibility. Despite these shortcomings, the movie succeeds in delivering a sufficiently entertaining narrative rooted in fantasy-meets-reality. Although not revolutionary, "Project Almanac" remains a stimulating addition to the teen sci-fi genre, treating its audience with respect and intelligence without resorting to exploitative tactics common in many young adult adaptations.

"Project Almanac," directed by Dean Israelite, turns out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable entry in the realm of time travel films. Despite its found footage format—a technique often met with skepticism—this movie delivers a well-balanced narrative that manages to stay engaging without diving too deeply into its sci-fi roots. While the film doesn't match the depth or emotional resonance of top-tier time travel stories, it provides a thrilling experience with a likable cast and competent execution of its concept. It's a solid choice for those looking to quench their time-travel itch if they keep expectations in check.

The technical aspects of Paramount's Blu-ray release are admirable. The video transfer is clean, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals that enhance the immersive experience of the film's more frantic and intense moments. The audio performance is likewise robust, offering clear dialogue and dynamic sound effects that complement the film's energetic pacing. The Blu-ray also includes a handful of alternate and deleted scenes; however, these extras do little to add substantive value to the overall package.

In conclusion, "Project Almanac" has disaster written all over it, particularly considering its found footage approach. Yet the movie rises above expectations—not too far, certainly, but higher than anticipated—and offers a nicely balanced and enjoyable time travel experience that takes the time to explore possibilities before delving into the nitty-gritty consequences. Though neither as mentally deep nor emotionally pulling as the genre's best, "Project Almanac" still manages to entertain in all its imperfect glory. It never wears out its welcome but it does play it rather safe and never stretches its characters. Nevertheless, it's a fun ride that should scratch most any time-travel itch. With solid video and audio quality but lackluster supplements, it's worth a rental at release and a purchase at a bargain price down the line.