I Am Number Four Blu-ray Review

"I Am Number Four" materializes on Blu-ray with a solid 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that showcases impressive visual fidelity synonymous with modern high-definition releases. The resolution is generally robust, delivering crisp definition and lucid clarity. Daylight sequences stand out with exquisite rendering of textures, vibrant colors, and warm, lifelike skin tones. Detail is exceptional, particularly in well-lit scenes where the nuanced minutia captured by the camera's lens comes to the fore. Primaries explode beautifully, and black levels are satisfyingly deep, though intermittently crushed.

However, the presentation encounters notable issues during darker scenes, such as the opening jungle sequence, which suffers from a lack of detail and clarity. Night-time scenes intermittently grapple with middling delineation and crush, making them somewhat nebulous. These issues appear to stem largely from cinematographer Guillermo Navarro’s lighting choices rather than any inherent defect in the transfer. Despite these imperfections, most CGI effects hold up remarkably well under high-definition scrutiny, and instances of banding, artifacting, aliasing, and ringing are minimal.

The film's visual effects, particularly the energy blasts and explosions, are designed to impress and largely succeed in doing so. The elevated contrast enhances the dynamic range, although it sometimes gives skin tones a bronzed sheen. This slick, trendy appearance is aided by yellow and teal filters, which add to the stylized look typical of contemporary action films. Despite a few fluctuations in sharpness largely attributable to extensive CGI usage, "I Am Number Four" offers a visually compelling Blu-ray experience that should satisfy the majority of viewers, even if it may not fully appease the most discerning videophiles.

The audio presentation of "I Am Number Four" on Blu-ray is an impressive exemplar of a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which enhances the home theater experience significantly. The surround mix provides an immersive soundstage with seamless integration between front and rear channels, allowing discrete sound effects to follow realistic paths that amplify the film's events. Explosions and energy blasts are delivered with potent LFE output, adding might and muscle to the overall experience. Bass elements are robust yet balanced, never overshadowing the other components in the soundfield. The blend of Trevor Rabins’ dynamic score, spatial ambiance, and crystal-clear dialogue results in a richly textured auditory experience.

Directional effects are executed with precision, providing additional realism as alien creatures and energy blasts move dynamically across the frame. The rear speaker activity is fierce when necessary, enveloping the listener in the cacophony of battle sounds that permeate the atmosphere. Despite the intensity of the action sequences, dialogue remains clean and intelligible, maintaining clarity even amidst the bedlam. The vigorous audio track is anything but subtle, perfectly matching the film's high-energy sound design. Adding further to its appeal, the track is available in several languages including French and Spanish, accommodating a diverse audience.

In summary, Disney’s audio treatment for "I Am Number Four" is high-caliber, exemplifying what fans have come to expect from their releases. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix delivers an utterly engaging sonic experience with impressive dynamics and invigorating detail. Whether it's the weighty bass during explosions or the nuanced background ambiance during quieter scenes, this track considerably elevates the overall film experience.

The Blu-ray release of "I Am Number Four" offers a concise array of extras, with deleted scenes providing the only substantial content. Director D.J. Caruso introduces six deleted scenes, offering fans additional context and depth. The standout featurette, Becoming Number Six, dives into Teresa Palmer’s portrayal of the titular character, showcasing the intense physical preparation and visual effects that brought her character to life. Additionally, a brief but enjoyable blooper reel captures behind-the-scenes antics. The package includes a standard DVD and a Digital Copy of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Six scenes introduced by Director D.J. Caruso.
• Becoming Number Six: Teresa Palmer covers the stunts and visual effects.
• Bloopers: Light-hearted outtakes and on-set gaffes.
• Bonus DVD: Standard definition version of the film.
• Digital Copy: Bonus digital version of the film.

"I Am Number Four" marks an ambitious foray into young adult sci-fi cinema, helmed by director D.J. Caruso. The plot follows John Smith (Alex Pettyfer), a teenage alien hiding from intergalactic assassins known as the Mogadorians. The narrative opens with considerable promise; a thrilling sequence introduces the death of Number Three and the subsequent danger looming over our protagonist, Number Four. Caruso employs high-octane action and special effects to keep viewers engaged, initially providing a well-paced spectacle reminiscent of his earlier successes like "Disturbia" and "Eagle Eye."

However, the film’s middle act sagging under derivative writing and formulaic teen drama diminishes its momentum. Pettyfer portrays John with adequate vulnerability, and while Timothy Olyphant brings a sturdy presence as Henri, John's protector, many supporting characters fall into predictable roles. The budding romance with Sarah (Dianna Agron) and tension with school bullies tread familiar ground, providing little innovation. The film adheres strictly to genre conventions, with scenes of telekinetic powers and alien confrontations largely mirroring established teen angst narratives.

The lackluster script, penned by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Marti Noxon, fails to invoke substantial intrigue or develop its mythos sufficiently. Nonetheless, the crescendo arrives in the third act, where intense action sequences elevate the viewing experience. Michael Bay’s production influence becomes evident as explosive battles, high-tech weaponry, and CGI spectacle ensue. Teresa Palmer’s introduction as Number Six injects fresh energy, culminating in a dynamic, albeit cartoonish, finale that offers some redemption from earlier lulls. While "I Am Number Four" ultimately feels more suited for episodic television than cinematic grandeur, younger audiences may find enough excitement within its flashy framework to overlook its structural flaws.

"I Am Number Four" is a moderately entertaining film that fails to live up to its intriguing premise. The narrative, while promising, feels rushed and underdeveloped, suggesting that the story might have been better suited to a television series format. Despite these shortcomings, the movie offers enough action and adventure to captivate its younger audience, particularly those who are fans of the source material. The performances from the cast and the script leave something to be desired, not fully capitalizing on the potential of the story.

On a technical front, Disney's Blu-ray release of "I Am Number Four" excels. The video and audio presentation are of exceptional quality, delivering a crisp and immersive viewing experience that meets the high standards of contemporary Blu-ray releases. However, the special features included in the Blu-ray package are sparse and lack depth, offering little in terms of behind-the-scenes insight or additional content that could enrich the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "I Am Number Four" is a film that might appeal more to younger audiences and fans of the original book, thanks to its engaging action sequences and solid AV presentation. However, it falls short in terms of storytelling and character development, making it better suited for a rental rather than a purchase. For those looking for high-quality video and audio, this Blu-ray is commendable, but the lack of substantial supplemental features is a notable drawback.