King Kong Blu-ray Review
Score: 67
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
'King Kong' intrigues yet frustrates, with quality Blu-ray but lacking extras.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 77
King Kong's Blu-ray release dazzles with its VC-1 encode, showcasing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional details in both urban and island scenes, earning high praise.
Audio: 80
King Kong's Blu-ray release astounds with reference-quality, DTS-HD audio that perfectly balances thunderous action and crystal-clear dialogue, earning universal acclaim.
Extra: 30
The Blu-ray release of 'King Kong' disappoints with sparse extras and a technical, sometimes tedious commentary by Jackson and Boyens, lacking the rich details and behind-the-scenes insight fans hoped for.
Movie: 60
King Kong on Blu-ray dazzles with its AV excellence and epic action, yet disappoints in coherence and bonus content, dividing fans and critics with its ambitious yet flawed retelling.
Video: 77
King Kong's presentation on Blu-ray is nothing short of spectacular, solidifying its position as a reference-quality transfer. The Blu-ray features a VC-1 encoded 1080p transfer across both the original and extended cuts of the film, beautifully housed on a BD50 disc. The film’s original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 is preserved, presenting an immaculate visual experience that combines depth, color, and clarity to an exceptional degree. Notably, the rich and varied hues of Skull Island's jungle scenes are striking, with lush greens and vibrant earth tones that stand out magnificently against the stark, desaturated color palette of the New York segments. This diversity of color adds a palpable texture to the film, enhancing its visual narrative.
The sharpness and detail in this transfer are extraordinary, providing visuals that are teeming with life. From the dense jungles of Skull Island to the intricate details of New York's urban landscape, every scene is a testament to the film's production value and cinematography. The depth of field is particularly noteworthy, offering a three-dimensional quality that rivets the viewer, whether it be the foreboding cliffs shrouded in fog or the dynamic scale of the bustling city. Blacks are deep and convincing, contributing to an image with formidable contrast and no noticeable blooming in the whites.
Moreover, the transfer adeptly handles the CGI elements of the film, maintaining a consistency in quality even when faced with the challenges of blending digital creatures into live-action settings. While some CGI scenes may exhibit a softer quality owing to the film’s stylistic choices in cinematography, they do not detract from the overall impressiveness of the transfer. The appreciable detail in textures—whether it be skin, fabric, or the natural environment—coupled with flawless color saturation and convincing flesh tones, culminates in a home viewing experience that is as close as one can get to a cinematic immersion. Despite slight concerns about digital noise reduction and edge enhancement in certain scenes, these issues are minimal and do not compromise the integrity of this stunning visual achievement.
Audio: 80
The audio track of the "King Kong" Blu-ray is a masterpiece in aural storytelling, elevating the film through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound presentation to levels of sound engineering brilliance that can only be described as reference-grade. Every corner of its expansive, dynamic range is utilized, from the subtlest nuances of the jungle's eerie calm to the bone-shaking roars of Kong himself. The detailed layering within the soundfield ensures that both the bombastic fury of the island's savage beasts and the potent, yet nuanced blasts of gunfire are delivered with a fidelity that mirrors the precision of the visuals. The low-end is as authentic as it comes, providing not just depth but a palpable sense of presence, allowing for every stomp, roar, and environmental tremor to be felt in full force without ever overwhelming the clarity and distinction of dialogue and high-frequency details.
The technical prowess exhibited in the mixing and mastering stages is evident, with directional audio and ambient effects crafted so meticulously that they transport the listener directly into Skull Island's untamed wilderness and New York's chaotic showdown. The soundtrack’s balance is impeccable, allowing for a seamless blend between action-packed sequences and quieter moments without any loss in detail or impact. Notably, the attention paid to the varying calibers of gunfire, ensuring their authenticity against the film's fantastical backdrop, showcases an unmatched commitment to audio realism. Similarly, environmental sounds such as those depicting the Venture ploughing through stormy seas enrich the cinematic experience, offering an all-encompassing immersive experience.
"King Kong" on Blu-ray sets a benchmark for how sound can enhance cinematic storytelling, demonstrating clear improvements over previous releases. It achieves this through a combination of cutting-edge audio technology and an artistic touch that respects both the silence and the fury inherent in the narrative. From heart-stopping action sequences to the delicate handling of musical cues, this audio track not only complements the visual feast but elevates it, resulting in an auditory experience as epic and meticulously crafted as Kong himself. Whether it’s the roar of Kong or the whisper of the jungle, this is sonic craftsmanship at its peak – an auditory delight that demands to be heard in all its lossless glory.
Extras: 30
The Blu-ray release of "King Kong" presents a mixed bag for enthusiasts and cinephiles seeking comprehensive insights into the film's creation. The key takeaway is the inclusion of both theatrical and extended film versions, accentuated by the audio commentary from Director Peter Jackson and writer Philippa Boyens, which, despite its depth in technical detail, might come off as exhaustive for some. The feature also leans heavily on its Picture-in-Picture (PiP) track, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes with cast and crew interviews and some segments of conceptual art. However, this approach feels lacking compared to the rich array of extras once available on DVD editions. Noteworthy is the extended cut exclusive commentary, which ventures deeply into the technical intricacies of filmmaking, possibly alienating non-technical viewers despite its insightful content. The extras, though innovative in their Blu-ray exclusive format with BD Live My Scenes capability, seem to underdeliver by not fully exploring the vast potential of the source material and its production journey, leaving enthusiasts yearning for more substantial offerings.
Extras included in this disc:
Extended Edition Audio Commentary with Director Peter Jackson and Writer Philippa Boyens: Deep dive into the technical aspects of the film's production, available only on the extended version.
Conceptual Art Galleries: Interactive display of film-related artwork.
Picture-in-picture Extended Edition Cast & Crew Interviews: Offers background information and insights directly related to the scenes being viewed.
BD Live My Scenes: Enables personalized scene compilation, enhancing viewer engagement with the film.
Movie: 60
King Kong on Blu-ray emerges as a towering example of how far cinema can stretch into the realms of fantasy and spectacle, while simultaneously serving as a testament to the rapid evolution of special effects and sound design. The film navigates through an epic narrative, oscillating between heart-pounding action sequences and tender moments, albeit with its fair share of narrative bloat and undercooked subplots. The technical prowess of the Blu-ray presentation is undeniable – the marriage of avant-garde computer-generated imagery with Peter Jackson's vision results in a visual banquet, replete with elaborate sets and panoramic vistas that captivate and charm. Complementing the visual marvel is an auditory experience that is both bombastic and nuanced, ensuring that every scene, from the cacophony of Kong's roars to the subtle rustling of leaves, is delivered with impeccable clarity.
Amidst the spectacle, however, lies a polarizing narrative. The extended duration of the film might test the patience of some, diluting the core storyline amid unnecessary detours and myriad characters, which at times feels like a juxtaposition of meticulously crafted set pieces rather than a cohesive narrative. Yet, it's hard to overlook the performances, particularly those of Naomi Watts and Andy Serkis, whose portrayal of Kong transcends the digital barrier to convey genuine emotion and depth. Their contributions elevate the film, infusing it with a soul that resonates amidst the high-octane sequences and special effects that at times threaten to overshadow the film's emotional core.
Despite its flaws — including some scenes where the reliance on CGI slightly undermines the suspension of disbelief — King Kong remains an exemplar of modern filmmaking that pushes the envelope in terms of technical achievement and scale. Its reception may be mixed, with criticisms centered around its pacing and narrative choices, but it unequivocally stands as a cinematic experience that showcases what is possible when technology meets vision. Whether seen as a flawed masterpiece or an exercise in excess, King Kong on Blu-ray is an undeniable showcase of home cinema potential, making it a must-experience for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of audiovisual immersion.
Total: 67
The Blu-ray release of "King Kong" presents a paradoxical viewing experience that splits the audience. On one hand, the movie is praised for its ambitious scope and the fidelity with which it retells the timeless story. However, it falters with its bloated runtime and an overload of subplots that make it a challenging sit-through. The director's attempt to weave a rich tapestry occasionally strays into tedium, mirroring the icy detachment viewers feel towards its characters. Despite these narrative pitfalls, the technical execution of the Blu-ray edition is exemplary. The disc shines in delivering reference-grade audio and video quality that elevates the viewing experience to a remarkable level. The inclusion of both the theatrical and director's cut offers a comprehensive look at the filmmaker's vision, though it's a mixed blessing given the film's pacing issues.
The physical presentation of "King Kong" on Blu-ray lacks the comprehensive suite of supplements aficionados might expect, indicating a missed opportunity to fully delve into the cinematic craftsmanship of this elaborate production. The absence of exhaustive extras previously available in DVD editions is felt, marking this release as slightly undercut for collectors aiming for an all-encompassing package. Nevertheless, the superior audiovisual fidelity ensures that enthusiasts of visual and auditory spectacle will find much to admire. The Blu-ray succeeds in capturing the grandeur of Kong’s world with remarkable clarity and sound depth, making it a must-have for those prioritizing technical quality over supplemental depth.
Conclusively, while "King Kong" on Blu-ray is a formidable showcase of audiovisual prowess, it somewhat falters in offering the definitive collector's package due to its sparse extras. Despite the film's narrative shortcomings and occasional inability to emotionally engage, this release is bound to be a treasured addition for cinephiles who favor technological excellence. Its recommendation comes with caveats; it is an essential purchase for fans seeking to experience the movie in unparalleled quality, but less so for those who value a rich array of behind-the-scenes insights and comprehensive content.
avforums review by Chris McEneanyRead review here
Video: 90
Scenes of the Venture making hair-raising progress through the cliffs and the fog, once again, have a terrific sense of looming scale and even if some of the model work and matte-shots look a tad obvious,...
Audio: 100
High impact contacts abound as the fight literally rages all around the soundscape, the effect one of the best examples of multiple-target steerage that I have heard, with the sound assuming a totally...
Extras: 40
The artwork, although splendid in its own right, deserves to be housed in a properly extensive gallery and, here, is just the tip of the iceberg....
Movie: 90
Whether you become overwhelmed by the romance and tragedy of the story, or just simply want to kick back and revel in hi-def glory, King Kong still reigns supreme as a home cinema show-piece that packs...
Total: 80
Blu-ray.com review by Ben WilliamsRead review here
Video: 100
The film is a true sight to behold on Blu-ray and easily ranks among the best transfers the format has seen....
Audio: 100
Given that King Kong was an Academy Award winning film in the sound department, anything less than a stellar soundtrack would be a disappointment with this Blu-ray release....
Extras: 40
The commentary, featuring Director Peter Jackson and writer Phillippa Boyens, is a thoroughly detail oriented experience where both go to great lengths to explain the more technical aspects of the films...
Movie: 60
Somehow, as technology and special effects have improved over the years, it seems that someone is always keen to showcase the industry's latest developments by making a more realistic giant ape....
Total: 70
There is so much that I like about the movie, yet the film's extended running time as well as its numerous boring and lengthy passages make the film hard to digest....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
Given the film's extensive computer-generated imagery, some may find fault with the effects-heavy scenes that sometimes look a bit flatter and less sharp....
Audio: 100
It's clear the sound designers outdid themselves in having fun with the mix -- transparency, pans and the sense of detail and realism to the discrete effects is second-to-none ('King Kong' didn't win the...
Extras: 20
Jackson does touch upon his love for the story, his desire to remake it, and the performances, but the absence of any of the hours of featurettes included on the standard DVD is obvious here....
Movie: 40
And the island scenes, while decent enough as action filler, also have little to do with the heart of the story....
Total: 60
It's an ambitious and faithful retelling of the classic tale, but it's also overloaded with subplots and a bit too cold for its own good....
Director: Peter Jackson
Actors: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody
PlotIn 1930s New York, during the depths of the Great Depression, struggling vaudeville actress Ann Darrow finds herself out of work and desperate. An ambitious filmmaker, Carl Denham, is facing his own pressures to produce an exciting new film. When he encounters Ann, he convinces her to star in his upcoming venture, deceiving her and his cast about the true nature of the project. Carl has obtained a mysterious map that promises to lead them to a legendary uncharted island. Sailing aboard the SS Venture, with screenwriter Jack Driscoll and a hopeful film crew, they embark on what they expect to be the greatest adventure of their lives, completely unaware of the wonders and terrors they're about to encounter.
Upon arrival, the crew finds an island shrouded in mystery, inhabited by prehistoric creatures and the island's revered god, a gigantic ape they soon learn is named Kong. When Ann is captured by the island's native inhabitants and offered as a sacrifice to Kong, an unexpected bond forms between the giant ape and the actress. The crew's desperate mission to rescue Ann leads them deeper into the island's primordial landscapes, facing nightmarish creatures and escalating danger. Meanwhile, Denham sees potential in bringing Kong back to New York, dreaming of wealth and fame that could be his if he can capture this magnificent beast.
Writers: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson
Release Date: 14 Dec 2005
Runtime: 187 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, New Zealand, Germany
Language: English