I Am Legend Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers' Blu-ray release of "I Am Legend" offers a mixed bag in terms of video quality, yet it generally impresses with its high-definition presentation. The 1080p/VC-1 encode spreads across a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, showcasing some scenes with remarkable clarity and depth, particularly evident in close-ups of Will Smith's face where every pore and sweat droplet is visible. However, the overall sharpness falls short of expectations for a film that benefits greatly from its visual spectacle, particularly the desolate Manhattan setting. Despite this, colors are vivid and well-rendered, from the bright red of Neville's Mustang to the lush greens of encroaching nature in Times Square, enhancing the viewing experience with a rich palette that markedly improves upon the more muted tones seen in theater versions.

The transfer accurately modulates contrast across the grayscale, avoiding blown-out whites while maintaining perfect blacks that add depth to darker scenes. Yet, there are criticisms regarding the softness of some CGI-laden scenes and the less-than-ideal shadow delineation in crucial sequences like Neville's entry into the dark building, which lacks the impenetrable gloom and potent white glare of his torch as anticipated from cinema exposure. Despite these drawbacks, moments of brilliance are scattered throughout, offering fleeting glimpses of the three-dimensional depth and detail that high-definition Blu-ray can provide.

The Blu-ray edition reflects a notable upgrade from standard definitions, bringing out nuances and background details missed in theatrical presentations. While some viewers may find the image softer than expected from Blu-ray standards, others will undoubtedly appreciate the marked improvement in image quality over previous formats. Although not without its faults—such as motion blur in fast action scenes and CGI effects—the video presentation of "I Am Legend" on Blu-ray stands out for its detailed textures, vibrant colors, and overall fidelity, making it a valuable addition to the high-definition library.

The audio presentation of "I Am Legend" on Blu-ray, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, delivers an auditory experience that is as expansive and detailed as the desolate world it portrays. From the quiet, reflective moments of solitude to the aggressive outbursts of a crumbling New York City besieged by nightmarish creatures, the sound design meticulously balances ambience, James Newton Howard's haunting score, and sudden, visceral effects with aplomb. The precision in placement and steerage across the soundscape immerses viewers in Dr. Neville's isolation and tense encounters, whether through the echoic roar of a lion, the crunching impact of the infected, or the stirring silence that follows the chaos.

Listeners can expect a masterful mix that brings the desolation and terror of Dr. Neville's world to life, thanks to both the clarity and depth of the lossless audio. The TrueHD track outshines its DD 5.1 counterpart by offering a warmth and naturalism that enhances every element from the subtleties of ambient city sounds to the clarity of dialogue. Bass levels are powerful yet refined, adding a palpable tension without overwhelming, illustrating the effectiveness of nuanced sound design over sheer volume. Whether it's the clarity of gunfire, the resonance of explosions, or the spine-chilling shrieks of nocturnal predators, each sound is rendered with an attention to detail that elevates the viewing experience.

Warner Bros.' commitment to quality is evident in both the theatrical and alternate versions of "I Am Legend," available in the Blu-ray release. The audio options, including the pristine English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, ensure that this film becomes a go-to demonstration disc for audiophiles and Blu-ray enthusiasts alike. The mix skillfully navigates between dynamic action sequences and quieter moments of dread and introspection, offering an immersive experience that showcases the power of subtle sound design to evoke emotion and tension. Coupled with an impeccable balance of volume and an unerring ability to transport the listener into Neville's hauntingly silent world, "I Am Legend" sets a benchmark for home theater audio presentations.

The Blu-ray extras for "I Am Legend" present an intriguing mix of content that, while leaving viewers craving more, especially a commentary from Will Smith and director Francis Lawrence, still offers a substantial look behind the scenes of this post-apocalyptic thriller. Although the absence of commentary and deleted scenes is felt, the alternate cut of the film with a different ending provides a significant addition, integrating seamlessly into the viewing experience in full HD quality. The centerpiece, "Cautionary Tale: The Science of 'I Am Legend'," delivers an engaging and well-articulated look at the realistic threats posed by viruses, blending scientific expertise with insights from the cast and crew. The collection of mini-featurettes, though somewhat fragmented, covers a broad spectrum from on-set anecdotes to deep dives into character backstory and special effects, enriched by the inclusion of contributions from Richard Matheson. The animated comics offer a visually striking but thematically tangential supplement. Despite minor reservations about the overall package's coherence and depth, it's a worthy compilation for fans, highlighted by high production values across its video materials mostly presented in 480i/VC-1 with Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo.

Extras included in this disc:

• Cautionary Tale: The Science of 'I Am Legend': An in-depth look into the science behind the film's depiction of viruses and their effects on humanity.
• Creating 'I Am Legend': A comprehensive documentary detailing the shooting process, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with key cast and crew.
• Animated Comics: Four short animated stories related to the film's universe, offering a unique narrative style and perspective.

"I Am Legend," featuring Will Smith as the indomitable Dr. Robert Neville, marks a significant, if flawed, contribution to the post-apocalyptic genre, resting on the shoulders of classics like "The Road Warrior" and "28 Days Later." This Blu-ray presentation captures Lawrence's adaptation with finesse, offering both the theatrical and an alternate version, each with its own merits. The narrative, diverging from Richard Matheson's original novel, provides an introspective look into humanity's resilience amidst desolation. Smith's portrayal of Neville - a lone survivor in a ravaged New York City, grappling with the enormity of isolation whilst seeking a cure for the virus that decimated humanity - is compelling. His performance navigates through the quiet despair and intense desperation of his situation with a palpable sincerity, marking it as one of his career's best.

The film initially thrives on its atmosphere rather than its action, focusing on Neville's daily survival routines and the haunting emptiness of a deserted metropolis. This slow build-up accentuates the thematic depth of loneliness and loss, making the eventual shift towards more action-oriented sequences jarring. Despite its strengths, "I Am Legend" suffers from its third act, where the introduction of additional survivors and a shift towards conventional action spectacle dilutes the film's emotional and thematic potency. Yet, Lawrence's direction and Smith's extraordinary solo act keep the narrative engaging, with certain sequences showcasing a blend of technical skill and narrative intensity rare in contemporary sci-fi cinema.

The Blu-ray offers an alternate ending, aiming to address some of the theatrical cut's shortcomings. This version attempts a more nuanced approach to its conclusion, offering a different perspective on the 'Dark Seekers' and providing a somewhat more satisfying resolution to Neville's journey. Though it doesn't entirely negate the film's structural issues, this alternative cut presents a fascinating what-if scenario that complements the primary narrative. Despite the shortcomings in adapting Matheson's vision to the screen, including deviations that might disappoint purists, "I Am Legend" stands out for its initial promise and Smith's powerful performance, even if it ultimately succumbs to the allure of Hollywood spectacle over the haunting subtlety of its source material.

"I Am Legend" on Blu-ray presents a compelling package that marrows well with the film's atmospheric and intelligent post-apocalyptic theme. The inclusion of both the original and alternate versions of the film provides a nuanced viewing experience, offering audiences the choice between two distinctly different endings. The alternate ending brings a more satisfying conclusion to the narrative, adding depth and complexity to Will Smith's character study, turning this Blu-ray release into a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. While the video quality may slightly fall short of reproducing the cinematic experience, it is counterbalanced by the exceptional audio quality that immerses viewers into the desolate world portrayed in the film. The bonus content, though considered insufficient by some, includes the much-appreciated alternate version that significantly enhances the overall value of this release.

Warner Brothers has succeeded in creating a Blu-ray disc that not only showcases the technical prowess of the format but also aligns perfectly with Will Smith's captivating performance. The disc's exceptional audio and video quality serve to elevate the post-apocalyptic narrative, drawing viewers into the harrowing experience of isolation and survival against the backdrop of an abandoned New York City infested with creatures of the night. Despite a desire for more extensive extras, the available supplements and the inclusion of an alternate ending provide substantial material for fans and scholars of Richard Matheson's work to delve into.

In conclusion, "I Am Legend" on Blu-ray stands out as a comprehensive and highly recommendable release. Its presentation of both narrative versions allows for an enriched exploration of the film's themes and characters, supported by superior technical specifications. While it leaves some room for improvement in terms of additional content, the overall package affirms the film's significance within the genres it intersects. This release is a testament to Blu-ray's ability to offer an immersive viewing experience that complements and expands upon the cinematic vision of post-apocalyptic storytelling.