War of the Worlds: Goliath Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "War of the Worlds: Goliath" features a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded 2D video presentation, alongside a less impressive 1080p/MVC-encoded 3D experience. In the 2D format, viewers are treated to a visually consistent world with colors that are bleak yet evocative, capturing the desolate atmosphere of the narrative. The primary hues stand out against this backdrop, with weapon fire providing vibrant flashes of color. Detail across both hand-drawn characters and CG machinery is generally high, promoting clean lines and crisp edges, contributing to a mostly seamless integration of the two styles. However, the presentation is not without its flaws; notable issues include occasional softness in some shots, discernible banding and macroblocking, particularly in scenes with dynamic elements like skies and smoke, along with minor aliasing linked mostly to CG elements and several animation inconsistencies.

The 3D version of the film doesn't live up to the standard set by its 2D counterpart, suffering from a lack of depth and dimensionality in its hand-drawn elements. This flattening effect detracts significantly from the overall 3D experience, rendering it somewhat akin to a lackluster pop-up book rather than a fully immersive visual feast. The few CG sequences that benefit from added depth are not enough to redeem the overall inconsistent quality of the 3D presentation. Furthermore, this version exacerbates existing issues such as banding and aliasing, and introduces noticeable ghosting in some scenes, which may be particularly problematic for displays susceptible to crosstalk. This variability makes the 3D component come across as an optional extra rather than a genuine enhancement to the film's visual spectacle. In light of these observations, the 2D presentation emerges as the preferable viewing choice, owing to its higher consistency and quality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "War of the Worlds: Goliath" delivers what can be described as a satisfactory auditory experience with a few caveats. The track necessitates a volume adjustment higher than what one might typically expect, as the overall mix leans on the softer side. Dialogue, while mostly clear and easily discernable, suffers from erratic prioritization throughout the film. This inconsistency results in a noticeable competition between the spoken word and sound effects, detracting from the cohesion of the audio presentation. The low-frequency effects (LFE) channel offers commendable support during intense battle sequences, showcasing a robustness that fans of action will appreciate, although its performance is not without its moments of unpredictability.

Spatial effects via the rear channels exhibit a lack of consistency, with their contributions fluctuating significantly across different scenes. This inconsistency affects the immersive quality of the audio, making it feel as if the auditory landscape is retreating just as often as it engages. The directionality and panning of sound across the surround sound environment sometimes appear lacking in fluidity, with movements feeling constrained or overly deliberate. These dynamics, while not egregiously poor, reveal room for improvement in creating a more seamlessly enveloping listening experience.

It's essential to note that these shortcomings appear to stem more from the original sound design of "War of the Worlds: Goliath" rather than any inherent flaws in the Blu-ray's audio track itself. The lossless DTS-HD MA track faithfully presents what it's been given; however, it's apparent that the source material's audio design contains several elements that hinder a completely satisfying surround sound experience. Despite these qualms, the track still manages to convey the intensity and excitement of this sci-fi action narrative, albeit imperfectly.

The Blu-ray extras of "War of the Worlds: Goliath" offer an intriguing glimpse into the film's creation and backstory, though with varying degrees of depth. The audio commentary by producer/director Joe Pearson and producer/writer David Amramowitz, while not profoundly insightful, provides a straightforward overview of the production's many facets, from story development to casting and animation. The highlight among the extras is undoubtedly "Stories Before the War," featuring comicbook-style shorts that enrich the film's narrative universe through captivating artwork. The making-of documentary goes deeper into the project's origins, the animation process, and the cast's contributions, offering fans and newcomers alike a thorough understanding of the film's ambition. "The Movie in Storyboards" presents a near-complete visual draft of the film, enhancing appreciation for the storyboard art form, though the "The Lovers" deleted scene feels somewhat superfluous. The inclusion of voice actor bios, art galleries, and the film's trailer rounds out a comprehensive package that should satisfy both casual viewers and dedicated fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary with Joe Pearson and David Amramowitz.
• Stories Before the War: Two prequel shorts with unique artwork.
• The Making of War of the Worlds: Goliath: A detailed documentary on the film's production.
• The Movie in Storyboards: A near-complete storyboard version of the film.
• The Lovers: A deleted scene using original storyboards.
• The Art of War: Image galleries showcasing blueprints and production art.
• Meet Our Voice Actors: Bios of the voice cast.
• Trailer: The official film trailer.

War of the Worlds: Goliath" ambitiously sets its story in an alternate dieselpunk universe, taking bold strides beyond the realms of H.G. Wells' original novel to craft a sequel laden with imaginatively designed mechs and a compelling concept. It positions a revamped earth in 1914, now armored with blending Martian technology and steam-powered Tripod battle machines, against a renewed Martian threat. The narrative ambition is clear: to showcase humanity's resilience and innovation in the face of an implacable extraterrestrial threat. This setting paves the way for potentially gripping mech versus Martian showdowns, leveraging an international rapid reaction force as mankind's bulwark against this otherworldly menace. The promise of such a premise with its multinational battle squad and the advanced alien technology they face lays down fertile ground for a thrilling cinematic experience.

However, despite its intriguing premise and the evident potential to weave a viscerally engaging tale of survival and combat, "War of the Worlds: Goliath" falters significantly in its realization. The blend of Malaysian hand-drawn and CG animation fails to consistently impress, yielding spotty visuals that unevenly mesh with the film's hoped-for aesthetic vitality. This visual inconsistency mirrors a broader thematic and narrative disarray. Characterization suffers under the weight of clichés, rendering the ensemble of wartime heroes uninteresting and their performances wooden. The action sequences, which should serve as the film's thrilling backbone, unfortunately come across as tedious rather than exhilarating. Moreover, the promise of dynamic mech vs. Martian warfare is underserved by a screenplay that struggles with pacing and coherence, dulling what could have been a sharp, engaging narrative into a disjointed and ultimately unfulfilling viewing experience.

In sum, "War of the Worlds: Goliath" struggles to fully capitalize on its rich conceptual foundation. Its ambition to marry Eastern animation techniques with Western storytelling sensibilities results in a lackluster execution that belies the fascinating world-building potential inherent in its premise. The film's attempt to craft a visually distinctive and narratively compelling alternate reality is undermined by a range of missteps—from subpar animation and storytelling to poorly realized character development and action set pieces. While the initial concept suggests an epic battleground for humanity's ingenuity against extraterrestrial might, the final product delivers an experience that is neither as engaging nor as inventive as its setup promises.

War of the Worlds: Goliath" attempts a bold blend of genres and styles, aspiring to merge East and West, alternative history, and the classic narrative foundations laid by its literary namesake. The ambition, unfortunately, doesn't translate into execution, resulting in a presentation that feels less like a groundbreaking fusion and more like a missed opportunity. The Blu-ray release from Anderson Digital makes strides towards rectifying some of the film's shortcomings, though not without its own inconsistencies. The 2D video quality is commendable, staying true to the original artistic vision, accompanied by an extensive selection of supplementary content that adds depth and context.

However, the 3D presentation of "War of the Worlds: Goliath" does not meet the expectations set by modern standards, detracting from the overall viewing experience. Moreover, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track suffers from a lack of consistency, with audio levels and clarity fluctuating throughout the film. These technical deficiencies underscore the importance of balancing ambitious thematic content with solid, reliable presentation elements.

In conclusion, while "War of the Worlds: Goliath" has moments that showcase its potential as a hybrid narrative experience, it ultimately falls short in both concept and delivery. The Blu-ray edition by Anderson Digital provides a somewhat improved viewing experience with faithful 2D representation and valuable bonus materials. However, viewers should temper their expectations due to the subpar 3D effects and inconsistent audio quality. As such, potential buyers might consider this title more of a rental before deciding on adding it to their collection.