I Am Legend Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros. has commendably delivered a Blu-ray release of "I Am Legend" that enhances its initial offering, segregating the theatrical and alternate versions across two BD-50 discs, thus slightly improving the bitrates. This alteration, subtle yet appreciable in instances, especially in densely detailed street scenes, may offer a marginally sharper image than previously encountered. Despite this, the image doesn't reach the zenith of sharpness one might anticipate. The desolation of Manhattan, ripe for visual splendor, sometimes reveals a softness in detail that slightly undermines expectations. However, the presentation excels in color vibrancy and contrast, with the vivid red of Neville's Mustang and the lush greens across Times Square standing out. The transfer's fidelity to black levels is commendable, although not without its shortcomings in certain darker sequences.

With a 1080p/VC-1 encode stretching across a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the Blu-ray attempts to capture the cinematic essence of "I Am Legend," albeit with mixed results. Close-up shots, particularly of Will Smith, demonstrate the potential depth and textural detail a high-definition transfer can offer, with each pore and stubble discernibly etched out. Yet, the CGI elements betray their artificial nature through occasional blurriness and motion blur during fast-action scenes, reminding viewers of the limitations present in rendering such scenes. This is not to overlook the transfer's strengths – colors are dynamically rendered, dark scenes maintain nuance, and overall sharpness is commendable outside of CGI-heavy sequences.

Warner Bros.' commitment to improving upon their previous release is evident in the technical tweaks made to the video presentation of "I Am Legend," enhancing both color reproduction and detail where possible. While the overall image might not consistently hit the exemplary levels some enthusiasts crave, it is undeniably superior to many theatrical presentations, offering a visually rich experience that occasionally surpasses its former Blu-ray incarnations. Maintaining a fine balance between sharpness and maintaining natural filmic textures, this release underscores the persistent challenge of faithfully translating the broad spectrum of visual details from cinema to home media.

The audio presentation in the Blu-ray release of "I Am Legend" excels in delivering a highly immersive and detailed sound experience, comparable to, and in many aspects surpassing, its theatrical counterpart. Warner's release features an exceptional TrueHD 5.1 track that enhances clarity, sharpness, and precision in sound placement, creating a more vivid audio landscape that fully encompasses the viewer. This crisp sound design perfectly complements James Newton Howard's score, presenting it with profound depth and warmth, from the ethereal quality of strings to the impactful use of percussion. Furthermore, the audio mix skillfully incorporates a wide range of effects -- from the subtle chime of a trap being sprung to the dramatic explosiveness of mines, and the realistic echo of gunfire within Neville's home -- each fine-tuned to fit the spatial dynamics of the scene, enriching the film's atmospheric tension and action sequences alike.

Dialogue reproduction stands out for its clarity throughout the film, even amidst heavy action or more nuanced, quiet moments, ensuring that every word is delivered with precision. This attention to detail extends to quieter scenes, where ambient sounds like buzzing insects or distant city echoes contribute to a chilling sense of isolation, juxtaposed against the well-mixed score that moves fluidly from serene to horrifying. The Dolby TrueHD track thus not only complements the visual storytelling but elevates it, crafting an enveloping experience that underlines both the solitude and the sudden bursts of terror defining Neville's existence.

Moreover, the LFE channel is employed with an impressive subtlety that defies expectations; it supports without overwhelming, offering a clean, impactful enhancement to the film's more intense moments without sacrificing realism for sheer power. This thoughtful balance ensures that action sequences, notably those featuring Neville's engagements or the sounds of encroaching threats, remain thrilling yet grounded. The Blu-ray's audio treatment of "I Am Legend," with its dynamic range from whisper-quiet moments of despair to the cacophony of chaotic encounters, sets a high bar for home theater experiences, offering both demonstration-worthy sound quality and a masterclass in how audio can complement and elevate narrative cinema.

This Ultimate Collector's Edition of "I Am Legend" on Blu-ray significantly enhances the home viewing experience by expanding its extras and offering a more immersive package that dives deep into the making and scientific background of the film. Notable for its comprehensive coverage, the set features an engaging commentary track from director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who share insights into the film's production and thematic elements, though some may find it lacks depth in certain areas. The inclusion of a documentary on the real-world science behind the film's fictional virus adds a sobering layer of realism, while a plethora of behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes offer an in-depth look at the creative process. The digital copy inclusion, despite its compatibility limitations, alongside unique physical collectibles such as a conceptual artwork book and lenticular card, rounds out an impressive package for fans. However, some extras like the animated comics might feel tangential to the movie's core narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: A track featuring director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman discussing the film's production.

Cautionary Tale: The Science of 'I Am Legend': A documentary exploring the real-life science related to the movie's plot.

Creating 'I Am Legend': A collection of mini-featurettes providing insights into various aspects of the film's creation.

Focus Points: Mini-features accessible during the movie playback offering additional behind-the-scenes material.

Animated Comics: Four animated stories expanding on the film's universe.

Making I Am Legend: A featurette delving into the themes and research behind the film.

I Am Legend: The Making of Shots: A breakdown of visual effects used in key movie scenes.

Deleted Scenes: A series of twelve cut scenes with optional director-writer commentary.

Digital Copy: A downloadable version of the film for portable devices.

"I Am Legend," as directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Will Smith, represents a significant entry into the post-apocalyptic genre, a realm that invokes deep contemplation among its audience about the fragility of human civilization. This adaptation brings to life Richard Matheson's 1954 novel, a story that has seen multiple cinematic iterations over the decades, each with varying degrees of fidelity to the source material. Lawrence's rendition, however, distinguishes itself by striking a delicate balance between adhering to the thematic core of Matheson's work and incorporating contemporary sensibilities and technological advancements in filmmaking. Smith's portrayal of Dr. Robert Neville—a military virologist turned lone survivor in a desolated New York City—emerges as a defining performance of his career, navigating the emotional spectrum with compelling authenticity. The film oscillates between moments of profound solitude and high-octane action, crafting a narrative that is as introspective as it is visually arresting.

The Blu-ray presentation of "I Am Legend" offers audiences a tangible discrepancy in experience between its two cuts: the theatrical release and an alternate version that provides a markedly different concluding act. This divergence prompts discussion on the impact of narrative choices and their resonance with the thematic undertones established throughout the film. While some may find the theatrical ending lacking in nuance, the alternate version proposes a resolution that aligns more closely with a sense of ambiguity and moral complexity, possibly offering a more fitting homage to Matheson's original vision. The technical quality of the Blu-ray itself, despite some criticisms regarding its failure to capture the full visual splendor witnessed in theaters, still presents a satisfactory viewing experience, supported by a robust audio setup.

Warner's release, packed with additional features such as deleted scenes and production insights, endeavors to enrich the viewing experience, albeit with mixed success in adding substantial value. The inclusion of these extras alongside the physical presentation—characterized by lenticular artwork and thematic collectibles—aims to appeal to both newcomers and devoted fans of the franchise. However, the discernible emphasis on action over the exploration of deeper existential themes in parts of the movie may leave some enthusiasts longing for what could have been a more introspective adaptation. Despite these areas of contention, "I Am Legend" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Matheson's narrative and its capacity to inspire reflection on humanity's place in a post-apocalyptic future.

The Blu-ray presentation of "I Am Legend" stands as a compelling case for owning this specific edition, especially for enthusiasts of science fiction, action, and post-apocalyptic narratives. Will Smith's performance is a standout, ensuring the film remains a notable entry both in terms of cinematic quality and high-definition home entertainment. The transfer to Blu-ray is outstanding, offering an exceptional audio and visual experience that elevates the film's immersive post-apocalyptic world. Additionally, this edition enriches the overall package with a comprehensive set of extras, combining previously released content with new additions that expand the viewer's engagement with the film's universe. The inclusion of collectible packaging and a book enhances its appeal as a collector's item.

For those debating the value of this release versus the original Blu-ray edition, the decision hinges on one's appreciation for supplemental content and collectible aesthetics. The video and audio quality, already praised in the initial release, remain unchanged; hence, the upgrade's primary allure lies in the expanded special features and the tangible enhancements to the physical package. This makes it particularly enticing for hardcore fans and collectors who seek to deepen their connection to "I Am Legend" through additional context and memorabilia.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "I Am Legend" is a must-have for avid collectors and newcomers alike who do not yet own the film in any high-definition format. With its stellar performance from Will Smith, superior video and audio presentation, and a rich array of supplemental materials, it offers a comprehensive cinematic experience. Whether it justifies an upgrade from an existing Blu-ray collection will largely depend on one's valuation of the added extras and collectible presentation. Nonetheless, for those deeply invested in the genre or seeking to gift an exceptional title during the holiday season, this edition presents itself as a compelling addition to any Blu-ray library.