John Carter Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of “John Carter” is visually striking, with a meticulously crafted 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that brings the film's varied landscapes to life. The image quality is exceptional, featuring a rich dynamic range that enhances the depth and dimension of intricate details. Colors are deeply saturated and vivid, ranging from earthy desert browns and sun-bleached yellows to dazzling golds and brilliant blues. Contrast remains consistently strong, with deep blacks that maintain excellent delineation, preserving detail without any perceptible crush. Shadowy areas benefit from remarkable depth of field and visible gradational stages, revealing every nuance within the darkness. Skintones are accurate and consistent, maintaining their integrity under various lighting conditions. The integration of CGI and real imagery is seamless, resulting in a high production value that leverages every ounce of high definition display potential.

However, the 3D version presents a decidedly different experience. The MVC encode carries the same technical proficiency as its 2D counterpart but falls short in delivering a convincing three-dimensional world. Though the film’s bright and colorful aesthetic lends itself well to the 3D format, the post-conversion process introduces a plane-to-plane layering effect that detracts from immersion. While CGI-heavy sequences demonstrate better dimensionality, actors often appear unnaturally stacked against the Martian backdrop, particularly during indoor scenes. Depth is adequate but fails to fully engage or astound, making it an above-average 3D presentation that doesn’t quite achieve the immersive potential sought by avid 3D enthusiasts. In essence, while the 2D presentation sets a high bar for Blu-ray releases, the 3D iteration leaves some room for improvement in delivering an enveloping visual spectacle.

The audio presentation of "John Carter" on Blu-ray is a technical triumph, blending an aggressive 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack with an active surround mix that transforms the listening area into a three-dimensional soundscape. The sound design is dynamically enriched and delivers a high level of sonic detail. Action sequences are vividly brought to life with immersive surround activity that synchronizes perfectly with the on-screen events. Extended dynamic range accentuates the bombastic nature of the recording, creating an enveloping experience. Low-frequency effects provide authoritative bass that occasionally pressurizes the room, without venturing into excessive territory. Dialogue is rendered with crystal-clear clarity, offering a lucid expression in the upper registers with only a slight hint of sibilance.

Moreover, Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track enriches every scene with an array of sonic wonders. From ships passing overhead and giant monsters smashing the ground to Tharks stampeding across the Martian plains, the soundstage is filled with exhilarating and highly articulate effects. Low-frequency effects are especially noteworthy for their bold and bewildering presence, adding considerable weight to the action scenes. Rear speakers contribute significantly by expanding and enriching the atmospheric elements of Barsoom’s cities and deserts, while Michael Giacchino’s genre score benefits from effective cross-channel pans and stirring directional effects. Dialogue remains distinct and perfectly intelligible throughout the chaos, grounding the listener and offering a captivating auditory experience that complements the film's visuals. The overall balance within the mix is both appropriate and satisfying, making "John Carter" an auditory delight for fans and audiophiles alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "John Carter" offer an expansive and insightful look behind the scenes and into the making of the film. The Audio Commentary by Director Andrew Stanton and producers Jim Morris and Lindsey Collins is an engaging deep dive into the film’s production, detailing technical challenges and the 100-year journey from page to screen. The Disney Second Screen Interactive Experience elevates the viewing experience by allowing users to explore John Carter's journal via an app. The Deleted Scenes feature ten scenes in various stages of completion, complete with optional commentary. The 100 Years in the Making documentary provides a concise yet comprehensive history of Edgar Rice Burroughs' original series and its adaptation. In 360 Degrees of John Carter, viewers get a comprehensive look at a day in the production, covering everything from costume design to directorial routines. Lastly, the Barsoom Bloopers add a light-hearted, albeit brief, finish to the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Director Andrew Stanton and producers.
• Disney Second Screen Interactive Experience: Explore John Carter's journal.
• Deleted Scenes: Ten scenes with optional commentary.
• 100 Years in the Making: A concise feature on Burroughs’ work and adaptations.
• 360 Degrees of John Carter: Detailed look at a day on set.
• Barsoom Bloopers: Short bloopers feature.

Andrew Stanton's "John Carter" attempts to translate Edgar Rice Burroughs' early 20th-century Barsoom tales into a sweeping cinematic adventure. The narrative follows John Carter, a war-weary former military captain inexplicably transported to Mars (Barsoom), where he finds himself amid an epic conflict threatening the planet's survival. Despite Stanton's efforts to modernize Burroughs' work, the film often feels antiquated, weighed down by a faithful adherence to the source material. The plot features Carter discovering new abilities due to Mars' lower gravity, leading to high-flying leaps and battles, but these sequences fail to inject the novelty and excitement needed for a contemporary audience.

Stanton’s adaptation, while visually ambitious, struggles with a lack of originality. Many scenes evoke a sense of déjà vu, particularly the arena battle reminiscent of the Geonosis fight in "Star Wars." The movie's classical approach to storytelling and its reliance on CGI for alien races and environments, although competent, often feels like it missed the zeitgeist of modern sci-fi trends. While fine performances aren't the centerpiece, the lead actors Kitsch and Collins deliver stiff portrayals that fail to elevate the pedestrian script. The political wranglings and thinly veiled allegories add little depth, resulting in a narrative that feels both overly familiar and dated.

That said, "John Carter" manages to function as family-friendly entertainment. Younger audiences may find the action-packed visuals and concept of interplanetary adventures engaging. There is a nostalgic charm to Stanton's homage to Old Hollywood grandeur and Ray Harryhausen-esque style that older viewers may appreciate. However, the movie requires adults to suspend critical analysis and embrace it as a straightforward adventure tale. Overall, while "John Carter" captures some of the original story's adventurous spirit, it ultimately falls short of resonating as a groundbreaking cinematic experience.

"John Carter" was not met with box office success upon its initial release, yet it holds potential on home video for those seeking the charm of a grand, old-fashioned space adventure. The Blu-ray release does provide an exceptional audiovisual experience despite the film's lack of memorable performances and a compelling storyline. This release is marked by a stunning video transfer that enhances the vibrant landscapes and intricate CG elements, even as these effects might date over time. Additionally, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track delivers a dynamic sound experience, enveloping viewers in the film's aural environment.

The Blu-ray package also includes high-quality extras that are worth exploring for fans of the genre, adding value to the home viewing experience. Although the 3D presentation does not particularly stand out, the overall technical quality cannot be denied and represents a significant upgrade from previous formats. However, considering the film's mixed critical reception, renting "John Carter" before committing to a purchase might be advisable for budget-conscious viewers.

In conclusion, "John Carter" on Blu-ray is a visual and auditory delight that may find its audience among aficionados of classic sci-fi escapism despite its narrative shortcomings. The technical excellence ensures that, while the movie itself might not become a perennial favorite, it certainly offers ample entertainment value for a one-time viewing or for fans looking to complete their collection.