Battleship Blu-ray Review

"Battleship" delivers a stunning 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that sets a benchmark for Blu-ray quality. The transfer boasts exemplary high-level detail, with edges that are crisp and textures remarkably refined. The colors are bold and saturated—bright seaworthy blues and menacing alien reds dominate the screen, while black levels remain deep and inky. The application of HDR enhances contrast and dynamic range, making visual perspectives in low lighting and darkened areas impressive. The video presentation’s three-dimensional acuity brings scenes to life, giving dark areas appreciable depth and adding to the immersive experience.

Schliessler’s cinematography combines panoramic shots of Hawaii with vivid and bright imagery, maintaining a dynamic blend of primary colors and accurately saturated secondary hues. The aspect ratio of 2.40:1 ensures that the image remains sharp and revealing throughout, capturing every subtle detail—from pores and blemishes on the characters' faces to bolts and equipment details aboard the ships. Even CGI effects are seamlessly integrated, showing no signs of weak CG with precise detailing of the alien warships and creatures' spacesuits. The transfer is free from notable anomalies such as artifacting, crush, or aliasing, ensuring an uninterrupted visual feast. This flawless 1080p presentation is sure to impress even the most critical viewers, making "Battleship" a must-see for fans of high-definition video.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "Battleship" delivers a sonic experience that is both immersive and technically impressive. The recording exhibits excellent dynamic range, enriching clarity, and high-level detail that enhances the overall audio presentation. Dialogue is crisp and lucidly projected through the center channel, maintaining its integrity despite the cacophonic backdrop of action sequences. Front channel separation and imaging are expertly handled, enabling clear directional correlation of sound elements based on onscreen events. The mix makes effective use of surround channels to accentuate the soundstage, plunging the listener into a 360-degree web of meticulously placed sound effects and ambient noise. The responsiveness of low-frequency effects adds impactful depth, although bass response does not consistently reach ultra-low levels. Nonetheless, there are moments of room-shaking energy that heighten the intensity.

The audio's aggressive utilization of rear speakers contributes significantly to the immersive experience, with fighter jets, alien ships, and various ordnance seamlessly panning across the soundfield. This results in a highly engaging auditory environment where every missile, explosion, and collapsing structure is delivered with startling precision. Dynamics are invigorating, with smooth pans and meticulously defined directionality that are as exhilarating as they are technically flawless. Despite the sheer volume and intensity of the action sequences, vocals remain crystal clear, benefiting from astute prioritization that ensures even the most raucous scenes do not drown out dialogue.

Though the overall low-end might not achieve the deepest levels one might expect for a contemporary sci-fi action film, it still provides ample mid-bass for tactile pleasure. The slight shortfall in bass depth is a minor grievance in what is otherwise a phenomenally detailed and sonically rich presentation. With its thunderous yet precise delivery, "Battleship" stands out as an aural delight on Blu-ray, providing a thoroughly entertaining audio experience that is sure to satisfy fans of high-impact soundtracks.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Battleship" are comprehensive and detail-rich, allowing viewers a deep dive into multiple facets of the film's production. The highlight is the All Access with Director Peter Berg interactive feature, offering an immersive behind-the-scenes experience with interviews, featurettes, and production insights. Other notable inclusions are detailed tours, such as the USS Missouri VIP Tour, and focused featurettes like The Visual Effects of Battleship, which though brief, underscore the pivotal visual elements. There are also engaging interactive options like the Second Screen app and versatile features such as BD-Live access and Ultraviolet Digital Copy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending Pre-visualization: A plausible Butch and Sundance-style alternate ending.
• All Access with Director Peter Berg: An in-depth interactive behind-the-scenes look.
• USS Missouri VIP Tour: Exclusive insights into the historic battleship.
• Preparing for Battle: Examination of adapting the Battleship board game.
• All Hands on Deck: The Cast: Director Peter Berg's praise for the cast.
• Engage in Battle: Two short features on filming at sea and aboard navy vessels.
• Commander Pete: A featurette on Berg’s directorial approach.
• The Visual Effects of Battleship: Insight into the film's visual effects.
• Universal’s Second Screen app: Interactive experience on a networked device.
• pocket BLU: App providing additional interactive content.
• My scenes bookmark feature: Bookmarking selected scenes for easy access.
• D-Box Motion Code enabled: Compatibility with motion control systems.
• BD-Live access: Internet-based content access.
• Bonus DVD: Additional content on a standard DVD disc.
• Digital Copy: A digital version of the film.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy: Cloud-based streaming copy of the film.

"Battleship" is an action-packed sci-fi thriller directed by Peter Berg, starring notable names such as Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch, and Rihanna. The film is a high-octane adaptation of the classic Milton Bradley board game, revolving around an international naval coalition taking on a hostile alien force. Despite its attempt to blend a serious storyline with explosive action sequences, the movie has been met with mixed reviews. Critically speaking, it has often been compared unfavorably to Michael Bay's "Transformers" series due to its heavy reliance on CGI and overblown plot elements.

From a technical perspective, the film excels in visual effects, bringing forth some truly awe-inspiring sequences of naval battles and alien technology. The aliens' ships are intriguing, designed with a certain mechanical aesthetic reminiscent of pegs from the board game. However, the plot itself is riddled with logical inconsistencies and predictable character arcs. Characters like Alex Hopper (Taylor Kitsch) and Samantha Shane (Brooklyn Decker) are reduced to clichéd roles despite the actors' commendable performances. The inclusion of real-life Navy veterans manning the USS Missouri adds a touch of authenticity but comes off as more patriotic spectacle than narrative necessity.

In essence, "Battleship" is an unapologetic embrace of mindless entertainment, offering plenty of 'splosions and jaw-dropping CG action but severely lacking in cohesive storytelling and character development. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, aiming purely for popcorn-fueled fun. While this approach does yield some laugh-out-loud moments and thrilling scenes, it ultimately leaves the discerning viewer wanting more substance. Whether you view it as an enjoyable summer blockbuster or a cinematic misfire will depend greatly on your willingness to suspend disbelief and revel in its extravagant excesses.

"Battleship," directed by Peter Berg and based on the classic Hasbro board game, attempts to deliver a summer blockbuster experience but falls short of distinguishing itself within the genre. Despite its shortcomings, including a lackluster storyline and excessive reliance on CGI, the film manages to offer a modicum of fun, particularly for those who enjoy high-octane, spectacle-driven cinema. The cast, featuring Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, and Liam Neeson, delivers mixed performances that do little to elevate the convoluted narrative.

However, the Blu-ray release of "Battleship" is where the film truly shines. The video presentation is impeccable, with a stunning reference quality transfer that captures every explosive scene in vivid detail. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is equally impressive, delivering a bombastic, demo-worthy audio experience that immerses viewers in the film's over-the-top action sequences. The Blu-ray package is further enhanced with a generous supplemental package; although some supplements mirror those available in the DVD release, the majority are exclusive to this high-definition format.

In conclusion, while "Battleship" may not be a cinematic masterpiece, its Blu-ray release is a technical triumph that provides fans with excellent video and audio quality. For enthusiasts of Big Dumb Fun movies, this Blu-ray is a worthwhile addition to their collection. For others, a rental might suffice to enjoy the high-energy visual and auditory spectacle without committing to a purchase.