Hulk Blu-ray Review

Hulk's presentation on Blu-ray, presented in a 1080p, 1.85:1 aspect ratio (contrary to the 2.35:1 mentioned on the packaging), showcases a transfer that is both impressive and faithful to the source material. The VC-1 encoding ensures that the picture quality remains pristine, offering a visual experience that's vibrant and detailed. Contrasts are handled with care, presenting blacks that are deep and rich, and whites that maintain accuracy without becoming overexposed. The color palette is a feast for the eyes, with a notable emphasis on green that permeates throughout yet doesn't overwhelm the entirety of the film's hues. Scenes are balanced, with colors that pop without appearing over-saturated, ensuring a representation true to the director's vision. The image's depth and clarity provide a pleasing three-dimensional effect, particularly in action sequences and environments, highlighting the intricate details from the desert landscapes to the nuanced facial features of characters.

The film's meticulous attention to detail is evident, as close-ups reveal textures and minutiae previously unseen in standard definition releases. Skin tones are natural, and the detailing in facial expressions, hair, and environmental textures is outstanding. Even amidst fast-paced action, the transfer maintains its integrity, with no signs of compression artifacts or edge enhancement. The meticulous rendering of Hulk himself, despite occasional moments where CGI elements stand out, integrates well with the live-action components, enhancing the overall immersion.

However, it's not a flawless transfer. Minor print damage and occasional noise remind us of its physical media origins but do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. These instances are rare and somewhat charming reminders of the film's journey to high definition. The Blu-ray edition of Hulk showcases a commitment to quality that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate, offering a visual experience that enhances every moment of this iconic film's runtime.

The audio presentation of "Hulk" on Blu-ray, with its DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, offers an immersive and forceful aural experience that goes beyond just being loud and aggressive—it's a finely-crafted mix that pays attention to the minute details, ensuring an enveloping soundstage throughout the film. From the subtle ambiance of birds chirping in a serene outdoor dialogue sequence to the heart-pounding intensity of Hulk's rampages, the soundtrack demonstrates a dynamic range that impresses with both its power and precision. Notably, bass levels range from subtly deep to thunderously impactful, providing a robust foundation without overpowering other elements. Dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity, allowing every nuance of the characters' voices to shine through, from Nick Nolte's distinctive raspiness to every guttural roar of the Hulk.

However, while the overall audio package is robust and engaging, there are nuances that could have been better executed. The transition from Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround to DTS-HD MA, though an upgrade, doesn't quite hit the expected leap in auditory depth some may anticipate from such advancements in technology. There remains an issue with balance—the center channel, at times, dominantly overpowers other elements in the mix, making dialogue perceptibly too loud against the backdrop of action sequences. Despite these minor setbacks, the soundtrack successfully creates a seamless 360-degree soundfield with discrete effects that enhance the cinematic experience. The orchestral score, though previously underwhelming in other formats, finds new vigor here, spreading effectively across the sound field to add emotional depth and tension.

In summary, "Hulk's" Blu-ray audio iteration stands as a testament to detailed and dynamic sound design. It's not without its flaws—such as a somewhat unbalanced mix and an upgrade that may not meet all expectations—but it's a fundamentally strong audio presentation. The DTS-MA track adeptly supports the visual spectacle with clean, precise bass and a full surround environment that captures the nuances of both quieter moments and frenzied destruction. This soundtrack is a brilliant companion to the film's visual feats, contributing significantly to the immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Hulk" compile an eclectic, albeit slightly underwhelming, collection that will both intrigue and disappoint die-hard fans. The commentary by director Ang Lee is a highlight, offering deep dives into his vision and execution despite occasional lapses due to his solitary monologue. However, the featurettes such as "The Making of 'Hulk'" and "The Evolution of the Hulk" navigate familiar territories with little new to present, feeling more like missed opportunities for in-depth exploration rather than providing fans with fresh insights. The return of the Hulk-Cam in a PiP format from its omission in the HD DVD version is a notable addition, yet it too falls short of delivering substantial content. While the disc rounds out with other standard features like deleted scenes and an exploration of iconic scenes and character history, it collectively amounts to an extra package that lacks the depth and retrospection this complex character deserves. Ultimately, these extras fill the checkboxes for typical Blu-Ray content but leave a longing for what could have been more engaging explorations of "Hulk's" themes, production challenges, and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A detailed commentary by director Ang Lee.
• The Making of 'Hulk': A segmented featurette covering cast, crew, stunts, ILM's effects work, and Danny Elfman’s score.
• Evolution of the Hulk: A look into the character’s rich history from comics to screen.
• The Incredible Ang Lee: An overview of Lee's contributions to the film.
• The Dog Fight Scene: An in-depth look at creating one of the film's major action sequences.
• The Unique Style of Editing 'Hulk': Insights into the film’s editing approach and visual style.
• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of scenes cut from the final film.

Ang Lee's 2003 adaptation of "Hulk" stands out for its audacious and unconventional approach to the well-trodden tale of Bruce Banner, the green-skinned colossus. Diving deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Lee endeavors to imbue the film with a soulfulness often absent in comic book adaptations. Through exploring the complex father-son dynamic, he provides a narrative depth that elevates the character from mere comic relief to a tragic figure, embroiled in a modern-day Greek tragedy. This bold narrative choice might not sit well with every fan but undeniably sets "Hulk" apart in the superhero genre. On a technical level, the film dazzles with its presentation on Blu-ray, boasting superior visual and audio quality that brings San Francisco and the Hulk to life in stunning clarity.

The film's visual style is remarkably comic-like, embracing experimental techniques that range from unique transitions to multi-panel sequences that harken back to the comic book origins of the character. Lee's direction is innovative, using extreme close-ups and unusual camera angles to enhance emotional storytelling. However, this ambition in style is somewhat undermined by the film's pacing, which tends to drag due to hefty exposition and delayed action sequences. Despite these criticisms, "Hulk" features noteworthy performances, particularly from Nick Nolte, whose portrayal injects gravitas into the narrative. The CGI rendering of Hulk garners mixed reactions, navigating a fine line between impressive emotional expressiveness and occasionally less convincing CGI effects that detract from his realism.

Critically, "Hulk" has been divisive; its box office performance and reception fell short of expectations, criticized for its gloomy tone and sparse action. Yet, it's impossible to overlook the film's attempt to transcend typical superhero fare by infusing the story with emotional weight and visual innovation. Ang Lee’s "Hulk" might not have been the blockbuster hit Universal anticipated, but it stands as a visually compelling piece that strives to explore the depth of its characters amidst the expected spectacle. The Blu-ray release is a testament to this effort, presenting the movie in a quality that amplifies its strengths, though it's clear not every gamble pays off equally.

"Hulk", a film encapsulated with profound visual aesthetics and a narrative ambitious in scope, navigates through the tumultuous journey of its protagonist with earnestness and a cinematic flair unique to Ang Lee's direction. Despite its audacious attempt to transcend conventional superhero storytelling, the movie wrestles with its own narrative complexity and a sprawling runtime that occasionally dilutes the intensity of its pivotal moments. This dichotomy renders "Hulk" a polarizing experience that, while not universally embraced, showcases commendable ambition and a respect for its source material that can be appreciated. The performances, particularly by Eric Bana, anchor the film with a necessary gravitas that compensates for its pacing inconsistencies and repetitive action sequences.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hulk" by Universal Pictures elevates the viewing experience to commendable heights, with an audio-visual quality that leans towards reference standards. The disc’s rendition fortifies the film’s visual prowess, ensuring that every frame accentuates the director's stylistic choices with clarity and precision. The high-resolution audio further immerses the viewer into Bruce Banner's conflicted world, alongside supplemental materials that enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. This release not just matches its predecessors but surpasses them, notably with exclusive features like a picture-in-picture track that offers aficionados an indispensable deep dive into the making and essence of "Hulk".

Conclusively, while "Hulk" may not captivate its audience consistently throughout its lengthy duration, its presentation on Blu-ray undeniably amplifies its strengths and mitigates its narrative flaws through superior technical quality and engaging extras. Whether "Hulk" left audiences wanting or was an undiscovered gem, its Blu-ray release warrants attention from both followers and skeptics alike, positioning itself as a laudable addition to any collection.