Jumper Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Jumper" offers mixed impressions that vary significantly between its 3D conversion and 2D formats. The MVC-encoded 1080p transfer presented in an altered 1.78:1 aspect ratio surprisingly lacks the visual immersion one might expect. This change from the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio impacts the framing, cutting out picture information from the sides, resulting in a flatter image. The 3D effects rarely shine, as sequences designed to produce spatial depth often fall short, appearing more akin to a pop-up book rather than offering true dimensionality. Critically, despite some decent effects, notably scenes involving teleportation residue and debris, the hyperactive camera movements undermine any potential for depth, rendering the viewer experience largely two-dimensional and unsatisfactory.

On the other hand, the included AVC-encoded 2D version fares significantly better, showcasing several demo-worthy moments. Featuring razor-sharp definition and crystal-clear fine lines in clothing and architecture, the 2D presentation maintains excellent spot-on contrast with crisply defined whites and visible background details. The color palette is robust, with primary colors appearing full-bodied and natural flesh tones revealing lifelike textures. However, black levels are somewhat inconsistent, especially during nighttime or dimly lit interior scenes, where shadows tend to look murky and grayish instead of deep and rich. Despite these minor blemishes, the 2D version remains the preferred method of viewing, demonstrating a more consistent and visually appealing experience.

Ultimately, while the 3D conversion of "Jumper" fails to deliver a compelling or immersive experience due to its inconsistent depth and hyperkinetic direction, the solid performance of the 2D version with its high-definition clarity and vibrant color accuracy makes it worth exploring for those who favor traditional viewing over gimmicky enhancements.

In this Blu-ray presentation of "Jumper," the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack delivers several memorable moments of envelopment, particularly during action scenes. The sound mix spreads noises such as electrified chains clanging and whizzing, creating excellent directionality throughout the room. While much of the audio is concentrated in the front channels, the separation within these channels is well-balanced, offering a pleasing auditory experience. The mid-range detailing exhibits precise clarity, greatly enhancing the high-concept action scenes.

However, this audio mix is not without its shortcomings. During quieter, character-driven moments, the sound can feel dull and plain, an issue that becomes especially apparent in John Powell's score. The music suffers from a lack of distinction between instruments, rendering it somewhat stale and uniform. Additionally, low bass falls on the weaker side, providing just enough heft to give teleportation jumps some weight but lacking the punch one might expect from a high-quality surround sound system. Despite these weaknesses, dialogue remains clean and well-prioritized, making conversations clear even if they occasionally come across as monotonous.

Overall, while not exemplary by modern standards, the audio presentation on this 3D Blu-ray release of "Jumper" remains highly enjoyable. It effectively creates an engaging wall of sound during intense sequences and maintains good clarity and directionality throughout the movie.

The Blu-ray release of "Jumper" disappoints with its lack of supplemental material, offering no extra features for fans or collectors. This release is notably bare-bones, providing only the movie itself without any additional content to enhance the viewing experience. Given the film's potential for intriguing behind-the-scenes insights or deleted scenes, the absence of extras is particularly glaring and diminishes the overall value of the disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• None

"Jumper," directed by Doug Liman, presents a high-concept storyline with Hayden Christensen as David Rice, a young man who discovers his unique ability to teleport anywhere in the world. While this genetic anomaly propels him into a lavish lifestyle funded by bank heists, the narrative takes a turn when David encounters Roland (Samuel L. Jackson), leading a secret sect called the Paladins who aim to eradicate jumpers. Joined by the seasoned jumper Griffin (Jamie Bell), David embarks on a journey to confront the Paladins, thus entering an age-old conflict that further endangers his loved ones, particularly his childhood sweetheart Millie (Rachel Bilson).

The film's premise, based on Steven Gould's novel, holds tremendous potential with its exploration of teleportation and its inherent ethical dilemmas. The initial setup, where David's powers unfold amid a blossoming romance with young Millie (AnnaSophia Robb), is engaging and promises depth. However, the screenplay by David S. Goyer, Jim Uhls, and Simon Kinberg quickly falters into conventional good-versus-evil tropes, marred by a shallow execution of the Paladin mythology and over-the-top performances, particularly by Jackson. Despite Christensen's efforts, his portrayal of David lacks the nuance necessary to elevate the character beyond a superficial archetype.

Nonetheless, "Jumper" isn’t devoid of merits. Liman’s direction ensures the film remains visually appealing and paced sharply enough to maintain viewer interest. The teleportation effects are indeed impressive and lend a sense of dynamism to the exotic locales David traverses. Though the film suffers from narrative shortcomings and underdeveloped character arcs, it offers an experience that might suffice for a casual viewing experience on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. The Blu-ray release enhances this with top-quality visuals and sound, providing a glossy presentation that underscores the film's stylistic strengths if not its substantive potential.

"Jumper," a sci-fi action thriller based on Steven Gould's novel, brings an intriguing concept to Blu-ray, but unfortunately falls short in multiple areas. Directed by Doug Liman and featuring a performance from Hayden Christensen that critics found to be notably underwhelming, the film struggled to generate the engagement and excitement that its premise suggested. Despite a strong supporting cast, the lead's inability to evoke any real empathy for his character significantly detracted from the overall narrative drive. The 3D post-conversion of the film adds another layer of disappointment; rather than enhancing the viewing experience, it feels lackluster and rushed, failing to provide the immersive quality expected from a high-definition format.

In its 2D format, "Jumper" fares somewhat better. The picture quality on Blu-ray remains consistent with previous releases, showcasing generally solid visuals and a commendable lossless audio presentation that delivers a satisfactory experience for home viewers. The action sequences and special effects, core elements of the sci-fi genre, are rendered with reasonable clarity and precision. However, these redeeming aspects are overshadowed by the scarcity of bonus material, which limits the overall appeal of the Blu-ray package and gives potential buyers little reason to invest.

In conclusion, while "Jumper" comes equipped with some technical merits in its original 2D format, its primary letdowns – a weak lead performance, underwhelming 3D conversion, and a lack of supplementary content – make it a hard recommend for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Enthusiasts searching for a solid sci-fi experience on Blu-ray might find better satisfaction elsewhere.