Jurassic World Blu-ray Review

Universal's Blu-ray presentation of "Jurassic World" is a testament to the capabilities of 1080p transfers, offering both 2D and 3D versions that showcase exceptional video quality. The film employs a somewhat unusual 2.00:1 aspect ratio, framed beautifully in this release, with the 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition presentation providing outstanding clarity and depth. The 3D version, although not overly gimmicky, excels in enhancing the movie's impressive visual landscape with significant depth and well-rounded object delineation. The post-production 3D conversion is seamless, particularly in creating immersive island vistas and lifelike dinosaur animations.

The 2D counterpart stands as reference material in its own right. The transfer’s razor-sharp detail delivers textures so vivid that individual hairs and fabric patterns are discernible. The organic grain structure, retained from the film’s original photography on 35mm and System 65 film, contributes to an authentic and pleasing cinematic texture that even high-end digital releases struggle to replicate. Colors are robust and vivacious, with a bright blue helicopter, orange fireballs, and red beam lasers popping vividly against deeper, richer backgrounds. Black levels are impressively inky and nuanced, crucial for the movie's varied lighting setups.

Piloting a meticulously maintained balance, the transfer revels in a broad color palette that remains consistently warm yet avoids any undesirable artifacts such as macroblocking or banding. Even the command center’s lower light sequences are handled adeptly, though they lean slightly dull due to set lighting rather than a transfer flaw. CGI dinosaurs' skin textures reveal every scar and fold, underscoring the detailed effort invested in their creation. Coupled with the excellent rendering of both practical effects and digital elements, this Blu-ray serves as an exemplar of how stunning and intricate a modern film-sourced transfer can be.

Jurassic World's Blu-ray audio presentation is an exemplar of reference-quality sound, boasting a meticulously crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. Designed to complement the considerable scale and dynamism of the movie, this robust track delivers pristine sound design and surround separation. Key auditory elements such as dialogue, while clearly defined and centered, are aptly balanced to allow the authentic dinosaur sounds to take precedence. The audio mix is potent and immersive, employing strategic use of low-frequency effects (LFE) to add weight and intensity to the myriad of action scenes. Despite the lack of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, the track remarkably achieves an enveloping soundstage that simulates overhead effects through active surround and environmental cues.

Complementing the intense sound effects is a respectful yet distinctive score that pays homage to John Williams's iconic themes. The orchestral nuances come to life with precise clarity, enhancing the film’s dramatic and emotional impacts. Ambient sounds, from park announcements to jungle ambiance, further enhance the realism, making environments like the bustling park hub and dense foliage feel vividly lifelike. Dynamic ranges are impeccably managed, ensuring that from the faintest rustling leaves to the thunderous roars of Indominus Rex, each sound remains distinct and powerful without distortion. Gunshots, crashes, dinosaur footfalls, and other heavy effects strike with impactful force, resonating deeply to create a fully engaging auditory experience.

Overall, Universal's presentation of Jurassic World results in a phenomenally wide and immersive soundstage that impresses both in subtle atmospheric details and in its ability to handle the grandiose, chaotic sequences of human and dinosaur confrontations. The mix’s balance, definition, and dynamic depth underscore why this release stands prominently as one of the year's most impressive audio presentations, satisfying even the most discerning audiophiles.

The Blu-ray release of "Jurassic World" excels in its supplementary content, providing a comprehensive collection of featurettes and deleted scenes that significantly enhance the viewing experience. Notable inclusions are "Welcome to Jurassic World," which delves into the inception and themes of the film with insights from director Colin Trevorrow and executive producer Steven Spielberg, and "Jurassic World: All-Access Pass," where Trevorrow and Chris Pratt disassemble key sequences. Additionally, the "Dinosaurs Roam Once Again" featurette offers an in-depth look at visual effects, while "Chris & Colin Take on the World" presents an engaging discussion between Pratt and Trevorrow on the making of the movie. The disc also includes a short, but enjoyable, Innovation Center tour led by Pratt, and a Barbasol-sponsored montage of the series' most thrilling moments. These extras collectively provide a well-rounded behind-the-scenes perspective.

Extras included in this disc:

• Welcome to Jurassic World: Insights into core story ideas, themes, and production.
• Jurassic World: All-Access Pass: Examination of key points and action sequences.
• Innovation Center Tour with Chris Pratt: Set highlights tour.
• Dinosaurs Roam Once Again: Detailed look at visual effects and performances.
• Chris & Colin Take on the World: Joint interview with behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• Jurassic's Closest Shaves -- Presented by Barbasol: Montage of dangerous moments.
• Deleted Scenes: A selection of scenes that were cut from the final film.

Jurassic World channels the nostalgic essence of its predecessor while updating the franchise for a new generation, embracing its role as a summer popcorn blockbuster with finesse. Despite its inability to fully recapture the awe of the original, it compensates by crafting a visually spectacular and intense narrative. The film intertwines tributes to classic creature features with modern cinematic techniques, allowing the 'Jurassic' legacy to evolve rather than merely repeat. The inclusion of elements like Aliens-inspired motion detectors and immediate plunges into high-stakes scenarios keep the pacing brisk, ensuring an engaging viewing experience that avoids feeling like a prolonged two-hour action-adventure slog.

Chris Pratt's portrayal of Owen, although more subdued than his typically humorous roles, provides a sturdy central figure. Bryce Dallas Howard, despite impractical styling choices, emerges as a determined and capable counterpart. The visual effects blend practical models with digital enhancements seamlessly, rendering the dinosaurs impressively lifelike. The aquatic Mosasaur stands out as a particularly memorable creature amidst its terrestrial counterparts. Some characters, such as Vincent D'Onofrio’s underdeveloped villain, feel tacked on and lack depth. Conversely, BD Wong's return as Dr. Henry Wu adds significant value, showcasing notable character evolution.

Jurassic World's plot is straightforward: genetic tampering and human hubris lead to chaos as dinosaurs escape their confines, endangering park visitors. Despite its somewhat recycled narrative structure, the film introduces fresh twists and a heightened sense of scale and spectacle. Trevorrow’s direction occasionally falters in fostering genuine awe, but the film compensates with moments of humor and self-aware commentary on commercialism and corporate greed. Ultimately, Jurassic World succeeds in delivering exhilarating entertainment while subtly nodding at its roots and the franchise's enduring themes. The effects refinement over revolutionary advancements keeps it grounded yet grand, making it a noteworthy entry in the 'Jurassic' saga.

"Jurassic World" successfully revitalizes a beloved franchise with high-octane spectacle and nostalgia-driven storytelling, managing to capture the essence that made the original film a landmark in cinematic history. While it doesn't introduce groundbreaking innovation or deeply complex characters, it does deliver a visually stunning and thrilling experience. The action sequences, complete with state-of-the-art visual effects and a powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, are immersive and exhilarating, drawing audiences back into the prehistoric chaos with direct references to classic elements from the original series.

The Blu-ray release of "Jurassic World" is nothing short of spectacular, featuring pristine picture quality and superb sound that leap off the screen in both 2D and 3D formats. The comprehensive extras package, which includes insightful behind-the-scenes content, adds substantial value to the set. However, while the steelbook packaging could have been more inspired, it remains a desirable addition for collectors and fans alike, especially considering it’s the only option to obtain both versions in one release.

In conclusion, "Jurassic World," though not revolutionary, stands as a triumphant sequel due to its faithful homage to the original and its successful re-engagement of the franchise’s core themes. The Blu-ray edition enhances this achievement with reference-quality audio and video, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and securing its place as one of the top releases of the year.