The Incredible Hulk

"The Incredible Hulk" on Blu-ray showcases an astoundingly refined 1080p High Definition presentation, marked by its adherence to the original 2.35:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio. This rendition is consistently praised for its near-perfection in video quality, highlighting an exceptional level of detail that breathes life into every scene—from the intricate facial expressions and the nuanced textures of environments to the dynamic and complex action sequences. Whether it's the vivid, lush greenery of forests or the meticulously detailed urban chaos of the final battle, the clarity and sharpness are maintained without resorting to edge enhancement, making for a remarkably clean and polished viewing experience. The color grading, with its subtle green overtones, enhances the visual storytelling, complementing the film's thematic elements while ensuring that colors remain bold and accurate across a variety of settings.

The depth of the image is one of its standout features, bringing a three-dimensional quality that immerses viewers into the world of "The Incredible Hulk". The painstaking attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the bustling activity in a factory scene to the serene, daylight-bathed campus of Culver University, each moment showcases an exceptional fidelity that rivals real-life viewing experiences. Black levels are uniformly solid, contributing to superior contrast and allowing for striking night scenes and deep, convincing shadows. Meanwhile, flesh tones are depicted accurately, ensuring human characters look as lifelike as their CGI counterparts.

Noteworthy is the pristine source and top-quality encoding that eliminates common digital pitfalls like overdone whites or motion artifacts, ensuring that "The Incredible Hulk" stands out as a reference-quality transfer among contemporary Blu-ray releases. While minor instances of CGI may appear slightly blurred, these moments are few and do not detract from an otherwise flawless presentation. This Blu-ray edition sets a high bar for home video releases, with its vivid and natural palette, exemplary sharpness, and an overall sense of depth that truly honors the cinematic experience of "The Incredible Hulk".

"The Incredible Hulk" charges onto Blu-ray with a formidable DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless audio track that demands attention. This audio presentation showcases an impressive balance of raw power and finesse, enveloping the listener in a soundstage that's as immersive as it is explosive. From the very beginning, it's clear that this is not just any soundtrack. The opening scene sets an elevated benchmark for action movie audio, with music, effects, and bass choreographing a dance around the listener with pinpoint precision. Scenes filled with helicopters, gunshots, and, of course, the Hulk's iconic roars and stomps are rendered with such clarity and punch that they add tangible depth to the viewing experience. Dialogue, while mostly clear, occasionally succumbs to the onslaught of the action sequences, suggesting a minor imbalance in the mix.

The track excels in its dynamic range, showcasing both the thunderous lows of the Hulk's rage and the serene highs of quieter moments with remarkable grace. Environment sounds, particularly in calmer scenes like Banner's respite by a jungle waterfall in Guatemala, paint a vivid acoustic picture that contrasts sharply with the chaotic destruction of the Hulk's battles. These tranquil moments highlight the track’s ability to pivot from aggressive to serene without missing a beat. However, these impressive dynamics come with the caveat of occasionally overpowering bass and a dialogue balance that can struggle against the weight of the action-packed audio design.

Despite these minor misgivings, "The Incredible Hulk's" Blu-ray audio track stands out as a technical marvel, setting a high standard for action cinema on home media. Its detailed sound design and robust presentation affirm Universal Studios' commitment to excellence in lossless audio offerings. While not without its flaws, notably in dialogue leveling during frenetic action sequences and an occasionally overly aggressive bass, the sound experience remains mesmerizingly immersive. Whether it’s the subtle ambiance of nature or the impactful resonance of citywide destruction, this audio track captures the essence of the Hulk’s tumultuous journey with both bombast and nuance, making it a memorable auditory experience that complements this visual spectacle.

The Blu-ray of "The Incredible Hulk" packs a comprehensive suite of extras that delve into the making and conceptualization of this rebooted marvel, pleasing both cinephiles and comic enthusiasts alike. The Audio Commentary with Director Louis Leterrier and Actor Tim Roth provides an insightful, though somewhat technically heavy, look into the film's creation, including nods to the original TV series and the controversial cuts made to the movie. The U-Control feature offers interactive elements like the Comic Book Gallery and Scene Explorer, enriching the viewing experience despite their limited scope. Extensive Deleted Scenes and an Alternate Opening offer more character depth without fully justifying rumors of a vastly different extended cut. The Making of The Incredible Hulk featurette surpasses standard promotional content, offering genuine behind-the-scenes insights. Special attention in featurettes to the digital creation of both Hulk and Abomination illustrates the detailed CGI work, while Anatomy of a Hulk-Out meticulously breaks down the transformation sequences. Yet, some extras like the Animated Comic Book, feel more promotional than substantial. Overall, these extras significantly enhance the film's Blu-ray offering, making it a must-have for fans eager to explore every facet of this cinematic Hulk incarnation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By Director Louis Leterrier and Actor Tim Roth discussing the film's development.
• U-Control: Interactive features including Comic Book Gallery, Pop-Up Trivia, Thunderbolt Files, and Screen Explorer.
• Alternate Opening and Deleted Scenes: Enriching character backgrounds with an intriguing unreleased content peek.
• The Making of The Incredible Hulk: A detailed behind-the-scenes look beyond standard promotional pieces.
• Becoming the Hulk: Focus on the visual development of the Hulk.
• Becoming the Abomination: Parallel exploration of the villain's creation.
• Anatomy of a Hulk-Out: Dissecting the transformation sequences in detail.
• Animated Comic Book: A brief comic adaptation offering a visual treat.
• Digital Copy and BD-Live Functionality: Enhances accessibility with additional online content.

"The Incredible Hulk," as presented on Blu-ray, marks a robust leap from previous adaptations, firmly establishing itself amidst the renaissance of superhero cinema that defined the first decade of the 21st century. Unlike its predecessor directed by Ang Lee in 2003, which despite ambition fell into the category of missed potential, this rendition revitalizes the character with a blend of compelling storytelling, outstanding special effects, and high-octane action sequences. Embedded within a cinematic universe that now expects more from its comic book heroes than mere spectacle, the film is a testament to Marvel Studios' commitment to not only entertain but also present a narrative depth and character development that resonate with both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Edward Norton's portrayal of Bruce Banner is critical to the film’s success, offering a nuanced take on the tormented scientist dealing with the consequences of his other, more destructive, persona. The production quality shines on Blu-ray, with visuals and sound design that affirm the leap in technology and storytelling techniques since the genre's inception. Particularly noteworthy are the action sequences, which are not only well-staged but also elevate the narrative rather than detract from it. This version of the Hulk feels rooted in realism, with special effects that seamlessly integrate into the film's fabric, avoiding the pitfall of the cartoonish presentation that detracted from the immersion in Lee’s version.

Marvel Studios’ effort in re-imagining "The Incredible Hulk" is indicative of a broader strategy to intertwine their cinematic offerings, creating a cohesive universe that both honors the source material and pushes the boundaries of what superhero films can achieve. The balance struck between action and emotional depth in this film does well to prepare audiences for future installments within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), promising not only visually stunning spectacles but also stories with heart and substance. This Blu-ray edition encapsulates those qualities, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts seeking to experience the evolution of comic book adaptations in its most refined form yet.

The Incredible Hulk on Blu-ray stands as a testament to the successful adaptation of comic book to cinema, laced with an impressive blend of stunning visuals, action-packed sequences, and a well-crafted storyline that ensures both character development and narrative are given their due importance. This particular film is celebrated alongside other remarkable releases of 2008 such as Iron Man and The Dark Knight, marking it as a golden year for the comic book movie genre. Universal’s release of this film on Blu-ray not only meets but exceeds expectations with its outstanding video quality and reference-grade audio that sets new benchmarks for action movies. The package is further enhanced by an extensive collection of extras, a digital copy of the film, and the distinctive green-colored Blu-ray case, making it an irresistible addition for both enthusiasts and collectors.

Despite initial skepticism regarding its necessity, following the 2003 iteration, this version of The Incredible Hulk has proven itself through its entertaining and engaging rendition, which far surpasses its predecessor. The Blu-ray version shines with unparalleled picture and sound quality, complemented by a selection of engaging extras and exclusives that enrich the viewing experience. Whether for a casual night in or for the dedicated fan, this release offers substantial value, meriting at least a rental, if not an outright purchase for those particularly fond of the genre.

In conclusion, The Incredible Hulk on Blu-ray is a compelling purchase for fans and cinephiles alike, offering a package that not only showcases the film in its best light but also provides a treasure trove of extras that enhance the overall experience. Its superior audio-visual presentation paired with comprehensive supplemental material solidifies its status as a must-own item in the annals of comic book movie adaptations. This release stands as a shining example of how to do justice to the source material while exceeding home cinema standards.