Cowboys & Aliens Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Cowboys & Aliens" provides an exceptional viewing experience, underpinned by a pristine 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that compliments the genre-blending spectacle with vivid clarity and precision. The cinematography by Matthew Libatique, noted for its sand-blasted depiction of the Arizona Territory, is rendered in exquisite detail, bringing the vast, panoramic shots of New Mexico to life with a richness and accuracy in color saturation that adds depth and vibrancy to the film’s aesthetic. Framed in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the video transfer showcases the desert plains and natural rock formations with breathtaking clarity, ensuring that from the minutiae of stubble on a face to the intricate textures of costumes and the environment, nothing is lost to the viewer.

Detail is a standout aspect of this transfer, with fine lines, the weave of fabrics, and even the smallest pebble rendered with remarkable definition. This clarity extends to facial complexions, where every blemish, wrinkle, and smudge of dirt is visible, presenting characters with lifelike textures that enhance the immersion into the film’s world. The color palette impresses with vibrant saturation that energizes the image without compromising the film's natural cinematic appeal or overemphasizing highlights. However, while blacks generally appear inky and rich, enhancing the picture’s contrast and depth, there are moments, particularly in dimly lit indoor scenes, where they tend towards murkiness. Despite this minor quibble, shadow delineation remains strong, suggesting that these few instances may stem more from the original photography than the Blu-ray transfer itself.

Overall, the Blu-ray release of "Cowboys & Aliens" stands out for its audio-visual quality, handling both the dusty tones of the Wild West and the sleek metal of alien technology with equal finesse. Every aspect of the film’s visual presentation, from contrast and black levels to color saturation and detail, contributes to a viewing experience that’s as close to reference quality as fans could hope for. With minor issues like occasional crush and negligible ringing doing little to detract from an otherwise stellar presentation, this Blu-ray is a testament to how well sci-fi action can be brought to life in one's living room.

The audio presentation of "Cowboys & Aliens" on Blu Ray is delivered through a pristine DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that elevates the experience to an impressive level. The track's dynamism is unmatched, with its LFE output demonstrating both power and subtlety. Every element from crashing ships to the echo of gunshots is rendered with convincing depth and clarity, enveloping the listener in an auditory spectacle that enhances every scene. The utilization of rear speakers further immerses the audience, featuring extensive directional effects, engaging atmospherics, and well-executed pans that create a believable acoustic environment. Dialogue clarity is paramount, ensuring that every line is heard distinctly, even amidst the chaos of intense battles, thus maintaining a perfect balance between action-packed sequences and narrative exposition.

The audio's excellence shines not only in its explosive moments but also in its handling of quieter scenes, demonstrating an expansive soundstage that brings the film's universe to life. The blend of science fiction elements introduces a range of auditory experiences, from alien spacecraft sounds to the subtle nightlife of the desert, all captured with meticulous detail. The mix's ability to convey the spaciousness of scenes, particularly with effective use of off-screen effects and channel separation, results in a captivating soundscape. High frequencies remain sharp without overshadowing the richness of mid-range tones, and the bass provides a robust foundation that lends weight to each explosion and gunshot, further enhancing the cinematic feel.

Overall, the audio track of "Cowboys & Aliens" on Blu Ray stands out as an exemplary achievement. Its ability to consistently deliver an engaging and authentic sound environment showcases the meticulous care taken in its production. From the thunderous echoes of action to the subtle whispers of dialogue, every aspect is crafted with precision, making it an integral part of the viewing experience that is both exhilarating and immersive.

The Blu-ray release of "Cowboys & Aliens" provides a comprehensive suite of extras that cater to fans and newcomers alike, offering two versions of the film: a 119-minute theatrical cut and a more expansive 135-minute extended version that, despite its additional length, doesn't markedly enhance the viewing experience. Among the standout features is an engaging audio commentary by director Jon Favreau, who shares insights with a light and enthusiastic touch, covering the gamut from development to the film's most thrilling sequences. The U-Control Picture in Picture provides an uneven but interesting behind-the-scenes look, although it’s available in only part of the film. The inclusion of "Igniting the Sky: The Making of Cowboys & Aliens," a six-part documentary, offers an extensive glimpse behind the curtain, despite its failure to dissect why the film didn't become a blockbuster hit. Conversations with Jon Favreau is notably in-depth, allowing significant discourse with key figures like Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. Secondary features like Second Screen extend the interactive experience for users with compatible devices, enhancing the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Extended Version: Includes two versions; a standard 119-minute cut and a longer 135-minute version.
• U-Control Picture In Picture: Sporadic but insightful content including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Audio Commentary: Director Jon Favreau delivers an enthusiastic and balanced commentary across both film versions.
• Igniting the Sky: The Making of Cowboys & Aliens: A six-part documentary covering various aspects of production.
• Conversations with Jon Favreau: Extended discussions with cast and key production figures.
• Second Screen: An interactive feature for compatible Blu-ray players offering an enhanced viewing experience.
• My Scenes Bookmarking: Allows viewers to bookmark their favorite scenes.
• BD-Live Functionality: Provides access to additional online content.

Cowboys & Aliens," a movie that attempts to fuse the gritty ambiance of the Wild West with the fantastical elements of a science-fiction alien invasion, struggles to meld these genres into a cohesive and compelling narrative. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, and Olivia Wilde, each delivering performances that shimmer with potential amidst the backdrop of 19th-century Arizona. Despite these luminary efforts and the visually stunning CGI spectacles, the movie flounders in its ambition, revealing a disjointed narrative that fails to captivate or harmonize its ambitious genre blend.

The plot unfolds with intrigue as an amnesiac drifter, portrayed by Craig, stumbles into the town of Absolution with a mysterious shackle on his wrist, setting off a series of events that culminate in an alien attack. This premise promises an engaging crossover of cowboy resilience against otherworldly adversaries, yet the transition from a traditional Western setup to a full-blown alien invasion feels abrupt and somewhat underdeveloped. Favreau's direction includes homage to both genres through stylistic cues and thematic nods, but the overarching narrative struggles to find a steady pace or enrich the genre fusion with substantial depth.

Execution-wise, "Cowboys & Aliens" manages to entertain on a basic level, particularly in its more action-packed sequences where Craig's character discovers his "charm bracelet" is actually an advanced weapon. Nonetheless, the film's efforts to delve deeper into character arcs or thematic resonance—especially those hinted at in the extended cut—are overshadowed by its reliance on spectacle and surface-level excitement. The result is a movie that, while visually engaging and peppered with moments of genuine thrill, ultimately falls short of delivering the rich, genre-blending experience it sets out to achieve.

Cowboys & Aliens," a film that amalgamates the western and sci-fi genres, garners mixed reviews for its cinematic offering but secures almost unanimous praise for its Blu-ray presentation. Despite the film's inability to fully deliver on its ambitious premise, highlighted by the formidable combination of director Jon Favreau and leading man Daniel Craig, it presents an entertaining watch that adheres to its genre promises without devolving into parody. The physical and technical qualities of the Blu-ray release are where Universal really shines. Boasting an impeccable video transfer that displays the rugged landscapes and intricate details of both cowboys and aliens with clarity and vibrancy, along with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that immerses viewers in the film's dynamic soundscape, the release sets a high bar.

The supplemental content provided with the Blu-ray enhances its appeal considerably, offering a bounty of exclusive materials that delve into the making of this genre-bending film. Fans and newcomers alike are treated to an in-depth look at the creative process behind blending two distinct movie genres, showcasing strong performances, particularly from Craig, whose portrayal of the morally ambiguous loner warrants recognition. The meticulous effort put into both the audiovisual fidelity and the comprehensive suite of extras underscores the Blu-ray's value proposition.

In conclusion, while "Cowboys & Aliens" as a film might not have hit the bullseye, its Blu-ray rendition certainly does. Universal has packaged a product that not only salvages the film's reputation to some extent but actually elevates it, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and enthusiasts. The superior quality of both picture and sound, combined with an expansive array of supplementary materials, ensures that this Blu-ray release stands out as a commendable achievement, deserving of a place in the annals of noteworthy home entertainment releases.