Ragnarok Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Ragnarok" by Magnolia Home Entertainment showcases an impressive 1080p AVC-encoded transfer, demonstrating exceptional clarity and detail. Utilizing digital files likely from the original digital production, the picture quality transitions smoothly between scenes of varying lighting and color palettes. The depiction of both the ancient Viking environment and modern-day settings is remarkable, especially the dark, torch-lit Viking landscapes and the bright, contemporary spaces. As Sigurd's family ventures through diverse environments—from gray skies and lush forests to dimly lit caves—viewers will appreciate the vivid nuances in these scenes. The deep, solid blacks and excellent detailing in both high and low light conditions further enhance the visual experience. Although there is occasional banding during scene transitions, the absence of noticeable artifacts is commendable, particularly given the compression onto a BD-25 with a 19.00 Mbps average bitrate.

In terms of image fidelity, "Ragnarok" excels with its natural color reproduction and sharp detail. The transfer captures fine textures, such as dirt, rock formations, and clothing fabrics, with precise clarity, adding to the authenticity of the visuals. The portrayal of CGI elements, notably the monster, is equally impressive, maintaining a realistic appearance that integrates seamlessly into the live-action scenes. The film also offers an effective sense of depth, notably during dynamic sequences like a zip line scene that delivers a fully three-dimensional experience. Black levels are consistently deep and rich with minimal crushing, even in the intricately lit cavern scenes. Skin tones retain a natural and consistent look, making minute details such as stubble and scars easily discernible. Overall, the Blu-ray video presentation of "Ragnarok" is a technically robust an visually engaging transfer, ensuring a premium viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Ragnarok" on Blu-ray is impressive, featuring a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack available in both Norwegian and an English dubbed version. One of the most standout elements is the creature's roar, which draws comparisons to the iconic T. Rex roar from Jurassic Park. This effect, alongside other low-frequency sounds, most notably emanates from the lake bed surrounding the Eye of Odin or from invisible sources, ensuring an engaging auditory experience. The integration of these sounds demands a robust subwoofer to capture the full impact, particularly during the creature’s memorable roar, which is designed to be breathtakingly powerful.

In addition to the creature effects, the soundtrack skillfully captures various action sequences such as the Viking retreat and modern-day exploration. Elements like the chaos on a makeshift raft, the atmospheric journey through underground caves, and a dramatic chase ending in an old Soviet bunker are vividly brought to life. The dynamic range is well-executed, with lifelike foley effects that immerse the audience in the adventure. Surround sound features utilize rear speakers for ambiance and the front speakers for dynamic action sequences, resulting in a rich and immersive surround experience. Dialogue reproduction is clear and focused mainly on the center channel, ensuring that conversations remain crisp and intelligible amidst the chaos.

Overall, while it may not be groundbreaking, the audio track of "Ragnarok" significantly contributes to a captivating cinematic experience through effective use of dynamics and environmental sounds. Norwegian composer Magnus Beite’s adventure score further enhances the auditory journey with its vigorous compositions that echo big-budget Hollywood influences.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Ragnarok" are professionally detailed, offering a comprehensive glimpse behind the scenes. The highlight is the visual effects featurette, showcasing the intricate process of creating CGI-enhanced scenes by contrasting early visual plates with the final product. Additionally, the theatrical trailer, deliberately designed to obscure that the film is in a foreign language, is included. The disc also features trailers for other Magnolia Home Entertainment titles and promotional content accessible at startup, with an option to skip via the chapter forward button. Moreover, attempts to access BD-Live currently prompt users to check back for updates.

Extras included in this disc:

• Ragnarok: The Visual Effects: A detailed featurette showcasing the layers of visual effects.
• Theatrical Trailer: Conceals the film's foreign-language origins in its construction.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Trailers for other titles and promotional content.
• BD-Live: Currently unavailable with a prompt for future updates.

The 2013 Norwegian film "Ragnarok," directed by Mikkel Brønne Sandemose and written by John Kåre Raake, melds elements of Norse mythology with adventure tropes reminiscent of classic Spielberg films. Drawing from cinematic inspirations such as "Jaws," "Jurassic Park," and the Indiana Jones series, "Ragnarok" tells the story of a contemporary expedition seeking to unravel ancient Viking mysteries. The protagonist, archaeologist Sigurd Svendsen (Pål Sverre Hagen), embarks on a journey to the far northern reaches of Norway to validate his theories about Viking travels. Aided by artifacts from Queen Åsa's tomb, Sigurd deciphers a rune stone that leads him and his two children, along with colleagues Alan and Elizabeth, into unexplored territories fraught with dangers from both nature and betrayal.

The film is particularly noted for its strong character portrayals, evoking the heartfelt dynamics typical of Spielberg's works. Sigurd's evolving relationship with his children serves as an emotional backbone, which is deftly coupled with the suspense and adventure of their journey. The Scandinavian landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop, enhancing the film’s immersive quality. Much like Spielberg's monster movies, "Ragnarok" smartly teases its creature—keeping it in the shadows and building tension incrementally, leading to a satisfying payoff. The monster's design and movements are reminiscent of the T-Rex from "Jurassic Park," adding a thrilling component to the film.

"Ragnarok" balances its homage to classic adventure films with an original storyline anchored in Norse mythology, making it a compelling watch. It masterfully avoids feeling like a mere retread by rooting its narrative in specifically Norwegian contexts. The film’s combination of suspenseful set pieces, believable character relationships, and impressive visual elements make it an enthralling family adventure that stands out in the genre.

Review:

"Ragnarok" on Blu-ray is an adventurous homage to classics like "Jurassic Park" and "Indiana Jones," yet it stands firmly on its own merits with a sense of originality. Director Mikkel Brænne Sandemose has created a film that combines historical myths and pseudo-scientific possibilities in a way that feels both rich and coherent. The engaging and endearing characters, combined with well-executed action sequences, provide a blend of excitement, suspense, and heartfelt moments.

The Blu-ray presentation offers a visually stunning experience, with vibrant colors and intricate details that enhance the viewing pleasure. Audio quality is equally impressive, making full use of surround sound capabilities to draw the viewer into the adventure. However, the disc falls short in terms of bonus features, which may disappoint fans looking for behind-the-scenes insights or additional content.

In conclusion, "Ragnarok" is a must-watch for fans of adventure films. Sandemose's vision effectively melds historical depth with thrilling action, resulting in a movie that resonates well beyond its spectacular effects. As such, despite the lack of extras on the Blu-ray, the film itself warrants a viewing, and is highly recommended for purchase, especially if found at a reduced price.