R.I.P.D. Blu-ray Review
Score: 66
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
R.I.P.D. features excellent Blu-ray video/audio quality but suffers from weak direction, a lackluster screenplay, and mixed performances--a rental at best.
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Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 79
R.I.P.D.'s Blu-ray presentation boasts a striking 1080p/AVC-encoded video with detailed, lifelike images, natural colors, crisp edges, and effective contrast. Despite some aliasing, occasional softness, and CG anomalies, the overall quality is commendable, delivering an engaging and sharp visual experience.
Audio: 79
The Blu-ray’s DTS-HD Master Audio surround mix delivers an impressive and engaging auditory experience, with crystal-clear dialogue, excellent dynamic range, and a well-balanced soundstage. The surround and LFE channels ensure immersive action sequences, despite quieter scenes being somewhat front-heavy.
Extra: 57
The Blu-ray extras for 'R.I.P.D.' offer a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look with highlights including alternate openings, motion comics, visual effects insights, and a detailed shootout breakdown, supplemented by deleted scenes and a humorous gag reel showcasing the cast's camaraderie.
Movie: 54
Despite an engaging cast led by Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds, 'R.I.P.D.' is hindered by its heavy reliance on genre clichés, uninspired script, and subpar CGI, making it a visually extravagant yet ultimately unmemorable imitation of 'Men in Black' with over-the-top but ineffective humor and action.
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Video: 79
Universal’s presentation of "R.I.P.D." on Blu-ray is a visual feast that showcases an exemplary high definition 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. Images are exceptionally clean, sharp, and lifelike, offering a three-dimensional quality that's engaging to watch. The tiniest details, from the wrinkles on Jeff Bridges' face to the pores on Ryan Reynolds' skin, are revealed with pristine clarity, showcasing the digital origins of the film. Colors are vivid, with eye-catching primaries and pleasing secondary hues that enrich the viewing experience. Fleshtones appear natural and exhibit subtle variations among different cast members. However, some minor issues like slight aliasing and occasional artificial sharpening are noticeable but do not extensively detract from the overall quality. Blacks range dynamically and exhibit good depth without any significant crushing or noisy shadows, although they are sometimes less robust than desired.
The color palette presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio is varied and full-bodied, with energetic primaries and bold secondary hues adding warmth and vigour to the comedic elements of the film. However, the contrast tends to clip highlights occasionally, leading to some overexposed whites in certain scenes. Still, the video maintains a balanced visual throughout most of the film. Texture and fine details are maintained well, although practical makeup can lose some luster to softer CGI elements. Moreover, the faint film grain is intact and compression artifacts such as macroblocking and banding are effectively absent. This unblemished rendering ensures a visually satisfying experience despite a few softer sequences and varying quality in CG effects.
Audio: 79
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "R.I.P.D." showcases a highly engaging and immersive audio presentation, with excellent dialogue clarity and striking dynamic range. Dialogue intonation is precise, making even subtle changes perceptible and clean throughout. Christophe Beck's score distributes evenly across the front channels, presenting a broad wall of sound with smooth channel separation that ensures an accurate and balanced soundstage.
The rear channels are consistently active, enhancing the immersion with bustling cityscapes, crowded streets, and the hectic environment of the afterlife police station. Action scenes are particularly impressive, offering a diverse range of sounds, from precise, directional effects to flawless panning of helicopters circling overhead and bullets whizzing by. The LFE channel contributes robust bass that, while sometimes perceived as mild, still provides ample weight and depth during explosions and other high-impact sequences.
Overall, the audio mix is expertly crafted, enveloping the listener with a seamless sound field that brings the action to life. Directional effects are playful yet precise, significantly enriching the viewer's experience. While quieter scenes can occasionally feel front-heavy, the immersive auditory elements and intuitive spatial cues ensure a vivid and highly entertaining soundtrack. Despite minor critiques, such as slightly less impactful low-end frequencies at times, the audio presentation remains a riotous and engaging aspect of the Blu-ray experience.
Extra: 57
The Blu-ray extras for "R.I.P.D." provide a robust and immersive behind-the-scenes experience, offering an in-depth look at the film's production. Highlights include exclusive alternate opening sequences which give insight into creative choices, and featurettes like "Filming the Other Side" and "Transferring R.I.P.D." that delve into visual effects and adaptation from the original graphic novel. The gag reel provides levity, showcasing moments where the cast had fun on set. Detailed breakdowns of key scenes through the "Anatomy of a Shootout" and "Walking Among Us" featurettes enhance appreciation of the film's technical crafting.
Extras included in this disc:
- Alternate Openings: Two differing initial sequences featuring Jeff Bridges' character.
- Deleted/Alternate Scenes: Three alternate and one deleted scene.
- Transferring R.I.P.D.: Insights from cast and crew about adapting the original comic.
- Filming the Other Side: Focuses on the use of visual effects.
- Walking Among Us: Explores avatars and deados.
- Bringing the Avatars to Life: Animated storyboards of avatars.
- Anatomy of a Shootout: Detailed look at the film's climactic shootout.
- Nick’s New Avatars: Montage of alternate avatars considered for Nick.
- Gag Reel: Light-hearted outtakes of cast moments.
Movie: 54
"R.I.P.D.," directed by Robert Schwentke, sets out to blend supernatural elements with a buddy-cop framework, starring Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges as monster-hunting partners in a bureaucratic Afterlife enforcement agency. The narrative introduces us to Nick Walker (Reynolds), a Boston cop who, after being murdered by his corrupt partner, joins the Rest in Peace Department under the mentorship of seasoned lawman Roy Pulsifer (Bridges). Despite uncovering a planet-threatening plot orchestrated by the undead, the film spirals into a series of derivative clichés, drawing stark parallels to creations such as "Men in Black."
The biggest draw of "R.I.P.D." is undoubtedly its cast. Jeff Bridges infuses his character with a mix of his iconic Dude Lebowski charm and Rooster Cogburn grit, delivering an entertaining performance full of improvisational flair. Conversely, Ryan Reynolds comes across as largely disengaged, providing a lackluster portrayal that does little to elevate the film. Kevin Bacon and Mary-Louise Parker are squandered in underdeveloped roles, further diminishing the movie's appeal. The chemistry and wit expected from such a star-studded ensemble fall flat, leaving much of the dialog and humor ineffective.
From a visual standpoint, "R.I.P.D." is a technicolor spectacle brimming with wildly imaginative CGI and over-the-top action sequences. However, its reliance on these visual effects often feels overwhelming and outdated, reminiscent of early 2000s aesthetics rather than cutting-edge innovation. The Deados, crucial antagonists in this tale, suffer from uninspired designs and poor motion capture, reducing their impact. Overall, while "R.I.P.D." attempts to dazzle with its frenetic pace and vibrant visuals, it ultimately stumbles due to predictable plot points, lackluster character development, and a script that fails to offer any genuine excitement or originality. The result is an admittedly spectacular yet emotionally hollow viewing experience.
Total: 66
"R.I.P.D.," directed by Robert Schwentke, strives for an engaging blend of supernatural action and buddy-cop comedy but often stumbles in the execution. Despite the genuine efforts of Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges, the film suffers from a disjointed screenplay and uninspired direction. Reynolds and Bridges manage to inject some life into their roles, yet the movie's derivative nature and lackluster villains leave it underwhelming. The movie, loosely adapted from Peter M. Lenkov's comic, features impressive CGI and action sequences but falls flat due to underwhelming performances, particularly from supporting actors like Mary-Louise Parker and Kevin Bacon.
Universal's Blu-ray release, however, presents an AV treat for home theater enthusiasts. The video quality is robust, boasting vibrant colors and clear detail that bring the fantastical elements to life. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track complements the picture with immersive soundscapes, offering a demo-worthy experience in terms of audio-visual performance. The supplemental content, though sparse, offers exclusive material that adds some value. Nevertheless, the overall package may be more suited for a rental rather than a purchase, given the film's cinematic shortcomings.
In conclusion, "R.I.P.D." is a mixed bag. While its high-definition presentation on Blu-ray excels, the film itself fails to fully entertain. Diehard fans of the genre or actors may find it worth a watch for its technical merits, but others may want to approach with tempered expectations.
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 90
Textures are refined and revealing, and only lose their luster as practical makeup applications give way to the soft, rubbery CG faces and hulking husks of the undead....
Audio: 90
The LFE channel makes its presence known every other minute, embracing every explosion, implosion, shotgun blast, Deado landing, supernatural thoom and boom, and eruption of general disarray the film hurls...
Extras: 40
Alternate Openings (HD, 10 minutes): Two alternate openings kick off an hour-long supplemental package; the first a vastly superior cold open featuring Jeff Bridges' Roy (sans any narration), the second...
Movie: 40
Or that for every semi-clever twist on heaven and the afterlife, there are a dozen camptastic encounters, all culminating in a vault heist and climactic shootout that lack any sense of weight; physical...
Total: 70
A sharper vision, more decisive direction, a smarter screenplay and less generic baddies would have gone a long way to patching the film's wounds, which is where the cast -- Schwentke's saving grace --...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Contrast is generally spot-on and well balanced, but in several moments the highlights run a bit hotter than normal, which tend to clip the whites in a few spots....
Audio: 80
Many of the quieter scenes come with some mild effects for ambience, but the action sequences are the real showstoppers, as a diverse assortment of sounds spread all around and envelope the listener with...
Extras: 0
Transferring R.I.P.D. (HD, 8 min) — EPK-style piece with cast & crew interviews on the plot, characters, casting and overall production with BTS footage and pics of the original comic....
Movie: 20
His usually lively personality and impeccable comedic timing are missing entirely, walking from one scene to the next in a lifeless daze, making the character quite unlikeable....
Total: 40
Unfortunately, the supernatural buddy-cop fantasy is a joyless, comatose mess with leaden performances from Reynolds, Parker, and Bacon, leaving Bridges to carry the movie as the story's only highlight....
AVSForumRead review here
Video: 90
Fleshtones appear natural with complexional variation and subtle texture that varies among the differing skin types of the cast members....
Audio: 92
Dynamic range is excellent and the soundstage has an open expression that allows its elements to extend well into the room....
Extras: 60
Bringing the Avatars to life – 6 minute feature Exclusive (HD) Nick’s new Avatars – 1 minute run through of the other Avatars considered for Nick Exclusive (HD) Filming the other side – 6 minute featurette...
Movie: 50
Veteran sheriff Roy Pulsifer (Bridges), works for the otherworldly police force R.I.P.D. tracking monstrous souls disguised among the living as ordinary people, and is assigned new recruit Nick Walker...
Total: 73
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video) System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control Canton "Ergo" Series speakers Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers SV Sound PB-13...
Director: Robert Schwentke
Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges, Mary-Louise Parker
PlotBoston police officer Nick Walker is killed in the line of duty, only to find himself posthumously recruited by the Rest In Peace Department (R.I.P.D.), a heavenly law enforcement unit tasked with apprehending souls who refuse to move on to the afterlife. Nick is partnered with Roy Pulsipher, a former U.S. Marshal from the 19th century with a penchant for the old ways. Still grappling with his sudden demise and the need to leave his old life behind, including his beloved wife Julia, Nick reluctantly agrees to the terms of his service in return for the chance to find his killer and ensure Julia’s safety. The unlikely duo begin their mission to uphold cosmic balance and protect the living from increasingly malevolent and uncooperative spirits known as "Deados."
As Nick adjusts to the rules of his new existence, he learns to maneuver the humorous and often bewildering intricacies of the R.I.P.D. The pair uncovers a plot that threatens the stability between the living and the dead, as they track down these devious entities hiding among the living. Nick uses his instinct and policing skills, combined with Roy's experience and rough-and-tumble approach, to pursue leads and confront the Deados who are conspiring to bring chaos to the ordered world. With interspecies battles and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Nick and Roy must rely on their newfound partnership to restore peace and enforce the eternal laws of the afterlife.
Writers: Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, David Dobkin
Release Date: 19 Jul 2013
Runtime: 96 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English