After Earth Blu-ray Review
Score: 72
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
After Earth, a forgettable Shyamalan film with great tech but lacking magic.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 85
After Earth's Blu-ray features a flawless 4K, 1080p transfer with vibrant colors, detailed textures, and deep blacks, making its visual effects and environments, from CGI to natural scenes, truly stand out.
Audio: 85
After Earth's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is a flawless blend of clarity, balance, and immersive dynamics, delivering precise dialogue, music, and energetic sound effects for a truly top-notch audio experience.
Extra: 46
After Earth extras dive into the technical production, father-son dynamics, future envisioning, and the importance of animatics, alongside a rapid montage of behind-the-scenes, exploring Earth's landscapes, and an XPrize challenge.
Movie: 36
'After Earth' reflects M. Night Shyamalan's decline with a formulaic plot and missed potential, overshadowed by unremarkable execution and weak performances, despite promising visuals and themes.
Video: 85
After Earth" makes a grand entrance on Blu-ray, boasting a Mastered in 4K 1080p transfer that dazzles consistently throughout its runtime. The presentation shines with an exceptional level of detail, ensuring spacecraft designs, the futuristic Nova Prime's architecture, and the rugged terrain of Earth maintain their nuanced appearances spectacularly. Despite fleeting moments of softness in the imagery, particularly within the confines of the Raige household, these instances are minor and easily overlooked given the overall excellence of the video quality. The landscapes of Earth, with their detailed blades of grass and lifelike tree textures, come alive on screen. Visual effects merge seamlessly into these settings, enhancing the film’s immersive experience. Color reproduction is notably superb, showcasing a natural vibrancy across a broad spectrum with a specific highlight on earthy tones and digital interfaces.
For aficionados of technical video presentation, it's noteworthy that the Blu-ray disc has been encoded using AVC/MPEG-4 following a 4K mastering process. This methodology likely contributes significantly to the disc's nearly flawless visual experience, delivering a richness in detail and color depth that sets a high standard for HD transfers. Facial textures and clothing materials are rendered with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing the characters' emotions and the film's setting with great effect. The high-quality contrast levels support this detail by balancing scenes perfectly, allowing for deep, inky black levels without losing detail in darker areas.
In essence, "After Earth" on Blu-ray emerges as a visually arresting piece, with its video quality arguably elevating the entire viewing experience. The disc showcases what is possible with current home media technology, presenting a film that might have had its critics in terms of storyline and execution in a light that at least visually, can be appreciated universally. From its impeccable fine details to its vibrant color palette and strong black levels, it provides an exemplary home viewing experience sure to please both casual viewers and videophiles alike.
Audio: 85
The audio presentation of "After Earth" on Blu Ray is a masterclass in auditory excellence, predominantly through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. From the outset, audiences are greeted with a rich tapestry of sound that encompasses a wide dynamic range, perfectly blending the subtle intricacies of Earth's ambience with the explosive fervor of action sequences. The initial scenes set a high bar with their aggressive bass and a meticulously crafted 360-degree sound field that immerses viewers directly into the heart of chaos. This precision in audio detailing is consistent throughout, with every scream, crash, and environmental nuance captured with an unparalleled clarity and presence.
As the film progresses, the soundtrack maintains its exceptional quality, showcasing an adept handling of both the energetic and delicate aspects of sound. The layering of effects, from the gentle rustling of leaves to the resounding impact of dramatic percussions, contributes to an audio experience that is as grand as it is meticulous. Dialogue, music, and sound effects are balanced with meticulous care, ensuring that each element is distinct yet harmoniously integrated. The soundtrack's handling of dialogue deserves special mention, projecting every word with richness and precision from the center channel, thereby anchoring the audio experience with clarity and firmness.
Furthermore, the immersive quality of the audio is significantly enhanced by outstanding directionality and an impressive LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel that adds depth and impact to the action scenes. The active engagement of all channels creates a three-dimensional soundscape that pulls the viewer into the verdant expanses and treacherous terrains of "After Earth." This sonic immersion is complemented by smooth musical deliveries and polished bass, culminating in a sound presentation that is as dynamic as it is engaging. In sum, the Blu Ray audio of "After Earth" stands as a testament to what is achievable when sound design is executed with both technical prowess and creative vision, leaving little to be desired in the realm of home entertainment audio experiences.
Extras: 46
The Blu-ray extras for "After Earth" provide a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the film’s creation, focusing heavily on the technical and emotional layers that compose the narrative. They reveal the intricate father-son dynamic as a core theme, supported by in-depth discussions on visual world-building, the extensive use of both practical and digital effects, and insightful looks into the pre-visualization processes that shaped the film's futuristic setting. Fascinating documentaries, like exploring the landscapes used as Earth’s future terrain, alongside rapid behind-the-scenes montages, add texture to an already rich presentation. These extras not only complement the film but serve to deepen the viewer's appreciation for the artistry and effort involved in its production, making it a must-watch for fans seeking a closer look at the movie's conceptual and practical achievements.
Extras included in this disc:
- A Father's Legacy: An in-depth look at the father-son dynamic within the film, featuring Will and Jaden Smith's preparation and performance.
- Alternate Opening
- Building a World: A discussion on the creation of the film's future Earth, emphasizing design choices and visual effects.
- Pre-Visualizing the Future: Explains the significance of pre-visualization in filmmaking, with scene comparisons.
- The Animatics of After Earth: Insights into the use of animatics in crafting the film’s narrative and action sequences.
- 1000 Years in 300 Seconds: A montage showcasing behind-the-scenes footage from the making of "After Earth".
- The Nature of the Future: Documentary-style exploration of filming locations, doubling as a potential screensaver.
- XPrize After Earth Challenge: Encourages innovative thinking about planet preservation and new civilizations.
- Previews: Teasers for additional Sony titles.
- DVD Copy
- UV Digital Copy
Movie: 36
After Earth" arrives as a film laden with expectations and promises, helmed by M. Night Shyamalan, a director once celebrated for his early successes and innovative storytelling. The movie adds to a portfolio that diverges from his initial acclaim, striving to meld a consumer-ready sci-fi adventure with deeper, reflective undertones—yet it falls short. Inhabiting a universe where humanity has vacated Earth for Nova Prime, the narrative follows Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his father, Cypher (Will Smith), as they embark on a perilous journey of survival on a future Earth that is both hostile and beautiful. Despite the potential for an engaging father-son tale set against the backdrop of an evolved planet, the film struggles under the weight of its linear storyline and fails to leverage its thematic ambitions fully.
Technically, "After Earth" showcases moments of promise where visual effects and James Newton Howard's score align to evoke the desired sense of grandeur and isolation. However, these instances are fleeting, overshadowed by a narrative that seems too forecasted, leaving little room for genuine tension or emotional investment. The performances, particularly that of Jaden Smith, endeavor to convey a journey of growth and maturation but are hampered by a script that does not fully capitalize on its own premises—primarily, the concept of 'Ghosting' and the psychological layers it could have explored more deeply.
In essence, "After Earth" presents itself as an amalgamation of science fiction and familial drama, yet does not fully commit to either, resulting in a film that is visually competent but emotionally and narratively underwhelming. While it boasts a few noteworthy elements—such as its conceptually intriguing setting and a handful of well-executed scenes—the movie ultimately serves as another reminder of Shyamalan's struggle to recapture the magic of his earlier works. It stands as an example of missed potential, where neither the allure of advanced technology nor the dynamics of father-son relationships are sufficient to elevate the film beyond mediocrity.
Total: 72
After Earth" emerges on Blu-ray with a presentation that, unfortunately, does not mirror the grand aspirations of its creators – primarily the director, M. Night Shyamalan, and the lead actors, Will and Jaden Smith. Despite Shyamalan's previous accomplishments with critically acclaimed titles such as "The Sixth Sense" and "Signs," "After Earth" fails to recapture the magic that once made his films a staple of modern cinema. The movie showcases a capable yet forgettable endeavor, marred by evident flaws and unfulfilled potential. Nevertheless, the technical aspects of the Blu-ray are commendable, featuring reference-grade video and audio quality that stand as the release's highlights along with a modest collection of supplementary materials.
The father-son duo of Will and Jaden Smith, around which much of the film's anticipation was built, unfortunately does not succeed in reigniting interest in the saga or in promising a burgeoning career trajectory for Jaden, unassisted by familial advantages. Despite this setback for the actors and a storyline that does not venture into new territories or display any distinctive flair – a departure from Shyamalan's known signature style – the Blu-ray does offer some redemption with its superior sound and image quality. Even if "After Earth" ranks as one of Shyamalan's less awkward attempts in recent times, it still lands as a fundamentally safe, undaring piece of entertainment.
In conclusion, while "After Earth" on Blu-ray excels in delivering an exemplary audiovisual experience, it remains tethered by the limitations of its core material. The film itself is unable to fully captivate or convey the high stakes and emotional depth intended by its creators. The Blu-ray edition, with its high-quality presentation and a handful of interesting extras, might be worth exploring for fans of the sci-fi genre or collectors. However, it ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of what could have been, had its narrative ambitions been met with equally daring execution.
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 100
Whether the detail of the spaceship that carries them to Earth, the architecture that seems built into the landscape of Nova Prime, or the pebbly, sandy terrain of the alien world, Sony's transfer captures...
Audio: 100
That same sequence, more fully realized a little bit later in the film, offers much of the same but with a more steady, ongoing stream of activity....
Extras: 50
Building a World (HD, 12:00): Cast and crew discuss envisioning the future, constructing it for the screen, and the importance of creating a fully realized future history....
Movie: 40
To the film's credit, it tries to take advantage of that dynamic as it follows his emotional growth through the story, but again it's largely for naught considering that there's no real sense of risk associated...
Total: 60
Every time a new film hits the schedule with his name on it, the sense of anticipation remains, the hope that this will be the one that gets him back on track....
High-Def Digest review by Kevin YeomanRead review here
Video: 100
Adding to this rich, life-like quality is a healthy amount of depth, that's aided by terrific and consistent contrast levels, which balance the scenes brilliantly, regardless their level of exposure....
Audio: 100
There is an impressive dynamic range here that gives the audio its immersive quality – one that truly sucks viewers in and makes them feel as though they too are wandering through lush forests, looking...
Extras: 50
– A behind the scenes featurette on the basic elements of the film's story, which, again, focuses heavily on the father-son element....
Movie: 40
By almost any other standards an audience has for a director, 'After Earth' could easily be considered a tremendous disappointment or letdown; and depending on the individual in question, a flat out fiasco,...
Total: 70
Although the film is a misfire and a disappointment, it's really only that way for its stars, as the father-son team up of Will and Jaden Smith failed to ignite much in the way of interest in the younger...
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Actors: Jaden Smith, David Denman, Will Smith
PlotIn the future, humans have been forced to evacuate Earth after it becomes uninhabitable; they settle on a new planet called Nova Prime. The United Ranger Corps, led by famed General Cypher Raige, defends the new human settlement against alien creatures known as Ursa, which track humans through the pheromones released when they are afraid. Cypher's estranged teenage son, Kitai Raige, is a cadet in the Ranger Corps who endeavors to gain his father's respect and live up to his legacy. Kitai blames himself for the death of his sister, whom an Ursa killed, and feels the weight of his father's disappointment despite his aspirations to become a Ranger.
Cypher decides to take Kitai on a mission to a training outpost as a bonding experience, hoping to mend their strained relationship. However, their spacecraft encounters an asteroid storm and is forced to crash-land on the now-quarantine Earth. The crash is catastrophic, killing all onboard except for Cypher and Kitai. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must traverse the perilous, evolved terrain of Earth to retrieve an emergency beacon located in the tail of the ship, which landed some distance away. Earth's environment has dramatically changed; it's filled with evolved animal and plant life that has become hostile to humans. To survive, Kitai must overcome his fears and evolve, as his father guides him through the journey, relying on Kitai's resolve to face the dangers of the reborn Earth and signal for rescue.
Writers: Gary Whitta, M. Night Shyamalan, Will Smith
Release Date: 31 May 2013
Runtime: 100 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English