Independence Day: Resurgence Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Independence Day: Resurgence features a 1080p transfer in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio, utilizing both MPEG-4 MVC for the 3D presentation and MPEG-4 AVC for the 2D. The transfer achieves notable clarity and detail, showcasing practical sets amid the film’s extensive special effects. Skin tones and facial textures are rendered accurately, with an emphasis on lifelike color reproduction. Black levels are impressively deep and inky, revealing detailed elements even in darker scenes without any noticeable crush. However, the film’s reliance on bluescreen CG backgrounds results in variable image quality, with certain scenes appearing flat and lacking fine detail.

The 3D presentation adds a sense of depth to many scenes, especially outer space sequences and interior shots of labs and headquarters. The dimensionality is more evident in certain key sequences, such as alien dogfights and climactic moments, delivering some effective pop-out effects. Despite this, the added depth is often muted due to the pervasive darkness of many scenes, with foregrounds delineated against sometimes flat-looking backgrounds. The effects are especially pronounced where more practical sets are used, providing a stark contrast to the CGI-heavy portions which suffer from exaggerated grading and less convincing depth.

Overall, while the 3D version slightly improves on the 2D by providing additional spatial awareness and immersion, particularly in CGI-dominated sequences, both formats exhibit inconsistency tied to digital processing. The vivid colors and rich contrasts do help maintain engagement, but viewers might find the dark and digitally stitched outdoor scenes less satisfying. This results in a technically competent yet uneven visual experience that faithfully replicates the theatrical presentation but falls short of being exemplary.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix of "Independence Day: Resurgence" is a remarkable auditory experience that aligns impeccably with the expectations set by modern science fiction action films. The LFE channel is engaged dynamically, contributing a rich, rumbling undertone particularly noticeable during key sequences such as the arrival of the alien mothership. Panning effects are masterfully executed, accentuating the ambiance of flying sequences and explosive scenarios. Dialogue is crisply rendered, ensuring clarity amidst the cacophony, and is well-prioritized within the center channel. The brass-infused score by Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser integrates naturally into the surround channels, producing a wide dynamic range.

The 7.1 surround sound presentation delivers an immersive experience, with the sound design effectively utilizing all available channels. The front and rear speakers are tasked with a constant flow of atmospheric effects and action sounds, ensuring that the soundtrack remains engaging and enveloping. Despite occasional balance issues during high-intensity scenes, where dialogue can become less discernible amidst the sonic chaos, overall dialogue reproduction is commendable. The audio mix maintains a robust and clean output, effectively balancing intense LFE activity with background effects for a near demo-quality experience.

In sum, the audio track for "Independence Day: Resurgence" sets a high standard for home entertainment systems, affording viewers an encompassing and powerful auditory immersion. While some minor balance issues exist during peak action moments, the overall quality of the DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix stands out, showcasing meticulous sound design and clear dialogue reproduction. This soundscape will undoubtedly please fans of the film and audiophiles alike.

"Independence Day: Resurgence" Blu-ray offers a robust array of extras, all included on the 2D disc. The features provide valuable insights into the film’s creation and behind-the-scenes activities. Roland Emmerich’s solo audio commentary is packed with production anecdotes and scene-specific details. "Another Day: The Making of Independence Day: Resurgence" is a comprehensive four-part documentary covering various production aspects from the perspectives of the cast and crew. The deleted scenes, including optional commentary by Emmerich, provide minor character expansions but nothing substantial. Additional highlights include faux news segments like "The War of 1996" and "It's Early ABQ!" featuring Fred Armisen, a standard gag reel, and an impressive collection of concept art that showcases the creativity behind the visual design. Overall, the blend of production insights and entertaining bits make for a well-rounded extras package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Roland Emmerich discusses filmmaking details.
• Another Day: The Making of Independence Day: Resurgence: Four-part documentary on production.
• Deleted Scenes: With optional audio commentary.
• The War of 1996: Faux news report bridging the films.
• It’s Early ABQ!: Fred Armisen in a fake talk show segment.
• Gag Reel: Humorous outtakes.
• Concept Art: Galleries featuring sketches.
• Theatrical Trailers: Collection of trailers.

"Independence Day: Resurgence" revisits the grandiosity of its 1996 predecessor, bringing back familiar faces while interspersing new characters to refresh the franchise. The film ambitiously attempts to weave together a narrative rich in CGI spectacle, portraying an advanced Earth leveraging alien technology to fend off another invasion. Returning characters like Bill Pullman's former President Whitmore and Jeff Goldblum's David Levinson aim to bridge the generational gap, but the heart that made the first film memorable is significantly diminished. The overly sprawling screenplay, peppered with subplots, struggles to maintain cohesion, detracting from the emotional engagement that characterized the original.

Technically, the film excels in visual effects, featuring a mammoth 3,000-mile-wide mothership and extensive CGI work that, while impressive, feels predominantly derivative. The script, co-written by a team including Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, awkwardly juggles multiple narratives involving new characters such as Liam Hemsworth’s Jake Morrison and Jessie Usher’s Dylan Hiller. This ensemble often leads to a diluted focus and shallow character development. Sequences involving massive destruction remain visually engaging but lack the immersive depth provided by practical effects in the original. The film's pacing is hasty, leading to a reduction in stakes despite the inflated scale of destruction.

Overall, "Independence Day: Resurgence" offers fleeting entertainment through its high-octane action and elaborate set pieces, yet it fails to deliver anything groundbreaking or emotionally resonant. While attempting to reignite nostalgia, it becomes a stark reminder that recycled tropes combined with modern CGI cannot substitute for narrative coherence and genuine character connection. This results in a visually appealing yet fundamentally hollow sequel.

"Independence Day: Resurgence" offers a bittersweet return to the iconic 90s alien invasion genre. Despite attempts to breathe new life into the franchise with updated content and characters, the narrative feels overstuffed and the pacing lethargic. The performances are adequate but largely uninspiring, while the visual effects, though occasionally impressive, sometimes fall flat. The Blu-ray release boasts strong technical merits, delivering an excellent video and audio experience. However, the 3D effects are somewhat lackluster, providing depth without fully utilizing the format's immersive potential.

For those willing to overlook its shortcomings, "Independence Day: Resurgence" serves as a serviceable popcorn flick replete with action sequences and grand spectacle. The 2D image transfer suffers from excessive processing, but the 3D version offers better image depth. The audio mix is exceptional, heightening the overall viewing experience. This Blu-ray set also comes with a robust package of supplementary features, including informative extras that delve into the film’s production.

In conclusion, "Independence Day: Resurgence" might be aptly summed up as "too much, way too late." Although it aims to rejuvenate the franchise and tie it organically with the original, it feels more like a lethargic retread attempting to jumpstart a franchise long past its prime. While it may offer intermittent thrills with its visuals and sound design, it ultimately falls short of recapturing the charm of the original. Nevertheless, for fans and curious viewers with tempered expectations, this Blu-ray release provides enough technical merits and bonus content to make it worth a look.