The Fifth Element Blu-ray Review

Sony's latest Blu-ray remaster of "The Fifth Element" sets a new standard in high-definition home entertainment, addressing and rectifying the flaws found in previous releases. The disc showcases the film in vibrant 1080p high definition, using the MPEG-4 AVC codec to bring out a stunning palette of colors that remain vivid and true to the director's vision without any hint of oversaturation. Details in every scene, from the intricate hieroglyphics in the Egyptian tomb to the bustling metropolis and its neon-lit skyscrapers, are rendered with remarkable clarity. This is further complemented by deep, solid blacks that add a significant depth to the visuals, granting scenes a three-dimensional quality that can be especially appreciated in space sequences and urban landscapes. However, some grain and softness are present, a reminder of the film’s age and the inherent challenges in transferring such material to high definition.

The meticulous care taken in mastering this version from a pristine source is evident throughout, making "The Fifth Element" shine as a demonstration piece for what the Blu-ray format can achieve when given proper attention. The floating Chinese junk and the brilliantly detailed costumes pop with an intensity that could almost cause one to squint. Explosions and mystical lights radiate with an energy that nearly leaps off the screen. Yet, there is an occasional presence of edge enhancement and scenes that seem slightly less convincing, indicating room for improvement even in this impressive transfer.

Despite minor quibbles with grain and occasional flatness in some large-scale CGI shots, this release marks a significant improvement over its predecessors. The stark contrast improvements, alongside finer details and color fidelity, make it a visual feast for fans and newcomers alike. Although it may not reach the pinnacle of what newer transfers offer, this Blu-ray delivers a commendably film-like experience, reaffirming the importance of source quality in high-definition remasters. This version of "The Fifth Element" not only rectifies past mishaps but also paves the way for future standards in video presentation, showcasing the potential of meticulous remastering work.

The audio presentation of "The Fifth Element" on Blu Ray has garnered positive feedback for its impressive sound quality, particularly with its PCM Uncompressed (48 kHz/16-bit) track, which was highly praised in its original BD release and remains a preferred choice among audiophiles. This PCM track, alongside a new Dolby TrueHD option, provides listeners with an opportunity for a direct comparison, echoing the technical excellence found in previous high-definition transfers such as "Ghost Rider". While both audio formats offer dynamic and immersive effects with seamless panning across the soundfield, it's the PCM track that ultimately delivers superior power, clarity, and a warmer auditory experience. This track excels in presenting the film's expansive sound design, from the roar of gunfire and explosions to the intricacies of dialogues and background ambiances.

Despite the inclusion of a Dolby TrueHD track, comparisons and listener experiences suggest that the PCM version stands out due to its more robust and natural sound. Both tracks boast 5.1 surround sound capabilities and 16-bit encodes, yet the PCM emerges as the richer and more enveloping option, with crisper dialogues and an overall more intensive soundstage. This is attributed in part to technical differences that, although subtle, make a significant impact on audio quality. The PCM track exhibits greater volume and fidelity, ensuring an unmatched listening experience without the need for dialog normalization issues, often cited with Dolby tracks.

Sony's strategic focus on uncompressed audio for their Blu-ray offerings pays off, setting "The Fifth Element" apart from other HD formats. The PCM 5.1 surround track not only surpasses its Dolby Digital and DTS predecessors but also demonstrates Blu-ray's capability to rival any sound quality on the market. With a sound design that remains compelling over time, the Blu Ray audio of "The Fifth Element" produces an enveloping soundfield that fully utilizes all channels, offering transparent pans and a dynamic range that adds depth to every scene without compromising dialogue clarity or background levels. This commitment to audio fidelity ensures that both casual viewers and audiophiles receive a top-tier auditory experience.

The Blu-ray re-release of "The Fifth Element" by Sony delivers an exemplary audio and visual experience, a decision that regrettably comes at the cost of its supplementary material. The only extra feature provided is a subtitle-based Trivia Track, inherited from the film's Ultimate Edition DVD. This feature, while containing numerous amusing and insightful tidbits about the film's production, cast, and even trivial details like the frequency of the number five in the movie, fails to captivate interest for extended periods. Moreover, the seamless menu navigation, although innovative by allowing access to all disc options live during movie playback, does not compensate for the absence of more substantive extras such as commentaries, featurettes, or galleries that fans might expect from a Blu-ray release of this caliber. The absence of these materials, especially those from previous DVD releases like the cleverly titled featurettes and extensive still galleries, leaves a void that the Trivia Track alone cannot fill.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trivia Track: A subtitle-based feature covering various amusing and intriguing facts about the movie's production, story, cast, and more.

Sony’s re-release of "The Fifth Element" on Blu-ray represents a significant upgrade from its initial offering, which was widely criticized for its myriad of problems ranging from poor source material to compression and encoding issues. This newer version showcases an awe-inspiring 1080p transfer that elevates the visual experience of the film, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike. While the movie presentation is now undeniably eye-catching, with beautifully rendered matte paintings and futuristic scenes, the absence of additional content such as documentaries or commentary tracks leaves something to be desired. Fans familiar with the film’s previous releases might find this omission particularly disappointing, as insights into Luc Besson's unique filmmaking process or further explanations of the movie's intricate plot would have enriched this edition.

Luc Besson's "The Fifth Element" is appreciated not just for its iconic status in the sci-fi genre, but also for its audacious storytelling and striking visual style. The film features Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas, who teams up with an array of eccentric characters including Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) and the unforgettable Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker) in a high-stakes quest to save Earth. Despite its occasionally bewildering plot, the film is celebrated for its adventurous spirit and imaginative world-building. Moreover, the performances are noteworthy, particularly Jovovich's breakout role and Oldman’s portrayal of the antagonist Zorg, both complemented by Jean-Paul Gaultier's flamboyant costume designs.

While the movie's ambitious narrative and visual extravagance may divide opinion, its presentation on Blu-ray has been markedly improved, offering a superior viewing experience. This release highlights the strengths of "The Fifth Element," from its rich color palette to its dynamic sound design, although a deeper exploration through special features would have offered a more comprehensive package. Nevertheless, for fans seeking to experience Besson's visionary work with enhanced clarity and detail, this Blu-ray edition is an essential addition to their collection.

"The Fifth Element" represents a polarizing cinema experience, revered by some as a cult classic while inviting critique as an overblown piece from others. The Blu-ray release has had a history of ups and downs, with earlier versions disappointing fans due to inferior transfer quality. However, the latest re-master has rectified these shortcomings, transforming it into a showcase Blu-ray release. The visual restoration is described as exceptional, enhancing the vivid, futuristic landscapes and intricate detail embedded within the film's production design. Audio quality also receives high praise, with uncompressed PCM sound providing a robust and immersive audio experience. Despite these improvements, some viewers may still find the Blu-ray edition lacking due to the absence of new extras or features, especially considering the film's multiple releases on DVD prior.

Critically, the remastered edition situates "The Fifth Element" among the top echelons of Blu-ray offerings. The meticulous attention to visual and audio upgrades demonstrates a commendable effort to celebrate the film's unique aesthetic and auditory aspects. However, the caveat remains with the content extras, or rather, the lack thereof, which might temper enthusiasm for those expecting more than just a technical upgrade. This aspect notably impacts its value proposition as an 'upgrade' from previous versions for long-time fans and collectors.

In conclusion, the re-mastered Blu-ray edition of "The Fifth Element" stands as a testament to the film's enduring appeal and the technological strides in home entertainment. It delivers an impressive visual and auditory experience, marking it as a must-own for aficionados of the genre and Blu-ray collectors alike. Yet, the absence of new or exclusive extras might deter some potential buyers, leaving it as a splendid but not definitive edition for the ultimate home library.