I know almost everyone adores this movie, which makes me shake my head in disbelief. But first, to the steelbook.
It's a great steelbook. Unique to North America and so desireable for collectors. That combined with an almost religious fervor for ANYTHING that Marvel releases makes this hot; extremely HOT.
The opening week price for a steelbook of any 3D movie was a steal.
Within a day of release this was sold out nationwide and was selling on the popular auction site at high prices.
So if you were lucky enough to preorder or pick this up on opening day, congratulations. If you bought to resell, shame on you.
As I said, a great steelbook; but the movie? It's utter garbage! Seems people will see anything if you slap Marvel's name in front of it...
The script and plot are both so stupid I'd suggest putting them to one side and simply filming LOTS of action sequences with LOTS of CGI. Oh and don't forget some Z list tunes from the past that you can buy the rights to for next to nothing.
Once the movie starts, turn your brain all the way off, close to brain death, and then shovel popcorn into your mouth. It's the only way to enjoy it.
Surely everyone knows about 'The Matrix', even if a few people still haven't seen it. If you love The Matrix I would suggest there's only one version to buy, and that's the digibook. The packaging is smarter than the regular plastic blu ray case and there's some great photos and text to add a little value to the purchase.
The movie on blu ray looks and sounds amazing; once you've anjoyed it yourself you can show off your TV and sound system thanks to the perfectly staged moments in the movie #such as when Neo fights Morpheus, or the imfamous lobby shoot out#.
When I first saw The matrix back in 1999 I loved it. I have no interest in the two movies that followed, but I consider this a classic.
I enjoy Blade; a movie where vampires are BAD. Unlike the vampires of True Blood and Twilight they don't want to be your friend or lover, they have no interest in humans other than for food. For me, this is what vampires are all about.
The opening 'club' scene, with New Order pumping through a good surround system, is a treat, and that feeling continues to the end of the movie. A great looking transfer for a movie over a decade old #much better than the Canadian release in almost every way#; Wesley Snipes and Kris Kristofferson give their best. I only drop a star because I personally find Stephen Dorff - as Deacon Frost - lacking charisma.
My sister recommended The Green Mile to me back in 1999 and what a surprise I had. This blu ray release is a great transfer, the look and sound of the movie is great and there are some good (SD) extras too. As far as the movie goes, the plot, the acting (with an amazing cast), the script, all are wonderful and makes for a memorable, magical movie.
As an Englishman, where soon after release 'A Clockwork Orange' was banned, the movie has always had a cult status. This is not an 'accessible' movie, passively watching will leave you at best confused. But if you embrace the themes, the language, the concept of the dehumanization of society, and the humor, you will be rewarded with thoughtful comments on the world we live in that are as relevant today as they were in 1971.
What's great about it: The deluxe 'book' style case
If you like this movie and have a blu ray player I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this release. Yes, the movie is long; the character development is slow and studied. So take your time to enjoy it. Every room, every corridor, has a wealth of detail that's almost three dimensional on blu ray. The sound too is a delight.
What's great about it: Great picture and sound
What's not so great: not much in the way of extras