AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on March 16, 2020, 12:54:57 PM
-
(https://i.imgur.com/pTGhzvE.jpg)
Studio: Universal
Release Date: March 24, 2020
Rating: R
Film: 4.5/5
Plot
In 1917 at the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (MacKay) and Blake (Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.
My Thoughts
I don’t go to the movies all that often, but this was a film that I felt like needed to be seen on the huge screen at my local cineplex. Given its visuals and intimate portrait of battle, it definitely enhanced the experience. Watching it for a second time at home, I was able to overcome the visual spectacle and concentrate more on the narrative itself and while it’s still a very good movie, it loses its impact the second time around.
Don’t get me wrong, if you haven’t seen the film, it’s a must because co-writer/director Sam Mendes does a fabulous job and its one of the most technically proficient films you’ll ever watch. The story is compelling and engaging, especially if you get caught up in the moment like I did on my first viewing, and the action sequences will have you on the edge of your seat.
As expected, the UHD Blu-ray video encode is flawless. The film was shot in 4.5k and finished with a 4K DI and it certainly shows. This is arguably one of the best-looking discs you’ll ever see—detail is off the charts, its razor sharp in both foregrounds and backgrounds, and it looks as if you could walk right into the picture. The Atmos audio is just as impressive, especially with the creative sound design.
Video 10/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- The Weight of the World: Sam Mendes – Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes discusses his personal connection to World War 1.
- Allied Forces: Making 1917 - Learn how the one shot, 360-degree format was executed and the pivotal role Academy Award® winner Roger Deakins served in bringing Sam Mendes' vision to life.
- The Music of 1917 - Composer Thomas Newman and filmmakers discuss the important role of the Academy Award®-nominated score.
- In The Trenches - Go behind the scenes with the cast of 1917.
- Recreating History - Filmmakers offer a detailed look at the production design challenges of recreating the First World War.
- Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Sam Mendes.
- Feature Commentary with Director of Photography Roger Deakins.
- Blu-ray + Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZjQROMAh_s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZjQROMAh_s)
Conclusion
When I first saw this in theaters, I thought it was a shoo-in for Best Picture given its technical prowess. While it did well at the Golden Globes, it lost out to Parasite for the big award. Do yourself a favor and see this on as big of screen as possible—you won’t regret it. The intimate style of the cinematography is a site to behold and while you won’t feel good at the conclusion, you’ll realize that war certainly is hell. Recommended.
Reference Review System:
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays (https://portrait.com/))
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Fathom F110 Subwoofers x 2 (stacked)
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (stacked)
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
-
I've got this on order - can't wait !