AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on June 29, 2024, 07:21:23 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/Kv1sMVb.jpeg)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: June 25, 2024
Rating: R
Film: 3.5/5
Plot
Using puppetry techniques inspired by Gerry Anderson's Supermarionation sagas, "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone skewer U.S. politics and celebrity activism with their hilarious and controversial satire about a high-tech international law enforcement agency that recruits a renowned Broadway thespian to help them mount a series of ill-conceived anti-terrorist campaigns. Parker and Stone provide voices along with Kristen Miller and Daran Norris.
My Thoughts
It was about 20 years ago when I first sat down to watch this on DVD and like most of what Parker and Stone put out, it goes a bit too far for my liking. That being said, I laughed back then and still laughed today throughout the film. Thankfully, the “Uncut” feature wasn’t forced on me in 4K (it is on the included Blu-ray), because that version goes WAY too far, in my opinion.
The story holds up well after 20 years and I really like how the creators pick on both sides of the aisle, which even so many years after the fact, is refreshing. Maybe their point is that all politicians are idiots and should be treated as such and we’ve gone further down that rabbit hole in the past 20 years, that’s for sure. Yes, this is a satirical look at the world, but Stone and Parker never let their guard down and play it as if it’s a serious subject matter during the entire 98-minute production.
The original film was shot on 35mm film but was scanned in 4K for this UHD release with very good results. Color and contrast are strong and there’s plenty of detail that comes through. There are quite a few softer scenes strewn throughout the film, which isn’t uncommon when working with miniatures. The DTS-HD MA track is entertaining and robust but is really focused more to the front soundstage. The LFE is quite good and the entertaining score has never sounded better on home video.
Video 4.5/5
Audio 4/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features:
- Team America: World Police Unrated Cut
- Team America: An Introduction
- Building the World
- Crafting the Puppets
- Pulling the Strings
- Caputirng the Action
- Miniature Pyrotechnics
- Up Close with Kim Jong-Il
- Dressing Room Test
- Puppet Test
- Deleted/Extended Scenes
- Animated Storyboards
- Theatrical Trailers
- 4K + Blu-ray + Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMyJWuvW_9k&ab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMyJWuvW_9k&ab)
Conclusion
This was fun to revisit after 20 years. Sure, it’s a bit crass and over-the-top, but it’s also quite funny if you can ignore some of the crudeness. I’m happy to see the film on 4K and shows Paramount’s commitment to the format. Recommended for fans, especially Craig Peer!
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 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-990
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
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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I'm not a crude humor kind of guy, but happy to see these older titles get 4K releases.
Maybe that's a silver lining to the recent Hollywood strikes? I hope the trend continues.
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Dude, my copy arrives this week. I've watched this with various people at least 30 times! F##k ya!
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Hahahah yes!!!