Cloverfield 15th Anniversary Steelbook (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: January 17, 2022
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5

Plot
 A shocking, first-person video account of a horrifying attack on Manhattan by an unknown—and seemingly unstoppable—force. 

 My Thoughts
Wow time flies. It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since Cloverfield burst on the scene back in 2008. It was produced by J.J. Abrams and for some reason, I never watched it at the time even though I generally like everything the writer/director/producer has a hand in. My first viewing didn’t come until it made its debut on UHD Blu-ray a five years ago.

When I saw that a 15^th Anniversary Steelbook was coming out, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy because I just can’t get enough steelbooks in my collection! Anyway, this was my second viewing of the film and it hit home how disjointed the first act is, but once the actual invasion begins it’s time to strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. As is typical of the genre is the young adults make some pretty dumb choices, but thankfully the action and humor keep the audience entertained. One thing I didn’t love is the shaky cam footage—I get it’s central to the story, but I’m just not a fan.

The presentation is the same as the previously released Blu-ray and features a competent video transfer and an out-of-this-world Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. If you like bass, you’ll simply love the audio—it’s to die for!

Video 8/10

Audio 10/10 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)

Special Features:

• Commentary by Director Matt Reeves
• Special Investigation Mode
• Document 01.18.08: The Making of Cloverfield
• Cloverfield Visual Effects
• I Saw It!  It's Alive!  It's Huge!
• Clover Fun
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
• Alternate Endings with Optional Commentary
• Blu-ray and Digital Copy

The Steelbook cover is a bit dark, but it captures a scene from the film of the alien wreaking havoc. It definitely makes a nice collector’s piece.



Conclusion
While I’m not a huge fan of the double-dip marketing efforts from the studios, I do like when films get a Steelbook release. It’s something more tangible than some new bonus feature that you’ll probably only watch once and forget about. At least the Steelbook is pretty and becomes a focal point of your collection. Paramount did a great job in this case and if you’re a fan of the movie then definitely pick this one up.

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)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” Scope 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
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
SVS SB3000
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[TRainH2O]

I have never seen Cloverfield for the same reason that I haven't seen The Blair Witch Project. You nailed it..........shaky video.

At 92" inches in my home theater, I don't think I could watch it. 

I usually can't stay and watch when our daughter and her boyfriend are at the house playing XBOX because the motion gets to me. They play a lot of Minecraft and the lag/glitchy video (even after trying to optimize the game's video settings) makes it impossible for me to watch the screen when they are playing. It doesn't seem to affect their young eyes and brains. 

[DLCPhoto]

I have never seen Cloverfield for the same reason that I haven't seen The Blair Witch Project. You nailed it..........shaky video.

At 92" inches in my home theater, I don't think I could watch it.

I usually can't stay and watch when our daughter and her boyfriend are at the house playing XBOX because the motion gets to me. They play a lot of Minecraft and the lag/glitchy video (even after trying to optimize the game's video settings) makes it impossible for me to watch the screen when they are playing. It doesn't seem to affect their young eyes and brains.

I actually saw this in a commercial theater when it was out, and motion sickness was a problem. I came really close to walking out!

[bmoney]

Shaky video ugggg

But that bass