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Sherlock Holmes [Blu-ray] by Guy Ritchie
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Blu-ray detailsActor: Eddie Marsan, Jude Law, Mark Strong, Rachel McAdams, Robert Downey Jr. Director: Guy Ritchie Brand: WHV Blu-ray: Region Code 1 Audio: English (Unknown), DTS-HD High Res Audio; English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language), DTS-HD High Res Audio; French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; French (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 5.1 Format: Color, Subtitled, Widescreen Picture Format: 1.85:1 Running Time: 128 minutes Published: 2010-03-01 Blu-ray Release Date: 2010-03-30 Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Studio: Warner Home Video Product features: - SHERLOCK HOLMES BLU-RAY (BLU-RAY DISC)
Blu-ray Reviews of Sherlock Holmes [Blu-ray]Blu-ray Review: Sherlock Holmes (Blu-ray) Summary: 5 Stars
Movie - 4.5
I've always appreciated the kind of grit and quirky comradery Guy Ritchie writes into his films, but all his previous efforts have been gangster titles. Here we have something different -- a detective story. And I think doing a Sherlock movie was a great choice because of two things: 1) Ritchie infusing his unique style into the film, and 2) Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creation of Holmes, which resulted in the creation of Gregory House, which looks to have resulted in the re-recreation of Sherlock Holmes via Guy Ritchie. Aesthetically and literally, Holmes isn't anything new. It has elements of action, comedy, drama, thriller, and mystery, but what really catches me is the relationship between Holmes and Watson. For any of you who watch House M.D., I'm sure you know of the relationship House has with Wilson. The parallels between obsession and perfection in one's craft, the possession of sheer brilliance, the tough exterior with a fragile interior, and quirky intimacy between oneself and a good friend (or in this case, "bromance") is a combination of attributes I've really come to appreciate the past few years I've been watching House and now noticing in Holmes. I stopped paying attention to Downey Jr. during his rut of bad boy and alcohol days. But after seeing him in some great roles lately, namely from: Iron Man, Tropic Thunder, The Soloist, and Zodiac, he's starting to become one of my favorite actors. Jude Law (as obsessed as Seth Rogen appears to be with him) also does a great job as Watson. Like Wilson is to House, Watson compliments Holmes and gives him that down-to-earth quality required to make the movie as enjoyable as it is. Ritchie ultimately manages to input that time in spurts, though, giving just enough interaction to make it fun when it's there, but not too much to take away from the plot. Ah, and the sequel. While Mark Strong (whom I'm slightly obsessed with myself after seeing his performance in Body of Lies), plays an admirable villain as Lord Blackwood, the prospect of Moriarty in the next movie is something I really look forward to. If Ritchie can maintain the quirkiness and carry it into the battle of wits and intellect that accompany the rivalry of Moriarty, this may turn into a definite all-time favorite series for me. So here's hoping to that.
Video - 4.0
Because of the art direction and distinct photography, Holmes' video quality is a bit of a mixed bag. The monochromatic color palette gives the film a very Victorian feel, but doesn't amount to much vibrancy aside from Adler's pink dress when her character is introduced. There's a lot of grey, black, and dark blue used in the costuming, and while it's a good reflection of the period itself, I wouldn't say it's a bad transfer necessarily. It's just not the kind of video quality that will wow Blu-ray viewers. With that said, there are also a few instances of crush, bleeding, and inconsistent contrast levels when all the dark clothing kind of blends into itself a little too much. On the other hand, detail is fine, fleshtones are accurate (albeit, a little on the pale side), black levels are deep, and there isn't a whole lot of digital noise or any image manipulation to speak of. It's a very good transfer that reflects the period well, but as a presentation on BD isn't anything spectacular.
Audio - 5.0
The overall design makes for some great immersion both in sound effects and music. Hans Zimmer's score is well-balanced and never overwhelms, complimenting the fun and adventurous mood very nicely. Dialogue is clear and focused in the center channel, though you may want to watch the film with subs until you get used to Downey's accent. Dynamic range is excellent as well, most notably in the slaughterhouse scene where Blackwood's voice is circling the entire sound field. And LFEs are booming during flashback, epiphany, and "Holmes-o-vision" cuts and especially in the shipyard scene. Considering the scope of the plot and the fact that it's a Sherlock Holmes movie, I give a lot of credit to Ritchie and the film's sound team for creating a very cool experience.
Extras - 4.0
While I own Watchmen and Terminator Salvation as well, Holmes is actually the first chance I've had time to try and watch Warner Bros. Maximum Movie Mode, and I have to say it's pretty cool. Guy Ritchie does an excellent job explaining his intentions and a lot of the technical jargon that accompanied the filming process (in a nice suit to boot). There are also cuts and splices of the Focus Points and "Reinventing Holmes" feature as well that flow very well with MMM. My only complaint, though, is that the FP and RH features tend to rehash a lot of what was already said in MMM, and I was a little disappointed in the amount of dead space during the feature as well. But nonetheless, it still makes for a very engaging and informative experience that beats most regular commentaries.
Overall 4.5
I'm happy that they picked Guy Ritchie to give the franchise of Sherlock Holmes a new and contemporary look. It's as gritty and quirky as lot of his other hits and is probably the funnest of his films I've seen thus far, thanks in huge part to the character/actor chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. A sequel is inevitable at this point, but I personally hope they turn it into a possible trilogy. The video is good, but not great, the audio is reference, and the Maximum Movie Mode shows a lot of potential for future big-name titles. If you like Ritchie or House M.D., I highly recommend you give this a watch.
More Sherlock Holmes [Blu-ray] reviews: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Description of Sherlock Holmes [Blu-ray]The hangman did his job, Dr. Watson declared the condemned man dead...yet Lord Blackwood has emerged from the tomb to assert his deadly will over 1890 London. Is he in league with the forces of hell itself? Is the whole Empire in peril? It's a mystery macabre--and only Sherlock Holmes can master it. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law put memorable imprints on Holmes and Watson in this bold new reimagining that makes the legendary sleuth a daring man of action as well as a peerless man of intellect. Baffling clues, astonishing Holmesian deductions, nimble repartee, catch-your-breath scenes of one slam thing after another--director Guy Ritchie helms the excitement reintroducing the great detective to the world. Meet the new Sherlock Holmes!
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