6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 2.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Neil and Abby Warner have the perfect life, and a perfect marriage. With their beautiful young daughter Sophie, they are living the American dream. Until today. When Sophie is suddenly kidnapped, Abby and Neil have no choice but to comply with the abductor's demands. The kidnapper, Ryan, a cold and calculating sociopath, takes over their lives with the brutal efficiency of someone who has nothing to lose. It soon becomes clear that Ryan's demands are all the more terrifying, because he doesn't want their money. What he desires is for Neil and Abby's life to be systematically dismantled and destroyed, piece by piece.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Maria Bello, Gerard Butler, Emma Karwandy, Claudette MinkCrime | 100% |
Thriller | 63% |
Psychological thriller | 13% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD HR 5.1
German: DTS-HD HR 5.1
German
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
BD-Live
Region B (locked)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Former Bond man Pierce Brosnan plays a tough goon on a mission in Mike Barker's Chicago-based thriller "Butterfly on a Wheel" (2007). Following a familiar scheme the film gets everything right, yet the element of surprise isn't too...surprising. Nevertheless, solid contributions by the cast transform this one into the perfect late-night ticket. Distributed in Germany by Universum Film.
Successful Chicago businessman Neil Randall has everything he ever wanted - a beautiful wife (Maria Bello), a beautiful child (Emma Karwandy), and a high-paying job with plenty of perks. When his boss invites him on a weekend trip, Neil quickly packs his bags and arranges for a babysitter to take care of the kid. His wife offers to give him a ride.
Half-way to downtown Chicago a man (Pierce Brosnan) who has been hiding on the back seat of Neil's car pops up and points a gun at his head. He demands a large amount of money and announces that Neil's daughter has been abducted by the babysitter. The man also hands Neil a cell phone and asks that he calls home - Neil must be aware what is at stake if he does not comply with the mysterious man's demands.
What do we do now?
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with VC-1, and granted a 1080p transfer Butterfly on a Wheel arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of German distributors Universum Film.
There are some notable differences between the UK release of Butterfly on a Wheel and this German disc. First of all, we have two different encodes - the UK release, courtesy of Icon Home Home Entertainment, is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC while the German release has been encoded with VC-1. Second, the UK disc is Region-Free while the German disc is Region-B "locked". This being said, the color-scheme for the German disc is very strong. Clarity and contrast are also very convincing, and edge-enhancement is not an issue of concern. As it was the case with the UK disc, the German transfer for Butterfly on a Wheel boasts that impressive "popping" look many HD aficionados are looking for. Finally, I did not detect any specks, debris, or dirt to report here. (Note: As I noted above, this is a Region-B "locked" disc which you won't be able to play on your Region-A PS3 or SA).
Well, there are some notable differences between the UK and German releases in the audio department as well. First of all, the UK disc offered a solid English: DTS-HD MA 5.1 track which the German distributors have replaced with an English: DTS-HD HR 5.1 mix. This Blu-ray disc also has a German: DTS-HD HR 5.1 mix. To be honest with you, the DTS-HD HR 5.1 mix is just as impressive as the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track (I noted in my review for the UK disc that Butterfly on a Wheel isn't a film that will test the muscle of your home set-up, and if there are any differences between the two audio tracks they are indeed insignificant). The dialog is crystal clear and very easy to follow, and I did not detect any audio distortions to report here (hissing, pops, or cracks). Finally, balance is handled adequately. Optional German subtitles are provided for the main feature (for the record, the subtitles are split between the image frame and the area below it).
Unlike the UK release for Butterfly on a Wheel, the German disc is actually BD-Live enabled. Unfortunately, I was only able to enter a web portal where there were a few trailers for other Universum releases (I am a bit unsure if I am doing everything properly here, but to be honest the German instructions are pretty simple, so I don't believe I am missing anything). The only other supplemental materials on this Blu-ray disc are a gallery of trailers for other Universum releases and the original theatrical trailer for the main feature.
Butterfly on a Wheel is an enjoyable but not exceptional thriller. Its narrative has a fare share of twists, but if you follow the action closely they could be quite predictable. Nevertheless, as a late-night viewing material this film comes recommended. This being said, keep in mind that the German Blu-ray disc is Region-B "locked", meaning that if you are in Region-A land you probably want to consider the UK Region-Free release.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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