7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
After peaceful aliens invade earth, humanity finds itself living in a utopia under the indirect rule of the aliens, but does this utopia come at a price?
Starring: Mike Vogel, Osy Ikhile, Daisy Betts, Georgina Haig, Charles DanceSci-Fi | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
UV digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Wars aren't fought for sport. Debate amongst those who hold conflicting ideas and ideals isn't vigorous without real passion behind it. Life's choices and one's own worldview aren't usually formed out of thin air. They're the products of personal experience, experiences shaped by history, yes, but also one's own experiences, momentous life occasions, and maybe even the smallest things in life that make the biggest impression. The point, without diving into much more complex existential, metaphysical, social, political, and religious notions, which could fill an entire book, is that the human condition isn't just something that's developed lightly, that's easily malleable or persuadable by even the loftiest and most noble of all-encpmpasing, catholic ideals. No, personal belief systems are what makes man, man. They're the driving forces behind everything that happens in the world, and they're so deeply rooted, so cherished on both the individual and subset collective levels that even the most ardent attempts to persuade or, on the other end of the spectrum, indoctrinate and force new ideas until one person's, or subset collective's, ideals become someone else's truisms is something that will likely never happen. Even today, with the saturation of ideas so readily accessible and propagated, there seems to only be more division, and division that's so deeply entrenched that the smart money is on near-future conflict -- physical conflict between opposing viewpoints -- rather than a sudden "Kumbaya" moment that would usher in a new era of peace and harmony but, more than likely, eliminate the very essence of individuality. But what if something so drastic happened, something the likes of which nobody had ever seen? Not a new way of espousing old ideas, not a new approach to tackling the old ways of doing things, but something so radical that it would instantly change the course of history, forever? Say...alien visitation and a promise of -- and forced compliance to -- peace and happiness? Would that change man's very essence, or only further entrench him in the ideas of individuality that have brought him this far, for better or for worse?
They're here.
Childhood's End features a 1080p transfer that's not particularly noteworthy in any way but that, at the same time, doesn't offend the eyes. Source noise ranging from mild to moderate, with a few sprinklings of severe, is evident throughout. Otherwise, the image is largely typical of a modern, digitally photographed television product. It's very clear and robust, a bit flat and inorganic to be sure but offering clearly delineated details, particularly more broader elements like attire and skin. Grasses, trees, and other background details can sometimes go a little smeary. Colors offer adequate punch and vitality while finding a pleasant neutrality within the broader palette. Black levels tend to push a bit towards crush. Flesh tones are fine but are often influenced by surrounding lighting conditions. This is a very average 1080p presentation, lacking any distinctive flair but never disappointing all that much from a purely technical perspective.
Much like its video counterpart, there's not much of a distinguishing characteristic to the soundtrack. Childhood's End features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that delivers a satisfying listen, and one without any glaring technical weaknesses, but at the same time one that's hardly distinctive in any way. There are some good examples of directionality throughout as objects maneuver from one speaker to the next. Musical definition is clear and reaches wide across the stage. The low end is deep and punchy both in support of music and sound effects. Small bits of action are healthy and present with a nice spread around the listening area. Dialogue delivery is clear and well prioritized with natural center balance.
Childhood's End contains many deleted scenes on both Blu-ray discs. A UV digital copy voucher is included with purchase.
Disc One:
Childhood's End is good television based around a great concept originally written in a classic work of fiction that gets to the heart of what it means to be human, both individually and collectively, and all of the good and bad that come together in the journey through life and time. There's certainly room for improvement here, but as a springboard into one of the most thought provoking ideas of all time, the show satisfies. Universal's Blu-ray release of Childhood's End features good video and audio. Supplements are limited to a large collection of deleted scenes. Recommended.
1956
2013
2009-2010
Special Edition
1951
2016
1997
2019
2001
2000
2010
Includes "The Invisible Boy" on SD
1956
2008
2021
2018
2010
2017
1967-1968
40th Anniversary Edition
1977
2023
2016