7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
James Cameron produces this kaleidoscopic fantasy adventure performed by members of contemporary circus troupe Cirque du Soleil. When a young couple becomes separated, they must each journey through a sequence of dreamlike realms of discovery before they can be reunited.
Starring: Erica Linz, Igor Zaripov, Dallas Barnett, Matt Gillanders, Tanya DreweryFamily | 100% |
Fantasy | 81% |
Surreal | 1% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
English, English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy (as download)
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Get ready for circus marvelous!
With the barrage of 3D -- and high end 3D at that -- films dominating the visual entertainment landscape these past few years, it's a wonder it took
even this long to bring to full, vivid, extra-dimensional life the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil, and who better than the father of modern 3D, legendary
filmmaker James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic 3D), to do it. Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away isn't the
show shot in 3D but rather a filmed fantasy centered on the world
of the circus, a dreamlike, colorful, fluid, and oftentimes exhilarating performance art set that captures the extraordinary talents of some of the most
gifted physical performers the world has ever known. Directed by Andrew Adamson (Shrek) and aided by Cameron's eye for 3D and innovations in the
medium, the film tells a simple story of love at first sight and the fantastical happenings on the way to happily ever after. Yet the story is really little
more than a necessary addition, a reason to show off some of the most amazing feats of human agility via the most cutting-edge technological marvels
currently available.
Persuaded.
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away was made for 3D viewing, but for those who want to soak in the sights on a 2D television, Paramount has released a non-3D transfer and the results are technically marvelous. It does take on a very smooth digital sheen -- more so than most other high-end digital productions -- but the result is nevertheless a striking display of color and detail that's hard to match. The image captures all the dazzling textures of the circus, whether above ground or in the mystical world below. From worn-down tents and sandy floors above to the shiny and surreal objects below, every item appears razor-sharp and perfectly clear. Fine detailing is so strong that even the smallest little makeup lines -- whether on Mia's face or on heavily painted characters -- are clearly visible. Colors are vibrant and exciting; the palette is perfectly balanced with every shade appearing as realistically as the format allows. Much of the pizzazz is set against a darkened backdrop that only accentuates the colors. Those dark backgrounds are deep and accurate, and flesh tones natural. This is an excellent transfer that should dazzle even the most demanding Blu-ray viewers.
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away features a dazzling DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. It's smooth but also aggressive, making extensive and natural use of the surround channels in every scene. Musical delivery is precise, showing great clarity and seamless flow around the stage. The track makes use of a positive, balanced low end, whether a rumbling train -- which displays great sound imaging as it moves from one side to the other -- or in support of music. Some big, heavy sound effects also produce deep and exciting bass. All of the attributes mesh seamlessly together in the "world away" for a pleasurable and perfectly engineered sound experience that's as grandiose as the visuals and as captivating as the performances. The film is littered with all sorts of distinct, well-placed, and demo-worthy moments that bring the world to life and are guaranteed to put even the best sound system through its paces. This is a marvelous listening experience that alone is worth the price of the disc.
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away contains three very brief supplements. Also included in the package is a DVD and UV and iTunes digital copies.
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away doesn't have much of a heart -- the story is as paper-thin as could be -- but it does have a soul, a very human soul that surpasses in spirit and accomplishment even the cutting-edge technology used to bring it the screen. For all the marvels behind the scenes, Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away truly dazzles through the skill of its performers. It's an amazing spectacle of human agility that's been seen before but perhaps not quite at this level of perfect execution. It makes for a nice escape from the phoniness of Hollywood -- even as the world of Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away is itself incredibly stylized -- and offers a glimpse into something uniquely human and very much real, even under makeup, costumes, and through the prism of the latest in technology. Paramount's Blu-ray release of Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away delivers excellent video and audio. Supplements are few, but this release nevertheless comes recommended.
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