8.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
In the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.
Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino da Hora, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phelipe Haagensen, Seu JorgeDrama | 100% |
Crime | 41% |
Foreign | 29% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Portuguese: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Portuguese: LPCM 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Fernando Meirelles' "City of God" (2002) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. The supplemental features on the release include the documentary film "News From a Personal War" and a conversation with director Fernando Meirelles. In Portuguese, with imposed English subtitles. Region-Free.
Li'l Ze's soldiers
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, City of God arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment.
The only other release of City of God that I have in my library is this Region-B release, which StudioCanal produced in 2011. This recent release appears to have been sourced from the same master that the folks at StudioCanal worked with, which carries the Miramax logo.
More than a decade later, I think that this master still treats City of God well. I do not see any major issues on it. Yes, because of its age some of its limitations are even easier to identify now, but the intended stylization, which is quite diverse, makes it easy to ignore as well. What are some of these limitations? In some areas, there is a sporadic softness that isn't inherited. The darker areas, in particular, should convey better detail as well. I think that some highlights could be managed significantly better, but to be completely honest evaluating the color balance and the stylization at the same time is awfully difficult. Simply put, there is a lot of intentional "degrading" of certain areas whose purpose is to introduce uneven highlights, darker nuances, etc. Image stability is very good. I did notice a few tiny specks, but they blend with the stylization quite well. Ultimately, if the film is remastered today, it will undoubtedly look fresher. However, given the nature of the stylization, it is very difficult to tell just how much better the entire film might, or can, look on Blu-ray. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).
There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: Portuguese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Portuguese LPCM 2.0. Yellow English subtitles are included and cannot be turned off via the main menu or the remote control.
Clarity, sharpness, and dynamic intensity are very good. There is plenty of good surround movement as well. Now, balance is often very fluid, but this is how the original soundtrack of City of God was finalized. Is there room for improvement? I have always felt that during the chaotic mass footage some adjustments could produce even greater results, but at the time when we covered the first Canadian release and then StudioCanal's release Dolby Atmos was not available. So, I have to speculate that a brand new Dolby Atmos mix will likely open up City of God even more.
You know everything there is to know about City of God and I know that you do not need my encouragement to add it to your library. If you reside in Australia, or elsewhere and need a good and Reigon-Free Blu-ray release of City of God, Via Vision Entertainment's release is it. If the subject matter of City of God interests you, also track down and see Elite Squad and Elite Squad: The Enemy Within. RECOMMENDED.
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À bout de souffle | Classics Remastered
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