7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
A hiking expedition on Mt. Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm.
Starring: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Emily WatsonAdventure | 100% |
Thriller | 29% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 MVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (2 BDs, 1 DVD)
UV digital copy
DVD copy
BD-Live
Blu-ray 3D
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Human beings simply aren't built to function at the cruising altitude of a 747.
Everest may have all the earmarks of a Disaster film and a special effects film, but while those are certainly in play the greater narrative
pushes them aside in favor of a much more organic, heartfelt, and straightforward story of man versus nature, the human spirit, and the fragility of
life. Everest recounts the true story of a successful expedition to the top of Mount Everest that cost the lives of several climbers
who became trapped in a terrible storm after reaching the summit. Director Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns, Contraband) tells their story with an honest grace and directness. The
film captures the hardships of the journey, the triumph of success, and the awful details of their deaths. It's an exceedingly well done film from a
technical perspective, too, boasting gorgeous photography and an all-star cast in what is one of 2015's top films, both aesthetically and dramatically
alike.
Group photo.
Everest ascends onto Blu-ray with a spectacular 3D transfer. Depth is magnificent. The opening shot reveals tangible distance between slight ridges and uneven terrain. Tents and humans, particularly as they're bundled with several extra layers, appear with obvious volume and shape. Broader distance shots of Everest and various locations around, such as several stops along the hike and at the base, reveal plenty of wide open space, including an airstrip that appears to extend far back into the screen. The mountain shots are particularly striking, revealing a sense of real distance that also expands the mountain's sheer mass, giving it a mammoth volumetric appeal. Shots looking upward to the summit and downward towards the base offer a feeling of real space and length, crucial for identifying with the real challenges of the climb. Mist, flurries, and blowing snow saturate every layer. The transfer also maintains the same eye-popping color of its 2D-only counterpart (also included with purchase). Details, too, are intimately revealing on rocks, trampled snow, heavy cold weather gear and attire, and skin. This is a strong, commanding 3D image that doesn't necessarily make the movie better but that does offer an enhanced viewing experience that, like The Walk, is the best way to view the film.
Everest features a Dolby Atmos (core Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless) soundtrack. The 7.1 track has been screened for the purpose of this review, and it's fantastic. The film opens with blustery winds swirling around the stage, and even considering the raw rush of sound, there's an elegance to the presentation, a balance, an immersion, that instantly conveys the feeling of frigid hopelessness that will come to define the film's second half. Bass is hefty and healthy in this windy moment and all that come later, leaving the listening audience all but feeling the chill on their skin. Music is likewise prominent but graceful. Clarity extends throughout the entire range, wide front and surrounding back channel details are constant, and the low end is prominent but not overwhelming. Various locations spring to life with effortless totality, particularly in the film's first act where dense city din, background airport details, and the varied sounds at base camp are richly full and pleasing with a complete stage saturation. Dialogue comes through with expert clarity and natural center placement. Prioritization is excellent, though the film does, deliberately, lessen the ability to make out every last detail in the midst of the storm or over the crackly radio signals. This is a tremendous soundtrack from Universal and every bit a reference listen.
Everest contains all of its supplements on both the included 2D and 3D discs. Supplements on the 3D disc register as 3D but only offer 2D
playback and are color corrected to look correct with glasses on. A DVD copy of the film and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy are
included with purchase.
Everest intermixes the intimacy of man's essence with the scope of the world's highest peak to near perfection. The film is dazzling in construction but more a fascinating, though not quite 100% complete, look at man's will and determination both to succeed and survive. Far more than a simple "Disaster" or "Survival" film, Everest proves more emotionally complex, partly for its realism and conveyance of a true story and partly for the filmmakers' and actors' abilities to so easily entwine humanity with disaster and survival. It's a great film from every angle and Universal's Blu-ray is also top-tier. Excellent 3D video and reference audio are supported by several featurettes and an audio commentary. 3D doesn't make Everest any better of a film, but it does enhance the experience. Very highly recommended.
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