7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 3.6 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.1 |
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 | 28% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
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
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
UV digital copy
DVD copy
BD-Live
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
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.
Ascension.
Everest opens with a barrage of beautiful colors. The film's first shot pops with a beautiful assortment of bright, cheerful colors seen on tents and winter clothing, standing out particularly well against the otherwise frigidly white and gray backdrops. Indeed, colors explode throughout the film, more pronounced early on before the storm rolls in. Even in the various cityscape shots and moments there's an endless assortment of attractive hues on display. Details are just as impressive. Even as there's an ever-so-mild digital flatness to the image, textures are superb, refined and tactile across the board. Rocky bits at the base and along the path up the mountain are terrific, as are clumps of snow. Skin textures, both before and after frostbite, are intimately revealing. Clothing textures are excellent, even on the otherwise rather smooth heavy winter jackets. Black levels and shadow detail are terrific and skin tones appear neutral. Banding and noise are present in scant amounts that most won't even notice. This is a sensational transfer from Universal.
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 several featurettes and an audio commentary track. 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. Perfect video and audio are supported by several featurettes and an audio commentary. Very highly recommended.
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