4.8 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her.
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Eric Johnson (I), Eloise Mumford, Bella HeathcoteRomance | 100% |
Erotic | 59% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS:X
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS Headphone:X
Spanish: DTS 5.1
French (Canada): DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
UV digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
To say that the original Fifty Shades of Grey was poorly received by critics would be an understatement. Even as the source novel was a worldwide sensation and the film was a box office smash, the picture represented a sharp divide between mainstream audiences hungry for a filmed adaptation of E. L. James' novel and cinephiles who couldn't look past the film's shortcomings. With a box office more than ten times the budget, it's no surprise that a sequel has come out of the gate so quickly. Also based on the second book in the trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker explores the characters in greater depth, pushes their relationship to new bounds both in the bedroom and in the heart, and introduces a pair of antagonists who will darken the days of the dominant Christian and the submissive Anastasia. Even as the film progresses the story, it hasn't gained much ground in terms of quality of product. It's slickly made but empty, defined by poor performances and cliché storytelling mechanics wrapped around several of the franchise's trademark titillating scenes of bondage and kink.
Play time!
Fifty Shades Darker arrives on 1080p Blu-ray with a solid, enjoyable, and vibrant presentation. The movie was digitally photographed but often favors a somewhat filmic appearance, anyway. It's texturally sound, showing crisp, well defined imagery for the duration. All of the film's smooth and sleek locations and all of the high-price furnishings stand apart, allowing the viewer to pick through the lush backgrounds with ease. Skin textures are very fine, which includes even finer hairs, particularly noticeable in many of the film's more intimate shots that show various body parts in all their natural glory, whether lips and breasts or ripped muscle structures. High dollar clothes are also very sharp and naturally complex, particularly evident at the charity masquerade. Colors, particularly reds, are very well saturated, those reds maybe borderline excessive but there's no denying the palette's inherent vibrancy. Even some of the cooler blue and gray backdrops show plenty of variety. Black levels are rock-solid, perfectly deep and never revealing crush or a lack of depth. Skin tones appear natural to the actors' complexions and makeup. Source noise is the only serious bugaboo here, and it's only an issue in lower-light shots.
Fifty Shades Darker features a DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack. The movie might not immediately appear to be one that would benefit from such a high end configuration, but it makes honest and somewhat regular use of the added backside and top-layer speakers at its disposal. Thunder gently rolls along the top (and filters through the rest of the stage) in an early scene. Elevator music heard inside a grocery store around the 18-minute mark enjoys a pleasing upside layering. Environmental sounds at an art gallery filter through with realistic presence, and the more aggressive din at a masquerade essentially draws the listener into the high dollar event. City ambience, such as traffic, sirens, and chatty pedestrians enter the stage with very pleasing immersion. A fireworks show at film's end enjoys tangible overhead pops. The track never lets the listener go too long without some interesting and engaging sound effects, many of which make strong use of that overhead configuration. Music enjoys expert richness and definition, strong instrumental clarity and seamless front-side width along with gently supportive back channel usage. A couple of notable action-esque effects deliver a satisfying level of depth and detail, notably a helicopter crash in the third act. Dialogue still drives much of the film, however, and it's presented with all the expected clarity of a new release film.
Fifty Shades Darker contains several featurettes, deleted scenes, and a preview for the next film in the franchise. This release also contains
two cuts of the film: Theatrical (1:57:48) and Unrated (2:11:28). A voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy is included with purchase.
Fifty Shades Darker hardly qualifies as smart moviemaking. Edgy, maybe, but beyond its signature sex-capades is a vacuous character drama with little to offer beyond various romps and sex toys and their rather explicit usage. Universal's Blu-ray, however, is excellent. Video and audio are near pristine and the package includes a decent little array of extra content. Fans can buy with confidence.
Unrated Edition
2017
2017
Unrated Edition | Fifty Shades Freed Fandango Cash
2017
with bonus content
2017
Deluxe Edition | with bonus content and gift with purchase
2017
2017
2017
Unrated Edition
2018
Unrated Edition
2015
Special Edition - Theatrical Version
2011
2009
Special Edition
2010
2008
2012
2012
2010
2013
2014
2019
2016
2013
2022
2015
2013
2010
2017
Charlie St Cloud
2010