7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.6 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Flamboyant, foolhardy documentary filmmaker, Carl Denham, sails off to remote Skull Island to film his latest epic with leading lady, Ann Darrow. Native warriors kidnap Ann to use as a sacrifice as they summon "Kong" with the local witch doctor. But instead of devouring Ann, Kong saves her. Kong is eventually taken back to New York where he searches high and low for Ann, eventually winding up at the top of the Empire State Building, facing off against a fleet of World War I fighter planes.
Starring: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Colin HanksAction | 100% |
Adventure | 81% |
Thriller | 43% |
Epic | 40% |
Period | 19% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Romance | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: DTS 5.1
French: DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Bonus View (PiP)
BD-Live
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The King Kong films have a long and storied history in Hollywood. From Merian Cooper’s & Ernest Shoedshack’s original 1933 classic and the unfortunate 1976 Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange remake, to the various incarnations of Mighty Joe Young, Kong and his brethren have been in the public consciousness throughout the development of cinema. Somehow, as technology and special effects have improved over the years, it seems that someone is always keen to showcase the industry’s latest developments by making a more realistic giant ape. Enter Director Peter Jackson; fresh from his massive success with the Lord of the Rings films, he chose King Kong to be a showcase release for his Weta Digital effects house. What followed was a film that, while impressive at times, didn’t quite live up to the hype and promise that Mr. Jackson’s previous films had built with audiences. As one of Universal’s many catch-up titles, King Kong finally arrives on Blu-ray. Was it worth the wait?
King Kong finally makes its way to Blu-ray featuring a VC-1 encoded 1080p transfer
in the film's original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as the transfer
is phenomenal. The film features a rich color palette that is both vibrant and slick during the
film's New York scenes, while retaining a nice earthy tone during scenes taking place on
Skull Island. The entire film displays a wonderful sense of depth that often will often leave
viewers slackjawed in amazement. The film is a true sight to behold on Blu-ray and easily
ranks among the best transfers the format has seen.
Contrast is exceptionally rendered with deep
and accurate black levels and whites that never bloom. Detail is also extraordinary; the film
just overflows with skin, fabric and landscape textures that add tremendous weight to this
exemplary transfer. I was equally impressed with the lifelike nature of the image. The
whole film just feels alive. King Kong has been an eagerly anticipated title on Blu-
ray. It's gratifying to see Universal
bestow such a phenomenal transfer on the film. King Kong is a reference quality
transfer that will be used as demo material for years to come. Highly recommended!
Given that King Kong was an Academy Award winning film in the sound department,
anything less than a stellar soundtrack would be a disappointment with this Blu-ray release.
Fear not, however, as King Kong is a purely reference grade sound experience.
Presented in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround, the film is an aural delight that will
astound listeners with an abundance of directional, ambient and subwoofer effects. It's a
remarkable achievement that highlights the work of the many talented professionals who
helped to create it.
King Kong is a "brute-force" soundtrack. Every action scene bristles with gut-
punching bass and directional activity that combines to create a hard-hitting and window-
shattering experience. Every punch, roar, broken tree and piece of ripped flesh in the film is
as crystal clear and obvious as each spoken line. This soundtrack manages to balance the
two elements into a truly flawless experience that is sure to wake the neighbors and set off
a civil defense warning. Prepare to be amazed in just how perfect this film sounds. King
Kong is as good as it gets in the audio department and is highly recommended.
Here's what's included:
-Extended Edition Audio Commentary with Director Peter Jackson and writer Phillippa Boyens
-Conceptual Art Galleries
-Picture-in-picture Extended Edition Cast & Crew Interviews
-BD Live "My Scenes"
The most important element, as far as extras go on this Blu-ray release, is the inclusion of both the theatrical and extended cuts of the film. Clocking in at 188 minutes for the theatrical edition and a whopping 200 minutes for the extended version, there is certainly plenty of King Kong goodness here for all to enjoy. The included commentary track, PiP track and art galleries only work when played in conjunction with the extended edition of the film. The commentary, featuring Director Peter Jackson and writer Phillippa Boyens, is a thoroughly detail oriented experience where both go to great lengths to explain the more technical aspects of the films production. Frankly, it was fairly boring and a bit tiring given the film's length. The cast and crew Picture-in-Picture feature recycles interviews with various cast members and key crew members to accent some of the action on screen. Finally, the interactive art gallery displays the film's conceptual art as it relates to what's on screen at the time. None of this is particularly compelling content, but I'm sure fans of the film will find something to enjoy.
King Kong is a frustrating movie. There is so much that I like about the movie, yet the film's extended running time as well as its numerous boring and lengthy passages make the film hard to digest. Fortunately, the film has been given the royal treatment on Blu-ray and features reference grade audio and video. Supplements are lacking, but the disc does include both the theatrical and the director's cut of the film. Fans of King Kong will be floored by this release and will likely snap up copies in record numbers. Recommended.
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