5.4 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. When the two stumble upon a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets, they must join forces with a team of colorful heroes called The Galactic Rangers in order to save the galaxy. Along the way they'll learn about heroism, friendship, and the importance of discovering one's own identity.
Starring: James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye (I), Jim Ward, Sylvester Stallone, Bella ThorneAnimation | 100% |
Family | 96% |
Adventure | 86% |
Fantasy | 74% |
Comedy | 73% |
Action | 38% |
Sci-Fi | 37% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: DTS 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French (Canada): DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
UV digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
While PlayStation fans eagerly await the long-anticipated film featuring the adventures of Uncharted's famed explorer Nathan Drake, another of the brand's exclusive franchises, Ratchet & Clank, made the leap to the silver screen instead. While none of the PlayStation's game brands enjoy quite the same broad appeal and name recognition as many of those owned by Nintendo and even Microsoft, many of Sony's in-house games seem naturals for the screen, including Ratchet & Clank, and particularly in the era of the cinematic digital revolution. Ratchet & Clank started life back on the PlayStation 2 game console in 2002 and has since spawned numerous sequels over the years. The 3D platforming action game franchise is easily one of PlayStation's most recognizable names, but would its popularity amongst Sony console enthusiasts result in a good return at the box office? Apparently not. Despite a tremendous amount of polish, high end digital animation, nice touches to the games, exciting Sci-Fi action, and a fun and tidy pace, the film was a box office flop, failing to regain even its modest $20,000,000 budget. That's a shame, because the movie works well enough as an enjoyable standalone feature and a fan-friendly compliment to its button-pressing franchise.
New friends.
Ratchet & Clank's 1080p transfer is nothing short of gorgeous perfection. Universal's presentation captures the finest animated textures and smallest details with incredible ease and proficiency. The image is extraordinarily clear and crisp. The finest metallic surface wear -- on Clank and Victor Von Ion in particular -- are amongst the transfer's best assets. Clothing is likewise amazing, including the meshy fabric on part of Qwark's uniform and some of the more leathery surfaces on Ratchet's. The hero's furs is likewise fine and impeccably presented, yielding an appreciable complexity that's evident in every close-up. Colors are also superb. Qwark green, enemy red, Lombax yellow. All of it pops and dazzles in every scene. Even some of the more shadowy moments can't keep the palette from springing off the screen. Black levels are perfectly deep. Banding appears in extremely fine traces but it's a struggle to spot. Otherwise, there are no problem areas to report. It's a shame Universal didn't release this alongside a UHD version. It would be interesting to see how it could possibly improve on a practically flawless 1080p presentation.
Ratchet & Clank's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is every bit as good as the 1080p video, and a wonderful compliment to the movie. Even without the added value and support of extra rear and/or overhead channels, there are few, if any, gaps in coverage. Space ships zip from front to back with seamless imaging. Ditto laser gun fire. Clanking and clunking metal sounds amazingly detailed and realistic. Surrounds are frequently active and alive with minor atmospherics and big-time action like. Music floats through with impressive spacing and easy immersion. Surrounds and subwoofer are engaged in perfect complimentary proportion. The Ranger tryouts celebration is a reference quality moment where lively dance music, surrounding chatter, cheering crowds, popping fireworks, and other elements mix together in perfect harmony. Dialogue delivery is center focused, perfectly prioritized, and lifelike in clarity. Nothing wrong here.
Ratchet & Clank contains two featurettes. A DVD copy of the film and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy code are included with purchase.
Ratchet & Clank is certainly no bastion of originality, but it's a lot of fun. Whether those coming from the games or fresh to the universe, there's plenty to like here, from the gut-busting humor to the top-line digital construction. The movie is better than its box office bomb stats suggest. Be sure to watch out for a Sly Cooper cameo (who is also getting his own movie) and one of the most creative "Wilhelm Scream" moments in movie history. Universal's Blu-ray features spectacular picture and sound. Supplements are minimal. Recommended.
2009
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2009
Ultimate Collector's Edition
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Ultimate Collector's Edition
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Ultimate Collector's Edition
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Collector's Edition
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