6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Tom Wilkinson narrates this documentary about the expanding ring of debris circling Earth.
Narrator: Tom WilkinsonDocumentary | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.43:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
None
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Blu-ray 3D
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
With Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity topping the box office charts for a third consecutive weekend, it seemed fitting to finally carve out some time to review Space Junk 3D, a 3D IMAX film from Melrae Pictures that focuses on the expanding ring of debris currently orbiting the planet and the potential disaster-in-the-making NASA scientists have long feared. Traveling at 17,000 miles per hour, it only takes a single piece of man-made orbital debris to set off a destructive chain reaction. It's a dramatic sequence in Gravity, and it's a dramatic threat in Space Junk 3D; one that's unfortunately, even alarmingly, all too real.
Space Junk features a rather striking 1080p/MVC-encoded presentation, regardless of whether you watch the film in 2D or 3D. Colors are bright and vivid, the black of space is deep and ominous, contrast is consistent, and detail is exacting. Computer-generated sequences and models are crisp and nicely defined (despite the presence of inherent aliasing, which creeps into the hyper-sharp CG from time to time), and the occasional Earthbound shots don't disappoint either. The 3D experience is arguably even better, although technically just as proficient. Objects appear to float atop the surface of the screen, debris fields extend convincingly into the distance, and the image exhibits notable pop, especially compared to a few of the lesser 3D IMAX titles on the market. Ghosting will prove to be a bit of an issue for some (specifically those whose 3D displays are prone to crosstalk), as some of the more littered shots include small pieces of junk that don't quite come together as well as they could. That said, it's a minor distraction that shouldn't spoil the proceedings in any significant way.
Space Junk 3D lifts off with an unexpectedly satisfying DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Actor Tom Wilkinson's narration is intelligible, weighty and perfectly prioritized at all times, and other voices are just as clean and clear. The LFE channel delivers some rather rousing shuttle launches, collisions and other low-end flourishes too, while the rear speakers are used to lively (albeit limited) effect. There are even a few directional surprises and smooth pans to be had. Obviously it all tends to be rather front-heavy when Wilkinson speaks -- I wouldn't call the ensuing soundfield immersive or enveloping per se -- but as IMAX documentaries go, Space Junk's lossless mix is anything but junk.
Gravity depicted what could happen if debris began colliding and spreading across low-Earth orbit. And while the two aren't officially related, Space Junk 3D delves into the science behind such a disaster, as well as some of the ideas currently being considered around the world that might address the mounting orbital debris problem before it has the opportunity to become a disaster. It's a solid IMAX documentary, even if, like most, it's a bit too short to cover as much ground as I'd prefer. Image Entertainment's 3D Blu-ray release is even better, with a strong video presentation, above average 3D documentary experience, and a decidedly decent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.
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