6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Angela Bennett's a software engineer type who works from home and has few friends outside of cyberspace. Taking her first vacation in years she becomes embroiled in a web of computer espionage.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Jeremy Northam, Dennis Miller, Diane Baker, Ken Howard (I)Thriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
In a time when high technology should be saving the world, bringing people together, expanding knowledge and reach, and spreading goodwill, it is, of course, often used for malicious purposes, whether "harmless" Internet trolling, stealing personal identity, or hacking the highest levels of business and government interests. Most everything ever made can be used for better or for worse; computer technology is no different in that regard. It's the person behind the technology -- be it a car, a gun, a knife, a computer -- and not the inanimate object itself that's to blame for its misuse. Of course, the world may very well be heading for a Skynet scenario of self aware machines that could rewrite world history and negate the idea that it's always the human using something for ill, should man create something too intelligent for its, and his, own good. But 1995's The Net looks at a "simpler" time of computer misuse in what is today a fairly low-tech Thriller but that still feels relevant in today's always-on world where lives can be destroyed with a click of a button.
The Net is part of Sony's "Choice Collection" and hence arrives on the Blu-ray format on a BD-R disc. But the 1080p image holds up well and should satisfy most all audiences. The image is pleasingly filmic, retaining a natural grain structure that's largely even (spiking a bit in dark scenes) and that accentuates the film's details. Facial textures are healthy and robust, with the 1080p transfer finding plenty of natural depth on pores and facial hair. Clothes are well defined, computer graphics are sharp, and various environments, whether Angela's apartment, the beach, or a packed Moscone Center, offer plenty of textural delights and effortlessly sharp clarity. Colors are attractive, presenting with impressive balance and vibrance that never fluctuates or pushes too hard or soft. Saturation is very natural and effective. Black levels can be a little uneven, favoring balanced depth in places, a bit of noise and paleness in others, and light crush in others still. Flesh tones appear accurate. No serious compression artifacts or evidence of major print wear are apparent. This is another quality presentation from Sony, even as part of its most controversial line.
The Net features a well-rounded DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Music is nicely delivered with effortless front-side width and satisfying clarity. Music doesn't often engage the backs in a large scale manner, but hints are certainly evident. There's strong heft to an explosion early in the film. The track finds some interesting engagement at several junctures when sounds swoop and sweep about the stage, including an electronic-style sound at the 59:30 mark and maneuvering rides at a carnival halfway through the movie. Atmospheric details are satisfyingly engaging, whether lighter ambience like chirping birds in exteriors or more prominent din at the computer convention late in the film. Dialogue drives much of the film and it's presented as expected, with lifelike definition, front-center positioning, and constant prioritization.
Sony's "Choice Collection" release of The Net contains one supplement. 'The Net:' From Script to Screen (480i, 19:30) offers a discussion of story development, themes, style, real-world parallels, film construction, story specifics, cast and performances, the film's structure, and more. No "top menu" is included. The special feature, and the English SDH subtitles, must be accessed in-film via the "pop-up" menu.
The Net still holds up more than two decades after its release. It's been proven rather prescient. Its crude plot mechanics are nothing to write home about, but the film is smartly executed and manages to find plenty of tension where little, if any, should be. The lead performance is excellent, too. Sony's Blu-ray release of The Net arrives as part of the studio's controversial "Choice Collection," but both video and audio are of a very satisfactory quality. Only one extras is included. The package is little rough around the edges, yes, (and why the studio continues to ship these in the wider cases is a mystery), and it's overpriced, but the presentation is fine. Recommended when and if it's priced more reasonably, about $10.
2006
2012
1966
1983
Warner Archive Collection
1950
2010
2021
1983
Extended Cut
2013
1997
Special Edition
1986
2009
1995
2013
1997
1994
2014
1993
1997
2K Remaster
1974