7.8 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The 28th annual WrestleMania event features a "once-in-a-lifetime" main event between The Rock and John Cena, The Undertaker Vs. Triple H in an "End Of An Era" match, CM Punk Vs. Chris Jericho for the WWE title, an appearance by Snooki from the Jersey Shore, live musical performances, and much, much more.
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, John Cena, Paul Levesque, Mark Calaway, Chris JerichoSport | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
None
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
No rules.
So, is WrestleMania XXVIII really a "once in a lifetime" event? To be sure, and to be fair, that's a label given to the main event matchup
between John Cena and The Rock and not the entirety of the program. Yet it's the headliner that will forever shape the event, which means that this
WrestleMania had better step up its game and give fans one for the ages, particularly in its classic finale but also through the rest of the program, if
audiences are to stay through and remain amped up until he first bell rings for the last event. Consider mission accomplished. Not only does this
WrestleMania pit two
legends one against another in a main event that traverses the rarified air of the sport's absolute best-ever match ups and performances, but the bulk
of the program proves memorable at worst to exhilarating at best. From the record-setting sellout crowd to the decked-out stadium, from athletes
giving performances of a lifetime to the perfect execution of two of the finest wrestling matches ever performed, this WrestleMania has it all, and it
ends with energy to spare and having created a memory for a lifetime. WWE's Blu-ray release of WrestleMania XXVIII captures all the glitz
and glamour and blood and sweat and hard hits and precision moves with so much intimacy and accuracy that it might even be better than being
there.
This is the one, a highlight reel of everything that's good about professional wrestling at its highest
level of excellence, a showcase for one of the sport's showcase events.
Movie stars, wrestling heroes.
WrestleMania XXVIII features a 1080i transfer typical of the latest WWE Blu-ray releases. It's crisp and colorful, nicely detailed and a pleasure to watch. Certainly, blocky backgrounds, jagged edges, aliasing, and the like are there and maybe even there in enough force to distract the most demanding viewer, but considering the source and the original quality of the presentation, this one closely reflects the look of a live WWE broadcast. Fine detail is often striking. Close-ups reveal amazingly intricate skin textures and facial hair stubbles. Blood, sweat, and spit pour from faces and bodies with amazing clarity. The details around the stadium are excellent, right down to the plastic palm trees, the seams in the mat, Kane's mask, and the texture of the steel stairs that are prevalent in the Triple H-Undertaker event. Clarity and sharpness allow crowd details to remain clear, and attendees will likely find themselves on the disc, even those sitting some distance away from the action. Event graphics are sharp and focused. Colors are spectacular, very well balanced and vibrant. Flashy wrestler garb; the red, white, and blue of the American flag; and all of the many shades that grace the electronic signage all pop with amazing brilliance. Blacks are deep but not too deep, though they do often devolve into blocky chunks. The image does tend to look a little too glossy and flat, but that's par for the course for these WWE HD presentations. All in all, a good WWE Blu-ray that's exactly what fans would expect.
WWE continues forward with Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks, and WrestleMania XXVIII's sounds just fine. The presentation is satisfying and often immersive. The opening rendition of "America the Beautiful" plays with good clarity, a positive low end, and great spacing; the song carries with a natural flow and is effortlessly released into the listening area, with a prominent but not overdone surround element that easily transports listeners into the stadium. Indeed, such may be said of all of the music, whether wrestler introduction songs or the musical interludes. Even as it's all pumped through the stadium speakers, clarity remains noticeably strong and the result is a positive listening experience. Things can get a little heavy, and the roar of the crowd intermixed with music and pyrotechnics can drown out ringside dialogue at a few junctures, but for the most part the commentary comes though cleanly and efficiently, balanced around the center channel. Wrestling sound effects -- stomping on the mat, smacking opponents with chairs -- never want for greater presence or sonic accuracy. Crowd ambience, generally applause, carries nicely around the listening area and often home listeners will feel as if part of the event crowd. As with the video, this soundtrack is representative of the typical WWE home video Blu-ray quality, and it's a solid all-around performer.
WrestleMania XXVIII contains bonus highlights and matches on disc one, while disc two contains RAW lead-ups to the event. Also included is
the full-length Hall-of-Fame induction ceremony.
Disc One:
WrestleMania XXVIII will be remembered as one of the best WWE events of the decade, if not through its entire history. Classic match ups, incredible skill, and a picture-perfect night make this an unforgettable event. As with anything of this scope, there's a little too much filler and it's not for all tastes, but the wrestling action cannot be beat, and the long-awaited matchup between John Cena and The Rock lives up to expectations and then some, if only for the absolute raw wrestling skill on display. The Triple H-Undertaker matchup showcases pro wrestling at its most stunningly brutal; Mick Foley would be proud of the effort. The remaining matches are well-executed and superstars abound, but the show is shaped by the two giant match ups. For wrestling fans, this is one not to miss and one worth watching more than once. Fore newcomers or casual audiences, it's a must-own, a great first glimpse into the world of the WWE and a highlight reel of the sport's finest athletes in action and performing at their very best. WWE's Blu-ray release of WrestleMania XXVIII features strong video and audio, but the supplements are a bit few in number, even considering the inclusion of the Hall-of-Fame induction ceremony. Nevertheless, this release comes very highly recommended.
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