<img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=117268&d=1219173358"hspace="12"align="left">
<b>The Review at a Glance: </b> (max score: 5 )

<b>Film:</b> <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373692">

<b>Extras:</b> <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109945&d=1210373692">

<b> Audio/Video total rating:</b>
<p> ( Max score: 100 )
<font color=teal><b><h2>91</h2></b></font>
<br><br><br>
<b>Studio and Year:</b> Sony Pictures - 2006
<b>MPAA Rating:</b> R
<b>Feature running time:</b> 117 Minutes
<b>Genre:</b> Adventure/Drama

<b>Disc Format:</b> BD-50
<b>Encoding:</b> AVC (MPEG-4)
<b>Video Aspect:</b> 1.85:1
<b>Resolution:</b> 1080p/24
<br>
<b>Audio Format(s):</b> English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
<b>Subtitles:</b> English, English SDH, French
<b>Starring:</b> Lee Pace, Justine Waddell, Catinca Untaru,
<b>Directed by:</b> Tarsem
<b>Music by:</b> Krishna Levy
<b>Written by:</b> Dan Gilroy, Nico Soultanakis, and Tarsem
<b>Region Code:</b> A,B,C

<b>Blu-ray Disc release Date:</b> September 9, 2008

<br><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<center><font color=Green><b><h2>"A little blessing in disguise"</h2></b></font></center>

<h4>Film Synopsis:</h4></b></font><p>From the director of The Cell comes a visually stunning epic fantasy about a bedridden man who entertains a curious little girl by telling her a fantastical story of exotic heroes and far off places which reflects his state of mind. The central story takes place in a remote 1920's hospital where a small girl named Alexandria (Catinca Untaru) is recovering from a severe looking shoulder injury incurred in a fall while trying to pick oranges. One day she happens to meet Roy (Lee Pace) - a stunt or "gag" man for the "flickers" or moving pictures- who seems to have injured himself out of a future in a particularly reckless stunt, even for those times. He is a clearly unhappy man who- through his own carelessness- unwittingly leads Alexandria to believe that he intends to entertain her with a lavish, epic story of exotic heroes and far off places. As the stuntman's health reaches to the point of peril - so does the story he is telling her...with potentially fatal consequences.</p>


<h4>My Take:</h4></b></font><img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=117832&d=1219775272"hspace="6"align="right"><p>This is a wonderfully told story that uses stunning visuals and intelligent direction to entice the audience into the world of Governor Odious, Alexander the Great, the Blue Bandit, Otta, Charles Darwin, the Indian, the Mystic and the adventure of myth and magic that accompanies their tale. I was intrigued when I found out that this film took four years to complete. It was shot in 18 locations world wide which would certainly have contributed to the time it took to film it. The setting at the hospital was staged perfectly with the bulk of the story confined to just a few rooms there. Alexandria (Untaru) is a curious little girl who is a relative short timer at the hospital (she broke her arm in a fall). She is close to Nurse Evelyn and is very familiar with a few of the older patients and frequent visitors there. She wanders the corridors and frequently ventures between buildings in her travels. Roy is a bedridden new patient who accidentally comes into possession of a note sent by Alexandria that is intended for Nurse Evelyn. In her travels she comes to his room and he tells her that he found her note. He reads her pretty quickly and offers to pass the time by telling her an adventure tale. What is not clear from the outset is that Roy has an agenda. He begins to spin his yarn which is about 5 heroes who all come from differing backgrounds. They all seem to have one thing in common in that they seek revenge on Governor Odious. The story provides short details about each one of them with background info regarding what Odious has done to them. Roy tells Alexandria the story in stages with events occurring in the present intermingled. He stops the story and asks her for a favor in exchange for its continuance. He is clearly depressed over his condition and the loss of the woman in his life as a result. He asks Alexandria to steal morphine from the hospital for him. She says no initially but he coax’s her into it with the promise of the story. She has become fixated on the tale and loves its characters. This is the point where Roy’s agenda becomes clear. It also lays the foundation for his mindset and how it affects both the story he is telling Alexandria and his life because the two are commingled.</p><br><p>I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It reminded me of The Wizard of Oz in that it used characters from the present portion of the story as characters in the fantasy. The characters in appearance were reminiscent of people or objects that were present in Alexandria’s life or imagination. There were often times while Roy is telling the story that events were simultaneously transpiring in the present and elicited a reaction from a character in the fantasy. The vast locations and beautiful costumes used truly enhanced the tale and sense of adventure. The story remained very simple and took on darker elements as Roy found his depression growing deeper. Alexandria became very attached to Roy and was too young to comprehend what was happening. The film builds nicely to its conclusion which leads to traumatic events for both Alexandria and Roy. Both Pace and Untaru were wonderful. Pace along with many of the cast members played dual roles which was very entertaining. There is a serious side to the film. One of the older patients who Alexandria had befriended dies suddenly. She witnesses a grieving mother who has just lost her child which is a powerful (and potentially frightening) scene. Roy’s manipulation of her in order to get her to steal for him is a factor as well. Of course these are pieces of the puzzle that as a whole create a picture that is really very good.</p>



<h4>Parental Guide:</h4></b></font><p>The rating is for some violent images. As I pointed out there some thematic elements in the story that could be disturbing to younger viewers.</p>



<br><b>AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
</b><font color=DarkOrange><b>REFERENCE</b></font> = 92-100 / </b><font color=teal><b>EXCELLENT</b></font> = 83-91 / </b><font color=green><b>GOOD</b></font> = 74-82 / </b><font color=yellowgreen><b>AVERAGE</b></font> = 65-73 / </b><font color=red><b>BELOW AVERAGE</b></font> = under 65 </b>

<em>**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**</em>


<b>(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)</b>

<font color=teal><b><h4>Audio: 86</h4></b></font>
<b><ul>
<li>Dynamics: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Low frequency extension: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109945&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Surround Sound presentation: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Clarity/Detail: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109948&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Dialogue Reproduction: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699">
</b></li></ul>


<font color=darkorange><b><h4>Video: 96</h4></b></font>
<b>(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)</b>

<b><ul>
<li>Resolution/Clarity: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109948&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Black level/Shadow detail: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Color reproduction: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109948&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Fleshtones: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109948&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Compression: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"</b></li></ul><img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=117831&d=1219775272"hspace="6"align="left"><p><b><i>The Fall</i> comes to Blu-ray Disc from Sony featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 25 mbps and lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 channel audio that has an average bitrate of 3.7 mbps.</b></p><p>This is reference quality video presentation that at times offered visuals that were breathtaking. The film has two distinctively different looks that are separated by the present and fantasy worlds. The present features the hospital location and consists of a mostly flatter color palette and lighting that tends to be darker. The beige, brown, gray, black and dark blues used gave the image a reserved visual impact that definitely provided the right atmosphere and feel of the time period and hospital setting. Flesh tones were more on the pale side and indicative of people who had not been exposed to much sunlight. When things switched to the world of fantasy it took on a look that was quite captivating. Bolder use of contrast and bright vivid colors helped to propel images to an elevated level of vibrancy and three dimensional quality that was unwavering. Images were impeccably detailed with fine articulation and visual acuity that seemed infinite when looking at long panning shots. Sharpness worked hand in hand with the high level of visible detail so that even the slightest nuance present within each frame wasn’t missed. There are a variety of beautiful locations that were used to shoot the film. Regardless of the setting, each was reproduced with stark realism. Black levels were plenty deep with excellent detail in dark areas and shadowy backgrounds. Flesh tones exhibited lifelike textures with natural color and rosy complexions. This is one of the better looking high definition video offerings I have seen on Blu-ray disc.</p><p>The soundtrack was impressive as well and delivered audio that was visceral at times and quietly elegant at others. The film’s quieter moments most of which occur in the present had a clear, defining quality that brought forth each scene’s purpose. Dialogue was clean, well intonated and well placed within the mix so that it was always audibly discernible. At times I had trouble understanding Cantinca Utaru but that was related to her accent rather than the mix. Dynamics were excellent which gave sound effects lots of energy and impact. I had no trouble hearing soft whispers or subtle sounds meant to be in the background thanks to the high resolution audio’s crisp detail and resolute clarity. Low frequency effects didn’t reach as far into the room shaking realm as I would have thought but its presence was obvious. The soundstage had a broad sound with excellent integration of the front and rear speakers. The surrounds were active and did well in supplying both ambience and discrete directional cues that were startling at times. An example of this was in chapter 12. There is a significant event and right after there are a series of images that flash across the screen. As this happens the room comes alive with sound that begins on one side of the room and opens up and emanates from what seems like every direction. This was a great sounding and exciting audio mix.</p>

<h4><b>Bonus Features:</b></h4></font>

<p>The bonus supplements are good and offer quite a bit of behind the scenes footage that takes an in depth look at the film’s production. The two featurettes total just under an hour and even though they are titled differently they seem to be one documentary. Watching them really provides some perspective into how much work went into this film. The commentary tracks take more of a personal approach but are more of the same. The enhanced photo gallery alone is worth the price of admission as it contains high definition pictures of the beautiful locations used in the film. The deleted scenes don’t really add anything to the story. The seven previews are for currently available and upcoming Blu-ray disc releases. The disc is BD-Live enabled but features won’t be active until release day. </p>

<ul>
<li>Audio commentary with Writer/Director Tarsem </li>
<li>Audio commentary with Lee Pace, Writer/Producer Nico Soultanakis and Writer Dan Gilroy </li>
<li>Two Behind the scenes featurettes: Wanderlust & Nostalgia </li>
<li><b>(HD)</b> 2 Deleted scenes </li>
<li><b><b>(HD)</b> Blu-ray Exclusive:</b> Enhanced Photo Gallery </li>
<li><b>(HD)</b> 7 Blu-ray Disc Previews </li>
<li>BD-Live</li></ul><img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=117833&d=1219775272"hspace="6"align="right">



<h4>Final Thoughts:</h4></b></font>

<p><i>The Fall</i> was an entertaining film about a little girl with a big imagination who helped someone realize that life is worth living. Sony has presented it in spectacular fashion with superlative high definition video, laudable high resolution Dolby TrueHD sound and a decent bonus features set. This is not a kids film but I think that it can bring out the kid in those that see it. It has been added to my list of recommended Blu-ray discs. </p>





<img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109949&d=1210373731" align=left>
<br><br><br><br>
<br><b>Ralph Potts</b>
<em>AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews</em>



<br><br><b>Reference Review System:</b>

<strong>
JVC DLA-RS1x 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Carada Precision Brilliant White 96" Screen
Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player (480i HDMI)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Panasonic DMP-BD30 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Marantz DV7001 Universal Disc Player
Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor
Outlaw Audio Model 7700 seven channel amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator
Wireworld, VizionWare, Audioquest, Best Deal Cables - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
</strong>

Wow, a 96 for video! I need to see this one.

Look like a fun film, and I hadn't heard about it. Thanks for the review.

Dan

Great review, Ralph. I've been looking forward to this one. It's great to hear that Sony did justice to the fantastic visuals.

I love reviews like this. Thank you.

A movie I am not familiar with, a suggestive summary of what appears to be a decent story, and applauded audio/visual characteristics.

In a seemingly never ending cesspool of garbage I thirst for this kind of reward.

Was this a direct to video film?? I've never heard of it till now. Love blu rays, its allowing me to experience films otherwise on DVD I would never have.

Was this a direct to video film?? I've never heard of it till now. Love blu rays, its allowing me to experience films otherwise on DVD I would never have.


Greetings,

I don't believe so. It was released back in 2006 theatrically but I assume saw limited release in the States.

Cheers,

Im sold...Never even heard of it, but thinking about blind buying it based on this review!

Im sold...Never even heard of it, but thinking about blind buying it based on this review!

Same here. Ralph's reviews keep costing me money.;)

Tom

Excellent film and excellent transfer. A wonderful performance by Catica Untari as Alexandria. It is great to see a film like this. Kinda balances out the Dude Where's My Cars of the world.

Ive had the HD trailer on my 360 for a while now. Looks great. Thanks for the review!

blind buy for me

Greetings,

I don't believe so. It was released back in 2006 theatrically but I assume saw limited release in the States.

Cheers,

the limited release in the states was earlier this year - I saw this at Landmark's E Street and was wowed by this film

have my pre-order over at Amazon, can't wait to see this again.

the limited release in the states was earlier this year - I saw this at Landmark's E Street and was wowed by this film

have my pre-order over at Amazon, can't wait to see this again.

Greetings,

Thanks for the info....


Regards,

Yea, I just saw this like four weeks ago at a theatre here in SoCal. The theatre's presentation wasn't up to par, but I remember thinking - this is going to look great in Blu-Ray.

Looks like it's one to show off the picture quality.

Damn you Ralph... your review forced me to pick this up on a blind buy today.

Damn you Ralph... your review forced me to pick this up on a blind buy today.

Greetings,


Sorry about that shamus....:rolleyes::p

Enjoy !

Rotten Tomatoes doesn't share Ralph's enthusiasm for the film itself.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10007441-fall/

However, I look forward to renting it! 96 for video? Wow!

Rotten Tomatoes doesn't share Ralph's enthusiasm for the film itself.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10007441-fall/

However, I look forward to renting it! 96 for video? Wow!

Rotten tomatoes is usually pretty accurate, but has been off sometimes. Heres hoping this is one of them, or Ralph's getting the bill. (I even picked it up at BB, so it will be even more expensive) :D

Rotten tomatoes is usually pretty accurate, but has been off sometimes. Heres hoping this is one of them, or Ralph's getting the bill. (I even picked it up at BB, so it will be even more expensive) :D

Greetings,

It looks like they were almost split right down middle. I will be interested in hearing your thoughts shamus... :cool:


Cheers,

I got it on Netflix today -- Won't be able to watch it until tomorrow though...

Was I the only one who thought of Adventures of Baron Munchausen when watching the trailer (or movie)?

I got it on Netflix today -- Won't be able to watch it until tomorrow though...



Thanks for the anticipation post. But your post would be so much better if you waited until after you watched it before posting. Just don't understand these announcement/anticipation posts. BTW, I've preordered Risky Business and the Godfather. Threw Dan in Real Life into the same order. Does anyone really care?

Greetings,

It looks like they were almost split right down middle. I will be interested in hearing your thoughts shamus... :cool:


Cheers,

Well I watched it...

Ralph, how many hits of acid do you need to take to enjoy this?:D

I did like it, but strongly suggest people rent it first, as its not for everyone.

Well I watched it...

Ralph, how many hits of acid do you need to take to enjoy this?:D

I did like it, but strongly suggest people rent it first, as its not for everyone.

Greetings,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts shamus. No acid needed to enjoy this one. ;)

I would agree that this is a film that is not for everyone although that could be said of every film. Hence the short plot synopsis and My Take portions of the review that provide some idea of what the film is about. If this is the type of film that one would normally not be interested in that more than likely wouldn't change.

Regards,

Ralph

Thanks ralph will purchase.

Thanks for the anticipation post. But your post would be so much better if you waited until after you watched it before posting. Just don't understand these announcement/anticipation posts. BTW, I've preordered Risky Business and the Godfather. Threw Dan in Real Life into the same order. Does anyone really care?

If I'm not mistaken there was more to my post than the first line...

Thanks for the pointless response to half of my post (which wasn't the point of my post to begin with)! Did you truly not see the rest of my post or were you being purposely obtuse to prove some point, not realizing you look silly pointing it out in my post?

If you bothered to read past the first line you'd find I was inquiring about similarities to Baron Munchausen.

If I'm not mistaken there was more to my post than the first line...

Thanks for the pointless response to half of my post (which wasn't the point of my post to begin with)! Did you truly not see the rest of my post or were you being purposely obtuse to prove some point, not realizing you look silly pointing it out in my post?

If you bothered to read past the first line you'd find I was inquiring about similarities to Baron Munchausen.

Just ignore him...

Wow! Loved it!

As someone that watches 2-3 films a week, it is such a breath of fresh air to have something new show up. The concept of the film isn’t new, the telling of a story, but the themes behind it are excellent, and the cinematography is simply AMAZING, even breathtaking in parts, and an integral part of the film.

Whoever did the casting of this film was spot on for the little girl, as well as the male lead.

I have a feeling that this is going to be a love it or hate it film for many. For those who watch a lot of films, covering multiple genres, I think they will greatly appreciate it. For those who are just used to watching the latest Hollywood summer blockbuster, I don’t think they will handle the slower pace and thoughts behind the movie.

One thing I don’t understand if the films R rating. I think PG-13 would easily have been appropriate, and possibly even PG.

Spot on review for the visuals Ralph. This film is a gem that I hadn’t even heard about until your review. Thanks.

Dan

Greetings,

Glad you enjoyed it Dan.. :)


Best,

This indeed is reference material. Something you'll want to show your friends when looking to show off your HD setup.
As for the movie - not knowing almost anything about it except what I read in Ralph's review, I picked it up at blockbuster last night and sat down today, with the wife, to watch it.
I will be buying one tomorrow. Thank you Ralph!

This indeed is reference material. Something you'll want to show your friends when looking to show off your HD setup.
As for the movie - not knowing almost anything about it except what I read in Ralph's review, I picked it up at blockbuster last night and sat down today, with the wife, to watch it.
I will be buying one tomorrow. Thank you Ralph!

:cool:

Cheers,

...

Whoever did the casting of this film was spot on for the little girl, as well as the male lead.
...

I brought it over to a friend's house and about 6 of us watched it in his basement theater and everyone loved it (there was a few "I'm going to buy this tomorrow").

I loved it as well and felt the casting of the girl was probably one of the best jobs in casting in years.

I don't know if her lines were all scripted or not, but they were perfect -- the slight communication barrier and a child's misinterpretation of things was amazingly well done.

Definitely going to add it to my collection sometime soon.

BUYING IT this weekend!!!! bastards at bestbuy were sold out *LOL*... but they are getting another shipment in thursday or friday..

nice review,


J :-P

I saw this movie a few days ago! Very artistic and indeed a new perspective into things! That little girl got me sheding a few tears. I will definetelly buy it later once the price goes a down a little!

I also bought this movie based on the review here. Overall the sound was decent and the actual movie, storyline, acting weren't bad. It won't be in my top 100 of all time or anything but I did like it.

The counterpoint to this is that the visuals are STUNNING. I don't even have a very good video set-up but I was very impressed with the cinematography, the colors, lighting, landscapes, details, etc. It just POPS. If ,unlike me ,YOU do have a truly good video set-up it's worth purchasing IMO.

I also bought this movie based on the review here. Overall the sound was decent and the actual movie, storyline, acting weren't bad. It won't be in my top 100 of all time or anything but I did like it.

The counterpoint to this is that the visuals are STUNNING. I don't even have a very good video set-up but I was very impressed with the cinematography, the colors, lighting, landscapes, details, etc. It just POPS. If ,unlike me ,YOU do have a truly good video set-up it's worth purchasing IMO.

Greetings,

Glad you enjoyed and thanks for your input. I would have to agree that while the movie is good it would have a ways to go to fit into a top 100 of all time category.


Cheers,

I blind bought this based on reviews and I agree that the video was simply stunning, some of the very best I've seen on Blu (especially in the 1:85 aspect).

The movie itself I liked but not as much as I had hoped. I didn't feel as connected as I wanted to to Roy and I would have liked the last 20 min or so to have a more serious tone when in the story telling scenes. Overall I did like it and will watch it again with the wife since sometimes I need to see a movie more than once to really appreciate it.

Thanks for the great review Ralph, while this is also not in my top 100 it is in my top tier for PQ and is worth having for that and the spectacular performance given by Catinca Untaru.

Good movie

hopefully should be receiving my copy this week.

I am another person who missed this in the theater but enjoyed the blu-ray.

I've just finished watching this film and was impressed. The little girl who played Alexandria did a wonderful job, very talented actress, she certainly made the film. Your spot on Ralph with the PQ and Sq.Glad I bought this film.

Going by what people are saying I say it's certainly true.She will give some of these child actors/actresses a good run for there money.

Best child performance of the year: Catinca Untaru

http://catincauntaru.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/best-child-performance-of-the-year-catinca-untaru/

Have to say Thanks Ralph for getting me onto this film very much appreciated.

Going by what people are saying I say it's certainly true.She will give some of these child actors/actresses a good run for there money.



http://catincauntaru.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/best-child-performance-of-the-year-catinca-untaru/

Have to say Thanks Ralph for getting me onto this film very much appreciated.


Greetings,

My pleasure Frank and I am glad that you liked it........:)

Cheers,

Greetings,

My pleasure Frank and I am glad that you liked it........:)

Cheers,

You know what I liked about it Ralph, it was a nice change from all the movies that I have seen also. Sometimes film like this make you appreciate a well done film with class A acting.

You know what I liked about it Ralph, it was a nice change from all the movies that I have seen also. Sometimes film like this make you appreciate a well done film with class A acting.

Greetings,

Absolutely. You can imagine that goes double for me.. ;)

Regards,

I finally got this movie from BB last week and watched it over the weekend. Like Ralph, I loved it. Although many critics didn’t like it, they were wrong, it seems to me. The Fall is unusual to the point of being one of a kind, at least I had never seen anything like it. Thus, a lot of critics were unable to open up their minds enough to accept its uniqueness. That was their loss.

The Fall is not a children’s story, exactly, and it is not an action adventure story with a core of sadness either, exactly, but it is a bit of both. It was a visual feast and, amazingly, contained not a single CGI frame. How often do we see that in adventure films these days? The actors, mostly little known, were perfectly cast. I was particularly impressed by Catinca Untaru, who played the little girl with the broken arm. Her accent and broken English were a delight, a testament to her talent and charisma, and to Tarsem Singh’s abilities as a director to bring out the best in a 5 year old. Highly recommended.

I finally got this movie from BB last week and watched it over the weekend. Like Ralph, I loved it. Although many critics didn’t like it, they were wrong, it seems to me. The Fall is unusual to the point of being one of a kind, at least I had never seen anything like it. Thus, a lot of critics were unable to open up their minds enough to accept its uniqueness. That was their loss.

The Fall is not a children’s story, exactly, and it is not an action adventure story with a core of sadness either, exactly, but it is a bit of both. It was a visual feast and, amazingly, contained not a single CGI frame. How often do we see that in adventure films these days? The actors, mostly little known, were perfectly cast. I was particularly impressed by Catinca Untaru, who played the little girl with the broken arm. Her accent and broken English were a delight, a testament to her talent and charisma, and to Tarsem Singh’s abilities as a director to bring out the best in a 5 year old. Highly recommended.

Thouroughly enjoyed it and Cantinca Untaru did an amazing job.

This is not the first time you have introduced me to a movie I would never think of renting least of all buying.

I rented it thanks to you and now have bought it. What a beautiful film.

To anyone who is curious at least give it a rent. You may be surprised...I know I was.

Highly recommended.

Now to watch "Becket."

This is not the first time you have introduced me to a movie I would never think of renting least of all buying.

I rented it thanks to you and now have bought it. What a beautiful film.

To anyone who is curious at least give it a rent. You may be surprised...I know I was.

Highly recommended.

Now to watch "Becket."

Greetings,

Sorry about that....;)

Enjoy!

Cheers,

I finally watched this tonight. Was dialnorm activated? I had to turn up the volume to hear the dialog. Of course, my ears paid for it when anything involving action came on the screen.

Visually it was a treat for my DLP. The colors popped without seeming artificial. The saturation was intense but not overly so into the push column. Of course, 1080p meant that textures were visually realistic. Knots, tears, strands and burrs were visible within and on the edges of the weaves of fabric. This was another costume pr0n movie like Sex and the City.

The story line was like Brotherhood of the Wolf meets The Cell meets Pan's Labyrinth meets The Princess Bride meets something really depressing like Leaving Los Vegas, etc. Good recommendation.

Thanks again for the recommendation, Ralph.

I finally watched this tonight. Was dialnorm activated? I had to turn up the volume to hear the dialog. Of course, my ears paid for it when anything involving action came on the screen.

Visually it was a treat for my DLP. The colors popped without seeming artificial. The saturation was intense but not overly so into the push column. Of course, 1080p meant that textures were visually realistic. Knots, tears, strands and burrs were visible within and on the edges of the weaves of fabric. This was another costume pr0n movie like Sex and the City.

The story line was like Brotherhood of the Wolf meets The Cell meets Pan's Labyrinth meets The Princess Bride meets something really depressing like Leaving Los Vegas, etc. Good recommendation.

Thanks again for the recommendation, Ralph.

Greetings,

It was my pleasure. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it allargon. :)


Regards,

I guess I'm gonna be the "grinch" here. :) As far as the PQ/AQ goes, it is very good indeed, but the film leaves a lot to be desired. Like Tarsem says in the extras, you either love it or hate it. Well I sort of liked it at the beginning, but it got real tiresome towards the end, the child lead actually made things worse herself. Yeah she looked "genuine" in some scenes, she also looked who just forgot her lines, and some of her emotional burst was just plain forced. Tarsem is clearly no Spielberg when it comes to kids. A rather pretentious effort from the famed music director. Nice locations though.

Mark my words, this film will DEFINITELY get at least a nomination for cinematography. Breathtaking visuals indeed and looks MUCH better on Blu-Ray than on the big screen. :D

If award categories included "Biggest Bore Since The Engilsh Patient" this film would surely warrant at least a nomination.

Good looks do not a story make.

You'd have to be locked up in a hospital for a long period to have enough patience to make it through this long winded ego trip.

Porn proved that even striking visuals can only hold your attention for a short time, if there is no story that holds your interest. This flick proves that notion.

Using this a a refererence disc could be risky as you're audience will likely be asleep long before anything actually happens.

If award categories included "Biggest Bore Since The Engilsh Patient" this film would surely warrant at least a nomination.

Good looks do not a story make.

You'd have to be locked up in a hospital for a long period to have enough patience to make it through this long winded ego trip.

Porn proved that even striking visuals can only hold your attention for a short time, if there is no story that holds your interest. This flick proves that notion.

Using this a a refererence disc could be risky as you're audience will likely be asleep long before anything actually happens.
Holy smoke! What was it about The Fall that made you angry? :) I am sorry you didn't like it because those of us who did were struck not only by it beauty but by its wide eyed innocence and imaginative storytelling.

By the way, I agree with your assessment of the English Patient, I thought that it was overblown and, mostly, boring, too.

GF and I watched this Saturday night, and neither of us were disappointed. The GF has some major ADD, so any film that keeps her attention for the entirety, is a thumbs up.

As mentioned, the little girl made this film work, major kudos to her.

And I had never heard of this film until Ralph's review. +1

Holy smoke! What was it about The Fall that made you angry? :) I am sorry you didn't like it because those of us who did were struck not only by it beauty but by its wide eyed innocence and imaginative storytelling.

By the way, I agree with your assessment of the English Patient, I thought that it was overblown and, mostly, boring, too.

The only thing that made me angry with this film was the fact that we all only have so much time on this earth, and it used some of it.

Fortunately, I sprung for a Blu Ray player that has a stop button, which I used about 1/2 way through the flick. I'm still kicking myself for not following my instincts and using the magic button after about 10 minutes.

The only thing that made me angry with this film was the fact that we all only have so much time on this earth, and it used some of it.
Your post cracked me up. I love how we can all have such different opinions on the same film. I actually might be one of the few people who didn't hate or love it. I think my expectations were too high AND I didn't watch this in Blu-ray, which I might do to see if my opinion is changed at all. I was reading in another review that the film crew was out of sight of the little girl and she actually thought she was talking to a real patient in bed and not acting. If any of that is true it does make sense how what she was saying seemed so real at times.

Your post cracked me up. I love how we can all have such different opinions on the same film. I actually might be one of the few people who didn't hate or love it. I think my expectations were too high AND I didn't watch this in Blu-ray, which I might do to see if my opinion is changed at all. I was reading in another review that the film crew was out of sight of the little girl and she actually thought she was talking to a real patient in bed and not acting. If any of that is true it does make sense how what she was saying seemed so real at times.
The girl was a real little girl, not a hollywood type actor.

She looked like a real kid, and spoke like she was having a real conversation - not reading lines.

Not sure putting a chubby non actor in the film makes it worth watching. I thought "Bubble" did this more effectivelys, with the whole cast being non actors.

Finally got around to watching this BD last night after buying it about 1-2 months ago based on Ralph's reviews and the ones at Blu-ray.com

Definitely an "artsy" type of film which I like in some ways for the cinematography and visuals and location / scenery around the world.

Definitely in the 4-5 range for PQ and AQ

For the film/story content its about a 3 to 3.5 for me. Didn't love it but didn't hate it but definitely an eye opener, so middle of the road. A bit strange in some parts especially in the "stop camera claymation part" (I think they did that to not make it a true scare if they showed the real thing of what they had to do to her after "The Fall".

This is definitely not for everyone.
I havent watched the extras yet but will love to see the location shots in HD
I can only imagine how much was spent on just the travel to and from location to location on this one. They must have spent ages scoping out all those amazing areas around the world first before shooting. I would love that job :)

And to shut them down to have no people (other than the actors) present is an amazing feat (unless they removed them digitally??)

For most I'd say this is a rental first. A good story for sure and definitely different from most of the junk thats out there these days but not for everyone, (the typical movie watcher)

If you can keep an open mind and like great PQ and gorgeous color palletes, then check it out for sure.

This is a masterpiece of cinema making, from a labour of love over an extended period of time. Unforgettable!