The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
87
Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox - 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 104 Minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.35:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jaden Smith, John Hamm, Kathy Bates, John Cleese
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Music by: Tyler Bates
Written by: David Scarpa based upon the screenplay Edmund H. North
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 7, 2009
"A remake of a Sci-Fi Classic"
Film Synopsis:
Epic action and mind-blowing effects rock the planet in this thrilling reinvention of the sci-fi classic, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL. Keanu Reeves portrays Klaatu, an otherworldly being whose arrival on Earth triggers an unstoppable series of events that threaten all of mankind. In a desperate attempt to save humanity, governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind the visitor's appearance. When a woman (Jennifer Connelly) and her young stepson find themselves embroiled in the alien's plan, they become the world's only hope to stave off apocalyptic annihilation.
My Take:
I know that this remake wasn't received well by those faithful to the original. I liked the original concept that examined a concern about humans becoming atomically capable and what those ramifications could mean on a universal scale. In this story the focus is similar but is geared toward an advanced race of aliens who feel that the earth is dying due to man's continued waste of resources and that in order to save it man must be eradicated. The story and characters have been changed and the storyline isn't as cohesive as the original. The relationship between Klaatu (Reeves) and Helen Benson is similar. Her character played by Jennifer Connelly is an Astro-biologist that the government calls in when the alien's sphere is detected on a collision course with earth. Her stepson Jacob (Jaden Smith) is different than the boy from the original and the change works okay except that it doesn't necessarily have any significance within the story. His father passed away and he now lives with her. They don't appear to have a close relationship as he misses his father and seems to resent her. The opening segment takes place in the 1920's and at the time seemed to have a purpose but it is never really explained. I made an assumption about what it meant but later on there is a scene involving a meeting between Klaatu, and another alien that offered no back story and made me question the reason for the opening. I liked the way G.O.R.T was re-imagined. He certainly came off with a much higher intimidation factor here than in the original. Once again I found myself scratching my head. There is a sequence where the military erects large panels around GORT as he stands in Central Park. He is then lowered into what appears to be a large silo where they attempt to drill into him etc. It didn't really seem to make sense other than to set up what happened next which involved the beginning of the demise of the earth. The secretary of defense (Kathy Bates) is in charge (the President and Vice President have been sequestered) and after meeting Klaatu seems to have everything figured out. The problem is that she continually makes rash decisions even after learning the truth about the alien's intentions. A few elements from the original were used but sort of felt out of place here. One example is the meeting between Klaatu and Professor Barnhardt. To me this scene didn't have the importance it had in the original and felt like a throw back only for its sake.
I didn't think that this was a bad film. Comparing it to the classic original diminishes it however taking it at face value it was entertaining. The effects were impressive and the story while uneven and lacking foundation maintained focus and adequate pacing which kept it interesting. Jennifer Connelly and Jaden Smith handled the bulk of the heavy lifting among the cast. She is a captivatingly beautiful woman whose presence onscreen can't help but demand attention. This is not just because of her looks because she is a fine actress as well. I thought that Jaden Smith did a pretty good job. I especially liked his emotional scene that takes place at the cemetery. Keanu Reaves really didn't have to do much. I didn't care for the emotionless nature of his Klaatu. I much preferred Michael Rennie's rendition of the character. If you go into this hoping to find a film that replicated the original prepare to be disappointed. I think that the filmmakers have the utmost respect for the 1951 classic and tried to re-imagine it. Unfortunately the outcome is an average Sci-Fi thriller that pales in comparison.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for some sci-fi disaster images and violence.
AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Audio: 88
Video: 86
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
The day the earth stood still (2008) comes to Blu-ray Disc from Fox featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 25 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.5 mbps.
This high definition video presentation offered quality that is consistent with other newer release films that have been released on Blu-ray Disc. Blacks were strong, with deep gradations and dynamic highlights that looked great when onscreen with mixed content. The film contains a variety of low lit settings and those that take place in uneven light. Shadow detail during these scenes was excellent. Contrast was spot on which empowered bright sequences without whitewashing detail. Images were appreciably delineated and revealing of good textural nuance that enhanced close ups. Long range shots weren't resolved quite as well but appeared crisp and two dimensional. Many of the darker segments tended to highlight grain which imparted a grittier aesthetic that left them less definitively resolute. Sharpness was very good overall but certain scenes took on a softer perspective that may be innate to the photography but was discernible nonetheless. The color palette was not a divergent one as the film makes use of reserved earth tones, and varying shades of gray and blue that were rarely eye catching. When onscreen, primary colors such as the blue of Jennifer Connelly eyes were noticeably enticing and stood out quite nicely. Complexions had good tonal variety and lifelike texture that were a bit less obvious with the fairer skinned members of the cast. This was an excellent offering from Fox on Blu-ray.
The lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio delivered an enriching surround sound experience. This was a dynamically charged mix that featured well intonated, crystal clear dialogue and lucid high level detail that elevated the perception of lower level sounds within the recording. The exemplary sound design carefully blended subtle ambience, discrete near field pans, and off camera spatial cues to create a stable, immersive and articulated listening environment within my room. This resulted in superb imaging and seamless soundstage integration that made the experience involving. Bass response was excellent. Some of the action based sequences had hard hitting authority with deep extension, and room filling power that accentuated dynamics. This soundtrack combines strong dialogue, excellent clarity/detail and extended dynamic range to provide a well rounded and invigorating home theater exhibition.
Bonus Features:
Final Thoughts:
The day the earth stood still (2008) is an average Scif-Fi thriller that unfortunately fails to capture the true essence of the original 1951 classic. I found it entertaining and enjoyed its excellent high definition audio/video presentation from Fox Blu-ray. If you're curious it is certainly worth the price of a rental to check it out.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS20 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-BD55K 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
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier
Philips TSU9400 Pro Series Touch Panel Remote Control
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
The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
87
Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox - 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 104 Minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.35:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jaden Smith, John Hamm, Kathy Bates, John Cleese
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Music by: Tyler Bates
Written by: David Scarpa based upon the screenplay Edmund H. North
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 7, 2009
"A remake of a Sci-Fi Classic"
Film Synopsis:
Epic action and mind-blowing effects rock the planet in this thrilling reinvention of the sci-fi classic, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL. Keanu Reeves portrays Klaatu, an otherworldly being whose arrival on Earth triggers an unstoppable series of events that threaten all of mankind. In a desperate attempt to save humanity, governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind the visitor's appearance. When a woman (Jennifer Connelly) and her young stepson find themselves embroiled in the alien's plan, they become the world's only hope to stave off apocalyptic annihilation.
My Take:
I know that this remake wasn't received well by those faithful to the original. I liked the original concept that examined a concern about humans becoming atomically capable and what those ramifications could mean on a universal scale. In this story the focus is similar but is geared toward an advanced race of aliens who feel that the earth is dying due to man's continued waste of resources and that in order to save it man must be eradicated. The story and characters have been changed and the storyline isn't as cohesive as the original. The relationship between Klaatu (Reeves) and Helen Benson is similar. Her character played by Jennifer Connelly is an Astro-biologist that the government calls in when the alien's sphere is detected on a collision course with earth. Her stepson Jacob (Jaden Smith) is different than the boy from the original and the change works okay except that it doesn't necessarily have any significance within the story. His father passed away and he now lives with her. They don't appear to have a close relationship as he misses his father and seems to resent her. The opening segment takes place in the 1920's and at the time seemed to have a purpose but it is never really explained. I made an assumption about what it meant but later on there is a scene involving a meeting between Klaatu, and another alien that offered no back story and made me question the reason for the opening. I liked the way G.O.R.T was re-imagined. He certainly came off with a much higher intimidation factor here than in the original. Once again I found myself scratching my head. There is a sequence where the military erects large panels around GORT as he stands in Central Park. He is then lowered into what appears to be a large silo where they attempt to drill into him etc. It didn't really seem to make sense other than to set up what happened next which involved the beginning of the demise of the earth. The secretary of defense (Kathy Bates) is in charge (the President and Vice President have been sequestered) and after meeting Klaatu seems to have everything figured out. The problem is that she continually makes rash decisions even after learning the truth about the alien's intentions. A few elements from the original were used but sort of felt out of place here. One example is the meeting between Klaatu and Professor Barnhardt. To me this scene didn't have the importance it had in the original and felt like a throw back only for its sake.
I didn't think that this was a bad film. Comparing it to the classic original diminishes it however taking it at face value it was entertaining. The effects were impressive and the story while uneven and lacking foundation maintained focus and adequate pacing which kept it interesting. Jennifer Connelly and Jaden Smith handled the bulk of the heavy lifting among the cast. She is a captivatingly beautiful woman whose presence onscreen can't help but demand attention. This is not just because of her looks because she is a fine actress as well. I thought that Jaden Smith did a pretty good job. I especially liked his emotional scene that takes place at the cemetery. Keanu Reaves really didn't have to do much. I didn't care for the emotionless nature of his Klaatu. I much preferred Michael Rennie's rendition of the character. If you go into this hoping to find a film that replicated the original prepare to be disappointed. I think that the filmmakers have the utmost respect for the 1951 classic and tried to re-imagine it. Unfortunately the outcome is an average Sci-Fi thriller that pales in comparison.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for some sci-fi disaster images and violence.
AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Audio: 88
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 86
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
The day the earth stood still (2008) comes to Blu-ray Disc from Fox featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 25 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.5 mbps.
This high definition video presentation offered quality that is consistent with other newer release films that have been released on Blu-ray Disc. Blacks were strong, with deep gradations and dynamic highlights that looked great when onscreen with mixed content. The film contains a variety of low lit settings and those that take place in uneven light. Shadow detail during these scenes was excellent. Contrast was spot on which empowered bright sequences without whitewashing detail. Images were appreciably delineated and revealing of good textural nuance that enhanced close ups. Long range shots weren't resolved quite as well but appeared crisp and two dimensional. Many of the darker segments tended to highlight grain which imparted a grittier aesthetic that left them less definitively resolute. Sharpness was very good overall but certain scenes took on a softer perspective that may be innate to the photography but was discernible nonetheless. The color palette was not a divergent one as the film makes use of reserved earth tones, and varying shades of gray and blue that were rarely eye catching. When onscreen, primary colors such as the blue of Jennifer Connelly eyes were noticeably enticing and stood out quite nicely. Complexions had good tonal variety and lifelike texture that were a bit less obvious with the fairer skinned members of the cast. This was an excellent offering from Fox on Blu-ray.
The lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio delivered an enriching surround sound experience. This was a dynamically charged mix that featured well intonated, crystal clear dialogue and lucid high level detail that elevated the perception of lower level sounds within the recording. The exemplary sound design carefully blended subtle ambience, discrete near field pans, and off camera spatial cues to create a stable, immersive and articulated listening environment within my room. This resulted in superb imaging and seamless soundstage integration that made the experience involving. Bass response was excellent. Some of the action based sequences had hard hitting authority with deep extension, and room filling power that accentuated dynamics. This soundtrack combines strong dialogue, excellent clarity/detail and extended dynamic range to provide a well rounded and invigorating home theater exhibition.
Bonus Features:
- Commentary by writer David Scarpa
- Klaatu's unseen artifacts: The day the earth stood still PiP BonusView track
- Build your own GORT: BD-Java interactive feature
- (HD) Deleted scenes - 3
- (HD) Re-imagining The Day - 30 minute feature where filmmakers/cast discuss this remake of the 1951 classic
- (HD) Unleashing GORT - 14 minute design featurette
- (HD) Watching the skies: In search of extraterrestrial life - 23 minute documentary
- (HD) The day the earth was green - 14 minute featurette on the environmentally green production
- Still galleries - Concept art, Storyboards, Production photos
- (HD) Theatrical trailer
- Digital Copy Bonus Disc - Contains a standard definition version of the film that can be downloaded from a compatible PC to a portable media player
- Bonus DVD - The original 1951 classic: The day the earth stood still
- D- Box motion code enabled
Final Thoughts:
The day the earth stood still (2008) is an average Scif-Fi thriller that unfortunately fails to capture the true essence of the original 1951 classic. I found it entertaining and enjoyed its excellent high definition audio/video presentation from Fox Blu-ray. If you're curious it is certainly worth the price of a rental to check it out.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS20 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-BD55K 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
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier
Philips TSU9400 Pro Series Touch Panel Remote Control
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