The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
98
Studio and Year: Miramax - 2005
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 124 Minutes
Genre: Action
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 1.85:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Nick Stahl, Clive Owen, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Brittany Murphy, Elijah Wood, Michael Madsen, Powers Booth, Carla Gugino
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino
Music by: Robert Rodriguez, John Debney & Graeme Revell
Written by: Frank Miller based on his Graphic Novels
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 21, 2009
"There is no justice without sin"
Film Synopsis:
An amazing cast of big-screen favorites is directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller - and special guest director Quentin Tarantino in an acclaimed and visually stunning hit that's the coolest movie of the year! Straight from the pages of Miller's hip series of Sin City graphic novels, Bruce Willis stars as a cop with a bum ticker and a vow to protect a sexy stripper; Mickey Rourke as an outcast misanthrope on a mission to avenge the death of his one true love and Clive Owen as Dwight, the clandestine love of Shellie, who spends his night defending Gail and her Old Town girls from a tough guy with a penchant for violence. Also starring Elijah Wood, Nick Stahl, Michael Madsen, Carla Gugino and Michael Clarke Duncan.
My Take:
Sin City for those that don’t know, is a film based on the graphic novels by comic legend Frank Miller. The film is co-directed by Miller along with Robert Rodriguez and guest director Quentin Tarantino. This is a film unlike any other as it carefully depicts the stylistic, brutal and slick noir world that is realized in Miller’s Sin City. Three tales are interwoven as the film faithfully captures the incredibly artistic and stark visual style of Miller’s pen. I won’t go into a synoptic breakdown of the stories as I would hope that most who are reading this is familiar with them. Suffice it to say this is one of the coolest and visually enticing action films available today. I love the throw back dialogue, running narration, dark characters and cool visual design. Its release on Blu-ray Disc is one of the most anticipated since the formats inception. Disney didn’t disappoint as they included the restored theatrical version as well as a recut, extended, unrated version that is 23 minutes longer and breaks each of the stories out telling them separately in their entirety. This includes the Josh Hartnett pieces that open and close the theatrical version. I thought that this was a nice touch but preferred the interwoven telling of the theatrical story. Seeing them separately didn’t have the same flow and left them feeling unable to completely float on their own. Some may feel differently but its nice to have the option. The direction is ultra slick, action/violence abounds, and the cast is loaded with notable faces that includes big screen veterans, and some of today’s sexiest young actresses. For those who have seen this cinematic opus and didn’t get it I would suggest that you give it another spin on Blu-ray Disc. Personally, I am glad that I do get it because this movie is just loads of fun and offers a unique, visually engaging perspective that comes right from the mind of Frank Miller.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for sustained stylized violence, nudity, and sexual content/dialogue.
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: 96
Video: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Sin City comes to Blu-ray Disc from Miramax/Disney featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.4 mbps.
I was always impressed with the video quality of this film on DVD but the high definition presentation on Blu-ray Disc is breathtaking. Images are pristinely rendered with exquisite high level detail and incredible depth. The opening sequence of “That yellow bastard” has a close up of Bruce Willis standing in the foreground with Michael Madsen in the background. I could make out the individual hairs not only in the stubble on Willis’ face but the tiny/fine hairs protruding from his neck near his collar line. The supple lips of Jessica Alba, the deep or shallow wrinkles on the face of Powers Booth, or the pattern of small hairs in the eyebrows of Rutger Hauer all had excellent delineation. This was also applicable to objects and clothing within the frame. Black and white levels held dominion over the visual aura as each offered quality that enhanced perspective. Blacks were inky and rich while contrast was fervent, bold and stark. Grays were gradational and variably detailed. Shadows were deep and incredibly dimensional. The superb visual design used uneven lighting, intentionally blown out whites and splashes of rich vibrant color that looked succulent against the film’s black, white and gray backdrop. This video presentation was everything that I hoped it would be as it looked magnificent.
The DVD included both Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks and I thought that both sounded quite good. The high resolution lossless DTS-HD Master Audio ratchets it up a notch or two and breathes new life into this soundtrack. I just added the new Sherbourn 7/200 multi-channel amp to my review system and I looked forward to putting it to the test with this Blu-ray Disc. The thing that immediately leaps forward is the crisp, room penetrating dialogue. The running narration is prominently displayed as it dominates the front soundstage without overpowering it. There is a subtle hint of mid bass bloat but otherwise this is dialogue that is as articulate, subtlety intonated and defining as I have heard in my room. Dynamics are energy filled and potent which gives extra clarity and weight to the plethora of sound effects featured in this intricate sound design. Low frequency effects provide bass response that is proportionate in strength and never feels excessive within the mix. Bass has concussive authority that occasionally reaches levels that approach infrasonic depth. This punctuates gunfire, adds muscle to the sounds of car engines, impact to landing punches, and china rattling weight to claps of thunder. The surround channels are actively engaged as discrete pans and spatial dimension blanket the listening area. The front and rear sound stages are neatly blended to create a cohesive atmosphere that allows the sounds of hovering helicopters, whizzing bullets, or speeding cars to traverse the sound field. The film’s music permeates the room and has an open, detailed and lucid quality that enriches the auditory. This is a great surround sound mix that offers superb demonstration material.
Bonus Features:
Final Thoughts:
Sin City is a personal favorite and is a film that is primed for the Blu-ray format. Disney has done a superlative job with this much anticipated release as it is a reference quality audio/video extravaganza that is simply captivating. The bonus content includes Blu-ray Disc exclusives, informative inside information, and a nice look at the production through interviews and commentary from the cast and crew. This is by far one of the best Blu-ray packages that has graced my collection. Highly recommended.
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
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 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 )
98
Studio and Year: Miramax - 2005
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 124 Minutes
Genre: Action
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 1.85:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Nick Stahl, Clive Owen, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Brittany Murphy, Elijah Wood, Michael Madsen, Powers Booth, Carla Gugino
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino
Music by: Robert Rodriguez, John Debney & Graeme Revell
Written by: Frank Miller based on his Graphic Novels
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 21, 2009
"There is no justice without sin"
Film Synopsis:
An amazing cast of big-screen favorites is directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller - and special guest director Quentin Tarantino in an acclaimed and visually stunning hit that's the coolest movie of the year! Straight from the pages of Miller's hip series of Sin City graphic novels, Bruce Willis stars as a cop with a bum ticker and a vow to protect a sexy stripper; Mickey Rourke as an outcast misanthrope on a mission to avenge the death of his one true love and Clive Owen as Dwight, the clandestine love of Shellie, who spends his night defending Gail and her Old Town girls from a tough guy with a penchant for violence. Also starring Elijah Wood, Nick Stahl, Michael Madsen, Carla Gugino and Michael Clarke Duncan.
My Take:
Sin City for those that don’t know, is a film based on the graphic novels by comic legend Frank Miller. The film is co-directed by Miller along with Robert Rodriguez and guest director Quentin Tarantino. This is a film unlike any other as it carefully depicts the stylistic, brutal and slick noir world that is realized in Miller’s Sin City. Three tales are interwoven as the film faithfully captures the incredibly artistic and stark visual style of Miller’s pen. I won’t go into a synoptic breakdown of the stories as I would hope that most who are reading this is familiar with them. Suffice it to say this is one of the coolest and visually enticing action films available today. I love the throw back dialogue, running narration, dark characters and cool visual design. Its release on Blu-ray Disc is one of the most anticipated since the formats inception. Disney didn’t disappoint as they included the restored theatrical version as well as a recut, extended, unrated version that is 23 minutes longer and breaks each of the stories out telling them separately in their entirety. This includes the Josh Hartnett pieces that open and close the theatrical version. I thought that this was a nice touch but preferred the interwoven telling of the theatrical story. Seeing them separately didn’t have the same flow and left them feeling unable to completely float on their own. Some may feel differently but its nice to have the option. The direction is ultra slick, action/violence abounds, and the cast is loaded with notable faces that includes big screen veterans, and some of today’s sexiest young actresses. For those who have seen this cinematic opus and didn’t get it I would suggest that you give it another spin on Blu-ray Disc. Personally, I am glad that I do get it because this movie is just loads of fun and offers a unique, visually engaging perspective that comes right from the mind of Frank Miller.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for sustained stylized violence, nudity, and sexual content/dialogue.
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: 96
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
Sin City comes to Blu-ray Disc from Miramax/Disney featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.4 mbps.
I was always impressed with the video quality of this film on DVD but the high definition presentation on Blu-ray Disc is breathtaking. Images are pristinely rendered with exquisite high level detail and incredible depth. The opening sequence of “That yellow bastard” has a close up of Bruce Willis standing in the foreground with Michael Madsen in the background. I could make out the individual hairs not only in the stubble on Willis’ face but the tiny/fine hairs protruding from his neck near his collar line. The supple lips of Jessica Alba, the deep or shallow wrinkles on the face of Powers Booth, or the pattern of small hairs in the eyebrows of Rutger Hauer all had excellent delineation. This was also applicable to objects and clothing within the frame. Black and white levels held dominion over the visual aura as each offered quality that enhanced perspective. Blacks were inky and rich while contrast was fervent, bold and stark. Grays were gradational and variably detailed. Shadows were deep and incredibly dimensional. The superb visual design used uneven lighting, intentionally blown out whites and splashes of rich vibrant color that looked succulent against the film’s black, white and gray backdrop. This video presentation was everything that I hoped it would be as it looked magnificent.
The DVD included both Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks and I thought that both sounded quite good. The high resolution lossless DTS-HD Master Audio ratchets it up a notch or two and breathes new life into this soundtrack. I just added the new Sherbourn 7/200 multi-channel amp to my review system and I looked forward to putting it to the test with this Blu-ray Disc. The thing that immediately leaps forward is the crisp, room penetrating dialogue. The running narration is prominently displayed as it dominates the front soundstage without overpowering it. There is a subtle hint of mid bass bloat but otherwise this is dialogue that is as articulate, subtlety intonated and defining as I have heard in my room. Dynamics are energy filled and potent which gives extra clarity and weight to the plethora of sound effects featured in this intricate sound design. Low frequency effects provide bass response that is proportionate in strength and never feels excessive within the mix. Bass has concussive authority that occasionally reaches levels that approach infrasonic depth. This punctuates gunfire, adds muscle to the sounds of car engines, impact to landing punches, and china rattling weight to claps of thunder. The surround channels are actively engaged as discrete pans and spatial dimension blanket the listening area. The front and rear sound stages are neatly blended to create a cohesive atmosphere that allows the sounds of hovering helicopters, whizzing bullets, or speeding cars to traverse the sound field. The film’s music permeates the room and has an open, detailed and lucid quality that enriches the auditory. This is a great surround sound mix that offers superb demonstration material.
Bonus Features:
- Disc 1:
- Theatrical version
- Cine-Explore: PiP interactive visual commentary
- Audio commentary with Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller
- Audio commentary with Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino
- 5.1 channel audio track featuring a recording of the Austin audience reaction
- Disc 2:
- Recut, extended, unrated version - adds 23 minutes to the theatrical cut
- Kill em good: Interactive comic book
- How it went down: Convincing Frank Miler to make the film - 5 minute featurette
- Special guest Director: Quentin Tarantino - 7 minute featurette
- A hard top with a decent engine: The cars of Sin City - 7 minute featurette
- Booze, broads, and guns: The props of Sin City - 11 minute featurette
- Making the monsters: Special make-up effects - 9 minute featurette
- Trench coats & fishnets: The costumes of Sin City - 7 minute featurette
- Teaser and Theatrical trailer
- Rodriguez special features:
- 15 minute flic school - Sin City
- All green screen version
- The long take
- Sin City: Live in concert
- 10 minute cooking school
- D-BOX motion code enabled
Final Thoughts:
Sin City is a personal favorite and is a film that is primed for the Blu-ray format. Disney has done a superlative job with this much anticipated release as it is a reference quality audio/video extravaganza that is simply captivating. The bonus content includes Blu-ray Disc exclusives, informative inside information, and a nice look at the production through interviews and commentary from the cast and crew. This is by far one of the best Blu-ray packages that has graced my collection. Highly recommended.
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
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 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