The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
91
Studio and Year: DreamWorks - 2002
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 146 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Tom Cruise, Max Von Sydow, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Neal McDonough, Steve Harris, Lois Smith, Tim Blake Nelson, Kathryn Morris
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Music by: John Williams
Written by: Scott Frank & Jon Cohen based on the short story by Philip K. Dick
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 20, 2010
"Everybody runs"
Film Synopsis:
For six years, Washington D.C. has been murder free thanks to astounding technology which identifies killers before they commit their crime. But when the chief of the Precrime Unit (Tom Cruise) is himself accused of a future murder, he has just 36 hours to discover who set him up- or he'll fall victim to the "perfect" system he helped create.
My Take:
Based on a short story by the late Philip K. Dick, this science fiction-thriller reflects the writer's familiar preoccupation with themes of concealed identity and mind control. Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton, a Washington, D.C. detective in the year 2054. Anderton works for "Precrime," a special unit of the police department that arrests murderers before they have committed the actual crime. Precrime bases its work on the visions of three psychics or "precogs" whose prophecies of future events are never in error. When Anderton discovers that he has been identified as the future killer of a man he's never met, he is forced to become a fugitive from his own colleagues as he tries to uncover the mystery of the victim-to-be's identity. When he kidnaps Agatha (Samantha Morton), one of the precogs, he begins to formulate a theory about a possible frame-up from within his own department.
My first experience with Minority report wasn't a thoroughly fulfilling one. Initially I found the film's visual style to be a bit distracting and the story left me wanting more. A second viewing made the difference and I came to appreciate director Steven Spielberg's vision of the world in 2054. I also saw more depth in the John Anderton character and understood more of the minutia inherent in the story. Author Philip K. Dick has given us other sci-fi stories that have a futuristic spin that revolve around a mind bending premise. They have come to the big screen as well and include Blade Runner, Total recall, Paycheck, A scanner darkly, and Next. In the hands of Steven Spielberg this one shines. I find the idea of Precrime intriguing and can see how its inception would raise serious concerns in the real world. The ability to preempt crimes is one thing but incarcerating someone for a crime that they haven't actually committed is an entirely different situation. The film points to the flaws inherent in that system when it can be manipulated. Regardless, as a member of law enforcement I am all for keeping the streets free of riff raff we can work out the fine details later. Seriously though Minority Report never loses focus and once things get going sets a blistering pace containing plenty of action, thrills, drama and a few plot twists that you may or may not see coming. The result is a terrific sci-fi opus filled with intrigue, well drawn characters, and spectacular special effects. Star Tom Cruise owns his character and knows how and when to delegate to his fellow cast mates. Colin Farrell portrays the perfect foil in Danny Witwer, an ambitious Federal agent assigned by the Attorney General to investigate the legitimacy of Precrime. Screen veteran Max Von Sydow is supremely convincing as the aging but determined head of Precrime who will stop at nothing to ensure its survival. Lastly, Samantha Morton who portrays Agatha, the Precog that potentially holds the key/Minority Report that may save Anderton's life. Like the character she plays Morton's performance is important to the solidification of the story and she pulls it off with aplomb. There are a handful of supporting players that lend credibility to their respective roles among them is Lois Smith, Daniel London, Peter Stormare, and Neal McDonough. Minority Report isn't a perfect film but it successfully engages with remarkable filmmaking, good casting and an intelligently crafted story that makes for a rewarding sci-fi action thriller that I enjoy revisiting from time to time.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for brief language, violence, some sexuality and drug content.
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: 92
Video: 90
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Minority Report comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 36 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.4 mbps.
Let me start off by saying that in my opinion this presentation appears to faithfully reflect the film's original elements and director Steven Spielberg's vision. Having said that it is important to understand that the way the film was shot does not necessarily reproduce the highly polished, three dimensional, and clearly resolute imagery that typically evokes the wow factor. That shouldn't be strictly construed to indicate that it doesn't look good in high definition. I have taken this into account while trying to provide an accurate depiction of my opinion in this review. Read on.
Minority Report was shot utilizing a visual style that gives it a distinctively monochromatic look that basks it in a bluish gray hue that permeates the presentation. Filtering is applied which gives many brightly lit or sun drenched sequences a hazy glow which can make them appear soft. Colors are primarily limited to various stages of gray, sepia tones, and blues. There are splashes of more inviting colors such as those seen in the greenhouse of Dr. Hines but even then saturation is noticeably held in check. When not affected by the aforementioned filtering fleshtones have a warm and lifelike complexional quality. Images are firmly resolved but perceivable resolution can be scene dependent due to the nature of the photography. Close ups fare better than wide angle shots and offer respectable detail and appreciable refinement. The video has a notably grainy aesthetic that tends to interfere with depth but also lends the presentation an enriching filmic texture. White and black levels achieve good balance so that detail/gradations are visible in brighter elements while dark sequences have a rich, delineated and dynamic quality that makes them pop. I can't speak for everyone but in my opinion Minority Report's decidedly stylized interpretation by director Steven Spielberg makes for a unique albeit frustrating visual experience for those that may be seeing it for the first time. This was definitely the case for me the first time I saw it. Subsequent viewings for me have yielded an appreciation for its cool, futuristic and sterilized visuals that effectively transports us to the year 2054 and a society that has become accustomed to living a programmed existence. While its elements aren't necessarily the type that outwardly shines in high definition this Blu-ray presentation from Paramount accurately reproduces them which results in an unconventional yet rewarding viewing experience.
The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack needs no interpretation and simply sounds awesome. This is a very involving surround mix that delivers an invigorating and aurally stimulating home theater experience. Dialogue is full bodied with deep room penetration and high level articulation through the center channel. Integration of the front and rear soundstages is seamless as discrete sounds follow a deliberate and realistic path as dictated by the events onscreen. This creates an immersive and involving soundscape that is abundantly rich in detail. I found that even subtle background effects like the interior sounds of a busy shopping mall or open exterior sounds of a crowded public swimming pool had discernibly audible presence. John Williams' music score is prominently on display and sounds magnificent throughout the film. It appreciably enhances the action with its spirited orchestration which is accentuated by the smooth timbre of the instruments and the low frequency punch of the bass drum. Low frequency effects are used authoritatively to underscore the bombastic and aggressive elements present in this soundtrack and it does so quite effectively. Its presence is never in question as it fills the room with tight, refined, and palpable bass that can be downright room shaking. A great example of this can be found during chapter 8 as Anderton struggles with the two Precrime officers after crashing through the window into the apartment building. Listen/feel as the three of them are propelled upward into the ceiling and break through the floor/table above. It's a brief moment but a great sequence for ultra deep bass. Similarly the fight sequence in the car factory involving the pulse weapons makes for great demo material. This is a reference quality lossless audio presentation that definitely enhances the enjoyment of this great sci-fi thriller on Blu-ray Disc.
Bonus Features:
Final Thoughts:
Minority Report is a dazzling sci-fi thriller that feels as fresh today as it did the first time I saw it eight years ago. Director Steven Spielberg and screenwriters Scott Frank and Jon Cohen's adaptation of the short story by Philip K. Dick makes for an exciting, thought provoking, and intriguing film that engages audiences on multiple levels. I am glad to see it arrive on Blu-ray Disc. Paramount didn't disappoint as it features faithful video reproduction, reference quality lossless sound and a comprehensive set of bonus supplements that offers an in depth perspective on the production. Not to be missed Minority Report on Blu-ray is simply a must have and comes highly recommended.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector (Calibrated by Jeff Meier)
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100 16x9 Screen
Anthem AVM50v THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player (480i HDMI)
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 )
91
Studio and Year: DreamWorks - 2002
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 146 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Tom Cruise, Max Von Sydow, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Neal McDonough, Steve Harris, Lois Smith, Tim Blake Nelson, Kathryn Morris
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Music by: John Williams
Written by: Scott Frank & Jon Cohen based on the short story by Philip K. Dick
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 20, 2010
"Everybody runs"
Film Synopsis:
For six years, Washington D.C. has been murder free thanks to astounding technology which identifies killers before they commit their crime. But when the chief of the Precrime Unit (Tom Cruise) is himself accused of a future murder, he has just 36 hours to discover who set him up- or he'll fall victim to the "perfect" system he helped create.
My Take:
Based on a short story by the late Philip K. Dick, this science fiction-thriller reflects the writer's familiar preoccupation with themes of concealed identity and mind control. Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton, a Washington, D.C. detective in the year 2054. Anderton works for "Precrime," a special unit of the police department that arrests murderers before they have committed the actual crime. Precrime bases its work on the visions of three psychics or "precogs" whose prophecies of future events are never in error. When Anderton discovers that he has been identified as the future killer of a man he's never met, he is forced to become a fugitive from his own colleagues as he tries to uncover the mystery of the victim-to-be's identity. When he kidnaps Agatha (Samantha Morton), one of the precogs, he begins to formulate a theory about a possible frame-up from within his own department.
My first experience with Minority report wasn't a thoroughly fulfilling one. Initially I found the film's visual style to be a bit distracting and the story left me wanting more. A second viewing made the difference and I came to appreciate director Steven Spielberg's vision of the world in 2054. I also saw more depth in the John Anderton character and understood more of the minutia inherent in the story. Author Philip K. Dick has given us other sci-fi stories that have a futuristic spin that revolve around a mind bending premise. They have come to the big screen as well and include Blade Runner, Total recall, Paycheck, A scanner darkly, and Next. In the hands of Steven Spielberg this one shines. I find the idea of Precrime intriguing and can see how its inception would raise serious concerns in the real world. The ability to preempt crimes is one thing but incarcerating someone for a crime that they haven't actually committed is an entirely different situation. The film points to the flaws inherent in that system when it can be manipulated. Regardless, as a member of law enforcement I am all for keeping the streets free of riff raff we can work out the fine details later. Seriously though Minority Report never loses focus and once things get going sets a blistering pace containing plenty of action, thrills, drama and a few plot twists that you may or may not see coming. The result is a terrific sci-fi opus filled with intrigue, well drawn characters, and spectacular special effects. Star Tom Cruise owns his character and knows how and when to delegate to his fellow cast mates. Colin Farrell portrays the perfect foil in Danny Witwer, an ambitious Federal agent assigned by the Attorney General to investigate the legitimacy of Precrime. Screen veteran Max Von Sydow is supremely convincing as the aging but determined head of Precrime who will stop at nothing to ensure its survival. Lastly, Samantha Morton who portrays Agatha, the Precog that potentially holds the key/Minority Report that may save Anderton's life. Like the character she plays Morton's performance is important to the solidification of the story and she pulls it off with aplomb. There are a handful of supporting players that lend credibility to their respective roles among them is Lois Smith, Daniel London, Peter Stormare, and Neal McDonough. Minority Report isn't a perfect film but it successfully engages with remarkable filmmaking, good casting and an intelligently crafted story that makes for a rewarding sci-fi action thriller that I enjoy revisiting from time to time.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for brief language, violence, some sexuality and drug content.
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: 92
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 90
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
Minority Report comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 36 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.4 mbps.
Let me start off by saying that in my opinion this presentation appears to faithfully reflect the film's original elements and director Steven Spielberg's vision. Having said that it is important to understand that the way the film was shot does not necessarily reproduce the highly polished, three dimensional, and clearly resolute imagery that typically evokes the wow factor. That shouldn't be strictly construed to indicate that it doesn't look good in high definition. I have taken this into account while trying to provide an accurate depiction of my opinion in this review. Read on.
Minority Report was shot utilizing a visual style that gives it a distinctively monochromatic look that basks it in a bluish gray hue that permeates the presentation. Filtering is applied which gives many brightly lit or sun drenched sequences a hazy glow which can make them appear soft. Colors are primarily limited to various stages of gray, sepia tones, and blues. There are splashes of more inviting colors such as those seen in the greenhouse of Dr. Hines but even then saturation is noticeably held in check. When not affected by the aforementioned filtering fleshtones have a warm and lifelike complexional quality. Images are firmly resolved but perceivable resolution can be scene dependent due to the nature of the photography. Close ups fare better than wide angle shots and offer respectable detail and appreciable refinement. The video has a notably grainy aesthetic that tends to interfere with depth but also lends the presentation an enriching filmic texture. White and black levels achieve good balance so that detail/gradations are visible in brighter elements while dark sequences have a rich, delineated and dynamic quality that makes them pop. I can't speak for everyone but in my opinion Minority Report's decidedly stylized interpretation by director Steven Spielberg makes for a unique albeit frustrating visual experience for those that may be seeing it for the first time. This was definitely the case for me the first time I saw it. Subsequent viewings for me have yielded an appreciation for its cool, futuristic and sterilized visuals that effectively transports us to the year 2054 and a society that has become accustomed to living a programmed existence. While its elements aren't necessarily the type that outwardly shines in high definition this Blu-ray presentation from Paramount accurately reproduces them which results in an unconventional yet rewarding viewing experience.
The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack needs no interpretation and simply sounds awesome. This is a very involving surround mix that delivers an invigorating and aurally stimulating home theater experience. Dialogue is full bodied with deep room penetration and high level articulation through the center channel. Integration of the front and rear soundstages is seamless as discrete sounds follow a deliberate and realistic path as dictated by the events onscreen. This creates an immersive and involving soundscape that is abundantly rich in detail. I found that even subtle background effects like the interior sounds of a busy shopping mall or open exterior sounds of a crowded public swimming pool had discernibly audible presence. John Williams' music score is prominently on display and sounds magnificent throughout the film. It appreciably enhances the action with its spirited orchestration which is accentuated by the smooth timbre of the instruments and the low frequency punch of the bass drum. Low frequency effects are used authoritatively to underscore the bombastic and aggressive elements present in this soundtrack and it does so quite effectively. Its presence is never in question as it fills the room with tight, refined, and palpable bass that can be downright room shaking. A great example of this can be found during chapter 8 as Anderton struggles with the two Precrime officers after crashing through the window into the apartment building. Listen/feel as the three of them are propelled upward into the ceiling and break through the floor/table above. It's a brief moment but a great sequence for ultra deep bass. Similarly the fight sequence in the car factory involving the pulse weapons makes for great demo material. This is a reference quality lossless audio presentation that definitely enhances the enjoyment of this great sci-fi thriller on Blu-ray Disc.
Bonus Features:
The Bonus features are all located on Disc 2 which is a BD-50 Blu-ray Disc.
- (HD) The future according to Steven Spielberg: An interactive guide to Minority Report - Bonusview enabled feature with 18 segments that have a separate or play all option
- (HD) Inside the world of Precrime - 10 minute (faux) feature
- (HD) Philip K. Dick, Steven Spielberg and Minority Report - 14 minute featurette
- (HD) Minority Report: Future realized - 6 minute feature
- (HD) Minority Report: Props of the future - 9 minute feature
- (HD) Highlights from Minority Report: From the set - The hovercraft and car factory sequences
- (HD) Minority Report: Commercials of the future - 4 minute feature
- (HD) Previz sequences - Maglev escape and Hovercraft
- From the story to screen
- Deconstructing Minority Report
- ILM and Minority Report
- Final report
- Production concepts
- Storyboard sequences
- (HD) Trailers
Final Thoughts:
Minority Report is a dazzling sci-fi thriller that feels as fresh today as it did the first time I saw it eight years ago. Director Steven Spielberg and screenwriters Scott Frank and Jon Cohen's adaptation of the short story by Philip K. Dick makes for an exciting, thought provoking, and intriguing film that engages audiences on multiple levels. I am glad to see it arrive on Blu-ray Disc. Paramount didn't disappoint as it features faithful video reproduction, reference quality lossless sound and a comprehensive set of bonus supplements that offers an in depth perspective on the production. Not to be missed Minority Report on Blu-ray is simply a must have and comes highly recommended.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector (Calibrated by Jeff Meier)
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100 16x9 Screen
Anthem AVM50v THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player (480i HDMI)
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