The Review at a Glance: ( max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
88
Studio and Year: Overture Films - 2010
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 105 minutes
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Suspense
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English Dolby TrueHD MA 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich
Directed by: John Curran
Music by: Selena Arizanovic (music supervisor)
Written by: Angus MacLachlan
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: January 18, 2010
"Some People Tell Lies. Others Live Them"
Film Synopsis:
Jack, a parole officer days away from retirement, is asked to review the case of Gerald “Stone” Creeson, in prison for arson. Now eligible for early release, Stone needs to convince Jack he has reformed, but his attempts to influence the older man’s decision with his wife Lucetta have profound and unexpected effects on them both.
My Take:
Some films try way too hard. It's almost like 'Stone' was written to be deep and confront spirituality, redemption, and forgiveness before the writer it even had a plot. The story was engaging and provocative enough to pass the 100 minute runtime, but when the credits rolled it left me annoyed more than challenged or empty, as it tried so hard to do. All I had heard about 'Stone' before viewing the Blu-ray was that is was OK, but had great performances; thats a perfect way to describe it. I hate to say this but Robert DeNiro's portrayal as Jack Mabry was solid, but it was very "DeNiro", having no real surprises. Ed Norton as 'Stone', went from sophomorically overdone to brilliant--I noticed his ghetto-hood accent change a bit throughout the film, whether or not it was intentional as he evolved is debatable. Milla Jovovich hit it out of the park as Lucetta, 'Stone's' wife. This is the best I have seen her, and I really want more of her in dramatic acting rolls; color me impressed for the first time.
The plot of Jack Mabry and his wifes sad life, and how it intersects with 'Stone' and his wife was a good starting point, having the making of a really interesting flick. By the time I realized it wasn't going much of anywhere it was too late. The movie was billed as a thriller and that is quite annoying as it's a drama through and through...yes there are moments of tension...but it is by no means a 'thriller'. The tension is the lingering question of these characters true intentions as 'Stone' sends his wife on the mission of seducing Jack Mabry, his parole office, in a desperate attempt to get a good recommendation and be paroled. This seduction opens the minds of all character involved, letting them see clearly what they had believed and lived is a lie. All the undertones and questions of spirituality sold the plot short, almost belittling the efforts and effect of the top-notch direction and acting. 'Stone' kept speaking of hearing a "sound" that changed him and alluding to moments in life that God, of whatever he believes in, gives us a chance to change. This is a reference to a religion called Eckankar, that he finds while in Prison. This new age religion is backed up by the beginning scene where Jacks wife hears a buzzing sound and comes to a major realization.
I would have preferred it as the thriller and psychological duel it is deceptively billed as.
'Stone' is a passable but forgetful film.
Parental Guide:
Rated R for strong sexuality and violence, and pervasive language
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: 84
Video: 92
'Stone's' AV presentation is best described as effortless. The film looked extremely natural, with cinematography and lightning that lended to spot-on flesh-tones and colors that seemed right on the money. Black levels and details (shadow and resolution) both were on the higher-end of the spectrum, all making this a very nice Blu-Ray release. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track was effortless as well, with precise panning and always discernible dialogue. However, it is not a super dynamic track with room shaking LFE, nor does the source ask for that. The Surrounds are utilized with an open and airy space, filling the room with a natural sense of each different location in the film.
Bonus Features:
Final Thoughts:
'Stone' is not a terrible film by any means, and I can see some people connecting with its themes of self preservation, loneliness and finding spirituality. I found it engaging enough to keep my attention but trying too hard to be deep. Anchor Bay treats the material well, with a tamper free encode that is natural and nice to watch. The supplements are nothing noteworthy, with a run of the mill "Making of". 'Stone' is not recommended, and only a rental if intrigued.
Lee Weber
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS50 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Custom 1.3 Gain 128" 2.37:1 CinemaScope Screen
Denon AVR-4311CI Receiver (Calibrated by Jeff Meier)
Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Triangle Zerius Speakers (7.1)
SVS PC13-Ultra Subwoofer
The Review at a Glance: ( max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
88
Studio and Year: Overture Films - 2010
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 105 minutes
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Suspense
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English Dolby TrueHD MA 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich
Directed by: John Curran
Music by: Selena Arizanovic (music supervisor)
Written by: Angus MacLachlan
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: January 18, 2010
"Some People Tell Lies. Others Live Them"
Film Synopsis:
Jack, a parole officer days away from retirement, is asked to review the case of Gerald “Stone” Creeson, in prison for arson. Now eligible for early release, Stone needs to convince Jack he has reformed, but his attempts to influence the older man’s decision with his wife Lucetta have profound and unexpected effects on them both.
My Take:
Some films try way too hard. It's almost like 'Stone' was written to be deep and confront spirituality, redemption, and forgiveness before the writer it even had a plot. The story was engaging and provocative enough to pass the 100 minute runtime, but when the credits rolled it left me annoyed more than challenged or empty, as it tried so hard to do. All I had heard about 'Stone' before viewing the Blu-ray was that is was OK, but had great performances; thats a perfect way to describe it. I hate to say this but Robert DeNiro's portrayal as Jack Mabry was solid, but it was very "DeNiro", having no real surprises. Ed Norton as 'Stone', went from sophomorically overdone to brilliant--I noticed his ghetto-hood accent change a bit throughout the film, whether or not it was intentional as he evolved is debatable. Milla Jovovich hit it out of the park as Lucetta, 'Stone's' wife. This is the best I have seen her, and I really want more of her in dramatic acting rolls; color me impressed for the first time.
The plot of Jack Mabry and his wifes sad life, and how it intersects with 'Stone' and his wife was a good starting point, having the making of a really interesting flick. By the time I realized it wasn't going much of anywhere it was too late. The movie was billed as a thriller and that is quite annoying as it's a drama through and through...yes there are moments of tension...but it is by no means a 'thriller'. The tension is the lingering question of these characters true intentions as 'Stone' sends his wife on the mission of seducing Jack Mabry, his parole office, in a desperate attempt to get a good recommendation and be paroled. This seduction opens the minds of all character involved, letting them see clearly what they had believed and lived is a lie. All the undertones and questions of spirituality sold the plot short, almost belittling the efforts and effect of the top-notch direction and acting. 'Stone' kept speaking of hearing a "sound" that changed him and alluding to moments in life that God, of whatever he believes in, gives us a chance to change. This is a reference to a religion called Eckankar, that he finds while in Prison. This new age religion is backed up by the beginning scene where Jacks wife hears a buzzing sound and comes to a major realization.
I would have preferred it as the thriller and psychological duel it is deceptively billed as.
'Stone' is a passable but forgetful film.
Parental Guide:
Rated R for strong sexuality and violence, and pervasive language
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: 84
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 92
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
'Stone's' AV presentation is best described as effortless. The film looked extremely natural, with cinematography and lightning that lended to spot-on flesh-tones and colors that seemed right on the money. Black levels and details (shadow and resolution) both were on the higher-end of the spectrum, all making this a very nice Blu-Ray release. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track was effortless as well, with precise panning and always discernible dialogue. However, it is not a super dynamic track with room shaking LFE, nor does the source ask for that. The Surrounds are utilized with an open and airy space, filling the room with a natural sense of each different location in the film.
Bonus Features:
- Commentary with Director Paul W.S. Anderson, and Producers Jeremy Bolt and Robert Kulzer
- (HD) The Making Of Stone
- (HD) Theatrical Trailer
- (HD) Trailers: Let Me In, Jack Goes Boating, The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Law Abiding Citizen, Brooklyn's Finest, Righteous Kill
Final Thoughts:
'Stone' is not a terrible film by any means, and I can see some people connecting with its themes of self preservation, loneliness and finding spirituality. I found it engaging enough to keep my attention but trying too hard to be deep. Anchor Bay treats the material well, with a tamper free encode that is natural and nice to watch. The supplements are nothing noteworthy, with a run of the mill "Making of". 'Stone' is not recommended, and only a rental if intrigued.
Lee Weber
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS50 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Custom 1.3 Gain 128" 2.37:1 CinemaScope Screen
Denon AVR-4311CI Receiver (Calibrated by Jeff Meier)
Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Triangle Zerius Speakers (7.1)
SVS PC13-Ultra Subwoofer