Ralph Potts reviews this summer blockbuster that smashes its way onto Blu-ray with thrilling lossless sound that includes one of the best Dolby Atmos mixes to date
The Review at a Glance:
(max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/3D Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
94
Details:
Studio and Year: Warner - 2015
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 114 minutes
Genre: Action/Thriller
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC/MVC
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD 7.1, French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ion Gruffudd, Archie Panjari, Paul Giamatti
Directed by:Brad Peyton
Music by: Andrew Lockington
Written by: Carlton Cuse
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 13, 2015
"Hold On….!"
My Take:
After the infamous San Andreas Fault gives, triggering a magnitude 9-plus earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) and his estranged wife (Carla Gugino) make their way together from Los Angeles to SanFrancisco to save their only daughter. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning. And when they think the worst may be over…it’s just getting started.
Let's face it disaster films aren't aimed at discerning movie goers in search of deep plots and meaningful themes. Their job is simple and can be summed up in one word, destruction. The trailer for San Andreas wasn't enough to lure me out to the theater to see so I patiently awaited its arrival on Blu-ray so that I could partake of its entertaining potential in the familiar surroundings of my home theater. Like similar films in its genre the plot here is comprised of simply elements. A hero, a scientist, victims in need of rescuing and Mother Nature unleashed. The script by Carlton Cuse is formulaic, adhering to the typical narrative and character setup that segues into the events that place our hero and victims in harm's way.
I happen to like disaster movies and have been a fan going back to the 1970's Irwin Allen blockbusters. San Andreas doesn't break the mold but rather embraces its convention by eschewing attempts at mind numbing complexities and tosses you into fray. To me, that makes for the most fun and fun is exactly what you get. Riding on the strength of Dwayne Johnson's affable charisma, oodles of over the top effects and a serviceable plot, this is a gratifying, albeit somewhat campy, popcorn flick that ramps up the action and keeps it flowing. I watched it with my wife and we took it for what it is, sat back and enjoyed the ride.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for intense disaster action and mayhem throughout, and brief strong 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.**
Audio: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
3D Presentation: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Dolby Atmos Rating: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
San Andreas 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1 channel sound that has an average bitrate of 4.6 Mbps.
San Andreas wasn't shot natively in 3D but was converted in post-production. In looking at the presentation I found that detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp. Depth is appreciable as evidenced by the notable separation of objects or people layered in the foreground/background which serves to visually draw you in by creating a more discerning sense of virtual space occupied by things of various sizes and shapes. There are a variety of sequences that provide a fun reach out and touch sense of dimensionality especially during various disaster sequences where debris is raining down or rushing water comes directly at the camera. Comparing resolution, color and fleshtone reproduction to the 2D presentation I saw no discernible difference although I would give the slightest edge for all around visual pop to the 3D version.
Films like this are tailor made for lossless audio’s higher fidelity and Warner's 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD sound mix doesn’t disappoint. This reference quality soundtrack bristles with active surround sound, extended dynamic range, and punctuated, room energizing bass that makes for an involving home theater experience. Whether it’s the supple texture of small falling debris of splashes of water or the weight of a crumbling building crashing to the ground the auditory is richly basked in sonic clarity and potent dynamic energy. Surround activity is abundant with directional cues and diffused atmospheric placement that creates an immersive sound field. Excellent balance between the front and rear soundstages enables seamless transference of sounds that pass between the speakers going in either direction. Low frequencies are rendered cleanly with tactile richness and chest punching extension. Dialogue is clear, full bodied and tonally descriptive throughout. This is a terrific lossless audio soundtrack that makes for a perfect companion to either Blu-ray presentation.
As mentioned earlier film's like this are tailor made for entertaining home theater listening. In this case those words have never been truer especially with respect to Dolby Atmos. San Andreas is the first Atmos mix that I have reviewed that contains elements that allow full advantage of the format's promise and the result is an engrossing thrill ride. The opening sequence features a helicopter rescue precipitated by a vehicle that crashed down an embankment. This segment contains a wealth of effects beginning with the visceral, rumbling tumbling falling vehicle that literally places you within the compartment. Later as the helicopter arrives there is a nice overhead flyover followed by visual perspectives and audio cues that simulate the hovering craft from down below. While that all sounds great it's just an appetizer for what is to come later beginning with the sequence that takes place at the Hoover Dam. That sequence brings together the type of room traversing sound that combines object placement from above and ear level that only gets better as the action ramps up.
The Atmos mix makes effective use of the entire platform and manages the plethora of effects, dialogue, music and low frequency content allowing all of the recording's elements to be fully realized. This track can be thoroughly engrossing and sometimes starkly realistic. There is a sequence during the third act that takes place in a crumbling building that is filling with water. Debris and raining down from above and crashing to the floor. I swear that at one point I actually turned and looked over my shoulder fully expecting to see a chunk of my drywall on the floor behind my seat. It sounded so lifelike that being caught up in the sequence it sounded like a piece of concrete fell and landed in my theater room. The extended earthquake/disaster related sequences contain a host of swirling effects, explosions, nearfield pans, and ambience that rotate around the soundstage, shifting overhead, passing by at ear level and coming directly at the listening position. It all comes together in a resplendent blend of room energizing and well balanced sound that shows what this format is capable of.
Kudos to the sound designers at Warner Brothers Home Entertainment as they consistently provide thrilling soundtracks that make for some of the best home theater experiences. This is no exception and stands right alongside my other favorite Dolby Atmos sound mix (which just happens to be from Warner Brothers HE), Mad Max: Fury Road.
2D Video Quality:
Video: 92
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
San Andreas comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps.
This 2.40:1 framed Blu-ray Disc presentation features a solid looking video encoding that boasts stable contrast, bright, detailed whites, and gradationally enhanced grays. This coupled along with punchy blacks and delineated shadow detail gives images both light and dark excellent depth. The video is crisp and definitively resolved as fidelity appears to be intact. Wide angle shots have appreciable dimension with clear rendering of objects within foregrounds and backgrounds. Close ups reveal lots of subtle refinement as the intricate textures within facial features, clothing, and objects is easily discernible. This isn’t an overly colorful film. Many sequences have a filtered and de-saturated appearance that seems to coincide with the director’s intention. Deep shades of blue and red stand out nicely against the muted chromatic range and look great. Skin tones are warm but all appear natural within the scope of the source material. On occasion sharpness wavers however it appears innate and isn’t distracting. Overall quality is excellent as the video has a pristine and dimensionally strong perspective that is visually pleasing and reminiscent of what I saw during the theatrical presentation.
Bonus Features:
San Andreas is a formulaic disaster themed action/adventure that makes for entertaining popcorn movie fun. It comes to Blu-ray in this 3D Blu-ray Combo pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring excellent high definition video, room shaking lossless surround sound, a complimentary 3D rendering and a fair supplemental package. Home theater enthusiasts that are set up for Dolby Atmos are sure to be pleased with this outstanding mix that literally places you in the middle of the action. San Andreas makes for a thrilling home theater ride on Blu-ray and comes highly recommended for those that love to show off their home entertainment systems.
Click Here to Join in the Discussion
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS4910 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8802A 13.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable 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)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" and In-Ceiling series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SVS PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
SVS PC12-NSD
Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
The Review at a Glance:
(max score: 5 )
Film:
( Max score: 100 )
94
Details:
Studio and Year: Warner - 2015
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 114 minutes
Genre: Action/Thriller
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC/MVC
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD 7.1, French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ion Gruffudd, Archie Panjari, Paul Giamatti
Directed by:Brad Peyton
Music by: Andrew Lockington
Written by: Carlton Cuse
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 13, 2015
"Hold On….!"
My Take:
After the infamous San Andreas Fault gives, triggering a magnitude 9-plus earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) and his estranged wife (Carla Gugino) make their way together from Los Angeles to SanFrancisco to save their only daughter. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning. And when they think the worst may be over…it’s just getting started.
Let's face it disaster films aren't aimed at discerning movie goers in search of deep plots and meaningful themes. Their job is simple and can be summed up in one word, destruction. The trailer for San Andreas wasn't enough to lure me out to the theater to see so I patiently awaited its arrival on Blu-ray so that I could partake of its entertaining potential in the familiar surroundings of my home theater. Like similar films in its genre the plot here is comprised of simply elements. A hero, a scientist, victims in need of rescuing and Mother Nature unleashed. The script by Carlton Cuse is formulaic, adhering to the typical narrative and character setup that segues into the events that place our hero and victims in harm's way.
I happen to like disaster movies and have been a fan going back to the 1970's Irwin Allen blockbusters. San Andreas doesn't break the mold but rather embraces its convention by eschewing attempts at mind numbing complexities and tosses you into fray. To me, that makes for the most fun and fun is exactly what you get. Riding on the strength of Dwayne Johnson's affable charisma, oodles of over the top effects and a serviceable plot, this is a gratifying, albeit somewhat campy, popcorn flick that ramps up the action and keeps it flowing. I watched it with my wife and we took it for what it is, sat back and enjoyed the ride.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for intense disaster action and mayhem throughout, and brief strong 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.**
Audio: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency effects:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
- Low frequency extension * (non-rated element):
3D Presentation: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Depth (Onscreen):
- Dimension (Beyond the screen):
- Realism:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Color Reproduction:
Dolby Atmos Rating: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Level of immersion:
- Soundstage integration:
- Audio object placement:
- Effectiveness of Atmos platform:
- Entertainment factor:
San Andreas 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1 channel sound that has an average bitrate of 4.6 Mbps.
San Andreas wasn't shot natively in 3D but was converted in post-production. In looking at the presentation I found that detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp. Depth is appreciable as evidenced by the notable separation of objects or people layered in the foreground/background which serves to visually draw you in by creating a more discerning sense of virtual space occupied by things of various sizes and shapes. There are a variety of sequences that provide a fun reach out and touch sense of dimensionality especially during various disaster sequences where debris is raining down or rushing water comes directly at the camera. Comparing resolution, color and fleshtone reproduction to the 2D presentation I saw no discernible difference although I would give the slightest edge for all around visual pop to the 3D version.
Films like this are tailor made for lossless audio’s higher fidelity and Warner's 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD sound mix doesn’t disappoint. This reference quality soundtrack bristles with active surround sound, extended dynamic range, and punctuated, room energizing bass that makes for an involving home theater experience. Whether it’s the supple texture of small falling debris of splashes of water or the weight of a crumbling building crashing to the ground the auditory is richly basked in sonic clarity and potent dynamic energy. Surround activity is abundant with directional cues and diffused atmospheric placement that creates an immersive sound field. Excellent balance between the front and rear soundstages enables seamless transference of sounds that pass between the speakers going in either direction. Low frequencies are rendered cleanly with tactile richness and chest punching extension. Dialogue is clear, full bodied and tonally descriptive throughout. This is a terrific lossless audio soundtrack that makes for a perfect companion to either Blu-ray presentation.
As mentioned earlier film's like this are tailor made for entertaining home theater listening. In this case those words have never been truer especially with respect to Dolby Atmos. San Andreas is the first Atmos mix that I have reviewed that contains elements that allow full advantage of the format's promise and the result is an engrossing thrill ride. The opening sequence features a helicopter rescue precipitated by a vehicle that crashed down an embankment. This segment contains a wealth of effects beginning with the visceral, rumbling tumbling falling vehicle that literally places you within the compartment. Later as the helicopter arrives there is a nice overhead flyover followed by visual perspectives and audio cues that simulate the hovering craft from down below. While that all sounds great it's just an appetizer for what is to come later beginning with the sequence that takes place at the Hoover Dam. That sequence brings together the type of room traversing sound that combines object placement from above and ear level that only gets better as the action ramps up.
The Atmos mix makes effective use of the entire platform and manages the plethora of effects, dialogue, music and low frequency content allowing all of the recording's elements to be fully realized. This track can be thoroughly engrossing and sometimes starkly realistic. There is a sequence during the third act that takes place in a crumbling building that is filling with water. Debris and raining down from above and crashing to the floor. I swear that at one point I actually turned and looked over my shoulder fully expecting to see a chunk of my drywall on the floor behind my seat. It sounded so lifelike that being caught up in the sequence it sounded like a piece of concrete fell and landed in my theater room. The extended earthquake/disaster related sequences contain a host of swirling effects, explosions, nearfield pans, and ambience that rotate around the soundstage, shifting overhead, passing by at ear level and coming directly at the listening position. It all comes together in a resplendent blend of room energizing and well balanced sound that shows what this format is capable of.
Kudos to the sound designers at Warner Brothers Home Entertainment as they consistently provide thrilling soundtracks that make for some of the best home theater experiences. This is no exception and stands right alongside my other favorite Dolby Atmos sound mix (which just happens to be from Warner Brothers HE), Mad Max: Fury Road.
2D Video Quality:
Video: 92
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black Level/Shadow Detail:
- Color Reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
San Andreas comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps.
This 2.40:1 framed Blu-ray Disc presentation features a solid looking video encoding that boasts stable contrast, bright, detailed whites, and gradationally enhanced grays. This coupled along with punchy blacks and delineated shadow detail gives images both light and dark excellent depth. The video is crisp and definitively resolved as fidelity appears to be intact. Wide angle shots have appreciable dimension with clear rendering of objects within foregrounds and backgrounds. Close ups reveal lots of subtle refinement as the intricate textures within facial features, clothing, and objects is easily discernible. This isn’t an overly colorful film. Many sequences have a filtered and de-saturated appearance that seems to coincide with the director’s intention. Deep shades of blue and red stand out nicely against the muted chromatic range and look great. Skin tones are warm but all appear natural within the scope of the source material. On occasion sharpness wavers however it appears innate and isn’t distracting. Overall quality is excellent as the video has a pristine and dimensionally strong perspective that is visually pleasing and reminiscent of what I saw during the theatrical presentation.
Bonus Features:
- Director Audio Commentary
- (HD) San Andreas: The real fault line – 6 minute featurette
- (HD) Dwayne Johnson to the rescue – 9 minute featurette
- (HD) Scoring the quake – 6 minute featurette
- (HD) Deleted scenes – 4 minutes
- (HD) Gag reel
- (HD) Stunt Reel
- Bonus DVD
- Digital HD Copy
San Andreas is a formulaic disaster themed action/adventure that makes for entertaining popcorn movie fun. It comes to Blu-ray in this 3D Blu-ray Combo pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring excellent high definition video, room shaking lossless surround sound, a complimentary 3D rendering and a fair supplemental package. Home theater enthusiasts that are set up for Dolby Atmos are sure to be pleased with this outstanding mix that literally places you in the middle of the action. San Andreas makes for a thrilling home theater ride on Blu-ray and comes highly recommended for those that love to show off their home entertainment systems.
Click Here to Join in the Discussion
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS4910 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8802A 13.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable 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)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" and In-Ceiling series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SVS PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
SVS PC12-NSD
Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package