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Top Blu-rays for 2013

6K views 29 replies 21 participants last post by  Ralph Potts 
#1 ·

It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2013. When I began thinking about assembling this list there weren’t as many titles coming to the forefront of my mind as I’d hoped. Once I began going over this year’s reviews I didn’t have any problem coming up with 25 titles that either look, sound or look and sound great making them worthy additions to the collections of enthusiasts. While the year isn’t quite over I wanted to post this article prior to the beginning of the holiday shopping season.


I have included remarks from my review of each along with a link to the review that can be accessed by clicking on the title.



Oblivion









This is a beautifully crafted digital film that looks amazing in high definition. From start to finish this presentation is nothing short of mesmerizing in its depiction of the film’s animated images. The video is exquisitely detailed, incredibly three dimensional and never left me wanting for fine degrees of subtle delineation and texture. The 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio makes for an engaging and fun home theater experience that brings out the superbly crafted and sometimes delicate nature of the soundtrack. Subtle nuance in both the sound effects and Alan Silvestri’s wonderful music score is readily apparent. Excellent dynamic range and crystal clarity enable the shifts from moments of quiet to visceral action to shine equally.









The Conjuring







The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is excellent and truly enhances the film’s overall presentation. This is a dynamically gratifying surround mix that features high level detail, superlative clarity, and rich, room filling surround sound. This is sophisticated sound design that incorporates a vast number of sound effects that are intricately mixed to engage the listening position. Spot on imaging and channel separation draw out both large and small sounds and allow their directional correlation based upon the onscreen events to be definable within the room’s acoustic boundaries.







Man of Steel









Pacific Rim is a rock ‘em sock ‘em good time plain and simple. This isn’t provocatively deep filmmaking nor is it intended to be. What it is, is a full on sci-fi action thriller with an ambitious slant on the monster movie genre. I found it to be thoroughly fulfilling in that regard and enjoyed the infusion of elements that distill the subject matter. It comes to Blu-ray from Warner Home Video in both 3D and 2D Combo Packs that feature resplendent 3D/2D high definition video, rip roaring DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound and a complimentary assortment of bonus supplements that are well worth exploring. If you’re a fan this is a must have Blu-ray that is sure to be at the top of your demonstration material list. Enjoy!







Life of Pi









Four years in the making director Ang Lee’s passion and vision are fully realized in this dazzling spectacle that stretches the limits of imagination as it teeters between what we as the audience might conceive as possible or impossible. Either way Life of Pi reaches out to us on varying levels allowing us to draw from its visual lyrics and shaped metaphors. Life of Pi is one of those high definition presentations that looks as good in 3D as it does in 2D. Films like this are tailor made for lossless audio’s higher fidelity and Fox’s 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio 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.







Rise of the Guardians









I don’t know how Disney does it. They continually push the envelope with refreshing takes on family themed animation that both parents and kids can enjoy. I watched Wreck-it Ralphwith my wife and kids, who are both in college, and we all loved it. This four disc Ultimate Collector’s Blu-ray package from Disney includes the feature film in high definition in both 3D and 2D flavors with each offering a superlative viewing experience coupled with reference quality 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound.







From Here to Eternity








Wow. This is my first time seeing it in its entirety. I have seen it referenced in other films, TV shows etc. but had never gotten around to sitting down and watching it. I absolutely loved it. This is a superbly constructed film with its three distinct storylines and wonderfully drawn characters. I can’t praise the performances of the ensemble cast enough. Their marvelous chemistry sell the unfolding and inevitable events making the evocative nature of the drama all the more involving. The finale and memorable closing moment is the icing on the cake.




From Here to Eternity has undergone a 4K scan restoration/re-mastering and the results deliver marvelous video quality. 60 years later this wonderful film looks terrific thanks to a well executed restoration that appears to have faithfully preserved the film’s original elements.









Downton Abbey Season Three





Downton Abbey Season Three represents my first foray into the popular English TV series and I must say, better late than never. This is an engaging and wonderfully written show that might just surprise genre fans that have never bothered to give it a look. For those that never miss it I guarantee that Season Three has lots to offer including several interesting twists, a few turns and one or eye openers that reinforce why it is one of top rated shows on the air. Downton Abbey Season Three comes to Blu-ray in this three Disc release from PBS Home Entertainment featuring sparkling reference quality high definition video, crystal clear lossless sound and a strong supplemental package that fans will appreciate.







House of Cards Season One







House of Cards is a well written and compelling political drama that pulls no punches and leaves you hankering for more. Star Kevin Spacey anchors a stalwart stable of supporting actors lead by the always reliable Robin Wright with whom he shares excellent onscreen chemistry. Season one plays out as a series of chess moves with each one critically relying on the one before resulting in an engrossing and entertaining show that capably segues into the upcoming season two. House of Cards comes to Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment featuring excellent high definition video and crystal clear lossless sound.







Zero Dark Thirty







Zero Dark Thirty is a gripping and evocative thriller that serves as an expose that is less about the killing of Osama Bin Laden but more about the looping process, the steadfastness of someone destined to see it through and finally, proof that sometimes one person can make a difference despite seeming insurmountable odds. Quality filmmaking from end to end it is an indelible cinematic experience that has become a personal favorite. Zero Dark Thirty comes to Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment featuring faithful and reference quality audio/video that I found deserving of the rare 100/100 technical rating.







Skyfall









This is a flawless and film like video presentation that delivers exquisite high level detail and rich image penetrating colors that look gorgeous in high definition. The video has incredible depth and dimension that is rarely limited by the camera’s perspective. The level of resolution present produces imagery that in many cases has a near infinite visual acuity that draws out the finest details in close ups while enhancing the delineation and textural nuance within objects and backgrounds. The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio soundtrack is technically proficient and sounds terrific. This is a supremely articulated and commanding presentation that will reward those with systems capable of thoroughly reproducing its elements.







Looper






Looper came out in December 2012 with my review going live on December 22nd after my 2012 article. I think it is deserving of recognition and decided to include it in this year’s recommendation.*


Looper is a stylish, thought provoking and imaginative sci-fi action thriller that can’t miss with fans that revel in multi-genre films of its type. It isn’t perfect but writer/director Rian Johnson utilizes an excellent cast and top notch production value to successfully draw you into his world. Looper comes to Blu-ray Disc from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment featuring reference quality high definition video, a superb DTS-HD Master Audio surround mix and above average supplements that provide a glimpse behind the curtain.









Turbo







This is a pristine and reference quality high definition presentation from Fox. The video quality is superlative in its depiction of the film’s animated subjects. Detail and definition is impeccably rendered as images have a luminous and sparkling clarity that is appreciably dimensional. Fine degrees of subtle delineation and texture are clearly discernible. Colors are richly saturated, vibrant and beautifully rendered.











The Last Tycoon




The Last Tycoon turned out to be much better than expected as it is a multi-genre that expertly blends romantic themes with enriching elements of action/crime that revolve around well drawn characters that are easy to care about.


Detail rendering is nearly flawless with lucid visual acuity and fine articulation that brings forth lots of subtle detail in the images onscreen. Colors are rich and delineated with oversaturated primaries and warm tonality that make them pop nicely. This is an involving surround mix that intelligently utilizes the entire system where appropriate. During the extended Japanese bombing raid sequence the listening position is actively engaged by a mixture of spatial and discretely placed sound effects that place the listener in the heart of the action.







Jack Reacher









This is a terrific DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that features crystal clear dialogue, powerful dynamics and a subtly aggressive and involving surround sound mix. I was impressed with the implementation of both spacial dimension and discrete directional sounds that created a realistic and occasionally immersive listening environment. This worked hand in hand with film’s music, and thematic elements to build tension and help drive the story.









The Intouchables







The Intouchables is a beautifully crafted dramatic film that eschews pointed melodrama and speaks to the human condition from a candid perspective derived from an enchanting story of the healing power of friendship. This is a top notch video presentation that boasts plenty of high level detail, boldly applied contrast, rich colors, and appreciable dimensional perspective. Fleshtones are lifelike and exhibit warm yet descriptive complexional tonality. Blacks are punchy and visibility in low lighting/darkened areas is estimable. Images are dynamic, clearly drawn, and well suited for the source material.







Argo









Based on true events, Argo is a captivating thriller that chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis-the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. It comes to Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack from Warner Home Video featuring gratifying and faithful high definition video quality, excellent lossless surround sound and an excellent supplemental offering that is highlighted by an informative picture-in-picture in-movie track. Not to be missed Argo on Blu-ray comes highly recommended.







Django Unchained *by request









Django Unchained was an impressive ride that solidified (if we even needed that) Tarantino’s unrelenting love for exploitation cinema and his knack of taking any genre and throwing it in his own exploitation blender. DeCaprio and Waltz, the latter whom won Best Actor for his role, are amazing here, as are all the performances Mr. Tarantino channels from his actors. My only gripe is the skimpy bit of extras, I wanted more, and of course, wanted a directors commentary. Fans must have seen this by now, and probably have it on Blu-ray, but if you had any question in your mind, go for it…it’s worth it.









Evil Dead *by request







I was not expecting this but Evil Dead gets a recommendation from me. Not as a replacement, remake or even re-boot to the classic 1981 The Evil Dead, but as an entry to the series it holds its own, albeit it bit more serious then the originals. Spectacular video and definite reference audio round off this packed that comes with a UV copy and a few enjoyable extras. Fans, you can go ahead and buy this one.









*Honorable Mention*




The Way Way Back




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#28 ·
These the blu-rays I enjoyed the most from 2013 based on both their technical merits and as films in their own right.
1. Star Trek: Into Darkness
2. Elysium
3. The Lone Ranger
4. Oblivion
5. Iron Man 3
6. Skyfall
7. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3d
8. Man Of Steel
9. Pacific Rim 3d
10. Life Of Pi 3d
11. Looper
12. Oz: The Great And Powerful 3d
13. World War Z
14. Wreck It Ralph 3d
15. Fast And Furious 6
16. Jack Reacher
17. Monsters University 3d
18. The Wolverine
19. Django Unchained
20. Cloud Atlas
21. Samsara
22. Despicable Me 2 3d
23. Jack The Giant Slayer 3d
24. Rise Of The Guardians 3d
25. After Earth
 
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