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The Happening (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

post #1 of 50
10/8/08 at 12:15pm
Thread Starter 
attachment.php?attachmentid=120096&d=1221828954
The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )

Film: attachment.php?attachmentid=109941&d=1210373637

Extras: attachment.php?attachmentid=109945&d=1210373692

Audio/Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )

85






Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox - 2008
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 90 Minutes
Genre: Thriller

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 1.85:1
Resolution: 1080p/24


Audio Format(s): DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, English/Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, Betty Buckley
Written &Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Music by: James Newton Howard
Region Code: A

Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 7, 2008







"What is happening…?"



Film Synopsis:

In this heart-pounding apocalyptic thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, the writer-director of The Sixth Sense and Signs, an unstoppable event threatens the world's population by attacking the most basic human instinct of all - survival. Academy Award® Nominee Mark Wahlberg (2006 Best Supporting Actor, The Departed) stars as Elliot Moore, an ordinary man trying to save his family from a terrifying, invisible killer. As Elliot discovers the incredible possibility of what is happening, it is clear that no one - and nowhere - is safe.



My Take:

If pressed I think that I would have to consider myself a fan of M. Night Shyamalan films in general. That is not to say that I have liked all of his movies. When I saw the trailer for The Happening I thought that it looked pretty interesting. I couldn’t really tell where the film was going but there was just enough to peak my curiosity. I didn’t get a chance to check it out while it was still in theaters this summer so I looked forward to seeing it in blu. I don’t know, I sat through this film and when all was said and done I just felt like it was meaningless. The premise wasn’t bad but its execution was weak and the characters under developed. The cast seemed robotic which led to performances that lacked emotional depth. I like Mark Wahlberg and while he may not be a strong actor he certainly could have pulled this off had he been given something to work with. John Leguizamo was wasted in his role in this film, period. Zooey Deschanel can be charming onscreen but her character here left her feeling whiney, stiff and plain. Veteran actress Betty Buckley had about 6 minutes of total screen time and stole the show.

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
Spoiler  
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
The whole idea of plants/nature attacking humans by secreting an airborne toxin that caused humans to commit suicide was ludicrous.
The story came off as vague and inexplicable throughout the film which was frustrating. I will admit that there were a few suspenseful and shocking moments but they were lost in the chaos. The ending continued in that vein and was rather abrupt. To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement.


Parental Guide:

The rating is for violent and disturbing images.






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: attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373699

  • Low frequency extension: attachment.php?attachmentid=109945&d=1210373692

  • Surround Sound presentation: attachment.php?attachmentid=109945&d=1210373692

  • Clarity/Detail: attachment.php?attachmentid=109948&d=1210373699

  • Dialogue Reproduction: attachment.php?attachmentid=109948&d=1210373699



Video: 86


(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)


  • Resolution/Clarity: attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699

  • Black level/Shadow detail: attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699

  • Color reproduction: attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373699

  • Fleshtones: attachment.php?attachmentid=109945&d=1210373692

  • Compression: attachment.php?attachmentid=109948&d=1210373699

The Happening comes to Blu-ray from Fox featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 30 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 channel Master Audio that has an average bitrate of 4.6 mbps.

Video quality was quite good and delivered images that were highly detailed and artifact free. Detail was excellent as both people and objects were rendered with crystal clear definition that at times was meticulously resolved. Long distant camera pans were smooth and three dimensional in perspective with well articulated minutia. Blacks were stable and deep with excellent dynamic range. Contrast was well balanced and consistent so that colors and whites didn’t appear overdriven. The color palette does not make use of bold or striking colors. Colors like red, yellow, orange and their variants are scant. It appeared as though some filtering may have been applied to tame/subdue color saturation. That is more an observation than a complaint but it made the film appear less visually vibrant. Flesh tones were lacking in tonal variety and were either pasty white or honey toned. The end result was that everyone had complexions that appeared rather generic. The video had a sharp pristine quality that when coupled with high definition’s higher resolution looked great.

The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio wasn’t as encompassing as I anticipated but it made up for it with sparkling clarity and detail. Dialogue was impressive in its tonal distinction and transparent blend with the front three channels. Imaging and sound effects reproduction were first rate as the sound field in the front of the room bristled with sonic detail. The surrounds were primarily utilized for spatial atmospheric presence however discernible discrete audio cues were effectively mixed in where appropriate. Low frequency effects came in the form of bass tones that were associated with James Newton Howard’s music score and support of sound effects that required low bass resonance or tactile impact. Dynamic range was excellent which provided good solidity and weight to the audio in general. I felt that the mix highlighted the strengths of the source material and sounded great.



Bonus Features:


  • PiP Bonus view trivia track

  • (HD) Train shooting featurette

  • (HD) The hard cut featurette

  • (HD) Forces unseen featurette

  • (HD) “I hear whispering” featurette

  • (HD) Gag reel

  • (HD) 4 deleted scenes with optional introduction by M. Night Shyamalan

  • (HD) The Happening: Visions of The Happening – Making of documentary

  • (HD) A day for Night featurette

  • D-Box Motion Code

  • Digital Copy Disc – a standard definition version of the film that can be downloaded from a PC or MAC to a compatible portable playback device




Final Thoughts:



The Happening is unfortunately not one of M. Night Shyamalan’s better film offerings. I found its premise to be good but its execution was a bit nonsensical. For those who liked the film I am happy to report that its Blu-ray disc presentation is quite good and Shyamalan fans should enjoy the great set of bonus features. I would recommend this as a rental only.







attachment.php?attachmentid=109949&d=1210373731






Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews





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APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
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post #2 of 50
10/8/08 at 1:46pm
Man I really wish you would have put that spoiler block in there sooner. Now I wonder if it's even worth watching. I don't mind being let down by M. Knight (happens with most of his movies) But I like having the option.
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post #3 of 50
10/8/08 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nicktx27 View Post

Man I really wish you would have put that spoiler block in there sooner. Now I wonder if it's even worth watching. I don't mind being let down by M. Knight (happens with most of his movies) But I like having the option.


Greetings,

I am soo sorry about that. I meant to insert the tags and had to make a quick edit and forgot.

Regards,
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post #4 of 50
10/8/08 at 3:00pm
Nick I gotta say... honestly it's best you weren't given the option.

This movie sucks so hard it almost imploded my house. It truly is that bad in every way shape and form, from ridiculous premise to terrible script and extremely bad acting.

To say I wasted 90 minutes of my time is a HUGE understatement.

Consider yourself lucky.
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post #5 of 50
10/8/08 at 3:58pm
yeah i was really pretty much disappointed with the flick.. i'm a fan as well Ralph, it was a big letdown, but i guess if we are fans we'll add it to the collection... but yeah i agree that for peeps that are not fans of M. Night's work, then its best to only give this a rental and see what you think for yourselves....

J :-P
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post #6 of 50
10/8/08 at 5:30pm
Good review Ralph. I agree that the execution just wasn't there. Even though I sound morbid, I did enjoy the graphic death scenes. Very chilling.
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post #7 of 50
10/8/08 at 6:18pm
M. Night Shyamalan worst movie to date ,its so bad that his next is based of a children tv show.
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post #8 of 50
10/8/08 at 6:56pm
Just watched it.....I'll rename it, 'The Crappening'.. Worst film I have seen in at least a year..

What's going on with M.Night. He makes a great flick in the Sixth Sense... and then down hill... How does he get financing??
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post #9 of 50
10/8/08 at 9:04pm
thx for the review. I duno whether I have a poor setup or luckily got a poor copy. PQwise, the transfer is grey; kind of giving a washout picture. I have to adjust the black lvl to get a decent picture. In layman term, the film xfer is too bright. Otherwise it is a good film but with very superficial message. Just my 2 cents.
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post #10 of 50
10/8/08 at 9:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by thebland View Post

'The Crappening'..

Ouch! Is this worse than The Love Guru?
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post #11 of 50
10/8/08 at 9:27pm
I liked the Love Guru more than the Happening.

The acting was just plain... well, plain! It seems to me like he's been grasping at the next great idea ever since Sixth Sense, but never has come close.

The video transfer was good. It never gave me a reason to draw attention to itself, good or bad.

The one thing that he says in the extras is that he wanted to make the best B movie ever made. Well, somehow this big B movie got the whole Hollywood promotion, and doesn't really satisfy.

There were some suspenseful parts, but it was all too inplausable.

Dan
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post #12 of 50
10/8/08 at 9:29pm
I saw this movie for free and I couldn't believe how bad it was. The entire theater was laughing at how ridiculous the plot was. The acting was so bad that it gave off the vibe that even the actors knew how bad this movie was going to be.

Stay away from this movie. You'll be upset if you don't.
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post #13 of 50
10/9/08 at 6:04am
I usually do not make comments, but, we watched this last night and I want the 90 mins of my life back please.

My .02 now .005
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post #14 of 50
10/9/08 at 6:21am
That bad guys, I'll be getting my copy next week.it's been sent already Oh well just have to watch it regardless. is there anyone who thought it was highley entertaining?
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post #15 of 50
10/9/08 at 7:35am
even though i have blockbuster mail me my movies (a la netflix; i forget what blockbuster calls it), i have three coupons in my kitchen for free rentals from blockbuster, and can trade in my mailed movies for a store rental, i paid to rent this movie from hollywood video last night b/c we happened to be next door to the store for dinner and wanted to give this movie a go. i wish i had read this first. i haven't watched it yet, but now i feel i have to just to see how bad it really is.
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post #16 of 50
10/9/08 at 7:57am
Let's put it this way, I feel this movie is SO bad that it COULD possibly become a cult hit for it's craptitude.

You know like Mystery Science Theater-like.

It's THAT bad... truly.
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post #17 of 50
10/9/08 at 8:31am
I went in with the lowest expectations from comments and theatrical reviews. I found the acting wooden and dialogue stilted, but took it for what it was....an overlong Twilght Zone. I didn't hate it, but just didn't care for it. I watched 10 mins of the Love Guru and turned it off. At least, I could watch The Happening all the way through.
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post #18 of 50
10/9/08 at 1:51pm
I went in with low expectations, this turd could not even meet that. Guess what M. Knight, Nothing's Happening in your movies!
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post #19 of 50
10/9/08 at 2:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rboster View Post

I went in with the lowest expectations from comments and theatrical reviews. I found the acting wooden and dialogue stilted, but took it for what it was....an overlong Twilght Zone. I didn't hate it, but just didn't care for it. I watched 10 mins of the Love Guru and turned it off. At least, I could watch The Happening all the way through.

+1 very accurate description. I have seen worse movies like say Battlefield Earth.
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post #20 of 50
10/9/08 at 2:50pm
I watched it today and thought it was ok. I expected it to be worst because all of the negative reviews.
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post #21 of 50
10/9/08 at 4:48pm
this movie ain't happening.
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post #22 of 50
10/10/08 at 5:33am
No doubt compared to something like Battlefield Earth the Happening is, well, happening. BUT, there are far better time wasters out there.
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post #23 of 50
10/10/08 at 7:08am
M. Night Shyamalan (is that his real name?) is a genius. He is a master of the rule "less is more". He makes a movie that must have cost at least 4 or 5 grand for camera and light and wind fan rental.

I can just hear his pitch to the studio execs "I got this movie and it will cost you nothing to make, just a few steady cams and four or five wind machines and some actors needing work and we are done baby. No monsters to make, no sets to make, just standard location shots and some hay fields and we are home baby"...........

Ok I must confess I enjoyed this movie. I think it was because of all the bad talk that I was compelled to watch it, like watching a car wreak as you pass by on the morning commute. So there I was watching this car wreak and I said to myself (I own a dog so it does not look like I am talking to myself), I said "this is not bad, I could have made this movie on a windy day with my hi def Sony camcorder, yeah it could happen"
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post #24 of 50
10/10/08 at 4:57pm
I dont get how a movie called The Happening didnt really have anything happening

this movie was garbage

is it me or are his movies getting worse
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post #25 of 50
10/13/08 at 5:09am
I don't think I've read a positive review on this film. Im going to watch this with very low expectations, who knows Im enjoy it.
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post #26 of 50
10/13/08 at 11:51am
Glad I saw One Missed Call instead of this... oh wait thats a lose-lose situation.
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post #27 of 50
10/13/08 at 12:09pm
I don't know guys - I watched this the other night and to say that I was disappointed would be an understatement, however it was so laughably bad that I can see this becoming a "cult" hit. I think it's highly re-watchable for all of the wrong reasons.
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post #28 of 50
10/15/08 at 9:38pm
I thought the first 20 minutes and initial settup were quite good even with some truly clunker type dialog. I don't find the premise any more ridiculous than say, the recent Andromeda strain but it just kinda fell apart.
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post #29 of 50
10/15/08 at 10:26pm
The movie started god, but had no idea were to go.

Its like they run out of budget and had to cut the movie with what they already had filmed.
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post #30 of 50
10/16/08 at 5:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MovieSwede View Post

The movie started god, but had no idea were to go.

Its like they run out of budget and had to cut the movie with what they already had filmed.

I agree with you guys. The movie started okay, then just didnt really go anywhere. I was waiting for something to "happen" in the "happening" but nothing ever "happened".
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