The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/3D Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
94
Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox - 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 124 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Horror
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: MVC/AVC
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, English/French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Music by: Marc Streitenfeld
Written by: Jon Spaihts & Damon Lindelof
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 9, 2012
"Questions will be answered"
Film Synopsis:
Archeologist couple Elizabeth Shaw (Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Marshall-Green) discover a star map that they interpret as an invitation from humanity's forerunners, the “Engineers.” Determined to find out more about them, the couple boards the scientific vessel Prometheus, created and funded by Peter Weyland (Pearce), CEO of Weyland Corporation. Lead by mission director Meredith Vickers (Theron) and monitored by Weyland’s android David (Fassbender), the team of explorers find a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth and embark on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe where they fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
My Take:
Prometheus is large, grandiose and the quintessence of director Ridley Scott’s vision. The question is, as a quasi-prequel to 1979’s Alien, does it provide answers to the burning questions? I would say that it depends. I mean if you’re familiar with Alien, predominantly the first two films (but more so the first), there are obvious questions relative to what they discover prior to encountering the eggs/face huggers and what follows. From that point things take off in another direction leaving those questions dangling but not forgotten. Prometheus opens with a hovering spacecraft departing an Earth-like world, and a humanoid alien drinking a dark substance carried in a secure container. After consuming the bubbling liquid, the alien painfully starts to disintegrate and falls headlong into a waterfall. He lands in the water below and as his remains dissolve his DNA triggers a biogenetic reaction.
Fast forward to the year 2089, an archaeological expedition lead by Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway discover a star map on a cave wall in Scotland that matches others found in various but completely distinct ancient cultures. Shaw and Holloway interpret this as an invitation from the "Engineers" whom they perceive as humanity’s creators. Peter Weyland, the elderly and dying CEO of Weyland Corporation, funds the creation of the scientific exploration vessel Prometheus to follow the map to the distant moon LV-223. Elizabeth, Charlie, and the crew travel in stasis while the David an android created by Peter Weyland, monitors their voyage. Arriving in 2093, they are informed via a hologram projection of Peter Weyland of their mission to find the Engineers and the answers to humanity’s questions. Upon observing what appears to be an unnatural structure disguised to look natural on the surface they land and send a team to investigate.
What they discover inside will lead to more unanswered questions but more importantly the realization that perhaps some questions are better left that way.
I liked Prometheus. Is it a wholly satisfying film within the Alien spectrum? Probably not but it can stand alone or as a sort of bridled introduction to the original story. I will say that those not familiar with Alien will find certain aspects of the film to be veiled in some way. It is an ambitious film with probably a few too many characters. There are most definitely some plot holes and I found some scenes to be gratuitously convenient (the two guys left behind to fall victim to the snake creatures and goop? Come on). However as a fan of the genre and Alien I couldn’t help but be drawn in by Prometheus’ vastness of scope, key references, superlative production elements and convincing performances by Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron. I am very curious to see where it leads going forward as that direction will be important should an attempt be made to successfully bring the events together with Alien. Regardless I am appreciative for this film. Should they decide to leave things as is I can live with Prometheus and look forward to sitting down and watching it again.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for sci-fi violence including some intense images, and brief 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: 96
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
3D Presentation: 92
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Depth (Onscreen):
- Dimension (Beyond the screen):
- Realism:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Color reproduction:
Prometheus 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 5 Mbps.
I have watched a variety of 3D high definition video both animated and live action. Prior to the introduction of Blu-ray 3D I was never a big fan of the medium. Upon hearing of its implementation for high definition I was intrigued and looked forward to experiencing it. To this point it has been a bit of a mixed bag with very few instances of what I guess we can refer to as reference quality (on my scale) 3D presentations. Those that I have found to be ahead of the pack have truly nailed it and proven to be thoroughly involving visual experiences that enhance the subject matter for which it was created.
I was very impressed with Prometheus’ 2D video presentation and am pleased to report that in 3D the experience is all the better. Detail is preserved as the video retains its high level of clarity with objects, people and backgrounds within the frame appearing delineated and sharp. The wide angle sequences of the rocky formations in Ireland and later on the surface of LV-223 look incredible. I was amazed by the depth and realism of the three dimensional imagery. The spacing of objects/ people in the foreground/background is incredibly lifelike which serves to visually draw you in by creating a natural sense of scale as things of various shapes and sizes occupy the virtual world onscreen.
Examples can be found looking at the H.U.D in the spacesuits, the scene that features the narrow pan of the first entry into the chamber containing the giant sculpture/cylinders, or the simulation table on the bridge of the Prometheus. The best examples are the two sequences involving the activation of the star maps aboard the Engineer’s ship. Overall the 3D is done to superb effect and doesn’t resort to the sort of gimmicks that have things shooting/protruding out of the screen. That isn’t to say that there is anything wrong with the occasional use of flying objects etc. to stimulate the senses but many times this is overused and can become fatiguing. Fidelity is intact as the film’s gorgeous chromatic aesthetic, defining contrast and inky blacks bring Ridley Scott’s vision to life with aplomb. If I had to describe the experience of watching Prometheus in 3D I would describe it as completely involving. I didn’t notice any obvious signs of ghosting or 3D related anomalies. This is one of the best 3D presentations on Blu-ray to date.
The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is reference quality and is sure to please those who like to play their systems loud. I had high expectations for this soundtrack and this lossless audio presentation didn’t disappoint. I was treated to an impeccably detailed, powerfully dynamic, and demonstrative surround sound experience. Multi-layered sound effects are appropriately placed within the soundfield so that their purpose is definable yet never overstated. The mix makes effective and occasionally aggressive use of the surround channels to elongate the front soundstage and reproduce the spatial and discrete sounds of this demanding soundtrack. The front and rear sound fields are integrated with precision which enables a seamless transference during panning sequences. Dynamics are energy filled and impact felt with discerning articulation and resolute clarity. This is a fairly aggressive mix that utilizes the subwoofer to accentuate its already extended dynamic range. The quality of the bass is first rate as it is fills the room with clean, hard hitting, and deep resonating low frequency detail. Dialogue has excellent presence with clear, defining vocal character and noteworthy room penetration. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute with terrific soundtrack. Prometheus on Blu-ray is truly demonstrative worthy in every regard as it looks and sounds terrific.
2D Video Quality:
See my review of the 2 Disc Blu-ray Release HERE
Bonus Features:
Disc 1:
- 3D Blu-ray - Prometheus
Disc 2:
- 2D Blu-ray – Prometheus (including the following bonus features):
- Audio commentary by director/producer Ridley Scott
- Audio commentary by writer Jon Spaihts & writer/executive producer Damon Lindelof
- (HD)The Peter Weyland files:
-
- Quiet eyes: Elizabeth Shaw – 2 minutes
- Happy Birthday, David – 2 minutes
- Prometheus transmission – 7 minutes
- TED Conference, 2023 – 7 minutes
- Quiet eyes: Elizabeth Shaw – 2 minutes
- (HD)14 Deleted & Alternate scenes including an alternate opening/ending
- Prometheus – Weyland Corp Archive Second Screen App
Disc 3: Bonus features:
- (HD) The Furious Gods: Making of Prometheus: (9 featurettes with optional interactive feature that branches off to enhancement pods, galleries, screen tests and more)
-
- Conquest of paradise: Renewing the story – 20 minutes
- Under the pyramid: LV-223 – 25 minutes
- Reverse engineering: USCSS Prometheus – 17 minutes
- The human manifest: Casting and costumes – 25 minutes
- A world without green: Pinewood Studios, 2011 – 24 minutes
- Demons in the dark: Creature design – 28 minutes
- Hazard pay: Stunts and action – 24 minutes
- Fire from the sky: Visual effects – 24 minutes
- Prometheus unbound: Post-production and release – 30 minutes
- Conquest of paradise: Renewing the story – 20 minutes
- (HD) Enhancement Pods (23 segments)
- Weyland Corp Archive
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- Pre-production – pre-visualizations and concept art
- Production – Screen tests, unit photography
- Release – Trailers, TV Spots, Promotional features, HBO First Look, Gallery
- Prometheus Mobile App
- Pre-production – pre-visualizations and concept art
- Bonus DVD
- Digital Copy
Final Thoughts:
Prometheus isn’t perfect but it strives to be and is more than the total sum of its parts. Ridley Scott’s vision brought to life is grandiose, engaging and in tune with the quintessence of what made Alien special. It comes to Blu-ray from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in this spectacular 4 disc package that features superlative 3D video, reference quality 7.1 channel lossless sound and a comprehensive supplemental offering that takes viewers deep inside the world of Prometheus. Prometheus is highly recommended viewing and this terrific Blu-ray release is just the ticket. Enjoy!
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Onkyo PR-SC5508 THX Ultra 2 Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-93 Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
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" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package














) to keep my interest. i enjoyed the sound and amazing CG.

