The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/3D Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
87
Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox - 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 114 Minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: MVC/AVC
Video Aspect: 1.78:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio Lossless, Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Korean
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, Chi McBride
Directed by: Alex Proyas
Music by: Marco Beltrami
Written by: Jeff Vintar & Akiva Goldsman
Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 23, 2012
"There are ghosts in the machine"
Film Synopsis:
In the year 2035, technology and robots are a trusted part of everyday life. But that trust is broken when a scientist is found dead and a skeptical detective (Smith) believes that a robot is responsible. Bridget Moynahan co-stars in this high-tech action thriller that questions whether technology will ultimately lead to mankind's salvation . . . or annihilation.
My Take:
I, Robot was the first catalog title that I recall reviewing on Blu-ray that really blew my socks off in terms of audio/video quality. I owned the DVD and was pretty excited when it was announced for Blu-ray. The film is far from cinematic royalty but its terrific popcorn entertainment that is underscored by great production value and a solidified star in Will Smith. I reviewed I, Robot before coming to write here at AVS. I looked at my comments and decided to include them in the review. Here is what I said:
I like Will Smith, period. He has charismatic and genuine onscreen presence that I find appealing. This seems to transcend the various roles he plays. The first time I saw I, Robot was on DVD and while I had heard mixed reviews on the film, I liked it. Along with Smith the casting is solid, with Bruce Greenwood and James Cromwell two of today‘s finest character actors along for the ride. This is not a perfect screenplay however Smith‘s turn as the embittered Robot hating Detective was strong enough to keep interest high. Alan Tudyk did an excellent job in lending his voice to “Sonny” which is an integral element in the telling of this story. Pacing was great as the film never seems to drag. For me this is one of those movies that I like to return to from time to time because I never tire of it.
It has been a few years since I have watched the film from beginning to end but my opinion remains the same. I, Robot is lots of fun and makes for a great bit of escapism that is pitch perfect for sci-fi action junkies in need of a fix.
Parental Guide:
The PG-13 rating is for brief partial nudity and intense stylized action. The rating is appropriate.
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: 94
(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: 80
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Depth (Onscreen):
- Dimension (Beyond the screen):
- Realism:
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- Color reproduction:
I, Robot 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.5 Mbps.
This film wasn’t shot natively in 3D but was converted in post- production. It should be noted that the aspect ratio here is 1.78:1 versus the films OAR of 2.35:1. Going into this review I wondered how the film’s effects and CG based elements would look in 3D. I was very pleased to see that the reproduction of the digital effects etc. translates as well here as it does in the 2D presentation. Depth is appreciable as evidenced by the near field detection of objects and/or people layered in the foreground/background which creates a perceptible sense of virtual space. High definition dimensionality and apparent resolution is identical to the 2D presentation. Comparing white/black levels, color and skin tone reproduction to the 2D presentation I found them to be identical as well. There isn’t an abundance of 3D effects that transcend the boundaries of the screen but several sequences, such as the Demobot attack, the tunnel crash and beginning of the finale (when Spoon and Dr. Calvin arrive on the motorcycle) make use of flashy 3D imagery. The majority of the time the presentation sticks to varying levels of “natural” dimension that really neither adds or detracts from the experience. I didn’t notice any distracting instances of crosstalk or other video related anomalies. I enjoyed watching I, Robot in 3D which like the 2D version looks terrific on Blu-ray.
Like the video quality The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack doesn’t disappoint. This is an entertaining mix that utilizes the entire system to create a theater like experience. Sound staging is excellent as both the front and rear channels are seamlessly integrated. Sound effects traverse the room during the large fight sequences. Dynamics are energy filled and impact felt with discerning articulation and resolute clarity. This is a fairly aggressive mix that makes regular use of the subwoofer to accentuate its already strong dynamics. The quality of the bass is first rate as it is fills the room with clean, hard hitting, and deep resonating low frequency energy. Dialogue has excellent presence with clear, defining vocal character and noteworthy room penetration. This is a reference quality audio presentation that offers demonstration worthy material for those who like to show of their home theater systems.
2D Video Quality:
Video: 96
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
I, Robot comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps.
I, Robot is among my go to video demonstration discs and has been since I reviewed it back in 2008. It is simply a superb looking Blu-ray that delivers high level detail, razor sharpness and resolute definition that brings out the lifelike textures captured by the camera’s lens. Detail perception is nearly flawless with lucid visual acuity and fine rendering throughout. Colors are lavish with eye catching primaries and warm tonality that make them pleasing. Flesh tones are tonally natural with appreciable delineation among the varied complexional types in the cast. Boldly applied contrast and inky blacks provide excellent balance during bright scenes containing mixed content. Shadow detail is discerning which adds depth to the film’s variety of sequences shot in low lighting. The CGI and green screen photography softens some shots but its effects are innate and fidelity remains unaffected. There are no compression related video artifacts or distracting noise present in this whistle clean high definition video transfer that remains top tier viewing. It should be noted that the aspect ratio here is 1.78:1 versus the films OAR of 2.35:1. This coincides with the 3D conversion and didn’t have any deleterious effects on the quality of the video itself.
Bonus Features:
- 3D/2D high definition versions of I, Robot
- Bonus DVD of I, Robot (Original DVD release with legacy bonus material)
Final Thoughts:
I, Robot is as good now as it was when I first saw it. I have always found its high definition audio/video presentation on Blu-ray to be top notch and those elements carry over to this 3D offering from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The 3D presentation doesn’t make demonstrative use of the platform but as a fan of the film I found it to be an enjoyable experience nonetheless. I was disappointed to see that the supplemental package found on the original Blu-ray release wasn’t included here. Purists may not like the fact that the film’s OAR of 2.35:1 has been matted to 1.78:1 but I didn’t find it to be problematic. If you like I, Robot and don’t already own it on Blu-ray (and bonus features aren’t that important to you), and are 3D ready this release is worth considering. Conversely this package probably doesn’t warrant an upgrade for casual 3D viewers that already own the original Blu-ray. However if you’re a true fan of the film and really enjoy 3D at home I recommend picking this up as a supplement to the original Blu-ray release. I of course will be keeping both!
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
I hate this practice and HOPE it does not start happening more and more which I fear it will. 
