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The Dark Knight Rises (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

30K views 171 replies 80 participants last post by  d-rail34 
#1 ·


The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )

Film:


Extras:


Audio/Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )
97





Studio and Year: Warner - 2012
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 165 minutes
Genre: Action

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1, 1.78:1 (IMAX Sequences)
Resolution: 1080p/24


Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Matthew Modine
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Music by: Hans Zimmer
Written by: Jonathan Nolan & Christopher Nolan
Region Code: A,B,C

Blu-ray Disc release Date: December 4, 2012
"The legend ends…"


Film Synopsis:


It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.


My Take:


I will open this review with some comments taken from my review of The Dark Knight as they are pertinent.

When I saw Batman Begins I was captivated at the transformation of the character’s theatrical identity. All of the previous incarnations seemed cartoon like by comparison. That is not to take anything away from them because they had their place but this was something different. This embodied the essence of the character both physically and mentally. I absolutely loved Christopher Nolan’s portrait of Batman and thought that Christian Bale nailed it. To say that The Dark Knight exceeded my expectations would be a bit of an understatement. It allowed the audience the chance to further examine the complex persona behind the man on both sides of the mask. This is easily the best action film of the year. It’s an eclectic thriller and a fast paced action opus that is exactly what genre fans clamor for. It is my opinion that without the outstanding performance by the late Heath Ledger as The Joker the film would not have had the same impact. He took this character to a level not achieved by any other actor playing this type of villain in an action film. I am sure that I am not alone when I say that I appreciated his efforts. Christian Bale reprised the role of Bruce/Batman very well, although I found his use of Batman’s gravelly voice to be a bit more pronounced here than in Batman Begins.


Like most of you reading I eagerly awaited Christopher Nolan’s final installment and hoped that it would befit and compliment the first two in the series. The Dark Knight would be difficult to live up to for a variety of reasons but as a fan I had hopes. I went to see it with my son who is a very big fan. My reaction to it wasn’t as enthusiastic as it was with its predecessor. I found the script to be slightly uneven and overlong as it dealt with Bruce’s excursion to the pit while he sorted out the true meaning of life, death and that conquering fear alone wasn’t enough if he was going to rise from the remains left of him by the indomitable Bane. I also found the final showdown between Bane and Batman to be anticlimactic and disappointing which wasn’t helped by the rather conventional plot twist that I saw coming.


However I did enjoy the cohesiveness of the narrative as it pertained to Bruce’s reemergence, facing a foe unlike any other, and the superbly integrated subplots revolving around Blake and Selina. It went without saying that the production elements, cast selection, direction and action/choreography were all top notch in keeping with the bar set by the earlier films. Going into this review I needed to keep an open mind and hoped/expected to have a more enriching experience, which is exactly what happened. Already aware of what I saw as the film’s minor shortcomings allowed me to see back and take The Dark Knight Rises in and the ride was much better.


Yes it’s not perfect but this is a grandiose and epic style action film that hits the genre chords with aplomb. This is complimented by the continuing storyline that delves even deeper into the character’s mythos as we see him broken down to the barest essentials which results in the antithesis of self/emotional reexamination. Christopher Nolan and the production team ratchet up the effects, gadgetry and scope with superb and entertaining results. The Dark Knight Rises still doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor but it is a solidified and ultimately fitting finale to one of the best movie franchises ever.


Parental Guide:


The rating is for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and 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 extension:

  • Surround Sound presentation:

  • Clarity/Detail:

  • Dialogue Reproduction:




Video: 94

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

  • Resolution/Clarity:

  • Black level/Shadow detail:

  • Color reproduction:

  • Fleshtones:

  • Compression:


The Dark Knight Rises comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 22 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.5 Mbps.


As with The Dark Knight on Blu-ray this video presentation incorporates two different aspect ratios. The shift between the traditional 2.40:1 and IMAX’s 70mm 1.78:1 aspect is used throughout the presentation. The result doesn’t infringe upon fidelity or interrupt the visual flow of the movie and results in a sometimes stunning high definition presentation. In examining segments of each I honestly saw little difference in perceivable resolution although the IMAX segments seemed just a tad sharper to my eye. This is a dark film (as it should be) and its ability to clearly render its elements under those conditions is essential to getting the most out of it. Well you can rest assured that this Blu-ray disc delivers some of the richest, deepest and velvety textured blacks that I have seen. The nighttime cityscapes look breathtaking. Bright wide angle daytime shots are gradationally adept and three dimensionally depicted so that long drawn skylines, and rustic landscapes have seemingly infinite depth. Shadow detail is primarily consistent with only the finest low level details occasionally obscured. Images are crisp and sharp with exquisite definition and boldly applied contrast. There are a few instances where I noticed that the picture appeared less definitively resolved but this is innate and never to a point where I would describe it as soft. Colors are well delineated with natural rendering and punchy primaries that stood out among the remaining spectrum colors used. Fleshtones are beautifully textured with subtle description and lifelike complexional depiction. This is a terrific and faithful Blu-ray presentation that mimics what I saw in the theater.


I don’t mean to keep making references to The Dark Knight but this lossless DTS-HD MA soundtrack like that one on Blu-ray is demonstration quality and sure to please those who like to play their systems loud. This recording has wide dynamic range and boasts superlative clarity and high level detail that is truly impressive. Dialogue is definitive and appreciably lucid through the center channel as it reaches far into the room. It’s located just slightly in front of the left/right speakers within the acoustic space it occupies in the soundfield. I never had any trouble distinguishing even the slightest changes in the pitch or inflection of voices. Front channel separation and imaging is excellent. This drew out both large and small sound elements and allowed their directional correlation based upon the onscreen events to be definable.


The mix makes effective and often aggressive use of the surround channels to elongate the front soundstage and reproduce the spatial and discrete sounds of this demanding soundtrack. The listening position is submerged into a 360 degree web of sound that is sometimes riveting as it bombards the senses with a combination of well placed sound effects and musical accompaniment. This is a dynamically enhanced sound mix that utilizes low frequency effects to provide viscerally potent impact. Bass response is prodigious as it occasionally reaches seismic levels that will test the limits of lesser subwoofers. I enjoyed the opening sequence involving the plane takeover/transference but the shootout that occurs just after Selina’s meeting with Stryver was the first to make the hairs on my arm standup. I am the first to admit that I love deep, clean, powerful bass and this track delivers it in spades. The first appearance of The Bat as it emerges from the dark alley and flies overhead sounds awesome. This is an engaging and thoroughly rewarding surround sound experience that enthusiasts and novices alike are sure to enjoy. Looking at this audio/video presentation as a whole I would describe it as one of the year’s best. Fans that enjoyed The Dark Knight on Blu-ray can expect more of the same here.



Bonus Features:


  • Disc 1:

  • Feature film

  • Second Screen - Download The Dark Knight Rises FX app for your compatible IOS device and view additional content (available on release day).


  • Disc 2: - Special Features

  • (HD) The Batmobile – 58 minute documentary

  • Ending the Knight - Multipart making of documentary:

  • (HD)Production:
    1. The Prologue: High altitude hijacking – 8 minutes
    2. Return to the Batcave – 3 minutes
    3. Beneath Gotham – 2 minutes
    4. The Bat – 11 minutes
    5. Armory accepted – 3 minutes
    6. Game day destruction – 6 minutes
    7. Demolishing a city street – 4 minutes
    8. The Pit – 3 minutes
    9. The chant – 5 minutes
    10. The war on Wall Street – 6 minutes
    11. Race to the reactor – 8 minutes
  • (HD)Characters:
    1. The journey of Bruce Wayne – 9 minutes
    2. Gotham’s reckoning – 10 minutes
  • (HD)Reflections:
    1. Shadows & light in large format – 5 minutes
    2. The end of a legend – 9 minutes
  • (HD) Trailer archive (four segments)

  • (HD) Print campaign art gallery

  • Bonus DVD

  • Ultraviolet Digital Copy


As a bonus fans can download The Dark Knight Rises FX App from iTunes for their IOS devices. With the updated app, Batman fans can:

  • Shoot their own video and have the Camo Tumbler drive through it

  • Put themselves in the Camo Tumbler in a photo

  • Put themselves in The Dark Knight Rises “RISE” poster

  • Become Gotham City’s most wanted by placing the mask from Batman, Bane or Catwoman onto their photo


I tried the FX App out and it’s a fun novelty to play around with and maybe show your friends.


Final Thoughts:

The Dark Knight Rises is a grandiose and epic style action film that strikes the genre chords with aplomb. On its own it doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor but it is a solidified and ultimately fitting finale to one of the best movie franchises ever. As one of the year’s most anticipated Blu-ray releases I am pleased to report that the wait was well worth it. This is a terrific offering from Warner Home Video that boasts superlative DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound, reference quality high definition video and a worthy supplemental package that explores the making of the film and its ties to the Batman lore. This is a must have Blu-ray release plain and simple. Enjoy!





Check out this series of The Dark Knight Rises videos:














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-103 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
 
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1 15
#2 ·
Thanks for the review !! When I first saw it the story left me wanting a little more but was still satisfied with the end result. The Imax presentation was great from a picture standpoint but the audio seemed to be turned down because there were scenes that I felt should had been way more intense so I look forward to listening in my room at a stronger volume level.



First day pick up for me!!!
 
#3 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by wkingincharge  /t/1441022/the-dark-knight-rises-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22620832


Thanks for the review !! When I first saw it the story left me wanting a little more but was still satisfied with the end result. The Imax presentation was great from a picture standpoint but the audio seemed to be turned down because there were scenes that I felt should had been way more intense so I look forward to listening in my room at a stronger volume level.


First day pick up for me!!!

Me too, even though a Special Edition of all three of the films will be released sometime next year. But, since I got to be one of the extras in the flick, I can't wait that long! Already have the first two (BATMAN BEGINS on HD-DVD) and so I'll be adding this, with full knowledge of the double-dip ahead.
 
#4 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by wkingincharge  /t/1441022/the-dark-knight-rises-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22620832


Thanks for the review !! When I first saw it the story left me wanting a little more but was still satisfied with the end result. The Imax presentation was great from a picture standpoint but the audio seemed to be turned down because there were scenes that I felt should had been way more intense so I look forward to listening in my room at a stronger volume level.


First day pick up for me!!!

Interesting take, because I saw this at midnight at the Metreon in SF (15/70 IMAX) and the sound was beyond bombastic. Great for the final half hour of the film, but all dialogue was swallowed by the "fronts" and "sub"... at least in the sense that our fronts and sub will not be overbearing when we watch it. I saw it in a regular theater twice afterward, and everything was much, much easier to hear. Not as bombastic though.
 
#7 ·
I love Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, and have seem them both numerous times.

I have seen The Dark Knight Rises only twice so far, so I don't think it's fair to decide any sort of rankings for the 3 movies....but I will say this:

Seeing The Dark Knight Rises in IMax that first time...it truly was one of the (if not the) single best movie experiences I've ever had. I went into this movie with incredibly high expectations...and I left having every single one of them exceeded. I can't think of a movie series with a more satisfying conclusion than the one Nolan gave us (maybe LOTR, but I'm a Tolkien freak). Sure, there are little nitpicks that can be pointed out (like nearly every movie), but they never overshadowed the overall experience.


On a side note....TKR blew Avengers away in every conceivable way....except for boringness...I'll never understand that ones popularity
 
#8 ·
This is my favourite of the three Batman films. The second one had far to many things blowing up for my taste. This final instalment (or is it, with Robin being introduced?) was more subdued and showed more of Batman's vulnerabilities. For me, this would be a fitting end, but I think either Nolan or someone else is going to bring Batman back or at least have Robin take his place. There's just to much temptation (and money in this franchise) not to keep things going.
 
#9 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deja Vu  /t/1441022/the-dark-knight-rises-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22621197


This is my favourite of the three Batman films. The second one had far to many things blowing up for my taste. This final instalment (or is it, with Robin being introduced?) was more subdued and showed more of Batman's vulnerabilities. For me, this would be a fitting end, but I think either Nolan or someone else is going to bring Batman back or at least have Robin take his place. There's just to much temptation (and money in this franchise) not to keep things going.

Right now, it seems like the next Bat-appearance will be in the JUSTICE LEAGUE movie (hopefully with NO Robin...god, that character sucks! In all incarnations.)

Till then, there is a new animated series debuting in 2013 entitled BEWARE THE BATMAN. Unfortunately, because of the Colorado shootings, the series is being toned-down (sigh).
 
#13 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by TitusTroy  /t/1441022/the-dark-knight-rises-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_22621254


how do the non-IMAX scenes look on the Blu-ray?...for the Dark Knight Blu-ray, the 35mm scenes had excessive edge enhancement, noise reduction etc...so while the IMAX scenes looked reference quality the 35mm scenes were not as good

Greetings,


Not an issue here. They look superb...




Regards,
 
#16 ·
Great review Ralph.


For me I felt each movie fitted perfectly as a Trilogy should, a beginning, a middle and end, birth, life, and finally death...I love this for what it was, and got Nolan wasn't going to make another Joker type. A few friends of mine said to me they would have wanted to see more of the popular villeins, I was happy with Bane and what the character brought to the table..


Can wait to revisit this one.


Djoel
 
#20 ·
This movie was no were near as good as The Dark Knight and talk about stretching out reality with this one, I mean come on the size of the bomb and where it went off would have still wiped out that city and thensome ~_~ and what the hell was the deal with Bane, every character up to this point has been modeled perfectly and then we get to Bane who is just a strong guy wearing a mask WTF >..
 
#21 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Chaves  /t/1441022/the-dark-knight-rises-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22624087


This movie was no were near as good as The Dark Knight...
Interesting, The Dark Knight was my least favorite of the three. My expectations for Rises were tamed given how disappointed I was with that as the follow up to Begins, which I loved. I agree with you on the Robin piece, it was very forced and unneeded at the end of Rises. I can't understand why his name was just "Robin." They had three acceptable names, Tim, Dick, or Jason, and failed to use any one of those. As much as it pains me to say, I may have even taken "Damien" as a last resort substitute. But just plain Robin was terribly forced.
 
#22 ·
I saw this in IMAX and thought that the effects and music drown out the dialogue. I was really let down, so much so, I sent an e-mail to IMAX to complain. Never heard back.
 
#24 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin  /t/1441022/the-dark-knight-rises-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22625405


Picked up my copy today looking forward in watching it tonight.

How did you pick up a copy when its not released until December 4th?
 
#26 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin  /t/1441022/the-dark-knight-rises-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22625442


Australia gets them earlier sometimes. Got released here today.

Ahh so thats how those really nice bluray quality torrents show up so early lol
 
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