The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/3D Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
91
Studio and Year: Sony Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 96 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Horror/Action
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: MVC/AVC
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English/French DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Kevin Durand, Sienna Guillory, Shawn Roberts, Aryana Engineer, Colin Salmon, Johaa Urb, Boris Kodjoe, Li Bingbing
Written & Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson
Music by: Tomandandy
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: December 21, 2012
"Evil goes global"
Film Synopsis:
Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice, Earth’s last hope as the Umbrella Corporation continues to control the population by transforming humans into flesh-eating undead. In this fifth installment Alice is captured by the Umbrella Corporation and, with the help of her friends must escape to save the human race from extinction. The film also stars Michelle Rodriguez, Boris Kodjoe, and features the popular game characters Leon S. Kennedy, Ada Wong, the Red Queen and Dr. Wesker.
My Take:
The Umbrella Corporation’s deadly T-virus continues to ravage the Earth, transforming the global population into legions of the flesh eating Undead. The human race’s last and only hope, ALICE (Jovovich), awakens in the heart of Umbrella's most clandestine operations facility and unveils more of her mysterious past as she delves further into the
complex. Without a safe haven, Alice continues to hunt those responsible for the outbreak; a chase that takes her from Tokyo to New York, Washington, D.C. and Moscow, culminating in a mind-blowing revelation that will force her to rethink everything that she once thought to be true. Aided by newfound allies and familiar friends, Alice must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. The countdown has begun.
I have never played the video game that inspired this action/horror film franchise but the original Resident Evil looked interesting so I gave it a shot 10 years ago. Milla Jovovich has proven that she has the chops for credible butt kicking action. Here we are now four films later and with each installment the series has steadily declined in terms of the quality of the storyline. Obviously one can’t expect deep themes and broad plots but at this stage it has descended into the abyss with threadbare writing, rehashed situations and cardboard cutouts for characters. The one constant, which depending on your point of view may be all that matters, has been the action. I generally find that aspect to be gratifying despite a bit of thematic repetitiveness.
The last two installments have added 3D to the equation which has proven to be an enhancing element. Diehard fans will find much to like in Resident Evil: Retribution as it adheres to the same formula as its predecessors. I suspect that novices or those with a casual interest won’t be impressed with its style over substance approach to filmmaking. In spite of the fact that I haven’t found much merit in the last few Resident Evil films I still manage to own each and every one. Go figure. The truth is that good bad or otherwise I find them entertaining. At the end of the day it is simply a matter of preference I suppose.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for strong sequences of strong violence throughout.
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: 90
(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:
Resident Evil: Retribution 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 2.8 Mbps.
This film was shot in high definition 3D and the results are impressive. Detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp. Depth of field is excellent as objects and/or people within the frame appear naturally spaced rather than staggered like cardboard cutouts. There are a plethora of sequences, usually associated with the action, that provide a gimmicky/fun reach out and touch sense of dimension. The photography makes definitive use of the 3D platform with a noticeable emphasis on screen popping effects that are designed to elicit audience reaction. A film like this is tailor made for 3D and I enjoyed how it was implemented here. It made the experience a bit more engaging. Contrast is spot on and colors are deeply saturated but not unnatural. Blacks are stable and rich and depth/dimension in darker sequences is quite good. I didn’t notice any overt signs of ghosting/crosstalk. This presentation makes for an entertaining and involving 3D experience that fans of the format will appreciate.
The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio surround mix makes regular use of the entire system and delivers near reference quality sound. This is an active soundtrack that features engaging bass response that reinforces the dynamic impact associated with the films action based elements and music. The surrounds are mixed a little on the hot side which occasionally impacts the integration of the front and rear channels however it didn’t prove overtly distracting. For the most part the entire surround platform combines to create a dynamic listening experience that is complimented by palpably rich low frequency effects. Clarity and detail are first rate as I never had any trouble discerning subtle vocal inflections or the presence of low level sounds mixed into the background. I didn’t find the film to be all that great however I enjoyed its lossless audio presentation.
2D Video Quality:
Video: 92
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
Resident Evil: Retribution comes to Blu-ray Disc from Sony featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps
This film has an intentionally dark and singular chromatic visual style that doesn’t lend itself to vibrant colors and vivid high gloss video quality. There are instances where brighter elements are utilized and the boldly applied contrast allows them to pop visually. Otherwise onscreen images predominantly lean toward darker color schemes, and grittier textures that provide the look that the filmmakers use to drive the story’s components. This is done to good effect. Shadow delineation is excellent overall and revealing of visible details within dark backgrounds and low lighting. Stable contrast and deep blacks allow scenes containing mixed content to appear gradationally satisfying with crisp whites and dynamic highlights. Resolution is discerning as images are characterized by intricate and definitively rendered detail that gives the video appreciable dimension and delineated texture. This is a solid high definition presentation that looked great on my large screen.
Bonus Features:
Disc 1:
- 3D & 2D version of Resident Evil: Retribution
- Audio commentary with writer/director Paul W.S. Anderson, Milla Jovovich, Boris Kodjoe
- Audio commentary with director Paul W.S. Anderson & producer Jeremy Bolt
- 3D (HD) 5 deleted/extended scenes
- 3D (HD) Outtakes – 4 minutes
Disc 2:
- (HD) Project Alice: The interactive database – Interactive look at characters/profiles, film clips and more
- (HD) Featurettes (7 segments):
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- Maestro of evil: Directing Resident Evil: Retribution – 8 minutes
- Evolving Alice – 6 minutes
- Resident Evil: Reunion – 9 minutes
- Design and build: The world of Resident Evil: Retribution – 9 minutes
- Drop (Un) Dead: The creatures of Retribution – 7 minutes
- Resident stuntman – 6 minutes
- Code: Mika – 5 minutes
- Maestro of evil: Directing Resident Evil: Retribution – 8 minutes
- (HD) Resident Evil: Retribution – Face of the fan – 3 minute set tour
- (HD) 3 Capcom video game trailers (including Resident Evil 6)
- Ultraviolet Digital Copy
Final Thoughts:
Based on the popular Capcom game the Resident Evil film franchise has garnered a loyal following that eagerly awaits each release. I wouldn’t paint myself as a loyal follower however I own each of the previous films in the series. Since the original release each installment has been a little worse than the one preceding it and that hasn’t changed with Resident Evil: Retribution. It favors style over substance offering little in the way of cohesive storytelling. Be that as it may the action is on par with what we have come to expect from the franchise and the addition of 3D takes it up a notch.
It comes to Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in this two disc package that features excellent high definition video in both 3D and 2D flavors, a rousing DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack and a strong supplemental package that contains Blu-ray exclusives, 3D extras, and a complimentary look behind the scenes at the production. Unless you’re a diehard fan this doesn’t rate as a must own/blind buy however for those that enjoy straight up butt kicking wrapped in an excellent technical package Resident Evil: Retribution is worth the cost of a rental and a bag of popcorn.
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
