Dredd 3D (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

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

Film:

Extras:

Audio/3D Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )
88





Studio and Year: Lionsgate - 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 96 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

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, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish, English SDH
Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Heady, Wood Harris
Directed by: Pete Travis
Music by: Paul Leonard-Morgan
Written by: Alex Garland
Region Code: A

Blu-ray Disc release Date: January 8, 2013

Film Synopsis:

The future America is an irradiated wasteland. On its east coast, running from Boston to Washington D.C. lies Mega City One – a vast, violent metropolis where criminals rule the chaotic streets. The only force of order lies with the urban cops called “Judges” who possess the combined powers of judge, jury and instant executioner. Known and feared throughout the city, Dredd (Urban) is the ultimate Judge, challenged with ridding the city of its latest scourge, a dangerous drug called “Slo-Mo,” and the sadistic crime boss Ma-Ma (Headey) who is using it to take over the city.


My Take:

My only real familiarity with Judge Dredd prior to this film was the 1995 Sylvester Stallone vehicle which at the time was pretty campy but not among the worst action/sci-fi films to come down the pike. Dredd is based on the British comic 2000 AD and its eponymous character Judge Dredd created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra. There is little need for an in-depth breakdown of the storyline as the synopsis above pretty much covers it. The narrative is brief and to the point. This is a straight up action flick that eschews deep characters or entangled elements in favor of getting to the heart of the matter. Despite sharing the same lead character/dystopian themed setting there is essentially no similarities between this and the 1995 film. The character of Dredd here is of the extreme variety and the level of violence and societal anguish has a visceral edginess that lasts throughout.

I think that it works quite well in unison with the cinematography and production design which further enhances the concept/storyline. Sometimes simpler is better. Like the plot these aren’t complex characters but they fit neatly within the narrative’s construct. Each is aptly supported by the performances of Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby and Lena Heady. I have to say that I hesitate to call Dredd a “remake”, primarily for the aforementioned reasons. If looked at in that light there is little question of which is superior although I am sure there are proponents of each. As for me I simply enjoyed Dredd for what it is. Popcorn entertainment with a flair…


Parental Guide:

The rating is for strong bloody violence, language, drug use and some sexual content.



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)

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3D Presentation: 80

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

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Dredd 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lionsgate Home Entertainment featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.4 Mbps.

This film was shot natively in 3D and its elements positively translate to high definition on Blu-ray. The film was shot using a mix of live action and CGI and the reproduction of color, digital effects and wide angle background elements is quite good. Depth varies with some scenes exhibiting an appreciable sense of dimension while others have a less discerning sense of virtual space. Like the 2D presentation resolution is rarely questionable in close ups but it varies some in the limited lighting that comprises much of the film. For much of the presentation there is a noticeable lack of 3D effects that transcend the boundaries of the screen which makes for a somewhat less involving experience especially for an action film. Fortunately there is interesting use of subtle 3D elements and camera techniques that effectively use the platform which in turn bolsters the entertainment factor. I noticed some minor crosstalk and aliasing but neither rose to overtly distracting levels. The end result is a fair but ultimately unremarkable 3D video presentation.

Action films like this live or die by their soundtracks and this DTS-HD Master Audio mix gets it right. This is an engaging surround sound mix that features an array of well placed sound effects that at times prove very involving. I appreciated the attention to detail that went into creating the surround mix as it effectively replicates the environments featured in the film. Near field sounds are accurately placed within the sound field which gives them multi-dimensional perspective that places you right in the middle of the action. During the action based sequence that take place in the Peach Trees complex the room is illuminated with an array of sounds that are both directional and ambient in nature. Low frequencies are rich, and occasionally room energizing as they accentuate the audio’s excellent dynamic range with palpable impact. Dialogue intelligibility is never a problem even during the film’s more active moments. This is a great surround sound presentation that makes for an entertaining home theater experience. Be sure to give the volume knob an extra turn.


2D Video Quality:

Video: 90

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

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Dredd comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lionsgate Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 26 Mbps.

This film utilizes a stylized visual design that has a limited color scheme that works aesthetically well for the subject matter. The color range is limited to shades of dark blue, gray and black with splashes of crimson red, and muted sepia tones. Warm golden accents are used to break up the film’s monochromatic essence. Uneven light and shading are prevalent. Contrast is spot on which empowers whites and grays without whitewashing detail. The film was largely shot against green screens which softened some of the background elements during wide angle pans but I never found it to be excessive or distracting. Overall I found the quality of the video to be high. It isn’t always razor sharp but is cleanly rendered with plenty of subtle refinement that increased the perception of fine detail. Blacks are dynamic and gradationally revealing and shadow detail is just as strong. I was enamored by the film’s deep grays, rich contrast and intriguing use of color. I didn’t see any distracting signs of video degrading artifacts or extraneous compression related noise. It looked great on my big screen.

Bonus Features:

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• (HD) “Mega-City Masters”: 35 Years of Judge Dredd” – 14 minute featurette
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• (HD) “Day of Chaos: The Visual Effects of Dredd 3D” – 15 minute featurette
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• (HD) “Dredd” – 2 minute feature
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• (HD) “Dredd’s Gear” - 2 minute featurette
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• (HD) “The 3rd Dimension” – 2 minute featurette
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• (HD) “Welcome to Peachtrees” - 2 minute featurette
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• (HD) Dredd Motion Comic Prequel – 3 minutes
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• (HD) Theatrical trailer

Final Thoughts:

Based upon the British comic 2000 AD and its eponymous character Judge Dredd created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra, Dredd is as stylish as it is visceral in its depiction of dystopian America and the cops that patrol the chaos riddled city of Mega One. I kicked back, took it all in and found it to be an entertaining action flick that took no prisoners and made no excuses. Dredd comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lionsgate Home Entertainment featuring excellent high definition video, subtle but gratifying 3D effects and reference quality 7.1 channel lossless surround sound. The supplemental package isn’t extensive but is worth checking out especially if you liked the film. All in all Dredd makes for a rewarding addition to the collections of those that can appreciate it’s take on the genre. At the very least it’s worth the cost of a rental to check out its technical merits on Blu-ray. Enjoy!












Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews





Reference Review System:


JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal)
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

Greetings,

I wouldn't say it was exceptionally hot but the mix isn't laid back either. I thought it was certainly appropriate given the film's theme.


Regards,

Greetings,

I would say that you didn't miss anything although I am sure that an 11.1 channel rig might have enhanced the experience. I have tested that feature (on Expendables 2) and agree that it is pretty cool...

Regards,