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Warm Bodies (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

3K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  ozar 
#1 ·


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

Film:


Extras:


Audio/Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )
88





Studio and Year: Summit Entertainment - 2013
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 98 minutes
Genre: Romance/Horror/Comedy

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
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, English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Teresa Palmer, Nicholas Hoult, Rob Corddry, Dave Franco, Analeigh Tipton, Cory Hardrict, John Malkovich
Directed by: Jonathan Levine
Music by: Marco Beltrami
Written by: Jonathan Levine based on the novel by Isaac Marion
Region Code: A

Blu-ray Disc release Date: June 4, 2013
"Cold body warm heart"


Film Synopsis:


An unlikely romance between a beautiful human teen and a sensitive undead slacker sets off a chain of events with the power to transform the world.


My Take:


In a post apocalyptic future after some sort of epidemic turn large portions of the human population into flesh eating zombies. “R” (a highly unusual zombie) living among others of his kind in an abandoned airport encounters Julie (a human survivor), and rescues her from a zombie attack secreting her in an abandoned jetliner. Julie sees that “R” is different from the other zombies, and as the two form a special relationship in their struggle for survival, “R” becomes increasingly more human – setting off an exciting, romantic and often comical chain of events that begins to transform the other zombies and maybe even the whole lifeless world.


Based on the novel by Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies is an offbeat comedy/romance hybrid about the power of human connection. Spun with a more a less teen themed demographic it is surprisingly entertaining with a light narrative that doesn’t try too hard and successfully derives the most from its shallow elements. I found the concept of integrating zombies into a teen/romance rather refreshing and appreciated the lightly interwoven levity and development of the central characters. There is not nearly enough horror here to satisfy true fans however the idea that zombies, (both good and bad) are present coupled along with a mashing of genres makes for good fun and the possibility broader audience appeal.


Leads Teresa Palmer and Nicholas Hoult are spot on as is the always funny Rob Corddry in the role of “M”, “R”s zombie sidekick. The remaining members of the cast, including John Malkovich, are much less effective but don’t detract from the proceedings. Warm Bodies is a bit of a mishmash that effectively combines comedy, romance and flesh eating zombies. Yes it’s a little warmer and fuzzier than need be but its flair for romanticism mated with a topical theme is irresistibly charming and ultimately entertaining.



Parental Guide:


The rating is for zombie violence and some 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: 86

(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: 90

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

  • Resolution/Clarity:

  • Black level/Shadow detail:

  • Color reproduction:

  • Fleshtones:

  • Compression:


Warm Bodies comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lionsgate Home entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 26 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.4 Mbps.


This video presentation has a filmic quality that doesn’t always lend itself to razor sharp images however resolution is excellent as both people and objects are rendered with clear definition that at times is meticulously resolved. The color palette isn’t a diverse one and with the exception of a colorful flashback sequence sticks mainly to tamped down secondary hues with splashes of primary colors that render a cooler overall aesthetic. Flesh tones are on the bland side but fit right in with the visual style of the video. Contrast is bold which adds dynamic emphasis to sequences containing bright elements. Blacks are dynamic and slightly crushed. Scenes containing uneven and/or dim lighting reveal discernible detail in shadowy backgrounds and darkened areas. Overall this is an excellent high definition rendering that looked terrific on my large screen.


The high resolution DTS-HD MA soundtrack delivers smooth, sibilant free treble, tonally rich, crystalline dialogue, and diffused, room filling ambience. The front channels are seamlessly integrated with the surrounds tightly infused to create an immersive, stable soundstage. This mix generates a dimensional listening experience that comes alive during action based segments or subtly involving during quiet moments. It made for a fun surround sound experience that mated perfectly with the tone of the film.

Bonus Features:

  • (HD) Boy meets, ER, Doesn’t eat girl – 9 minute featurette

  • (HD) R&J – 16 minute featurette

  • (HD) A little less dead – 16 minute featurette

  • (HD) Extreme zombie make-over – 10 minute featurette

  • (HD) A wreck in progress – 15 minute featurette

  • (HD) Bustin’ caps – 10 minute featurette

  • (HD) Beware of the Boneys – 7 minute featurette

  • (HD) Whimsical sweetness: Teresa Palmer’s Warm Bodies Home Movies – 12 minutes

  • (HD) Zombie active tips with Rob Corddry – 4 minutes

  • (HD) Audio commentary with director Jonathon Levine, Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmder

  • (HD) 9 deleted scenes with optional commentary by writer/director Jonathon Levine

  • (HD) Shrug and groan – 5 minute gag reel

  • (HD) Theatrical trailer

  • Digital Copy

  • Ultraviolet Digital Copy




Final Thoughts:


Based on the novel by Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies is an offbeat comedy/romance hybrid that combines an age old theme with a little zombie blood letting. The result is a surprisingly charming film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lionsgate Home Entertainment featuring excellent high definition audio/video and a strong supplemental package that takes a deep look behind the scenes at the production including interviews/insights from the cast/crew. I can’t say that Warm bodies is a movie for everyone but I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend that you check it out on Blu-ray.












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

Marantz AV8801 11.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor

Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier

B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 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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14
#2 ·
Ralph--I'm so glad you liked this movie. We (aged 62) saw this by default when the movie we intended to see wasn't showing at the correct time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Your review is spot-on. This was so much better than that other teen/monster series.
 
#5 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve S  /t/1474670/warm-bodies-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23368414


We went in fearful of seeing "Twilight with Zombies". Instead we got "Sean of the Dead/Romeo & Juliet".

Sounds a lot like RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3"!
 
#9 ·
I watched Warm Bodies tonight and just loved it. Sort of a Rom-Zom-Com with a little action thrown in, LOL.

Had it not been for this review I never would have given it a second thought.


Thanks again Ralph!
 
#10 ·
when i saw the trailer montha back I thought this wouldn't be my kind of movie and it would basically just be a watch for the wife. Grabbed it at redbox after seeing this thread this morning and being curious. I was wrong, this really is a good movie and I liked it a lot. Has some depth to it and isn't rushed but gets exciting and constantly evolves - even my 4 year old daughter was on the edge of her seat and emotionally involved for the last 30-40 minutes that she snuck in to watch.


Looked great for a rented DVD as well and will probably purchase the Blu Ray now.
 
#12 ·
I watched this last night with my granddaughter and we really enjoyed it. She had a friend over and they giggled, talked and a-h-h-ed all the way through. It left a warm fuzzy feeling with my wife and I because of the good ending. I found some shelf space for this one.
 
#13 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chewbacco  /t/1474670/warm-bodies-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_23404809


I watched this last night with my granddaughter and we really enjoyed it. She had a friend over and they giggled, talked and a-h-h-ed all the way through. It left a warm fuzzy feeling with my wife and I because of the good ending. I found some shelf space for this one.

Greetings,


Glad to hear it Warren. Thanks for sharing..



Regards,
 
#15 ·
Hi Ralph and others -


I managed to catch this movie via streaming late late at night and was pleasantly surprised by the film. Using the vehicle of a zombie POV was a good twist on what would otherwise be just another zombie type movie. Though I would have enjoyed more "thoughts" from the main character, the movie does have to move along and does it quite nicely.


The film might be a bit of a Romeo and Juliet or just take it for the allegory that it seems to be about humanity and how we treat each other that does make a difference ...no matter which way, the movie was worth the watch to me.


I'll have to admit that I also watched that Jack the Giant Slayer or whatever it is called with the same actor as the lead and I think he did far better in this movie as compared to Jack. - Naturally, it is subjective but that's my take on his performances.


Ralph as usual - have to appreciate your review and handling of all facets of the movie.
 
#16 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrehdd  /t/1474670/warm-bodies-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23475193


Hi Ralph and others -


I managed to catch this movie via streaming late late at night and was pleasantly surprised by the film. Using the vehicle of a zombie POV was a good twist on what would otherwise be just another zombie type movie. Though I would have enjoyed more "thoughts" from the main character, the movie does have to move along and does it quite nicely.


The film might be a bit of a Romeo and Juliet or just take it for the allegory that it seems to be about humanity and how we treat each other that does make a difference ...no matter which way, the movie was worth the watch to me.


I'll have to admit that I also watched that Jack the Giant Slayer or whatever it is called with the same actor as the lead and I think he did far better in this movie as compared to Jack. - Naturally, it is subjective but that's my take on his performances.


Ralph as usual - have to appreciate your review and handling of all facets of the movie.

Greetings,


Glad to hear you enjoyed Warm Bodies Phrehdd. Thanks for sharing your impressions..




Regards,
 
#17 ·
I very much enjoyed this film, too, and don't see how anyone, zombie or otherwise, could fail to be attracted to Teresa Palmer!



Thanks for reviewing it, Ralph.
 
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