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G.I. Joe Retaliation 3D (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

9K views 41 replies 22 participants last post by  Ralph Potts 
#1 ·


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

Film:


Extras:


Audio/3D Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )
90





Studio and Year: Paramount - 2013
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 110 minutes
Genre: Action

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC/MVC
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24


Audio Format(s): English Dolby TrueHD 7.1, French/Spanish/Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, D.J Cotrona, Byung-Hun Lee, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Ray Stevenson, Jonathan Pryce, Bruce Willis
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Music by: Henry Jackman
Written by: Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick
Region Code: A,B,C

Blu-ray Disc release Date: July 30, 2013
"The Joes are back…"


Film Synopsis:


The G.I. Joes are back and they've been set up to take the fall for a terrible crime they didn't commit. Now, Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Duke (Channing Tatum) and the other Joes must once again face their mortal enemy, COBRA, as well as dangerous new threats operating within the government. When all else fails, one option remains: Retaliation. Roadblock steps up to lead a new team (including Bruce Willis) in this explosive adventure.


My Take:


In G.I. Joe Retaliation the Joes are fighting their mortal enemy Cobra as well as having to contend with the threat of extinction from within the American government. New faces are brought into the fray while several characters return. There are elements from the first film that continue here as several characters return while new faces are brought into the fray. The plot synopsis above more or less covers things so no need for a detailed breakdown as it’s all pretty simple. The first G.I Joe film, The rise of the Cobra, is an overcooked hyperkinetic actioner that is pretty silly but depending on your tolerance for convention isn’t all bad. I own it on Blu-ray and figured I would give this sequel its due.


Honestly, Retaliation is essentially more of the same with perhaps a slightly better story, although clichés and nonsensical situations abound. The attempt at humanizing several of the characters is weak but not detrimentally so as I found them likeable. The action is of course repetitive (perhaps with the exception of the Himalayan mountain battle sequence) but nonetheless entertaining and I found the production elements to be very decent. G.I. Joe Retaliation is exactly what you might expect and is most definitely aimed at the popcorn flick crowd. I acknowledge its shortcomings as a film but must admit that I didn’t mind it. It’s the kind of adrenaline fueled, frenetically paced and routine style genre entry that provides the type of escapism that is fun to in take from time to time.

Parental Guide:


The rating is for intense sequences of combat violence and martial arts action throughout, and for brief 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: 96

(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: 84

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

  • Depth (Onscreen):

  • Dimension (Beyond the screen):

  • Realism:

  • Clarity/Detail:

  • Color reproduction:


G.I. Joe Retaliation 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount Home Entertainment featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless Dolby TrueHD 7.1 channel sound that has an average bitrate of 3.8 Mbps.


G.I. Joe Retaliation wasn’t shot natively in 3D however I found its elements are positively conveyed in this high definition rendering. 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 limited sense of virtual space. Like the 2D presentation resolution is rarely questionable in close ups and brightly lit interior/exterior sequences but it varies some in limited lighting. During the first act 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 a film of this type. Fortunately the action based sequences beginning with the Himalayan Monastery incursion through to the finale make effective use of the platform which bolsters the entertainment factor. I didn’t notice any overt instances of crosstalk or other video related anomalies. The end result is a complimentary 3D video presentation that doesn’t leave much of an impression.


This 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack features an aggressive and active surround mix that has extended dynamic range that positively renders the bombastic nature of the elements in the recording. The action based sequences transform the listening area into a three dimensional sound field filled via immersive surround activity that mates perfectly with the events unfolding onscreen. Low frequency effects rumble with tactile authority while occasionally pressurizing the room with punctuated deep bass that resonates throughout the listening area. Dialogue is reproduced with lucid expression and exacting clarity that produced just the slightest hint of sibilance in the upper registers. This is an involving and dynamically enriched sound design that features high level sonic detail, excellent directional correlation and rhythmically charged bass. My advice is to crank this one up, sit back and enjoy.


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:


G.I. Joe Retaliation comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 26 Mbps.


This is a superb looking and faithful Blu-ray presentation that delivers high level detail, razor sharpness and resolute definition that brings out the lifelike textures captured by the camera lens. Detail perception is nearly flawless with lucid visual acuity and fine rendering throughout. Colors are vividly pleasing with satisfying primaries and warm tonality. Flesh tones are a little bronzy but appear natural with appreciable delineation among the varied complexional types in the cast. Spot on contrast and inky blacks enhance sequences containing mixed content. Shadow detail is discerning which adds depth to the film’s variety of sequences shot in low lighting. From what I could see there are no compression related video artifacts or noise present in this whistle clean high definition video transfer that looks superb on my big screen.


Bonus Features:

  • 3D Blu-ray

  • 2D Blu-ray (including the following bonus features)

  • Audio commentary by director Jon M. Chu & producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura

  • (HD) Mission briefing – 10 minute featurette

  • (HD) Deployment – 8 minute featurette

  • (HD) Two Ninjas – 7 minute featurette

  • (HD) The desert attack – 8 minute featurette

  • (HD) COBRA strikes – 7 minute featurette

  • (HD) The lone soldiers – 7 minute featurette

  • (HD) The Monastery – 10 minute featurette

  • (HD) Fort Sumter – 12 minute featurette

  • (HD) 3 deleted scenes

  • Bonus DVD

  • Digital Copy

  • Ultraviolet Digital Copy




Final Thoughts:

G.I. Joe Retaliation is the follow-up to 2009’s G.I. Joe The rise of the Cobra. Like its predecessor “Retaliation” is an adrenaline fueled, sum over substance, routine style popcorn flick that provides the type of escapism that I enjoy from time to time. It makes its debut on Blu-ray in this three disc combo pack that features reference quality high definition video, engaging 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD surround sound and a complimentary 3D conversion that capitalizes on the film’s action. Add to that a decent assortment of production related bonus material and you have a solid purchase for fans or a worthwhile rental for those looking to show off their home theater’s chops.












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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19
#4 ·
Retaliation was big, loud and dumb... and I loved it. Perfectly captured the aesthetic of the 80's Joe cartoon and is a perfect popcorn movie. Only flaw (and it's a big one) is the inclusion of Rza as the Blind Master. He can't act, he looks ridiculous (the makeup) and the movie stops cold when he appears on screen. On the flip side, Bruce Willis as the original GI Joe was great and definitely helps smooth out the bumps. All in all, a great time as long as you're willing to check your brain at the door.

 
#5 ·
Based on the comments here and Ralph's review, I'll be picking this one up the first time a really good sale price comes along.


Thanks to all...
 
#9 ·
Ralph,


As always your work is appreciated. ...AUTOMATIC purchase for me as I'm not only an HD/Bluray junkie but a vintage g.i.joe collector as well so this decision is about as easy as breathing.... Boom!
....


Wow, this 2d pic is easily one of the best I've ever seen. I put it up there with Skyfall, Zero Dark Thirty and 3:10 to Yuma as some of the most razor sharp and detailed I've seen. Loved the color palette and the audio is excellent although admittedly my soundbar wont take full advantage.


I had a chance to watch it alone on a Friday night. As some here said; it was a load of fun...total popcorn event but... RZV??? what is he anyway and why is he on anything pop-culture? Yup, he was easily the worst, most uncomfortable moment whenever he appeared but the Joe's saved it. Way better than the first one. I'm glad I bought it as I can see popping this one in a few more times even though it's not going to work my cerebral cortex too too hard!
 
#12 ·
As a big fan of the Marvel comic series, I enjoyed this movie. The 3d was surprisingly good, especially compared to the 3d letdown of Man of Steel. This is a loud, put your brain in park type of move...just as it should be. I will be picking this up and am hoping part 3 continues to draw inspiration from the Marvel comic series.
 
#18 ·
Greetings Ralph!



I gave the Joe's ago tonight and came away glad it was a rental, they had all the ingredients ( cool special effects and actors etc..) needed to make an enjoyable movie but for some reason for me those ingredients fell way short of my expectations for this one. I really was caught off guard by the first one as I enjoyed it and hoped for a second. there were however to elements I did like and as you pointed out the Himalayas' scene was top notch and the wife liked the motor cycle scene as well as for the acting , I must have rolled my eyes on more than one occasion until Bruce Willis saves the day, the attempts at getting them to gel was severely lacking ! I'm generaly easy going on movies and know when to check the brain at the door but though not a complete mindless flick, it just missed out on something I can't figure out !
 
#24 ·
Super sweet soundtrack! This one had me grinning from the opening moments and continued to delight throughout -- PLUS NO DROPOUTS! So I've got to think anyone saying it is horrible must not have the kind of sound system which would show it off to very great advantage. Same goes with the last DIE HARD -- excellent soundtrack. Just to give context here, I was not overly impressed with the EVIL DEAD or OZ tracks, which seemed to garner some pretty solid appreciation in these quarters, but this one hit the sweet spot of my system -- especially loved those pulsar blasts -- kindof like the AUDYSSEY test pulses -- a little kindof "bloop" -- round-sounded pulse merging into dynamic LF blasts. Great stuff! Man these tracks are getting good. Would be nice if they could apply the latest refinements to some failed movies of the past -- can you see (or rather "hear") something like the original OZ made over into brilliant -- a movie you would have some reason to see repeatedly?
 
#25 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Emaych  /t/1481776/g-i-joe-retaliation-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23591708


Super sweet soundtrack! This one had me grinning from the opening moments and continued to delight throughout -- PLUS NO DROPOUTS! So I've got to think anyone saying it is horrible must not have the kind of sound system which would show it off to very great advantage. Same goes with the last DIE HARD -- excellent soundtrack. Just to give context here, I was not overly impressed with the EVIL DEAD or OZ tracks, which seemed to garner some pretty solid appreciation in these quarters, but this one hit the sweet spot of my system -- especially loved those pulsar blasts -- kindof like the AUDYSSEY test pulses -- a little kindof "bloop" -- round-sounded pulse merging into dynamic LF blasts. Great stuff! Man these tracks are getting good. Would be nice if they could apply the latest refinements to some failed movies of the past -- can you see (or rather "hear") something like the original OZ made over into brilliant -- a movie you would have some reason to see repeatedly?
you're kidding on Oz right !
 
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