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The Wolverine 3D/2D (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

9K views 45 replies 29 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 )
91





Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox - 2013
MPAA Rating: PG-13/Unrated
Feature running time: 126 minutes/138 minutes
Genre: Action/Fantasy

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


Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, French/Spanish/English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee
Directed by: James Mangold
Music by: Marco Beltrami
Written by: Mark Bomback & Scott Frank
Region Code: A

Blu-ray Disc release Date: December 3, 2013
"When enemies rise... when immortality ends... the ultimate battle begins"


Film Synopsis:


The Wolverine and faces his ultimate nemesis in an action-packed, life-or-death battle that takes him to modern-day Japan. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his limits, Wolverine confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality; an epic fight that will leave him forever changed.


My Take:


Logan aka the Wolverine, probably the most iconic character in the X-Men universe embarks upon on an epic journey to modern-day Japan in The Wolverine. In the 1980s, The Wolverine truly came into his own – in a four-issue miniseries created by “X-Men” writer Chris Claremont and the legendary graphic artist Frank Miller. In the series, the character makes a solo journey to Japan, only to be lured into a maelstrom of crime, betrayal and honor, in the midst of which he is forced to confront both his terrifying strengths and his undiscovered vulnerability. Trying to maneuver in a world he can barely understand, The Wolverine, for the first time, finds his inner sense of justice.


In this story, inspired by that celebrated Marvel comic book arc, Logan (Hugh Jackman), is lured to a Japan he hasn’t seen since World War II – and into a shadowy realm of Yakuza and Samurai. Suddenly finding himself on the run with a mysterious, beautiful heiress and confronted for the first time with the prospect of true mortality, Logan will be pushed to the physical and emotional edge – further than he’s ever been. On a perilous journey to rediscover the hero inside, Logan will be forced to grapple not only with powerful foes, mutant and human alike, but with the ghosts of his own haunted past. As The Wolverine crosses his adamantium claws with Samurai swords, striking out through a maze of love, betrayal and honor, he will truly come to know the price of a life without end.


As a fan of the Wolverine I appreciated this resurrection of the four part narrative that provides an engaging and humane snapshot of the character. Though characters from Wolverine’s past are brought into the mix and there are allusions to what he has gone through in his previous adventures, the focus is on an alternate track from the X-Men movies. Taking a step back from what has become the norm in comic book adaptations/heroes brought to the big screen I enjoyed its emotion, visceral edge and pointed (pun intended) action. Hugh Jackman owns this role and his devotion both mentally and physically to his craft shines through brilliantly. I watched both the theatrical and extended cut liking them both but ultimately preferring the extended cut for its deeper connective tissue relative to the relationships between Logan, Mariko and Yukio. If you’re not familiar with the specific subject pertaining to the film’s adaptation you may find the film to be a bit of a let down. Regardless there is enough action, slicing/dicing and top notch production elements to keep interest from waning. As for me I had a good time with the film, Hugh Jackman’s portrayal and director James Mangold’s directorial choices. All in all it’s time well spent.


Parental Guide:


Both versions of the film contain sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, some sexuality 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: 86

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

  • Depth (Onscreen):

  • Dimension (Beyond the screen):

  • Realism:

  • Clarity/Detail:

  • Color reproduction:


The Wolverine 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox Entertainment featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.7 Mbps.


The Wolverine 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. The film employs varied use of the 3D platform and doesn’t go in for typical reaction grabbing effects but instead applies depth, near field spacing and virtual boundaries with the occasional pop out here and there. That may seem strange especially for those used to “traditional” 3D action but the application works just fine. I didn’t notice any overt instances of crosstalk or other video related anomalies. The end result is a complimentary 3D video presentation that may leave some 3D zealots disappointed.


The high resolution DTS-HD MA surround mix delivers the soundtrack’s elements with aplomb. The higher fidelity inherent in this lossless sound mix is readily apparent. Dynamics range is extended which renders the film’s action with defining impact and energy. Dialogue is presented with clear intonation, full bodied texture, and excellent room penetration. The opening sequence in Nagasaki exhibits excellent high level detail and low frequency headroom as the cascading wall of sound and bass rolls through the room. When the action heats up the sound of swirling objects and clashing swords is reproduced with sparkling clarity. Imaging is excellent as the front and rear soundstage is integrated with precision via an active surround mix containing a mixture of spatial and localizable sound effects that place the sweet spot in the heart of the action. Low frequency detail is clean, well articulated and authoritative as points of contact seem to resonate with palpable bass impact. This isn’t a bombastic or overly aggressive soundtrack but it’s blend of intricate detail and room filling dynamics make for a great home theater experience.


2D Video Quality:

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 Wolverine comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 32 Mbps.


This film utilizes distinct visual styles to convey its thematic content. One makes use of darker/monochromatic color schemes and grittier textures while the other features richer contrast and vibrant colors emboldened by warm accents. Each provides the look that the filmmakers strove for to drive the narrative components. Close ups reveal crisp definition and perceptible detail that reveals the presence of pores, stubble, peach fuzzy hair and subtle complexional variations. The texture on the surfaces of objects is just as defining which give them visibly apparent structure and lifelike quality. The film features many low level/light segments. Black levels are rock solid with some occasional loss of fine detail, but not detrimentally so. Contrast is spot on which delivers bright punchy whites and appreciable dimension during well lit interior/exterior sequences. The video has a noticeably clean and pristine quality that appears devoid of video related anomalies and artifacts.


Bonus Features:


  • Disc 1:

  • The Wolverine 3D Blu-ray


  • Disc 2:

  • The Wolverine (Theatrical cut) 2D Blu-ray


  • Disc 3:

  • The Wolverine (Extended cut) 2D Blu-ray

  • Director audio commentary

  • Second Screen App – Provides additional bonus content accessible via your IOS, Android Mobile or tablet

  • (HD) The path of a Ronin – 53 minute behind the scenes/conceptual exploration that includes interviews with the cast/crew and production details

  • (HD) Alternate ending

  • (HD) Theatrical trailer

  • (HD) X-Men Days of future past Set Tour – 3 minutes

  • Bonus DVD

  • Ultraviolet Digital Copy




Final Thoughts:


Inspired by the celebrated 1980’s Marvel comic four-issue miniseries created by “X-Men” writer Chris Claremont and the legendary graphic artist Frank Miller, The Wolverine is a solid adaptation that aptly portrays the iconic character. The film is emboldened by a strong performance by star Hugh Jackman and spot on production elements/direction. It comes to high definition in this four disc Blu-ray Unleashed Extended Edition Combo pack that includes engaging DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio surround sound, a gratifying and complimentary 3D conversion, reference quality 2D video and a solid supplemental offering that is well worth exploring. If you’re a fan this is a must have for your video collection.










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
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System

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-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)

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 19
#6 ·
NIce review Ralph. Being an X-Men fan I was very excited for this to come out as I actually loved the first one and I wasn't dissapointed with the second one. I made a blind buy with this one and picked up the 2D version. I loved this movie all around! Hugh Jackman did a great job and I always think he is a perfect choice to play the character.


I really enjoyed the surround sound presentation. The thunderstorms throughout the movie sounded wonderfully lush and the surrounds added lots of ambience. Fight scenes where very exciting and the movies plot was compelling. I enjoyed the bass too and thought there was a few scenes with some good ULF. All around great presentation for me.
 
#12 ·
I saw this in the theater and thought it was pretty boring. I actually preferred the first terrible one. Maybe the whole idea is just getting stale to me - the comic book movie explosion and the 10,000,000 sequels to each one is growing a little old. Time to collectively move on!
 
#14 ·
How many Wolverine movies is Hugh Jackman going to be in? Half of them seem to be Origin stories too. It's like a constant reboot....


Don't get me wrong, I am interested in seeing this still but sometimes I cant figure out which one I need to rent!
 
#15 ·
I thought this movie was barely better than the last one. It started promisingly enough with the WWII intro but by the time it got to the train sequence barely half an hour in (which must rank as some of the worst conceptualized and executed CGI of any big budget movie in recent memory) this flick just lost me. The ending was ridiculous as well, easily matching the last 15 minutes of Wolverine Origins. The story has the most tenuous of similarities to the original Chris Claremont/Frank Miller comic mini-series and the revelation of the "Silver Samurai" at the end will make die-hard Marvel/Wolverine fans riot in the streets.


The disc looks and sounds great but I would recommend this as a rental to anyone on the fence unless you're a die-hard fan of this franchise with $25 - $30 to burn with no regrets.
 
#17 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Albert's Fish  /t/1503832/the-wolverine-3d-2d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_24043523




I'm afraid I'll be long gone by 2103. What a shame. I would have liked to have seen this.

Greetings,




Date corrected. Now you can give it a spin while you're still vertical...




Regards,
 
#18 ·
Looking forward to checking this out Ralph, thanks!



Off topic, but when you get a chance, check out "Dead In Tombstone" Ralph (and everyone else) as this is one of the sleeper hits of the year IMO for audio and LFE.
This one seems to be flying way under the radar and I would not have known about it if not for a fellow forum friend convincing me to blind buy it based on his raves of the audio. Fun movie as well IMO. Check it out!
 
#19 ·
*** Contains Spoilers ***


The Wolverine isn't an Origins story. It takes place after Xmen because Jean Grey is already dead and haunts him in his dreams (or so to speak). What's different about this movie is that his greatest power (healing) was taken from him and he still decided to fight albeit differently. Also this movie was more of a side mission that's supposed to tie in with the new Xmen movie (if you watch the side credits).


The only things I didn't like was the grand daughter, I thought her character was weak and feeble. In the beginning she's about to kill herself, then you learn she's a knife throwing champion, and lastly she's the most powerful woman in Japan? Also, even with Wolverine being able to show a weaker side of himself he still didn't look too worried about anything, he was all business as usual even though he could've died at any minute? Other than that, I found it to be a rather entertaining movie. I actually liked that they stayed true to the dark novel that was written regarding his time in Japan. It would've been cooler if he'd taken on more of the Japanese tradition, regarding his hairstyle and suck like in the comic. Also, the Unrated and Extended Bluray Version has about 30 minutes of extra footage, fight scenes, and such that make things more exciting.
 
#20 ·
I actually liked this movie a lot and my family did as well. We watched it last night and were all thoroughly entertained and enjoyed all of the supplements as well. At least Jackman got to show he can act in this one as he plays a troubled Logan who is trying to forget his past. Nice review Ralph and I agree that the audio and video were both outstanding!
 
#21 ·
Nice write up Ralph



I finally got breath a sigh of relief as I was hoping for a little redemption from the earlier Xmen movies (excluding First Class) that where such a let down for me and I wanted to forget them. Here however I can actually say I finally enjoyed Jackmans wolverine and glad I did the blind buy. The audio and video are indeed first rate and very impressive at times yielding striking visuals and shuttering lows with good impact.
 
#24 ·
This is a good movie, and I like it a lot. But I was playing the 3D version the other night, and I had a lot of switching problems on my Onkyo 609. On the Fox Video intro logo, the receiver kept switching the sound on and off, and as a result I got no audio from that. The video signal also cut out a total of three (maybe four) times during the course of loading warning screens or the main menu, and I had to reset the 3D output on the TV each time. Ralph, did you experience any switching anomalies like these on your system when you played the 3D disc?
 
#25 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by LineWalker  /t/1503832/the-wolverine-3d-2d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_24053901


This is a good movie, and I like it a lot. But I was playing the 3D version the other night, and I had a lot of switching problems on my Onkyo 609. On the Fox Video intro logo, the receiver kept switching the sound on and off, and as a result I got no audio from that. The video signal also cut out a total of three (maybe four) times during the course of loading warning screens or the main menu, and I had to reset the 3D output on the TV each time. Ralph, did you experience any switching anomalies like these on your system when you played the 3D disc?

I noticed that when I started the 3d movie that it 1st tells you to put on your 3d glasses, then a signal tells my bluray player to turn the 3d off, then it turns on again. Weird
 
#26 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by LineWalker  /t/1503832/the-wolverine-3d-2d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/20_20#post_24053901


This is a good movie, and I like it a lot. But I was playing the 3D version the other night, and I had a lot of switching problems on my Onkyo 609. On the Fox Video intro logo, the receiver kept switching the sound on and off, and as a result I got no audio from that. The video signal also cut out a total of three (maybe four) times during the course of loading warning screens or the main menu, and I had to reset the 3D output on the TV each time. Ralph, did you experience any switching anomalies like these on your system when you played the 3D disc?

Greetings,


I didn't have any problems like you describe LineWalker. As NahSik points out there is some intermittent signal switches before arriving at the 3D disc's main menu but that's common.



Regards,
 
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