Blu-ray Review: 2012 (Single Disc Version) - Page 3

This digital filming does not necessarily mean the image is flawless however. At times the image onscreen seems artificial and overly glossed. It does not happen often, but when it does you realize that most of what you are seeing is CG and it does pull you away from the scene at times. Having said that I need to reiterate that 2012 does look amazing and Sony should be commended for the excellent transfer

The Audio

Featuring an amazing DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack 2012 is one of the best sounding movies I have experienced in a long time. Knowing this was billed as the ‘king of disaster movies’ I picked a time I was alone in the house and had the volume up quite high. I have to say I was blown away by the depth and quality of this soundtrack.

The audio mix was flawless, there was near constant and effective use of the rear channels to add depth and atmosphere to the experience. The dialogue was always identifiable and clear even when loud explosions where rocketing around my room. I swear I ducked a few times when I could hear hot metal flying over my shoulder.

Speaking of explosions my subwoofer finally had a great and productive workout. From low thrums of earthquakes to the deep sustained bass of an explosion the use of the sub was outstanding and never overdone. I have to give kudos as well the leveling used in this soundtrack. Often in movies like this the explosions are exponentially louder than the other audio, in this case they were louder, of course, but never to a jarring degree that has you messing with the volume.

This is a top notch soundtrack and one that immerses you in the experience from start to finish. Definitely a reference quality audio experience and one that other studios could learn from.

The Extras

This review is for the single disc version of the blu-ray so there are not a great deal of extras but the ones here are of decent quality but generally involve watching the film multiple times which is asking a lot. The supplements are very vanilla and do very little to add any attachment to the film.

• Commentary with Writer/Director Roland Emmerich and Co-Writer Harald Kloser – This seems like a completely phoned in audio commentary by Emmerrich and Kloser. Scene specific information, some science tidbits and behind the scenes details emerge, but both men seem bored, as was I.
• Picture-In-Picture: Roland's Vision – Slightly more interesting then the audio commentary these random popup interviews and insights fail to be overly interesting. There are a few neat moments during some of the larger scenes, but generally not very fun to enable.
• Alternate Ending – This four minute alternate ending looks at the survivors of one of the cruise ships, not very engaging and worse than the original ending.
• MovieIQ – Internet based feature that gives access to cast and crew bios as well as behind the scenes details and interviews.
• BD-Live – Sony’s normal BD-Live implementation, nothing of real interest aside from HD trailers.