This is a stunning DVD transfer, one with plenty of potential for disaster. The nearly blinding color scheme should show off the grain and compression constantly. Amazingly, it's not to be found anywhere. Combined with the sharpness, detail, and overall clarity, this is a show-off piece for a new TV. There's not a single mishap to be found. (*****)
Audio is likewise strong, with forceful bass that never overpowers the rest of the happenings as the highlight. Surround work is aggressive, and any scene that has a chance to use it does so at every opportunity. This is a standard 5.1 mix that offers everything to the home theater fan. (*****)
To keep the compression minimal and audio at an insane level, extras have been cut. A solo Michael Bay commentary will be the highlight for many, while a 15-minute piece on the making of the film offers some repeat information. There is a section here on a broken camera that's worth watching, but aside from that, there's a lot of information missing (like McGregor playing himself at the same time, an impressive feat of special effects). Given the poor box office performance, there's the off chance the studio will try to recoup their losses later with a special edition with some real extras. (**)
The Island was hardly the only the only special effects giant to fail financially in 2005. Stealth also bombed, and the sad thing is, The Island offered some solid material to work with. Here's hoping it can find an audience on DVD, and the less said about Stealth the better.
Article comments
1 - JELIEL³
WOOHOO! I'm not the only one who loved this movie :D
READ MY REVIEW if you like.