Zemeckis brings the tale of Beowulf to life with the motion capture technology he used in The Polar Express. Improvements have been made, although there are still moments where the combination of live action and CGI tricks the eye into not being sure what it sees. The characters look very much like their real-life counterparts, so much so at times it seems like it’s actually them, which takes the viewer out of the moment. The technology is great at creating huge scale and scope, and many scenes are jaw-droppingly gorgeous to witness. Unfortunately, there is still trouble capturing the little things like eyes.
HD DVD is the perfect format for the film. The picture looks flawless throughout. The colors are fantastic and the detail is stunning, Grendel's scales being a perfect illustration. The 5.1 Surround is used to full advantage and immerses the viewer in the film. You'll find yourself ducking during the fight scenes. Even though the format is dead, Beowulf is a must-have for those with the system. It sets the bar for Best DVD of 2008 and is one you will pop in to impress your friends.
The HD special features are excellent for anyone interested in the filmmaking process, especially the technical side. As impressive picture-in-picture display shows the scenes play out with the actors in the studio, except Jolie, rigged up so their movements could be caught by 240 receptors. Early effects footage and storyboard also appear.
“A Hero’s Journey: The Making of Beowulf” provides a better look at the cast and crew on set. They all have to approach their craft differently because of what the technology dictates. Different aspects of the film crew’s work can be accessed during this feature and in others.
Leading the charge is Zemeckis, who has an amazing amount to deal with as he attempts to create his vision. In one feature he sits down with USC students after the first 3D screening to answer questions. While Beowulf may not have equaled the Academy Award Best Picture nominees, Zemeckis is on display performing one of 2007’s best directing jobs without question.
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