A few words about...™ U-571 -- in Blu-ray

Robert Harris · 08-17-2008, 04:46 PM

Roger Ebert usually says it best, and when his words are available and I can't say it better...

"This is a movie for action-oriented kids. "Das Boot" and "The Hunt for Red October" were about military professionals whose personalities were crucial to the plot. The story of "U-571" is the flimsiest excuse for a fabricated action payoff. Submarine service veterans in the audience are going to be laughing their heads off."

But what does it look and sound like?

It appears that Universal decided to take their time with Blu-ray, and rather than jumping into uncharted technical waters after dropping HD, re-grouped and figured out how to release the best product possible.

While I truly hope this is correct, the release of U-571 adds credence to that mindset, as this Blu-ray, part of their second series of releases, is right up there with the best of them when it comes to transfer. Audio, available via the DTS-HD Master format is also spot on.

As Mr. Ebert noted, this is not a serious submarine drama. It also has very little to do with the real history of WWII, but those who appreciate a good action film might just like U-571.

Technically Recommended, which is the important message here, as it gives Universal a solid string of BD releases, all of superior quality.

Edit: 8/25/08 -- one of the learned review staff of HTF, who has studiously followed the various home video incarnations of 571 from D-Theater onward has brought it to our collective attentions that grain has been reduced. This is acknowledged, but the overall qualty of the release goes undiminished.

There are certain situations which should call for stricter adherence to the original grain concept for Blu-ray. Academy Award winning films and nominees... films for which the cinematographic effort should be reproduced as closely to film as possible.

It would be nice that if after things calm from the DNR / grain reduction discussions, that we have that for all titles.

RAH

Ron-P · 08-17-2008, 04:59 PM

I'll be adding this to the collection for certain, enjoyed it more then even those listed in your thread Robert.

DavidJ · 08-17-2008, 05:03 PM

Technically Recommended

I like that phrase and it fits lots of discs that I've seen recently. I do enjoy U-571 as a lark and I'm glad to know that it is a strong disc as I might pick it up some day.

Brian L · 08-17-2008, 05:29 PM

For those of us that like movies where lots of sh*t blows up ;-), this one has been a reference title since the DVD came out. It was one of my 1st HD-DVD titles as well.

I can't see any reason to triple dip to BR, but it is a very enjoyable flick in my household, and a real work out for a sub.

Brian

PaulDA · 08-17-2008, 11:57 PM

As an historian whose research area is historical feature films, I confess to "checking this out" when it came out on DVD but I can't bring myself to watch it again. I understand its appeal for various reasons, but it doesn't cut it for me.

I do concur that the SD soundtrack was great when I watched it, so I can only imagine the BD sound is even better. Good for those who like demo material, I guess.

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Sam Posten · 08-18-2008, 12:16 PM

This is a ode to the god of Bass. Nothing more or less =)

My full review will be out today!

Carlo Medina · 08-18-2008, 03:19 PM

Okay, I'll fess up. I like this film. I'll be buying based on RAH's "technical recommendation". [just shy of a backhanded compliment by RAH

]

Vincent_P · 08-24-2008, 11:30 PM

Some controversy over this release at the AVS forum:

U-571 comparison *PIX* - AVS Forum

I have to say, whether one agrees with the AVS findings or not, the attack by Kram Sacul towards Robert Harris in post #56 of that thread was uncalled for, especially given Mr. Harris's own passionate commentaries against excessive DNR, plus the fact that he has literally saved so many classic films from extinction.

Vincent

Sam Posten · 08-25-2008, 01:00 AM

I've stopped going to AVS but I've just had my final word there till they get their shit together.

DavidJ · 08-25-2008, 01:19 AM

There are only certain areas or threads that I'll bother with over there and then it is more lurking than active posting. If we had a more active equipment sections here, I might stop going there completely (which is too bad). Many corners of the internet have become quite uncivil.

As for the controversy, it needs to be pointed out that screen caps are not the best way to judge moving pictures. I don't have the discs to compare to each other and even though I am against excessive DNR, I don't think it is worth my time to investigate. This is one that I'm content to let others fight over if they must. I'm going to keep watching movies.

Michael Reuben · 08-25-2008, 01:24 AM

Quote:

As for the controversy, it needs to be pointed out that screen caps are not the best way to judge moving pictures.

I say it all the time. No one listens.

M.