![Aeon Flux [HD DVD]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/1/1b/50x50px-ZC-1b5b5062_B000GYHVFC-51RAKXFS85L.jpg)
Karyn Kusama's Aeon Flux would normally be a film that I wouldn't consider viewing. But two elements came into play that sparked my interest. First, the cast, led by Charlize Theron, and second, the fact that it is part of Paramount's second release of HD discs. I'm assuming there that must have been a reason for this.
While the film may not go down in the annals of cinema history as a modern classic, even with Ms. Theron giving her role great effort, what did come across as I was viewing the disc is how we have moved another generational step in the moving visual sciences.
To say that we've come a long way from the "flickers" doesn't begin to tell the story.
Aeon Flux, with a reported budget of 62 million dollars, is a visual feast, accentuated by the fact that it has taken a step further, even beyond the "it looks like film" moniker.
Aeon Flux is the first HD-DVD to catch my eye as being something other than, or beyond the film experience.
If one compares a classic 70mm presentation to its 35mm counterpart, the most obvious point will be the finely grained image structure, higher quality color and black levels, and greater overall image stability.
Paramount's HD version of Aeon Flux has all of these elements, but has taken them further on the home theater screen. Projected via 2k, the image takes on a grainless, velvety sheen and a rock-steadiness.
Is the storyline a bit contrived? Certainly.
Do I really care, after seeing the quality of the image? Not really.
Totally suspend disbelief, go along with the tale, but more than anything, look at the image and think about precisely how far we have come since those "flickers" hit the screen over 110 years ago.
A beautifully rendered HD-DVD and Recommended for its stunning visual quality.
RAH
While the film may not go down in the annals of cinema history as a modern classic, even with Ms. Theron giving her role great effort, what did come across as I was viewing the disc is how we have moved another generational step in the moving visual sciences.
To say that we've come a long way from the "flickers" doesn't begin to tell the story.
Aeon Flux, with a reported budget of 62 million dollars, is a visual feast, accentuated by the fact that it has taken a step further, even beyond the "it looks like film" moniker.
Aeon Flux is the first HD-DVD to catch my eye as being something other than, or beyond the film experience.
If one compares a classic 70mm presentation to its 35mm counterpart, the most obvious point will be the finely grained image structure, higher quality color and black levels, and greater overall image stability.
Paramount's HD version of Aeon Flux has all of these elements, but has taken them further on the home theater screen. Projected via 2k, the image takes on a grainless, velvety sheen and a rock-steadiness.
Is the storyline a bit contrived? Certainly.
Do I really care, after seeing the quality of the image? Not really.
Totally suspend disbelief, go along with the tale, but more than anything, look at the image and think about precisely how far we have come since those "flickers" hit the screen over 110 years ago.
A beautifully rendered HD-DVD and Recommended for its stunning visual quality.
RAH
I will certainly use it to "show off" the system to people who might wonder what all the fuss over HDM is about.
