Cirque du Soleil Journey of Man: THE HTF 3D ADDICT REVIEW (1 Viewer)

[Ronald Epstein]

What can I say?  I love 3D!  From the moment I began watching 3D content in my home I quickly discovered that I needed more content.  I suspect that those of you just purchasing your first 3D hardware will acquire the same ferocious appetite.  That's why I became the HTF 3D ADDICT.  I personally love images that pop off the screen and come inches away from your face without becoming overly gimmicky.  However, I certainly appreciate the nature documentaries that offer beautiful depth and separation.  These are not necessarily reviews of the film themselves.  I am not going to concentrate on story or supplements -- you can find the 2D reviews elsewhere on this forum.  My job is to let you know exactly what kind of 3D experience to expect from the titles that are being released.   As I will be receiving a handful of new product from the studios expect to see more title coverage.

Cirque Du Soleil

JOURNEY OF MAN in 3D

Studio: Sony

Product Release: June 7th, 2011

Ratio: 1.78:1

Audio: DTS-HD MA 5.1

Running Time: 39 Minutes

Rating: NR

ON A SCALE 0-5

Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 3

3D Separation: 3

3D In Yo' Face Factor: 2

Purely for Cirque fans!

Over the past years I have come to appreciate the 

human circus known as Cirque du Soleil.  The troupe

of performing jugglers, contortionists, acrobatics and gymnasts

dressed in incredible costumes never fail to elevate the human

spirit.  Cirque du Soleil is unlike anything experienced before.

The artists of Cirque du Soleil appear in this wondrous film,

Journey of Man, originally shot for Imax 3D.  Smoothly narrated

by Sir Ian McKellen, the film is presented in my liner notes as

a fantasy that follows the stages of human development from

birth to maturity, with each stage presented by a Cirque du Soleil

act such as bungee-diving through giant redwoods, synchronized

swimming, cube spinning and human balancing.  

The single biggest problem with Journey of Man is its silly,

incoherent story which is the reason I couldn't quite describe

it in my own words.  Where the real focus should have been put

on the Cirque du Soleil performers, things get bogged down

with a rather shallow storyline.  Still, most of this can easily

be forgiven when you consider the visual impact this film offers

its viewers thanks to its amazing acrobatics and other human feats.

It's just amazing to watch these acts of human endurance.

This is a film that shines beautifully in 1080 HD for the fact

that it was shot on location in beautiful locales.  You'll absolutely

marvel at the synchronized swimming sequences shot underwater

in the island of the Bahamas and the bungee-diving sequences lensed

in Boulder Creek, California.  The transfer offers abundant clarity and

revealing detail that make these backdrops look magnificent.  Costume

colors are often vibrant, leaping out at the viewer, and black levels

are quite good -- especially in the sequence involving the cube spinner.

To really appreciate how detailed this transfer is, one only need to 

look at a sequence performed in the middle of a pond with its water

that looks like shimmering glass.  Just one of many beautiful backdrops

for the viewer to soak in.

While originally conceptualized and shot for 3D, I am a bit at odds

as to whether the process really elevates the film itself.  I think this

film would have worked equally well in 2D as the process of adding

depth to the film only slightly enhances the overall visuals. There

are oh-so-brief moments where heads, arms or shards of a broken

hat move out towards the viewer.  However, for the most part, most 

of the visuals remain confined inside the screen.  The process makes

for an interesting 3D experience but not an outstanding one.  

The soothing musical soundtrack from Benoît Jutras sounds clear

and crisp across the front channels with the rears giving support to

chorals as well as atmospheric effects.  Turn the volume up and 

you'll find the soundtrack to be a satisfying, encompassing experience.

CONCLUSION

Beautifully lensed, Journey of Man makes for a rather intriguing HD

experience for fans of Cirque du Soleil, though the 3D process doesn't

necessarily enhance the viewing. For what it's worth, I would have rather

seen the filmmakers skip the cornball story and just stick with the

performances instead.  

Sadly, I am not confident that this title will appeal to those not 

appreciative of Cirque du Soleil, however with this 40-minute 3D Blu-ray

reasonably priced at under $14, it may make for a compelling purchase --

perfect for the entire family.

Equipment

LG 60PX950 THX Certified 3D display

Oppo BDP-93 3D Blu-ray Player

Denon 3311CI Receiver

Atlantic Technology H-PAS AT-1 fronts, 4400 center; 4200 rear speakers

SV Sound Subwoofer