- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,558
- Real Name
- 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.
Studio: Walt Disney
Product Release: June 5, 2012
Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Running Time: 132 Minutes
Rating: PG-13
ON A SCALE 0-5
Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 3
3D Separation: 3
3D In Yo' Face Factor: 0
Let's get this out of the way: John Carter was supposed to be
this Summer's first box-office smash, but instead suffered from
negative reviews from critics and ultimately became a $30.6 million
dollar box-office flop, considering the $250 million it took to make.
For those of you who about to watch John Carter for the first
time, I wish I had something a little encouraging to say. Truth
be, I found myself rather disconnected to this over-the-top CGI
spectacle for most of its 132 minutes. I suppose it's the same
way I felt when watching Lucas's final 3 Star Wars films. There is
so much emphasis put on special effects that do nothing to enhance
a story that's not well written, sometimes badly acted, and certainly
not engaging enough for one to always care about its characters.
The story itself is somewhat of a head-scratcher. You have a
Confederate Soldier named John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who upon
discovering a cave of gold is strangely transported to Mars where he
becomes entangled with green-skinned warriors, headed by Tars
Tarkas (Willem Dafoe), who claim him as their savior as they battle
against Sab Than (Dominic West), who is armed with a very powerful
weapon obtained from a Holy race of Martians. I can just imagine how
this looked on paper when presented to Disney executives, and in
many ways, am in awe they were able to somewhat pull it off.
Those familiar with Edgar Rice Burroughs's Princess of Mars,
which this film is based upon, may have better appreciation for this
film knowing its characters and the various backstories. However,
for those walking into this film for the first time without any prior
knowledge of the story, might feel a little blindsighted by it all.
Disney has a reputation for their outstanding 3D Blu-rays that
flawlessly translate to the home screen. John Carter is no
exception here, with its outstanding image quality that I had
no fault with. Though the film seems to take on a predominantly
brown hue due to its dusty western landscaped setting, colors
and skin tones look very natural, and I was pleased with the
overall black levels.
The 3D presentation, however, is a mixed bag. There's really
nothing eye-popping about watching John Carter in a format you
are ultimately going pay more to watch theatrically or on home
video. There's probably a good reason why -- the film was not
originally shot for 3D, but instead post-converted afterwards. The
end result is quite a bit of depth in many of the action scenes,
but very little everywhere else. In fact, there are so many scenes
that take place in faintly-lit caves, or under night sky that the
depth is completely lost. Most of all, anyone looking for any ounce
of "In Yo' Face" effects is going to be gravely disappointed. There
is nothing that flies out of the screen towards the audience.
Hardly a bit of crosstalk here, except ever-so-slightly in the
darker scenes, which is mostly where one would expect to find it.
The Blu-ray boasts a 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio track that was downcoverted
to 5.1 on my home system. Michael Giaccino's score triumphs across
the front channels, with very little musical support from the rears which
are too busy providing the wealth of realistic atmospheric effects from
subtle wind blowing, to rainfall, to the roar of a spaceships panning from
back to front. There's a good amount of LFE activity that underscores
every crash and thud. You'll really feel the floor shake during John Carter's
arena battle with two white apes. Overall, quite engaging.
John Carter arrives as a 4-disc (3D BD+2D BD+DVD+Digital Copy) and
2-Disc (Blu-ray+DVD) combo pack. The 4-disc Blu-ray is housed in
cardboard lenticular packaging.
Blu-ray bonus features include Disney Second Screen which explores
John Carter's journal along with details that extend the mythology of the film.
Additionally, there are deleted scenes with director commentary as well as
bloopers and a documentary that looks into the filmmaking process.
A 3D trailer for Tim Burton's upcoming Frankenweenie is included.
CONCLUSION
Filled with spectacular set pieces and over-the-top action sequences,
John Carter could make for the perfect mindless popcorn flick. If that
is the kind of thing you are looking for, I think you'll walk away quite pleased.
Those looking for a polished science-fiction story are going to walk away
disappointed with a film that seems overbloated with special effects and
completely bland of interesting storytelling.
The fact that this film was post-converted to 3D as an afterthought makes
this one that I do not recommend that you pay extra for. If you are going
to purchase this on Blu-ray, opt for the 2-disc version instead.
Images are for illustrative purpose only not representative of the picture quality of this disc.
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