- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,745
- 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.
UP
Studio: Walt Disney
Product Release: December 4, 2012
Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital EX
Running Time: 96 Minutes
Rating: PG
ON A SCALE 0-5
Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 5
3D Separation: 4
3D In Yo' Face Factor: 3
I was very happy to learn that Disney had decided to re-release
UP for Blu-ray as a 3D presentation. I have always had a soft
spot for this wonderfully charming, touching adventure story that
proves once again that nobody makes animated features quite
like Pixar.
In one of the most poignant animated sequences ever filmed, we learn
the story of a young boy named Carl (Ed Asner) who dreams of
embarking on great adventures. This young boy stumbles upon the
love of his life, Ellie (Elizabeth Docter), who becomes his fellow "adventurer."
The two marry and grow old together, putting money away in hopes of
being able to visit Paradise Falls, a place that Carl swore he would one
day bring Ellie to visit. Unfortunately, that dream is never realized, as
Ellie eventually passes away. Now, a grumpy old man, Carl finds that
he is about to lose his home to a commercial construction company.
In a last-ditch effort to fulfill his promise to Ellie, Carl uses balloons to lift
his home and journey to South America.
UP excels in both story and animation. This beautifully crisp HD transfer
brings out all the wonderful textures within the artistry accented with
exuberant and stirring colors. None of the deep, well saturated coloration
seems to be hindered by active shutter eyewear. Black levels are
exceptional. Chalk this up as another outstanding, flawless rendering.
I wasn't quite certain if UP was originally conceived for or later up-converted
to 3D. Something seemed rather odd to me when watching the Blu-ray --
it looked too damn good to be a simple up-conversion, particularly for the
fact that there was quite a bit of protrusion. Upon doing some research, I
was delighted to find that UP was actually Pixar's very first film to be presented
in the newly introduced 3D format.
There is a predominant amount of depth to be found here which gives a keen
sense of giving proper size to foreground and background objects. In the
beginning of the film, there is a clever shot of Carl sliding down his electric
stairlift. Take a look at the contrast between the wall and the front railing.
It really provides a realistic sense of spacing. Many of the best 3D moments
of the film involve Carl's home flying over a city street or just gliding amongst
the clouds. Those shots provide exceptional view master-like moments that
greatly illustrate size amidst various objects.
As I recently mentioned, the one aspect of watching UP that convinced me
that this wasn't a simple up-conversion was the amount of objects that protruded
from the screen. As we watch Ellie lying on her back next to Carl describing cloud
formations, her fingers seem to extend beyond the borders of the screen. There
are many similar moments where Carl's thick black-rimmed glasses, nose and
chin poke outward. Even the snouts of dogs find themselves popping forward.
Now mind you, I wouldn't consider these real "In Yo' Face" moments, but the
jettisons are so tastefully done, that one can't help but still be admired by it all.
Disney's 5.1 DTS-HD MA is a real pleasure to listen to, particularly for Michael
Giachinno's wonderfully soothing score with touches of waltzes and anthems
which immerses and seemingly lifts the viewer as if attached to a string of
balloons. I rarely hear a score for an animated film that perfectly captures
the adventure on-screen than this one. Of course, the rear channels do an
exceptional job of relaying all the surrounding scenic and weather elements.
There is a good amount of rumbling LFE response to be found here whether
it be during a thunderstorm or when Carl's home is flying too close to the ground.
Clean, clear and crisp are three words that come to mind when describing how
well the sound is translated to the viewer. A exceptional HD experience in both
picture and sound.
UP arrives as a 4-disc combo pack that includes 3D/2D Blu-ray+2D Blu-ray
Bonus Features+DVD+Digital Copy. It even looks as if all the extra features
of the original Blu-ray release have been ported over. There were no trailers
included on the 3D disc.
The Blu-ray case is sleeved in lenticular packaging.
CONCLUSION
UP is yet another masterpiece from the Pixar animation team. In 2009 it was
awarded two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Score. If
you have not had the opportunity to see this film in 3D, it is definitely time to
take a second look. UP looks even more uplifting than ever before thanks to
a 3D presentation that is nothing less than perfect.
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
