Being Bond is no walk in the park, more like a hike in the dessert
The 22nd Bond film has finally arrived on Blu-Ray, and having already raked in excess of £400 million at the box office this will undoubtedly be one of the biggest selling DVD/Blu-Ray releases of the year maybe even of all time, but is it worth the hype?
Lets start with the film itself, its a crackerjack thriller more akin to Bourne than to the bonds of old. It starts off as Casino Royale ended with Bond on a revenge mission that takes in the usual exotic locations as he becomes embroiled in a plot to take over Bolivias water supply amongst other things. Its a breakneck film that jumps from one explosive scene to the next but unfortunately therein lies the film real problem (for me anyway) in that you never really get a second to take a breath, just when you think you have a moment to admire the scenery or take in a piece of dialogue then that peace is shattered by another gunshot or car chase. Its maybe a sign of the times that story and characterisation are being replaced by videogame violence, but if i want videogame violence ill play cod or gta on my 360, when i watch a film i want a little more. Other than that it is a very slick, well acted (Daniel Craig is again outstanding) and enjoyable piece of entertainment that just leaves you wishing for a bit more substance over the style.
Onto the disc itself, as expected Fox have not dissappointed with the picture or sound, both are outstanding. The DTS-HD master audio soundtrack in particular was stunning to hear on my THX system with every possible sound pin sharp, in fact i would say this is probably the best Blu-Ray i have heard so far! Picture was very impressive too with colours sharp and life-like, blacks well contrasted and no hint of motion blur on some of the more frenetic scenes. Extras wise things are a bit disappointing with only the usual making of, music vid, featurettes and trailers on the disc.
Overall a great disc to show of your set-up, just not a great film.
| Blu-Ray Disc Ratings:
Movie: Sound: Picture: Overall (Not an Average): |
