Troy

The Blu-ray presentation of "Troy" is a remarkable showcase of Warner Brothers' capability in delivering a high-definition visual feast, despite being encoded in the VC-1 format that has sparked debate among enthusiasts. The 2.40:1, 1080p image dazzles from the outset, capturing the ancient world with an array of vibrant colors - tans, golds, and browns dominating the palette, with striking use of blue in the Trojan royalty's attire and the surrounding waters. This release, especially the Director's Cut with its new master and 198-minute runtime, integrates additional scenes flawlessly without any noticeable jumps or inconsistent quality. The upgrade from previous versions is evident, addressing earlier criticisms by offering more balanced and natural visuals while slightly moderating the contrast issues that previously led to overly bright exteriors and somewhat flattened darker scenes.

Detail across the board is impressive; the desert landscapes, the glittering armor of warriors, and the rich fabrics all leap out with lifelike clarity. Contrast enhancements make the fine details even more prominent, and while some scenes still tend toward overbrightness, the overall visual style has been refined to allow for greater depth and more nuanced shadows. Black levels are solid throughout, contributing to an image that combines depth with an impressive degree of sharpness. The presentation's handling of color deserves particular note; each hue is faithfully reproduced, creating a vivid and immersive viewing experience without any hint of noise or distortion. Flesh tones are rendered with an appealing naturalism, avoiding any artificiality.

Overall, this visual presentation underscores Warner Brothers' commitment to Blu-ray excellence. It not only corrects past shortcomings but also establishes a new benchmark for image quality. From the seamless integration of additional footage to the enhanced depth and detail in every frame, "Troy" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to the possibilities of high-definition remastering.

The audio presentation of "Troy" on Blu-ray with its PCM uncompressed 5.1 soundtrack is a testament to Warner Bros.' commitment to high-quality releases. Distancing itself from the previous limitation of offering only lossy Dolby Digital tracks, this edition presents an auditory experience that is both rich and immersive. The addition of a Dolby Digital 5.1 track serves as an alternative for those yet to upgrade their systems, but the uncompressed PCM track is where the audio truly shines. From the subtle ambience in the background to the crisp and clear dialogue, every aspect of the soundtrack is presented with an attention to detail that enhances the viewing experience significantly. The action sequences, with their dynamic sounds of battle, demonstrate the soundtrack's capability to engage and envelop the listener fully.

Comparatively, the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions of 'Troy: Director's Cut' vary slightly in their audio offerings, with this Blu-ray edition featuring an uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround sound that matches up closely with the HD DVD's Dolby TrueHD counterpart. Despite slight preferences for PCM tracks generally, a comparative analysis reveals minimal differences between the two, suggesting excellence across the board. The sound design of the movie leverages the format to its fullest, offering a palpable 360-degree sonic experience especially during combat scenes. While the dynamic range impresses, with James Horner’s score shining through majestically, it's noted that non-action scenes and newly-added content lack a bit in atmospheric depth in comparison.

Overall, the audio quality of "Troy" on Blu-ray stands out as an exemplary achievement. The PCM track delivers an auditory experience that is both enveloping and nuanced, from the booming lows of battle to the clarity of each spoken word. While there are minor criticisms regarding consistency in atmospheric depth during quieter scenes, these do not detract significantly from what is otherwise a thoroughly impressive and engaging audio presentation. For enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, the sonic experience of "Troy" on Blu-ray is sure to satisfy, marking a high point in home theater audio performance.

While the Blu-ray release of "Troy: Director's Cut" boasts a substantial array of extras, it falls short due to the noticeable absence of the In Movie Experience (IME) commentary track that enriched the HD DVD version, leaving a slight void for enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the compilation remains commendable, offering a mix of technical dives and thematic explorations. Director Wolfgang Petersen's introduction sets a reflective tone, discussing the liberation of revisiting the film without constraints, which is a sentiment echoed across featurettes like "Troy in Focus" and "Attacking Troy," highlighting challenges from adapting Homer's epic to executing ambitious battle scenes. The technical aspects, from "In the Thick of Battle" to "Troy: An Effects Odyssey," provide insights into filmmaking processes, though they may not break new ground comparably to landmark DVD releases of other epics. Unfortunately, Warner Brothers' presentation strategy might overstate the content's depth, with some extras only skimming surfaces. Notably missing is the "Gallery of the Gods" feature from the HD DVD, and an odd inclusion of "Greek Ship Towing," a bizarre comedic attempt that remains mystifying. Despite these quirks, the extras package offers a robust look at the crafting of "Troy," albeit with room for improvement in terms of innovative presentation and comprehensive material depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Wolfgang Peterson: Director shares his views on revisiting the film.
• Troy in Focus: An 11-part feature exploring various aspects of production.
• In the Thick of Battle: Detailed analysis of the film’s complex battle sequences.
• From Ruins to Reality: A look into the production design and historical authenticity efforts.
• Troy: An Effects Odyssey: Insight into the CGI filmmaking process and challenges encountered.
• Attacking Troy: Focuses on adapting battle scenes with historical coherence.
• Greek Ship Towing: A peculiar comedy piece involving early CGI animations.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original film trailer.

Warner Bros.' Blu-ray presentation of "Troy" is hailed as one of their finest efforts to date, showcasing Wolfgang Petersen's expansive and detailed vision of this epic tale. Anchored in the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, the film unfolds the timeless saga of love, pride, and honor derived from Homer's The Iliad. Despite its extensive three-hour length, the narrative remains straightforward and compelling, thanks to the mesmerizing portrayal of legendary characters by a star-studded ensemble including Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, and Eric Bana. The simplicity of the plot juxtaposed against the complexity of character interactions and motivations enriches the viewing experience, making "Troy" a polished cinematic jewel. The director's cut introduces over 30 minutes of additional plot and character development, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the iconic relationships and tensions that drive the narrative forward.

Peterson’s meticulous attention to battle choreography, coupled with exceptional costume design that garnered an Academy Award nomination, elevates "Troy" above mere historical spectacle. It masterfully captures the brutality and heroism of ancient combat, while also allowing room for the story's more intimate human elements to shine through. Although certain performances have been met with mixed reviews, standout contributions by Eric Bana and Brendan Gleeson, among others, contribute significantly to the film's gravitas. The Blu-ray’s enhanced director's cut not only expands on the visual and visceral impact with added scenes of conflict and passion but also attempts to rectify pacing issues seen in the theatrical release. Despite these improvements, some criticisms surrounding narrative coherence and historical accuracy persist.

Warner Bros.' commitment to preserving filmmakers' original visions shines through in this release of "Troy: Director's Cut," offering both fans and newcomers a more nuanced experience of Petersen's epic. Although the director's cut may not radically alter the film's reception or address all its critiques, it undeniably enriches the texture and scale of this monumental story. The additional content enhances key relationships and adds depth to pivotal moments, making it a worthwhile exploration for those captivated by this adaptation’s ambitious scope and the timeless allure of its mythological roots.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Troy," particularly its Director's Cut, offers a visually stunning and audibly impressive experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of the film. "Troy" as a movie excels in its grandeur and action-packed execution, featuring sumptuous cinematography, adept direction, and detailed costume design that all contribute to its epic scale. While the film's adaptation from historical and literary sources may not satisfy purists, its merits in visual storytelling and entertainment value are undeniable. The high-definition quality of the Blu-ray accentuates the film's visual strengths, with a crystal-clear image that is among the best available, complemented by a very strong PCM audio track that ensures the action sequences resonate.

The additional content in the Director's Cut version adds substantial value, providing viewers with more footage that, while not fundamentally altering the original's perceived flaws, offers a richer experience. The Blu-ray edition maintains parity with previous HD DVD releases in terms of video and audio quality, missing only some of the earlier version's technological gimmicks like the In-Movie Experience track. However, it compensates for this with new featurettes that delve into different aspects of the film's creation. Despite the noted absence of deeper supplemental materials that could have added more context or historical insight, the release stands out for its technical excellence.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Troy," especially the Director's Cut, is a commendable addition to any collection, bolstered significantly by its visual and auditory fidelity. Although it might not sway critics of the film's narrative or historical inaccuracies, for fans and newcomers alike, it offers an enhanced viewing experience that highlights the movie's strengths. The package might fall slightly short in offering depth through extras, but it more than compensates with a top-tier presentation that showcases what high-definition home entertainment can be.