Gravity (3D) [Blu-Ray]

Director: Alfonso Cuarón

Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Release Date: Own it on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and 2-disc DVD Special Edition 2/25

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Film Rating: 10/10

Disc Rating: 10/10

Plot Summary:

A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space.

‘Gravity’ is a film so extraordinary in every way that I would go so far as to call it perfect. From the casting, to the writing and directing, as well as the audio effects and every single detail of the video, this film delivers in a way you have to see for yourself to fully appreciate.  The painstaking perfection of the scenery and incredible attention to detail is obvious in every minute of ‘Gravity’ and I found myself becoming so thoroughly immersed in this film that I was unintentionally jumping or making vocal responses myself when a character would bump into something while soaring around.

The direction by Alfonso Cuarón is truly amazing here (as well as the writing by him Jonás Cuarón) and I am eagerly anticipating what this man will bring to the screen next. The performances by both Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are tremendous, though Sandra Bullock most certainly gets the true nod on this one. She is a very capable actress, as we have seen displayed before, but I’m not sure she’s ever given a performance on the caliber of this and I could not possibly have been more impressed.

One thing I feel must be noted here is the 3D effect in ‘Gravity’.  It really brings things to a whole new level in the experience. While I am indeed a huge fan of 3D in general and usually try to go out of my way to view films done in 3D in that format when possible, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a film benefit so immensely from the 3D effect as ‘Gravity’ did. For those who generally avoid 3D, writing it off as a gimmick (which it mostly is, but an enjoyable pleasure nonetheless for a good number of us), in ‘Gravity’ it brings a whole new level of realism to what you’re enduring along with these characters. I would very strongly urge everyone to view ‘Gravity’ in 3D should you have the ability to do so, and with the lossless multichannel soundtrack utilized as well. It really is an amazing overall experience that I think many will be absolutely blown away by.

VIDEO:

The 3D Blu-Ray release of ‘Gravity’ features a full 1080p High Definition 3D presentation utilizing the film’s original 2.40:1 Cinemascope Aspect Ratio. The 2D Blu-Ray of the film (sold separately, as well as included in the 3D Blu-Ray combo pack) also features a full 1080p High Definition presentation utilizing the film’s original 2.40:1 Cinemascope Aspect Ratio. The 3D presentation looks pretty much perfect.  As I have previously mentioned, the 3D effect really benefits this film in a truly unique way that you don’t see too often. The colors, detail, edges, and every little pin point of this video presentation looked absolutely spot on as far as I could tell and I think most will be very pleased by both the 3D and 2D Blu-Ray video presentations. I will though once again like to strongly urge you to view ‘Gravity’ in 3D should you have the ability to do so.

AUDIO:

The Blu-Ray release features a lossless 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack which is not only impressive and sounds phenomenal, but uniquely takes advantage of the radio communications between these individuals by having their voices come from whatever channel is in correspondence with where that character is in relation to the camera’s current point of view. As a result we have voices quite frequently coming from all five channels and it helps in a very positive way to fully submerge you into this absolutely phenomenal film. It also does a tremendous job of perfectly maintaining the frequent jumps from eerily quiet one moment, to loud and hard hitting sound effects the next. When you combine the extraordinarily complimentary 3D effect to this tremendous lossless multichannel soundtrack, you really can’t get much closer to feeling as if you’re really there with them.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The Blu-Ray release of ‘Gravity’ is more than adequately stuffed with nearly 3 hours of incredible and informative bonus features that many (especially the film buffs) out there are sure to really appreciate. Included is nearly 3 hours of bonus content that takes you through every step of the strenuous multiyear process the director had of bringing ‘Gravity’ to life. We are also taken into the process of creating the Zero-G effect, as well as a look at the emotionally and physically demanding ordeals Sandra Bullock endured on set.

Film Rating: 10/10

Disc Rating: 10/10

Own “Gravity” on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and 2-disc DVD Special Edition 2/25