Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 5:53 pm Posts: 14989
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Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
WSR Review Scores WSR Picture Rating: 5 DD Sound Rating: 5 DTS Sound Rating: NA
Critics' Composite Score: 3.5
DVD Picture Information
(Principal Photography): HDTV 1080/24p (Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 2.39:1 (Measured DVD Anamorphic Aspect Ratio): 2.35:1 (Measured DVD Letterbox Aspect Ratio):
DVD Picture: The anamorphically enhanced DVD exhibits images that are remarkably reproduced for home theatre exhibition. The picture, originated in high-definition 1080p/24 frames per second and framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, has a generally slight, soft character, but details are capably depicted throughout, particularly during close-ups and medium shots. For instance, hairs that stray away from Padmé's gravity-defying hairstyles are clearly discernable, as are clothing textures like Obi Wan's linen robe. Colors are vibrant and superbly balanced, with natural fleshtones, vivid hues, and deep, solid blacks.
The chase through the airborne streets of Coruscant in Chapter 7 are impressive, with excellent shadow delineation and vibrant splashes of color provided by neon animated posters and tail lights on space vehicles. Shadow detail is further appreciated in a completely blackened environment, such as when assassins try to take out a sleeping Padmé in Chapter 6. Her room is believably dark, with just enough light to allow key elements to be seen. As Padmé and Anakin sit by the firelight in Chapter 23, visual information is warmly rendered, then drops off into deep, smooth, and endless blacks (the black level in this and other similarly dark scenes was problematic in the D-Cinema and 35mm presentations, but is well-rendered on the DVD when CRT projected). Many scenes, which are entirely computer generated (particularly those in The Clone War sequence), can have a lack of contrast and color saturation, but with where technology is at today, these scenes are quite seamlessly combined with the live-action elements shot against bluescreens. Thankfully, edge enhancement is not a problem with this title as instances of edge halos and ringing were not detected (unlike the "Episode I" DVD), which is a virtual landmark for DVDs mastered in this day and age. While images often project a similar look of edge enhancement, hard edges around characters are inherent in the source material as a result of image compositing and can be minimally bothersome. The DVD also reveals a surprising lack of image break up due to compression, with minor pixelization only occasionally noticed.
Lucasfilm and Fox have been hyping this DVD edition of "Episode II" as "the first major live-action motion picture captured and created directly from a digital source." "Major" being a qualifier since a handful of other non "major" all-digital live-action movies have actually been released prior, including "Jackpot," "Session 9," and "How High." This edition of "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones," however, is the best example yet of how good a production utilizing an all-digital pipeline can look in a home theatre setting. (Suzanne Hodges/Michael Coate)
http://www.widescreenreview.com/newrelease/sw2.html
Edited By arsh on 1036776531
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