Home Theater Movie Renter’s Guide – September, 2014

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Milton

Movies-sept-2024-Winter

Synopsis

Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson star in this action adventure sequel based on the Marvel Comics series. Set two years after ‘The Avengers’ (2012), the film follows superhero Steve Rogers aka Captain America (Evans) who is now living in Washington where he is trying to adjust to modern society. When a fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is attacked he teams up with Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow (Johansson) to uncover a conspiracy and, with the help of the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), defeat a powerful enemy known as the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).

Specifications

  • Marvel (Disney Pictures)
  • 2014, Color, Rated PG-13, 1 hour and 46 minutes
  • MPEG4, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.35:1 aspect ratio
  • Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson
  • Directed by: Anthony and Joe Russo

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: No
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

In my opinion, this sequel betters the first story. This film has more intrigue and mistrust than the first captain America, which works quite well in a world where the average citizen is becoming more aware that “big brother” actually IS out there watching us. So just like the neo-Nazis of today, we find that HYDRA is alive and well…in Washington D.C. – We also meet a few new and interesting characters; Falcon, with his techno-marvel wings and the Winter Soldier, a HYDRA version of Cappy…who in reality is a very close friend our hero (but I will not spoil too much here). In anycase, the action is superb and even though the story is a bit long, it is a very fun ride for you and the family. And who can tire of Ms. Johansson?

Technical

Like most Marvel flicks, the picture and sound are exemplary. This movie will leave your speakers exhausted. Great colors, details, inky black levels, bullets and explosions throughout make this a demo disc for your home theater. The CGI is also stellar, for the most part (Falcon seemed to defy physics from time to time). Probably the only way this could have been improved would be to install Atmos in my HT.

Extras

Trailers, commentaries and ‘making of’ snippets.

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Chris Eberle

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Synopsis

Spider-Man AKA Peter Parker (Garfield) is enjoying a successful fun as New York’s favorite superhero but his personal life is in conflict. He loves Gwen Stacy (Stone) but is afraid for her safety so he breaks up with her right after they graduate high school. There’s no rest for the weary when Max Dillon (Foxx), a nerdy electrical engineer at Oscorp accidentally falls into a tank of electric eels and becomes Electro, a destructive being with the ability to control electrical current. After a fierce battle in Times Square, Electro is captured.

Meanwhile Harry Osborne takes over Oscorp only to discover he is dying. He wants Spider-Man’s blood but he is unwilling to risk turning Harry into a monster. In desperation he takes an experimental compound and transforms into the Green Goblin. In an epic battle, Spider-Man subdues him temporarily but suffers a crushing loss in the process.

Specifications

  • Columbia Pictures
  • 2014, Color, Rated PG-13, 2 hours and 22 minutes
  • AVC, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.39:1 aspect ratio
  • Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx
  • Directed by: Marc Webb

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: No
  • Language: No

Commentary

You can see from the synopsis that the ending is left wide open for at least one more sequel. That being said, I hope it will be an improvement because this film takes a giant step backward from the first one. Much of the thin storyline is interrupted with the playful romantic banter between Peter and Gwen. To the actors’ credit, they have excellent on-screen chemistry and they perform with an attractive improvised feel. Unfortunately, I was expecting a superhero flick, not a romantic comedy. The action scenes are sparse and the battles have so much slo-mo I’m surprised I didn’t see the Wachowski duo in the credits. As a fan of the franchise, I’m adding it to my library but for most it merits a rental at most.

Technical

The image is stunning in every way and features a lot of bright contrasty material. Dark scenes are rendered in deep rich blacks loaded with shadow detail. There was no obvious edge enhancement to an otherwise razor-sharp picture. Color also stayed true with natural tones and just-right saturation throughout.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track is crystal-clear with a wide and immersive sound stage. There’s plenty of action in the surround channels but I felt the sub was under-utilized. I also felt it was a bit polite in terms of dynamic range. It never really grabbed me with much conviction even during the most intense action sequences. I also found the background music a bit goofy at times and it did little to build anticipation like a good score should.

Extras

The best thing about this release is the nearly two-hour making-of feature. It’s one of the best I’ve seen. You also get audio commentary from writers and producers as well as deleted scenes, a featurette about Hans Zimmer’s musical score, and a music video.

“Jarhead 2: Field of Fire” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Chris Eberle

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Synopsis

Marine Corporal Chris Merrimette finds himself placed in charge of a front-line resupply squad after the death of a comrade. A simple mission to deliver two trucks to a forward unit takes an unexpected turn when they are flagged down by two Navy SEALS and told they now have to escort a mysterious woman to a nearby village. The squad is ambushed almost immediately and all but five Marines and one SEAL are killed. Their vehicles destroyed, the group proceeds on foot, evading Taliban snipers, until they reach the village. Before they can call for extraction, enemy fighters attack the village and capture the woman. In a daring rescue, the Marines infiltrate the Taliban compound and manage to save her.

Specifications

  • Universal Studios
  • 2014, Color, Rated R, 1 hour and 43 minutes
  • AVC, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.40:1 aspect ratio
  • Starring: Josh Kelly, Cole Hauser, Stephen Lang
  • Directed by: Don Michael Paul

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: No
  • Language: Yes

Commentary

I generally have low expectations for direct-to-video releases but Jarhead 2 was better than most. Most war movies these days focus on actual events but this one is more character-driven with an entirely fictitious storyline. Even though most of the actors are unknowns, their performances were exemplary and the script was decent. The action scenes aren’t too over-the-top and you will find yourself rooting for the underdog Marines who overcome tough odds to complete a mission that they don’t fully understand. Whether you’re a war-flick fan or not, Jarhead 2 will make you appreciate what thousands of servicemen have gone through over the past 13 years in service to our country.

Technical

The image is very sharp and detailed with decent contrast but I found it a little under-saturated in general. The director is going for a hot arid feeling which is appropriate for the material but color could have been just a touch richer; for my taste at least. Other than that, it looks every bit as good as the average blockbuster that took in a quarter-billion at the box office.

The DTS-HD Master audio soundtrack is well-detailed and fairly dynamic. Great use is made of the surrounds but the LFE channel left me a little wanting. Dialog is nicely balanced with ambient sound effects and the sound stage is plenty wide providing a good sense of immersion.

Extras

The only extras on this release are deleted scenes.

 “Draft Day” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Jim Clements

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Synopsis

The Cleveland Browns’ General Manager, Sonny (Kevin Costner), finds himself under a ton of pressure on draft day.  The fans already want him replaced and the team has a number of needs to fill.  So Sonny tries to make the right move by  negotiating a blockbuster trade that garners mixed reactions among the coaches and the front office staff.  The team’s problems are intricate and time is running out.  Will he be able to work through this and be the hero or will it all fall apart on him? 

Specifications

  • Summit Entertainment
  • 2014, Color, Rated R, 1 Hr 50 mins
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
  • 1080p
  • Codec: AVC
  • English 5.1 DTS-HD Master
  • Starring:   Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella and Sam Elliot
  • Directed by: Ivan Reitman

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
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  • Violence: No
  • Sex: No
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

I really enjoyed this film a lot.  The movie was well cast and the actors delivered fine performances throughout.  I also thought the directing job by Ivan Reitman was worth special mention.  Even though all these things worked well, I think the script could have shone just a bit more.  It is hard for me to pinpoint the exact weakness other than to say that it might have benefitted from a little more scandal among the draft candidates.  Also, the movie was scripted to to give a sense of time running out and this was effectively portrayed but maybe just a bit more urgency on Sonny’s part would have sealed the deal.  All in all, this is a very solid rental recommendation and a must buy for the hardcore NFL fans out there. 

Technical

This movie was shot on video and there are image details aplenty as one would expect.  The colors are solid, lifelike and properly saturated.  The main issue I had was the artificial sharpness enhancement that worked great on some scenes but completely obscured the finest details on wide shots.  This effect was especially a problem in the crowd scenes at the actual draft venue.  

The audio was more impressive.  Voices were natural and easily understood while the background music sounded terrific.  The majority of the surround effects were largely environmental sounds and they were handled nicely on the disc. 

Extras

This is a two-disc set with the Blu-ray, a DVD and a Digital HD Ultraviolet code.  The on-disc extras are  fairly typical:  two making-of featurettes, deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer.  All are in HD.

 “Chef” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Chris Eberle

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Synopsis

Carl Casper is a hard-working chef at a trendy LA restaurant. His career is going smoothly until one night a food blogger trashes him online and ignites a Twitter flame-war. Things quickly spiral out of control and Casper quits his job and decides to open a food truck. Backed by his ex-wife’s ex-husband, he, his son Percy, and a former sous chef turn a tired and dirty truck into a Cuban food empire. Everywhere they stop, crowds swell and they quickly become a sensation both on the street and on the Internet. Casper has found his true calling but the summer inevitably comes to an end and he must decide whether to continue the truck alone or somehow rejoin his son’s life.

Specifications

  • Universal Studios
  • 2014, Color, Rated R, 1 Hr 55 mins
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
  • 1080p
  • Codec: AVC
  • English 5.1 DTS-HD Master
  • Starring: Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo, Emjay Anthony
  • Directed by: Jon Favreau

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: No
  • Sex: No
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

If you are a foodie like me, this film is an easy five stars. If you’re not, it’s still at least four stars for its sheer comedic value. If I may use the ancient cliché, this is a feel-good movie. You will feel good after watching it, guaranteed. Unlike many comedies which have a dark chapter, there is none of that in Chef. Even the opening act, which features a fair number of nasty arguments, has plenty of funny moments to balance out the intensity. The banter between Jon Favreau as Chef Casper and Emjay Anthony as his son Percy is beautifully acted and has an ad-libbed feel. The only head-scratcher here is the casting of Sophia Vergara as the ex-wife. While she’s certainly easy on the eyes, her acting chops are nowhere near those of the other cast members; at least she only bookends the story. The long second act is all about father, son, and sous chef (played by a very funny John Leguizamo) and their food truck tour of the US. There’s even a cameo appearance by famed pit-master Aaron Franklin, owner of the equally famous Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas. One look at his brisket may have you jumping on the next flight out! Oh and the cornstarch scene at around 1:24 is not to be missed!

Technical

The image was my only disappointment with this release. There is a distinct lack of color saturation throughout and the picture is a bit soft and hazy at times. The film takes place in Miami, New Orleans, and LA; all places dripping with color. To me they looked more like Queens with drab gray skies and muted hues. Flesh tones are also a bit on the pasty side. To me it looks like a post-production issue.

Audio is all it needs to be and nothing more. The music is lively and fun with a salsa flare and the dialog is well-balanced and clear. There isn’t much for the surrounds or sub to do and I thought a little more use of ambient effects would have been nice. All in all, a solid mix that I found enjoyable.

Extras

The only extras are deleted scenes and audio commentary with Jon Favreau and producer Roy Choi.

 “Grimm, Season 3” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Chris Eberle

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Synopsis

Nick Burkhardt is a Portland police detective who one day discovers he has the ability to see things other people can’t. It seems he’s descended from a long line of Grimms; hunters of monsters and super-natural beings. He is immediately thrown into a complicated and violent web of mystery and danger as he battles fearsome creatures and even European royalty.

Season Three picks up where Nick has been infected by a witch doctor and become a rampaging zombie bent on destruction. His friends manage to save him before it’s too late. Adalind has her baby and is now trying to keep her from being kidnapped by Renard’s brother, Prince Viktor. We also see the tenacity and determination of the Resistance as they try to stop the evil royal family from taking over Europe.

Meanwhile Monroe and Rosalee grow closer in their relationship and Juliette, now fully aware that Nick is a Grimm, becomes his indispensable partner. Along with detective Hank, the group manages to keep Portland’s Wesen population under control.

Late in the season, a mysterious runaway teenager appears who turns out to be a Grimm. It’s just in time too because Adalind cooks up a potion that changes Nick’s life in a big way. The cliff-hanger is one of the best yet and you won’t be able to wait for Season Four!

Specifications

  • NBC/Universal
  • 2013-14, Color, Not rated, 15 Hrs 45 mins
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
  • 1080p
  • Codec: AVC
  • English 5.1 DTS-HD Master
  • Starring: David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Silas Weir Mitchell

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: No
  • Language: No

Commentary

This season of Grimm is really packed with multiple storylines, awesome new Wesen creatures, and a fantastic plot arc. The above synopsis barely scratches the surface. If ever there was a series to binge-watch, Grimm is it. It’s kept a successful monster-of-the-week format since the beginning with an easy-to-follow plot arc that slowly builds in intensity. As always the actors and the writing are witty and fun with just enough levity to keep things from getting too dark. There are a whole lot of super-natural and monster shows on TV these days and Grimm is far and away my favorite.

Technical

I’ve always been impressed at the quality of NBC’s Blu-ray releases and Grimm is no exception. Color is rich and saturated and the image is super-detailed. I watched Season Three as it was broadcast so the Blu-rays are a breath of fresh air. There’s so much there that I couldn’t see before. Contrast is excellent with deep blacks and great shadow detail in the dark scenes which are quite frequent. The show is shot in Portland where sunny days seem to be rare. Despite the gloom, the picture is bright when it needs to be.

Audio is equally dynamic and mixed at a fairly aggressive level. Surrounds aren’t used much but the sub gets called on fairly often. Dialog is very crisp and never chesty or sibilant. There are plenty of action scenes to ramp up the fun so turn up the volume and enjoy!

Extras

Bonus features include deleted scenes, a gag reel, two making-of featurettes, and two Grimm webisodes that can also be found online. You also get a guide to the creatures of Grimm.