Media

Home Theater Movie Renter's Guide - July, 2011

"The Eagle" (Blu-ray) - Reviewed by Jim Milton

Synopsis

Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) chose to lead a Roman garrison in occupied Britain because that's where his father lost a military standard--a metal eagle, representing the glory of imperial Rome--on an expedition into the northern wilds. To reclaim his family honor, Aquila sets off into native territory to recover the eagle, with only a slave named Esca (Jamie Bell) to help him--but the more Aquila learns about Esca's history, the more he has reason to doubt his slave's loyalty.

Commentary

Though not a bad movie, I could not help but think that it was trying too hard to be epic. And it is not. However, the acting is fair and the action sequences are pretty good without resorting to overly used CGI (that means you, Bruckheimer!). The movie seems to exhude authenticity, which I really liked. Tatum is fairly expressionless throughout the flick, but Bell provides some good contrast to Tatum's one dimensionality. The ending is obvious…but still, this “sword and sandal” flick is worthy of a guy’s night out in the “man cave”, with plenty of blood and sword play to keep your interest to the very end.

Technical

Contrast is generally well displayed, though a few scenes have that infernal stylized blown out contrast look to them. Colors and lighting provide the picture with sharp visuals and wonderful vistas of Scotland. A bit of noise creeps up during the dimly light scenes and crush appears once in a while. Black levels are inconsistent, appearing inky one minute and dark grey the next. Details look well defined and the colors are solid. Sound is very lively and the surrounds and sub are often engaged. Battle sounds encircle you and the music track is expansive. Dialog is clearly rendered. The action scenes are definately enhanced by the sound field.

Extras

Commentary, alternate ending, deleted scenes and The Eagle: The Making of a Roman Epic.

Subwoofers