Beyond
The Sky (2018/RLJ
Blu-ray)/Blood And Black
Lace (1964/VCI Blu-ray
w/DVD)/The Matrix Trilogy
4K (1999, 2003/Warner 4K
Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray Box)/12
Monkeys (1995/MVD
Visual/Universal/Arrow Blu-ray)
4K
Ultra HD Picture: A Picture: B+/B-/B+/B+ Sound: B+/B-/A/B+
Extras: C/B/B/B Films: C/B/A B B-/B+
Now
for a new set of high definition sci-fi and horror genre releases....
Beyond
The Sky
(2018) is
a low budget alien film about a documentary filmmaker named Chris
Norton (Ryan Carnes) who goes to a UFO convention in an attempt to
disprove the phenomenon. A skeptic on the subject, he soon meets a
young girl named Emily who gets abducted every seven years. As the
day looms closer to her birthday, he discovers the truth behind the
phenomenon.
The
film also stars Jordan Hinson (Eureka),
Martin Sensmeier (The
Magnificent Seven),
Don Stark (That
'70s Show),
Peter Stormare (Fargo)
and Dee Wallace (The
Howling,
E.T.).
Presented
in 1080p high definition on Blu-ray disc with a widescreen aspect
ratio of 1.85:1 and an English DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 lossless
mix, both of which are the standard for the format. The film has a
very 'clean' look but shots are nicely composed. The visual effects
are a bit lacking but skin tones and contrast levels are nice.
Special
Features include...
Interview
with Travis Walton, Alien Abductee and Author of Fire
in the Sky
Interview
with Navajo Artist at the International UFO Congress.
Beyond
The Sky
has some interesting ideas, but ultimately feels like a SyFy Channel
movie. The acting isn't too great and its shot a bit too clean to
pass as a documentary in those sections. The inclusion of Storemare
and Dee Wallace are nice touches, and overall it's worth checking out
if you read a lot into the phenomenon.
Italian
maestro Mario Bava's eye poppingly gorgeous film, Blood
and Black Lace
(1964), is a classic giallo that has seen several releases on home
video in recent years. This latest edition from VCI brings out the
original technicolor print in a new 2K remaster and restores it for
Blu-ray with a transfer that is slightly different than the
previously released disc from Arrow Video we hope to catch up with
soon. If you don't have that release, however, this edition isn't
too bad and has plenty of interesting extras and a different aspect
ratio.
The
film stars Cameron Mitchell, Eva Bartok, Thomas Reiner, Ariana
Gorini, and Dante DiPaolo.
Set
in a 'fashion house' where beautiful women, drugs, and crooked deals
are the norm, murders start happening. As the masked killer cuts up
one beautiful woman after another, the identity of the murderer comes
into question. Is the boyfriend of one of the victims, whose known
for being a bad guy, be the killer? Or could it be someone else
that's setting him up?
The
classic film has been remastered in 2K from the original film
elements in a full 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio and is paired with
2.0 LPCM audio mixes in both the original Italian language track and
a dubbed English version.
The
Arrow version of the film should make a nice comparison to this one
as the aspect ratios are different (Arrow's version is in 1.66:1),
and the image is a bit different between the two releases, with this
version being a little more saturated. Both versions of the film
look pretty good, but it comes down to a matter of preference at the
end of the day, we expect, but we'll see more later.
Also
included is an anamorphically
enhanced
standard definition DVD version of the film with similar (but
compressed) specs that is a trade off with the DVD as Bu-ray
improvements show new flaws in the print.
Special
Features include...
2018
Commentary by Kat Ellinger, Editor-in-Chief and author, Diabolique
Magazine
2018
Commentary by film historian and David Del Valle &
director/writer, C Courtney Joyner
Video
Interview with Mary Dawne Arden
Archival
video interview with star, Cameron Mitchell, with David Del Valle
Original
American Theatrical Trailer, plus Italian, German and French trailers
Bonus
Trailers of other Bava films
Extensive
Photo Gallery
Alternate
original Italian or original US theatrical main titles
Bonus
Music Tracks by composer Carlo Rustichelli
Video
Comparison: American Version Cuts / Euro Uncut
and
a Double-Sided Cover.
Reviews
of previous releases of this film can be found below:
Blood
and Black Lace - Un-slashed Collector's Edition:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/3257/Blood+&+Black+Lace+%E2%80%93+Unslashed+Co
A
previous release of the film from VCI, only on the DVD format..
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/344/Blood+&+Black+Lace+(VCI+DVD
And
an older release on DVD as well...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/10504/Blood+&+Black+Lace+%E2%80%93+2+Disc+Spec
A
few months ago, I was blown away by Warner Bros.' new 4K UHD
presentation of the first Matrix
film (1999), which also happens to be one of my favorite films of all
time. Having seen the film hundreds of times on every format known
to man, I actually caught some things I never saw before in this new
ultra high def presentation. Thankfully, Warner Bros has went ahead
and done the same treatment to both of the sequels, The
Matrix Reloaded
(2003) and The
Matrix Revolutions
(2003) and tiny (but noteworthy) improvements can be seen in them as
well.
My
review of the first Matrix
on 4K UHD can be found here...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/15175/The+Matrix+4K+(1999/Warner+4K+Ultra+HD+Blu-
And
our best previous coverage of the infamous trilogy is in the way of
Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-ray set here...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/8087/The+Ultimate+Matrix+Collection+(Warner+Bros.+Bl
The
Matrix
(1999)
The
Matrix
stars Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie Ann Moss, Hugo
Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, and others with direction by The Wachowskis
(V for
Vendetta,
Speed
Racer,
Jupiter
Ascending).
Computer
Hacker Neo (Reeves) ends up stumbling down the rabbit hole and finds
himself in the company of Morpheus (Fishburne) a mysterious man who
challenges Neo's concept of reality. After he's unplugged, Neo finds
himself in the real world and realizes the truth... that we are
living in a computer generated dream world and humanity is being used
as its energy source. Pursued by Agents within this world, especially
the dastardly Agent Smith (Weaving), Neo and the band of rebels
attempt to survive in this surreal and war torn future.
Infamously,
Warner Bros decided to challenge The Wachowskis into filming both
Matrix
films back to back ala Back
to the Future,
and release them both in the same year.
The
Matrix Reloaded
(2003)
The
flawed but fun follow-up to the original Matrix film brings back much
of the original cast members, and ups the ante in terms of visual
effects. Groundbreaking visually at the time of its release, the
film brings back Neo and friends who now find that Agent Smith is not
only still alive within The Matrix, but has found a way to replicate
himself.
Faced
with becoming The One and terrible visions that he is having of
Trinity's future death, Neo (Reeves) must face Smith once again
whilst trying to protect Trinity and Morpheus, who are still
struggling to save themselves and others in the crumbling computer
generated world…
Some
of the lesser points of the film deal within Zion itself, which is a
little silly in retrospect and too many long philosophical ramblings
that went over its target audience's head. There's no doubt that
this trilogy is intelligently written, however, they could have went
a darker route with the sequel instead of the way they went.
Highlights including the shapeshifting Twins, The intense freeway car
chase sequence, and a scene where Neo has to fight hundreds of Smiths
at one time.
The
Matrix Revolutions
(2003)
Revolutions
definitely has the 'third movie' syndrome, and has a lackluster
ending that definitely could have been stronger. From a production
standpoint, the film is just as sharp as the others with more
incredible eye candy and highly detailed environments. You can see
now in retrospective how many sci-fi films (like James Cameron's
Avatar)
have been influenced by it since (although they would unlikely admit
it).
The
battle of Zion is pretty epic and still looks fantastic, even in this
remastered version and the final showdown between Smith and Neo
remains highly innovative. Revolutions has some fantastic sequences
and ideas behind it, but ultimately is a lackluster entry in the
dialogue and story department that divided fans and critics. Some
characters die just to die, and there are many scenes that linger
around a bit too long and could have been trimmed or cut entirely.
It throws back to the first film more than once, but ultimately it
feels a little more rushed than Reloaded does.
In
The
Matrix Revolutions,
Neo is in a coma and Trinity has to go back into The Matrix in order
to save him. The computer generated dream world has been hacked by
Agent Smith, and nobody (even the Oracle herself) is safe. Sinister
forces rally together in order to stop the band of rebels in the real
world as Neo fulfills the prophecy of 'The One', and finalizes the
war against man and machine.
All
three films are presented in 2160p HEVC/H.265, Dolby Vision/HDR (10;
Ultra HD Premium)-enhanced Ultra High Definition image with a
widescreen aspect ratio of 2.40:1 (and a 4K transfer supervised by
Director of Photography Bill Pope) and a newly remixed Dolby Atmos
11.1 lossless sound mix (upgraded from its celebrated 5.1 sound
master), the trilogy has never looked or sounded better.
The
green tones of the matrix itself shine though in more detail as does
the heavily blue shaded colors of the real world. Skin textures and
backgrounds are more pronounced and the Don Davis score is more
iconic than ever. A few digital effects here and there have shown
some minor age, but that doesn't detract from the high quality
presentation here. The film was shot on 35mm Kodak Vision film with
some action sequences in large-frame VistaVision, so that's a huge
plus here. Even if you own the older Blu-ray editions, if you have
the technology at home then this 4K set is definitely worth grabbing
up. I will say that it seems that the most attention has been paid
to the first film, but both sequels look pretty darn good as well and
it seems that subtle improvements have been made to enhance some of
the special effects and some scenes have a little more color than
before.
Special
Features for this deluxe set include...
The
Matrix
- (same extras as the initial Blu-ray release)
Written
Introduction by The Wachowskis
"Philosopher"
Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilbur
"Critics"
Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
"Cast
& Crew" Commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and
John Gaeta
"Composer"
Commentary by Don Davis with Music Only Track
The
Matrix Revisited
Follow
the White Rabbit
Take
the Red Pill
Marilyn
Manson "Rock is Dead" Music Video
Teaser
Trailer
Theatrical
Trailer
TV
Spots
The
Matrix Reloaded
- (also same extras as the initial Blu-ray release)
In-Movie
Experience - Cast and creative team guide you through a unique
infiltration of the filmmaking
Written
Introduction by The Wachowskis
"Philosopher"
Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilbur
"Critics"
Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
Behind
The Matrix
Car
Chase
Teahouse
Fight
Unplugged
I'll
Handle Them
The
Exiles
Enter
The Matrix: The Game
Enter
The Matrix
P.O.D
Sleeping Awake Music Video
Theatrical
Trailer
TV
Spots
The
Matrix Revolutions
- (also same extras as the initial Blu-ray release)
In-Movie
Experience - Cast and creators navigate you through the Trilogy's
thunderous conclusion - all as you watch the movie
Written
Introduction by The Wachowskis
"Philosopher"
Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilbur
"Critics"
Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
Behind
The Matrix
Crew
Hell
New
Blue World
Siege
Aftermath
Theatrical
Trailer
TV
Spots
Nice
packaging including new cover-art for the first Matrix film and a
nice box.
It
is worth noticing that in order to get all of the in depth extras for
the sequels and The
Animatrix,
you'll still want to keep (or try and track down) The
Ultimate Matrix Collection.
We
can only hope that The
Matrix
series will someday return in a reboot or continuation of some sort
as it's truly a unique sci-fi film series. The concept and rules of
its fictional world are pretty broad, and so it wouldn't even
necessarily have to involve all of the key cast members from this
series... the Animatrix proves this.
Seeing
how many box office flops (and just plain bad films) The Wachowskis
have made in recent years, it seems like they aren't too interested
in returning to the franchise that made them famous. From a
retrospective perspective, The
Matrix Trilogy
still holds up visually, and has some groundbreaking and imaginative
moments that nobody can deny.
This
new 4K UHD set is by far the best that these films have looked yet,
and it's nice to see that Warner took the time to remaster and clean
them up a bit for this release. Too bad all of the extras from the
ultimate collection didn't get carted over here to make a more
definitive edition, but I'm happy overall with this release.
Finally,
we have Terry Gilliam's masterpiece, 12
Monkeys
(1995), looking better than ever in this new Blu-ray edition from
Arrow Video. A daring and twisted look at the future, different but
not entirely from his other masterpiece Brazil
(1985, reviewed on Criterion Blu-ray elsewhere on this site; also see
our Zero
Theorem
coverage), the film stars Bruce Willis as a convict named James Cole
who is sent back in time to stop a dark future devastated by a deadly
disease that's responsible for wiping out the lot of humanity.
The
film stars Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, and Christopher Plummer to
name a few. It's also worth noting if you're a Terry Gilliam fan to
check out his film Tideland
(2005), which we reviewed recently that was also put out by Arrow.
12
Monkeys
is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with both 2.0
stereo and DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 lossless tracks. The
original 35mm camera negative has been scanned in 4K resolution and
has new color grading, which is an improvement over previous releases
of the film on both DVD and the previous Universal Blu-ray. For a
film as rich in production design as this one, it's refreshing to see
some of the more subtle details come to surface in this release.
Special
Features include...
Audio
commentary by Terry Gilliam and producer Charles Roven
The
Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys, feature-length
making-of documentary by Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe (Lost
in La Mancha)
The
Film Exchange with Terry Gilliam, a 1996 interview with Gilliam
and critic Jonathan Romney, recorded at the London Film Festival
Brand-new
appreciation by Ian Christie, author of Gilliam on Gilliam
The
Twelve Monkeys Archives
Theatrical
trailer
Reversible
sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary
Pullin
and
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new
writing on the film by Nathan Rabin and archive materials.
This
is a cult classic and is definitely improved in this release.
-
James
Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
