Flightplan
(Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: C+ Film: C+
Jodie
Foster made yet another comeback hit with Flightplan,
a film we reviewed when it arrived on DVD.
The link to our review of that disc is:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/3284/Flightplan
Though
the film has flaws, it has its moments, especially on Blu-ray more than
DVD. The 1080p 2.35 x 1 digital High
Definition image is once again a larger improvement from the DVD than expected,
shot in Super 35mm and then rendered darker via a digital intermediate in
another attempt to make it like Panic
Room. Even in the theater, some of
the shots looked like they were shot in digital HD as a result, though cinematographer
Florian Ballhaus at least goes for a big screen look for the most part. Though Disney is now using VC-1 compression,
the differences between DVD and Blu-ray are reminiscent of Disney’s Enemy Of The State in the subtle
improvements both covered on this site, if not as dramatic.
The new
sound mix for this Blu-ray is an impressive PCM 48kHz/16Bit 5.1 surround mix
that has character, depth, detail and is one of the best PCM mixes to
date. It replaces the DTS 5.1 mix from
the DVD besting it just enough to be the best version of the mix, but the basic
Dolby Digital 5.1 from the DVD is also here for older home theater
set-ups. Again, it is no match for the
other mix. James Horner’s score remains
a plus that saved the film in some spots.
Extras again include a feature length audio commentary by Director
Robert Schwentke, featurette on the film’s visual effects, featurette on the
making of the plane in the film and a couple of previews for other Disney
releases from the DVD, plus advanced access and HD short Jet Stream exclusive to the Blu-ray.
All
around the Blu-ray of Flightplan is
a total upgrade from the previous DVD edition and one of Disney’s
best-performing titles in the new format to date.
- Nicholas Sheffo
