The Dark Knight Rises Blu-Ray Review, Part 1: The Movie

The time is finally here. I got the Target Exclusive TDKR combo pack, which includes the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital movie, Special Features Blu-ray and mini comic book depicting the prologue. I'll be reviewing the movie first, but I'll just say the prologue comic book is pretty sweet! It makes me excited as a fan to see the this kickass sequence in comic book form, life's original storyboards. I only wish it were full-size, but I guess that would make for a pretty big package, huh?

VIDEO

I highly recommend getting the blu-ray version of the movie, because it's the best quality available. The aspect ratios are presented in a variable widescreen 2.4:1 and 1.78:1 for IMAX sequences (which there are a lot of). The IMAX scenes fill your screen as they did in The Dark Knight. I have a bad taste in my mouth for blu-rays that don't do this (I'm looking at you, Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol). You would wonder why the IMAX sequences aren't presented in the native 1.43:1 ratio. Well, seeing as most televisions are 16x9, you'd end up with pillarboxes for the IMAX shots. The point of IMAX is to fill the screen--you're not losing critical info; although I wish there were TV's that could support the native IMAX frame. (Going back to square TV's? Why not?).

The picture quality is impressive and even improved over The Dark Knight. I watched this in IMAX several times, and this version even rivals the 35mm presentations, despite colors being slightly warmer than the original 70mm presentation.

AUDIO

Where this blu-ray really shines is the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio. I've never heard sound this good at home. The rumbling bass and clear separation of channels bring home the closest thing to IMAX. Hard punches, gun shots, air and ground vehicles, and massive explosions really immerse you in the action. Then there are the dramatic orchestral sounds of Hans Zimmer's masterful soundtrack.

Granted, it's not and will never be as good as IMAX sound, but for lounging on your couch, it doesn't get better.

Buy the Blu-Ray

When you see how much production value went into the opening plane heist alone, you'll realize that paying a little extra for the blu-ray and a proper setup are well worth the money. It becomes an experience all the way to the end credits. I watched the blu-ray to see how good the transfer was, and I found myself completely immersed in the emotions of the story and the action. Get it today!