Overview-
Lucky for me I was able to get my hands on a copy of the Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-ray a few days in advance of the September 10th release date. My specific copy has the Blu-ray, a DVD copy, and a digital download option as well. That being said multiple retailers, i.e. Target, Best Buy, Amazon.com, Walmart will have their own specific iterations of the release next week as well.
Film review- 4/5
Where do I even begin with this entry? For starters, the opening scene is like getting a taste of what the original cast of Star Trek could have had for adventures if the budgets back in the late 60s and even during the 80s had allowed them to showcase the crew doing some of what you see here. I almost felt like picturing the original actors who played Dr. McCoy, Capt. Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the gang while they race to save a planet that's about to become extinct from a nearby Volcano that's about to blow. However, you don't need to, because the younger actors portraying these characters do such a believable and wonderful job from beginning to end. As Kirk and McCoy escape the natives of this dying planet on foot, in a chase scene that harkens back to Raiders of the Lost Ark, you're instantly catapulted into this adventure. Soon after, seeing Spock inside a volcano that's about to explode was a thing of beauty for your eyes, which is something this film has going for it throughout. It has a visual aesthetic that never ceases to disappoint, even if the camerawork is a bit jarring at times. Once the natives of the planet Nibru are saved, and the mission is complete, you see the Enterprise blasting off into the sky with Michael Giacchino's memorable theme that helps open the film in the best way possible. At this point if you're not already smiling ear to ear, then perhaps you're a cylon and you don't have a pulse! It was the kind of home-run opening to a movie you need to catch the average viewer's attention, along with the die hard Trekkie as well.
Without giving away too much of the plot, it's a classic story of revenge in which the crew of the Enterprise have to deal with a new threat they've not been tested by before. The main allegory involved with this story deals with the concept of what if governments use fear to justify the means in becoming too powerful? That's at least what I came away thinking. The villain, (well there's actually two) Khan, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is someone you may even find yourself sympathizing with as the plot moves along. He does a masterful job portraying someone with a lot of built up anger and tension. (for reasons I won't spoil in this review) And Peter Weller, who plays the newly established character of Admiral Marcus deserves high praise for really just flat out kicking ass in this movie. Some of his one liners are delivered so on point, I find it hard to not want to recite some of this badassery while joking around with friends. It's a shame he hasn't worked in more films the past decade, because cinema has missed his acting chops and screen presence. There's no doubt about that. I also need to mention the great job Bruce Greenwood did once again playing Admiral Pike. For the short amount of screen-time he has, he makes it worthwhile by making you believe he truly is Kirk's mentor and father figure. Tough love being the operative term here with one scene in particular showcasing Kirk getting his ass chewed in such a way you can't but help feel like you're right in the moment with him as Pike lectures him to no end.
Overall if you're a fan of the original series, the older Star Trek films, or just a fan of movies that can give you a rush of excitement along with the ability to even make you feel emotion within a scene, then there's a lot to like here. I found there's something for everyone in this movie. What surprised me the most was how well a couple of the more emotional scenes were played out in this film. Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine, playing Spock and Kirk really do hit a nerve towards the end of the film and I myself was quite stunned at how many layers of emotion were projected with one scene in particular. Kleenex may be needed for some and that's a sign of brilliant acting on their part. As far as the action goes, I have to mention this, but there's one moment where Kirk and his crew realize they may be in deep deep trouble, and it's played out to where the audience realizes it's an "oh shit" moment as well. So when you witness the Enterprise getting chased down in warp speed, you just KNOW what's coming and this kind of action moment was executed so well that even just getting to see that on the big screen was well worth the price of admission.
That being said, is the film perfect? No, but it's an awfully great ride at the cinemas. I think the only areas JJ Abrams could have done differently was maybe slow down some of the camera movements. Some of the action scenes move at a neck breaking pace, and as much as that serves to thrust the audience into the chaos, I still prefer seeing action move from point A to point B in a more methodical manner. Additionally, hopefully in the next film they add in a little more screen-time for Karl Urban, who portrays Dr. McCoy so well you'd think he was Deforest Kelley's long lost son. With that in mind I really think the creative team needs to add in some more Kirk/Spock/McCoy moments and scale back slightly on the Kirk/Spock/Uhura dynamic. The former trio is what really made Trek shine the most in its heyday. Other than that, hats off to all involved. It's one of the few films you may find yourself wanting to see again and again this summer. It has the replay value Iron Man 3 didn't have, and there's plenty of things you may miss the first time out because of its relentless pace.
Video Quality- 5/5
In re-watching it last night on an Epson 8350 power-lite home cinema high-definition projector, pumping out 1080p resolution, I was blown away at how well this film has been mastered for home use. It was visually stunning to say the least. The image is framed at 2.40:1 for the duration of the film, and although that may disappoint fans who were hoping for the IMAX portions of the film to be included, rest assure it doesn't take away from how incredible the film looks on Blu-ray. Lens flares and all, from the opening sequence on the planet Niburu, to the brightly lit bridge scenes, to the darker shots set in space, everything just popped in the right places. Black levels were on point, and the colors looked breathtaking from beginning to end. It's obvious some tender loving care went into ensuring the best possible master of the film was used for home release here.
Audio Quality- 5/5
Much like the video quality being perfection, the audio is a home-run of its own. From Ben Burtt's mind-bendingly epic sound effects to Michael Giacchino's rousing score, the DTS 7.1 surround sound mix is a feast for the ears. Additionally, the dialogue that gets pumped through the center channel was not only crystal clear, it wasn't over shadowed by anything else getting churned out of the front left/right and surround channels. One scene in particular you're going to want to crank up to test the greatness of the audio on this Blu-ray is when Admiral Marcus's Vengeance overtakes the Enterprise in warp speed. Assuming your surround sound set-up is decent, along with a solid sub-woofer, you'll be sucked right into that overwhelming scene right in your living room, it's phenomenal!
Extras/Special Features- 1/5
Unfortunately I've saved the worst for last regarding this release. This may go down as one of the most bare bones new release Blu-rays for such a blockbuster film in the history of Blu-ray releases. Paramount Pictures, and I'm assuming JJ Abram's production company Bad Robot must have decided to do retailer exclusive versions of the Blu-ray, forcing fans to purchase multiple versions of this film if they want a full palette of special features. To put it mildly, that's a real pisser. One of the reasons it is a major bummer is while I watched the 8 featurettes included in my disc, I actually found most of the material to be fun, informative, and made me yearn for more. The problem with that is do I really want to run out to Target or Best Buy next week and buy the separate versions of this release to complete the missing special features? Nonetheless, the average length of these extra segments was around seven minutes a pop. Here is a complete listing of each:
- Creating the Red Planet (HD, 8:28): Cast and crew discuss ditching the idea of shooting in Hawaii and share the painstaking details behind creating Nibiru, both the leafy red surface and the volcanic set piece. The supplement also examines alien design and the technical details and challenges behind shooting the sequence.
- Attack on Starfleet (HD, 5:25): A look at the dramatic undertones behind one of the film's most critical scenes. It also studies set design, technical details behind the making of the scene, and creating the explosive action elements and the corresponding stunt work.
- The Klingon Home World (HD, 7:30): An examination of incorporating Klingons into the film, keeping them familiar but also making them unique to this universe, construction of the Kronos set, Klingon costume design and makeup, and coaching the actors in the Klingon language.
- The Enemy of My Enemy (HD, 7:03): Choosing a villain for the film, the purpose behind returning Khan to the franchise, casting Khan, making the plot line accessible to newcomers and longtime Trek fans, and Khan's story in the film.
- Ship to Ship (HD, 6:03): Creating one of the film's most daring action sequences, from pre-visualization to final product. The supplement also examines shooting the end of the scene with no major digital enhancements.
- Brawl by the Bay (HD, 5:44): Shooting some of the climactic scenes in Los Angeles, Zachary Quinto's physical preparations for his role, and stunt double work.
- Continuing the Mission (HD, 1:57): A look at Star Trek's work with returning veterans and public service projects.
- The Mission Continues (HD, 1:29): An advertisement for veteran public works service through The Mission Continues program.
The Verdict- 3/5
Look, if you loved this film, then by all means, purchase the Blu-ray. It looks and sounds phenomenal, and that's not even up for debate. Besides, not all of us need to purchase a film based on the special features/extras alone. However, if you are someone who places a high value on getting as much bang for your buck when purchasing the copy of a film you adore for home use, then forget it, don't buy this right now. I'm going to speculate that given the 50th Anniversary of Star Trek is only a couple of years away that this film will eventually get an "ultimate" release down the line, chock full of all the special features one could ever need. One could hope anyway. Nuff said.
