Casino Royale Blu-ray Review

[momaw]

First up, sorry Skiddy, this needs it's own thread

enjoy all

Casino Royale Blu-ray Reviewed

For those that can't wait the two pages:

The Video

Casino Royale arrives on a single dual-layer (50GB) disc, making full use of the MPEG-4 AVC format. The movie is presented in its original theatrical widescreen format, 2:40:1, at 1920x1080p resolution with a transfer true to the original source master. You won't find any MPEG blocking or artifacts here like with early BD releases. With the exception of the purposely grainy black and white opening, Casino Royale's image quality is crystal clear -- even during high action sequences such as the free running sequences in Madagascar that have the actors zipping by jungle foliage and through sand pouring from above. Likewise, the stylized, flat-shaded opening credits are pristine with clean and straight edges.

Colors look great and consistent all around. Don't let the early scenes set (though not shot) in Africa fool you. The color scheme appears to be deliberately muted to make sure the audience is visually clued in on the difference to the later sequences that take Bond to the Bahamas. Though there are a handful of scenes where the picture could be sharper (not including Dench's scenes, which are purposely shot with soft focus), the overall presentation looks great and makes counting Green's freckles a cinch.

Thanks to its near-flawless transfer, varied locales and great action sequences, Casino Royale really is the perfect demo disc.

Score: 9 out of 10

But it's not just the looks that count:

The Audio

Chris Cornell's title track doesn't kick off things as well as many of Bond's past greatest theme songs, but the rest of Casino Royale's audio is outstanding. Given the outrageous stunt sequences that have Bond running on top of metal girders in a hotel construction zone, flipping a car at full speed, or shooting foes inside a sinking building, the soundtrack is surprisingly natural.

The sound designers resisted going completely wild and avoided relentlessly pounding subwoofer and rear channels like some other action flicks. Instead, the surround mix is often restrained when the action builds up and then hits the listener when things really get hot.

The free running sequences are set to a fast-moving percussive soundtrack that's perfectly complemented by the appropriate metal clanks from the construction equipment. The rear channels really come alive during the intense shootout scenes where Bond ducks under the bullet hail from his enemies. And when the movie hits the runways during the car chase set piece, it's all about the bass. Don't forget to warn the neighbors when that jetliner starts its descent.

Score: 10 out of 10

[AndrewW]

but hang on, it's not released for another 10 days, and that's in the US ...

Andrew.

[momaw]

I'm sure a site as large as IGN.com receives "review" copies.

Unfortunately I won't get my copy til the April as there are a few titles of both formats released in march and the very start of April so I will get them in one hit.

[Skid_MacMarx]

First up, sorry Skiddy, this needs it's own thread

back at ya

I can assure you its not an issue with me.. only from memory, others were complaining about the number of threads started that had a similar nature of previously posted ones.

.

Considering, this will be a freebie to the first 20,000 (is that the correct number?) Aussie PS3 owners who register online. I dare say it deserves its own thread.

Considering the above review, those who are fortunate to get a free copy won't be disappointed.

BTW. I got a telephone connection installed in the family room, so I can play around with its online capabilities..

[sulimo]

So what audio format(s) are on the disc?

I also wonder what bitrate is needed given its a AVC disc.

[AndrewW]

I'm sure a site as large as IGN.com receives "review" copies.

Just guess I was surprised to see it on an Aussie site.

Unfortunately I won't get my copy til the April as there are a few titles of both formats released in march and the very start of April so I will get them in one hit.

I have mine bundled with the POTC movies, it was hard not to order it separately but the postage was a killer.

Andrew.

[momaw]

So what audio format(s) are on the disc?

I also wonder what bitrate is needed given its a AVC disc.

Not sure, but given IGN are only just getting into high def reviews, I'm cutting em some slack. If they have a review copy I'm sure we'll see a review soon out of High-Def Digest.

Skid, you know I was just playing.

I'm gonna try and get me a free Australian version even though I have a Japan player. I'm Australian, I bought a PS3 and I'm gonna register on the Australian network. That said, I am buying a US version of the film so I'll put it up for trade if I get it so that it does go to a good Australian home. Better someone on this site get it than someone else right

[sulimo]

Just guess I was surprised to see it on an Aussie site.Andrew.

Thats just a localised version of the US site. Though they do have some actual local content on occasion.

[momaw]

Just guess I was surprised to see it on an Aussie site.

I have mine bundled with the POTC movies, it was hard not to order it separately but the postage was a killer.

Andrew.

That is a review of the American version I believe just mirrored on IGN.com.au (the cover pic is not OFLC murdered)

I can't wait that long Andrew. I want a few other titles like Deja vu, chicken little, King Arthur and Children of Men.

I'll hold off on Planet Earth and put it in with the 2 POTC flicks.

[Skid_MacMarx]

I'm gonna try and get me a free Australian version even though I have a Japan player. I'm Australian, I bought a PS3 and I'm gonna register on the Australian network. That said, I am buying a US version of the film so I'll put it up for trade if I get it so that it does go to a good Australian home. Better someone on this site get it than someone else right

Someone said that it doesn't matter where you purchased it from but just as long you register on the Australian site on the release date. I can not see myself lining up Thursday evening, so it won't be until Friday lunchtime until I pick up the unit. I'll probably miss out,,

But knowing your luck momaw, I'm sure you will "score" one.

[momaw]

Someone said that it doesn't matter where you purchased it from but just as long you register on the Australian site on the release date. I can not see myself lining up Thursday evening, so it won't be until Friday lunchtime until I pick up the unit. I'll probably miss out,,

But knowing your luck momaw, I'm sure you will "score" one.

Hell I'm hoping for a pallet load. I'll give you all one

[franin]

First up, sorry Skiddy, this needs it's own thread

enjoy all

Casino Royale Blu-ray Reviewed

For those that can't wait the two pages:

Thanks for that momaw! Just pre-ordered mine!!

[Hydrology]

Which one will you keep momaw? Will the Aus one you hope to get actually work in your imported PS3?

[momaw]

Which one will you keep momaw? Will the Aus one you hope to get actually work in your imported PS3?

If they send me one (I plan on using the Australian network anyway so it's not like I wasn't going to register, in fact I pre-registered a couple of months back before this was even announced) I won't keep it. I'll be keeping the import one. Given they will be identical content wise, I choose the version without the OFLC garbage all over it - even if it does work. Someone else can have that version.

[momaw]

Full review at high def digest now available

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/casinoroyale.html

here are the guts of the review

The Video: Sizing Up the Picture

'Casino Royale' hits Blu-ray at a crucial time for the format. Recently overtaking HD DVD in terms of total unit sales for the first time since launch, Blu-ray is enjoying the sales edge, and a big title like 'Casino Royale' should only help solidify that lead. If Sony doesn't deliver with this one, it would not be fatal to the format, but it certainly would rank as a major disappointment.

To be honest, I like this transfer, but I don't love it. 'Casino Royale' is actually the first film I've seen more than once in theater since, I believe, 'Jurassic Park' (in 1993!), and this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 presentation does a pretty good job of approximating my experiences at that theater. But it also looks a bit digital and artificial. I'm certainly all for the filmmaker's intent, but even if that is the case here, I can't deny that the sheer level of detail rarely reaches the heights of the best Blu-ray titles I've enjoyed, and though the image does have pop, I wasn't consistently blown away.

After the opening teaser, which is black & white and purposely grainy, the transfer really begins. The credits take off with the typically bombastic Bond theme song, and it looks fantastic. Colors are rich, vivid and stable. Detail is great. And the sense of depth and three-dimensionality -- even though we're talking animation here -- is wonderful. Unfortunately, after that, I couldn't hlep but feel a bit deflated. 'Casino Royale' is a new release, and as such the source is pristine. The film has been shined up like a new penny, and truly sparkles. Blacks are excellent, and colors are vibrant. But contrast consistently runs hot, enough so that the image looks routinely blown-out and unrealistic.

Colors often feel oversaturated. Fleshtones just don't look natural, and aside from extreme close-ups, I often could not detect realistic skin textures -- everyone looks painted orange. Dark scenes are actually better -- contrast isn't so distracting, and the film's use of cooler blues pays off with a more film-like, pleasing appearance. The actual card-playing centerpiece of the middle of the film is also quite nice, and a respite from the earlier, more sun-drenched exteriors, such as the Madagascar chase sequence that, again. looked too hot. Detail can be fairly strong, but again, the flushed hues and bright whites flatten out the image and it doesn't have absolute top-notch depth.

Without a doubt, 'Casino Royale' is always watchable and has moments of true grandeur. But is it the five-star transfer we've all been hoping for? Alas, for me, it was not.

The Audio: Rating the Sound

While I may have qualms about this disc's video transfer, it is far harder to find fault with the audio. Sony serves up another uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track, and it's a winner.

This is a James Bond film, so we expect nothing less than gangbusters sound design, and sure enough, we get it. The filmmaking team behind the franchise know that their bread and butter is the kind of action that sets trends, and there are some back-to-basics, non-CGI sequences here that are truly death-defying. The sonic highlights in 'Casino Royale' are by far the early Madagascar foot chase, the airport interception and the climactic collapse of the building in Venice. Each provides first-rate demo material. Dynamic range is wide and powerful. Deep bass rumbles (just listen to that airplane take off -- it's a stunner). And the attention to fine detail to discrete effects is flawless. Imaging between channels excels and is near-transparent, with a very effective wall of sound created during the most intense action moments. When the bullets fly, 'Casino Royale' doesn't disappoint.

The film's less bombastic moments also hold up. 'Casino Royale' is a long film, and quite heavy on the dialogue. I like the use of subtle ambiance at times -- listen for the soft lull of crickets in the rears as Bond seduces Solange early on -- and the typically lush Bond score can also nicely swell up when needed. Dialogue is nicely balanced, with only Daniel Craig's most mumbled lines needing any assist in volume matching. I suppose my only nitpick is a desire for a little more creativity in the sound design (I had hoped for something cooler in terms of sound effects on the opening, famous "gun barrel" shot), but having said that, I really can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this soundtrack.

Final Thoughts

James Bond is back. Daniel Craig truly has defied the punters and emerged as -- yes, wait for it -- the best Bond since Sean Connery. 'Casino Royale' is a wonderful reboot for the venerable franchise, and only makes me long for future installments with Craig.

This Blu-ray release is a bit more problematic. I liked the solid enough transfer, but I didn't love it. I also enjoyed the extras, though it seems pretty clear Sony will double-dip this one someday. The disc does sound fantastic, however, and overall it's a very fine disc. Will that be enough to meet fans highly inflated expectations? Maybe. But if you're a Bond fan at all, or even have been turned off by the recent, highly ridiculous entries in the series, this is still a must-watch -- especially in high-def.

So, picture, not so good, sound, oh baby.

I seem to remember being shouted down by certain fanbois some months back when I expressed concern at this film being Sony's first AVC Mpeg 4 transfer. I recall stating I did not think it wise to use such an anticipated film as a guinea pig for a codec they have no experience in (in terms of successful HD transfers). The response to my concerns was quite hostile in Sony's defence and "expertise" in encoding films in this format. Well, seems I was right to be concerned after all......unfortunately

[AndrewW]

I guess I am a bit disappointed by this review.

This is the movie that convinced me to spend $630 on a PS3.

I will still buy it

I bet thedigitalbits give it a rave review ...

Andrew.

[Taki]

I wouldn't be too concerned with that one review. Apparently that reviewer isn't very highly respected over at AVS. He seems to think all the Blu-Ray movies he's reviewed have orange skin tones. Problem is, he's the only one that notices.

Here's a more accurate version: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showth...540#post3102540

[momaw]

I wouldn't be too concerned with that one review. Apparently that reviewer isn't very highly respected over at AVS. He seems to think all the Blu-Ray movies he's reviewed have orange skin tones. Problem is, he's the only one that notices.

Here's a more accurate version: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showth...540#post3102540

Well, just my opinion, but I've found High Def Digest's reviews to be quite spot on. But it is all subjective.

Those are very different results though on the picture. Well since we are all getting it anyway it's a mute point

[Taki]

Well, just my opinion, but I've found High Def Digest's reviews to be quite spot on. But it is all subjective.

It does depend though on the reviewer. Obviously there's a few reviewers per site and some reviewers are better than others.

It's also good to see what their review system is. Eg- No point taking much notice of 5 star PQ rating if the display is only small and you're going to be watching on a projector.

[Skid_MacMarx]

Finally got the chance last the night to watch this film (sorry Andrew) but I'm not a big Bond fan so maybe this is why I'm critical

the film did not blow my socks off... yes it was set to 1080.. but I have seen better PQ.. maybe I was expecting too much

I'm glad I didn't buy this film... it would have been a rental...I will probably watch it once again and then pass it on to a friend.

To be honest, I like this transfer, but I don't love it.....After the opening teaser, which is black & white and purposely grainy... Unfortunately, after that, I couldn't hlep[sic] but feel a bit deflated..

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/casinoroyale.html

when it started in B&W,, I thought there must be something technically wrong..

I agree with the reviewer's assessment of the PQ...

Did anyone check the US and AUS copies and see if they were in fact the same or scenes were cut?

[HumanMedia]

Finally got the chance last the night to watch this film (sorry Andrew) but I'm not a big Bond fan so maybe this is why I'm critical

the film did not blow my socks off... yes it was set to 1080.. but I have seen better PQ.. maybe I was expecting too much

I'm glad I didn't buy this film... it would have been a rental...I will probably watch it once again and then pass it on to a friend.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/casinoroyale.html

when it started in B&W,, I thought there must be something technically wrong..

I agree with the reviewer's assessment of the PQ...

Did anyone check the US and AUS copies and see if they were in fact the same or scenes were cut?

From MichaelDVD.com.au - who are reviewing HD DVD and Blu-ray titles now.

"Casino Royale 006 Blu-ray Uncut!

Rod W

Eagle-eyed site reader David Warner informs me that the Australian Blu-ray disc of Casino Royale is indeed uncut. Its running time of 144:34 matches the Finland pressing, and the reported UK and US cuts have not been made to this version. Censored Blu-ray discs of this film have been released in other countries, in line with the corresponding standard DVDs. Ah, it's so great to have any film released in its full-length version locally. Perhaps nobody was brave enough to upset Mr. Bond? Smart move!"

[bort]

I never thought there would be a reason to buy the Australian release. Censorship is just such a crock. And heres me, didnt get the freebie, and waiting on the US release to arrive. <sigh>

[T800]

saw it today. gorgeous pic, although the only negative is someof the fleashtones are oversaturated at times. Other than that, the picture is the best live action ive seen it on Blu-ray yet, even equalling King Kong on HD DVD.

The sound is simply reference though

[AndrewW]

saw it today. gorgeous pic, although the only negative is someof the fleashtones are oversaturated at times. Other than that, the picture is the best live action ive seen it on Blu-ray yet, even equalling King Kong on HD DVD.

The sound is simply reference though

I'm glad someone agrees with me

Andrew.

[momaw]

So I'm wondering how p'd off the Australian Blu-ray owners are over this release?

To explain. Australian blu-ray owners thus far have been royally screwed. After paying anywhere from 65% to over 100% more for the exact same player available in other regions, paying more for local releases, being locked out of so many major releases due to region locking and being given bugger all local releases, they finally seem to be given something to make up for their loyalty - a version of the biggest release of the year uncut where everyone else who has been going on about the benefits of an import player have been given a censored version. But rather than something to crow about and finally get a good "see, buying local has its advantages" they go and make the local release region free meaning anyone can grab a copy. That's gotta hurt.