OVERVIEW: Lionsgate, the premier next generation global content leader, will release the electrifying first installment of the blockbuster action adventure franchise Divergent on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital), Video on Demand and Pay-Per-View on August 5, the Company announced today. The film will be available on Digital HD two weeks early on July 22.

Based on Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times best-selling book series which has sold nearly 22 million copies worldwide, the film features an all-star cast including Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award® winner Kate Winslet and Ashley Judd. To date, Divergent has grossed nearly $150 million at the domestic box office and more than $250 million worldwide in its theatrical release on Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label, getting the ‎new franchise off to a fast start. The next three installments -- Insurgent and Allegiant Parts 1 & 2 -- will be released theatrically on March 20, 2015, March 18, 2016 and March 24, 2017, respectively.

Packed with bonus material, the Blu-ray Combo Pack includes the documentary "Bringing Divergent to Life,” an in-depth look at the making of the film plus the exclusive featurette “Faction Before Blood,” detailing the film’s future world. The Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD both feature deleted scenes and two audio commentaries – one with director Neil Burger and one with producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher. 

SYNOPSIS: Divergent is a thrilling action adventure set in a future world where society has been divided into five distinct factions. But Tris will never fit into any one group—she is Divergent, and what makes her different makes her dangerous. Targeted by a faction leader determined to eliminate all Divergents, Tris turns to the one person she believes she can trust: Four, an instructor for the militant Dauntless faction, and a man full of dark secrets. Together, Tris and Four uncover a mind-bending conspiracy that will put their courage to the ultimate test…and forever link their destinies.

FILM REVIEW: So here's my take on it. Its quite simple. If you liked 1997s Gattaca or loved 2012s The Hunger Games, then you will certainly fall in love with this latest film adaptation of the bestselling novel, by Veronica Roth. Divergent, directed by Neil Burger, has the capacity to be the next big thing, in terms of following the current trends of J.K. Rowlings (Harry Potter series), the likes of the Twilight - series and Lord of the Rings, etc. In my humble opinion, this was so much so that I found myself constantly comparing Divergent to those aforementioned films with every twist and turn of the of the 

The soundtrack and score complemented the movie exceedingly well and really brought the futuristic atmosphere of the movie, to life. The raw emotions displayed by Shailene Woodley (The Descendants, 2011), in a few key scenes (No spoilers here), were utterly touching and heartbreaking and serves to show the diversity of her craft. I can imagine viewers being extremely moved with her expressions and character traits. She's just one of the many that allowed this flick to redeem its placement in the young adult genre, with great acting from an all-star cast amongst other great attributes.

In a recent interview, Burger did mention how they had shot many more scenes to be consistent with the novel, but as many did not fit right within the big scheme of things, many good pieces had not made the final cut. However, in my opinion, those missing scenes could be overlooked when compared to the amount of greatness in this film. 

On a less positive note, the movie spends a little too much time setting up as a huge franchise style flick throughout the entire hundred and forty minute runtime and not enough time on things like the creative renderings of the futuristic set and the eclectic characters that embodied the story. And at some point, I did feel as though the movie could potentially be a little daunting to those who have whole-heartedly embraced The Hunger Games franchise and could simply be rejected as a shallow, dull carbon copy movie that is attempting to capitalize on the young adult genre (Which seems to dominate Hollywood these days). Additionally, the ending of the movie might feel a little too rushed for most viewers and could leave some scratching their heads about what just went down. Nevertheless, those decisions could be viewed as very stylistic choices that may be the smarter approach, in the grand scheme of things. I do believe the movie will make up for its shortcomings in the series plotlines to come. 

All in all, Divergent (the film) is very much on point, bringing realism to the storyline, but not overdoing with blood and gore. It certainly wasn't a perfect flick, by any means (because no movie is, after all), but the positives here, undoubtedly outweighs the negatives and do I think the franchise will go places. Four and a half stars out of five is a good assessment and it is well worth the theater visit with popcorn. 

BLU-RAY: The film is presented in widescreen in a 2.40:1 aspect ration preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just flawless. Not only the picture looks great in this release, also the sound it is good, a 7.1 Dolby Digital in English that provides a good complement to the picture. It also includes  English, French  and Spanish subtitles.

VIDEO:
Widescreen (2.40:1) 16x9

AUDIO:
English 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles - English Spanish

SPECIAL FEATURES:

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DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away. 

Digital Copy provides consumers with a choice of formats from a variety of partners, including options to watch on iPhone®,
iPad®, Android, computers and more.

UltraViolet™ is the revolutionary way for consumers to collect their movies and TV shows in the cloud. UltraViolet™ lets
consumers instantly stream and download to tablets, smartphones, computers and TVs. Now available in both the United States
and Canada.

"Bringing Divergent to Life" Documentary

“Faction Before Blood” Featurette

Deleted Scenes

Audio Commentary with Director Neil Burger

Audio Commentary with Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher