BLU-RAY REVIEW: CLOVERFIELD
06/01/08
“I saw it! It's alive! It's
huge!” I squirmed in my chair like never before! I tried very
hard to not get over hyped about this movie. When I first saw
previews long ago I could not help but be intrigued and drawn
to the concept and the mystery of it. Well moviegoers, I was
not disappointed at all. In my opinion, the hype for this
film is valid. It is real, it is relentless, and it is
stirring. Unfortunately after reading and hearing various
reactions, I can see that this is one of those movies that
you are either going to love or hate. There is very little
grey area here. The most appropriate comparisons I can think
of are Blair Witch Project and the latest Godzilla movie. If
you liked either or both even just a little bit, you will
truly enjoy this ride. Cloverfield is way better than either
one or even both combined. Heck, this is Godzilla’s
nightmare.
Okay, now for the warnings: if you’ve seen the previews or
know anything about this movie, you most probably know that
it is based on the everyday person’s hand held video camera
point of view just like in Blair Witch. If this really
bothers you or you are prone to motion sickness, don’t bother
with this movie. If you are the type of moviegoer that is
bothered by not having enough detail or explanation, don’t
bother with this movie. If you are bothered by or very
sensitive to scenes that are visually reminiscent to 9/11,
don’t bother with this movie. If sci-fi movies bother you,
don’t bother with this movie. If none of these warnings
affect you then you are in for an experience. Oh yeah, I
almost forgot, this is not for the weak-hearted. I’m actually
a little surprised that it’s PG-13. This movie is intense.
I believe that what makes this movie so good is its realism.
Two major factors that help in that regard are the hand held
camera concept (like you’re watching someone’s home video)
and the fact that the cast is not very well known so they
seem like everyday people and not necessarily someone playing
a role. Speaking of everyday people, that is the best and
most concise way to describe the characters. There is some
attempt to develop the characters in order to achieve some
attachment but it is understandably weak due to the premise
of the movie. How much character background can you get by
watching a home video, right? You will find yourself becoming
more attached to the plot than the characters. The performers
did pretty good jobs of showing us these everyday New Yorkers
in panic mode. Sub par performances would have cheapened the
effect and that did not happen. They gave genuine looking
shock and distress.
I’m not an expert in the movie making process but if I had to
take a guess I would say that making good visuals and special
effects in front of a hand held camera’s point of view would
be that much more challenging. Well the special effects were
extraordinary and the various sets, the lighting, and the
angles were incredible. It was all put together seamlessly.
My compliments to Director Matt Reeves, J.J. Abrams as
Producer, and the rest of the crew for an exceptional
production of an original concept based on existing older
ones. This being Matt’s first major motion picture in over a
decade, I sincerely hope we don’t have to wait that long for
another product from him. It wouldn’t hurt to collaborate
with Mr. Abrams again also. As far as you haters are
concerned, I’m sorry, but I for one loved this movie and I
want to see it again.
Film
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
Finally we get the
opportunity to see this spectacular film in high
definition.
The picture in Blu-ray looks spectacular. It is amazing to
see how flawless the picture looks in High Definition.
Paramount Home Entertainment took their time to release
this title in Blu-Ray, but it was worth waiting. The
audio is dazzling through out the length of the film
giving more realisms to every scene. If you do not have
a copy of Cloverfield in your collection. This is the
format to get. Cloverfield in Blu-Ray is just an
unforgettable experience.
VIDEO:
16x9 Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) 1080P
AUDIO:
English
True HD,
Spanish and French
5.1 (Dolby Digital).
Subtitles -English SDH, English,
French, Spanish, Portuguese - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Commentary by director Matt Reeves
The Making of CLOVERFIELD:
An inside look at the making of the film featuring
commentaries from the director, producers and cast about the
film. Just like the film this is a different kind of
"Making of" feature. (28:17) HD
CLOVERFIELD Visual
Effects: In this outstanding documentary
director and Visual Effects team talk in detail about how
the special effects were made for the film. A must see! (22:29)
HD
I Saw It! It’s Alive!
It’s Huge!: In this feature Neville Page talk about
how the monster was designed for this film (5:51) HD
Clover Fun:
This is basically the movie's gag real. Totally recommended
(3:57) HD
Deleted Scenes with
Optional Commentary: A total of four deleted scenes.
Two of the scenes are from the Rob's going away party and
the other two from their journey throughout the city.
(3:34) HD
Alternate Endings with
Optional Commentary: A total of two alternate
endings. One is basically the same film ending. The second
one opens the possibility of a sequel with the same main
characters. (4:34) HD
RATING BREAK DOWN:
| FILM REVIEW |
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|
VIDEO |
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AUDIO |
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| BONUS
FEATURES |
 |
People Movie Review
Cloverfield
|
Havert |
100 |
|
This movie was great I was worried about
all of the hype but bottomline is this
Cloverfield kicks so much as, I love
this movie but if you are a movie goer
who doesn't like lots of motion( dont
see this movie ) But its a great movie
and the ending will get you it about got
me ( lol) its a sad ending
but............ well bottom line just go
see this movie trust me you'll enjoy
it!!! |
|
Robert |
0 |
|
What a joke probably the worst movie I
have ever seen glad I rented it from the
video store maybe they willl let me
exchange it for a good movie. |
|
Steve |
100 |
|
Truly a masterpiece. You really get
involved in the film. |
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