BLU-RAY REVIEW

Wild

Featured In Issue 196, April/May 2015

Picture5
Sound5
WSR Score5
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
2297165
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
(Retail Price):
$$39.99
(Disc Type):
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
115
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
(Direct-To-Video Release):
(Disc Release Date):
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Jean-Marc Vallée
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(Music):
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(Supervising Sound Editors):
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(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
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(Disc Soundtrack):
(Theatrical Sound):
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Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed Wild recounts the reckless behavior of Cheryl Strayed (Witherspoon), who makes a rash decision to embark on a challenging trek across the Pacific Crest Trail. With absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles all on her own––in what becomes an unforgettable journey of transformation and redemption that strengthens and ultimately heals her. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary by Director Jean-Marc Vallée, Producer Bruna Papandrea, and David Greenbaum; six deleted scenes with commentary by Vallée (HD 07:49); three featurettes: The Real Cheryl Strayed (HD 08:37), The Real Location Is The Best Location (HD 08:45), and How Much Does A Monster Weigh? (HD 03:46); The Pacific Crest Trail Interactive Map; Experiencing The PCT a Special Message from Cheryl Strayed (HD 01:47); the theatrical trailer; a gallery; upfront previews; and an Ultra Violet digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture was photographed using the Arri Alexa XT digital camera system. The picture exhibits a diversity of foreground and close-up images, as well as retro scenes of Cheryl's family life and personal encounters. Everything is naturally hued with colors varying in saturation. All this takes place in flashbacks and real time as she endears the PCT. The scenery is often spectacular and rendered in natural earthtones, The realism is engaging visually. Fleshtones vary with context but retain a naturalness throughout. Resolution is excellent, with fine detail exhibited throughout, especially during close-ups of facial features, arms and limbs, hair, clothing, and object texture evident at the communal campgrounds. This is a super realistic picture that is at times riveting. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is full of atmospheric sounds that enhance the realism of the hike, from the sounds of critters at night, snakes, coyotes, as well as the sounds of tractor engines, trucks, and communal camp scenes. Foley is excellent throughout and provides a sense of realism. Deep bass is limited but when present is perfectly natural sounding. Surround envelopment is provided by the atmospherics and distant background music. Dialogue sounds natural and nicely integrated spatially. This is a terrific soundtrack that realistically tracks a single woman trekking a treacherous trail and the diversified encounters she experiences. (Gary Reber)