BLU-RAY REVIEW

Guardians Of The Galaxy 3D

Featured In Issue 193, January 2015

3D Picture5
Picture5
Sound5+
WSR Score4.5
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):
Walt Disney Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
3000060226
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
(Retail Price):
$$39.99
(Disc Type):
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
No
(Running Time In Minutes):
89
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
(Closed Captioned):
(Regional Coding):
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
12/9/2014
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
James Gunn
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 7.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

After stealing a mysterious orb in the far reaches of the galaxy, earthling Peter Quill is now the main target of a manhunt led by the villain Ronan the Accuser. To help fight Ronan and his followers and save the galaxy from his evil power, Quill creates a team of space heroes known as the Guardians Of The Galaxy to save the world.

Special features include commentary with Director James Gunn; three featurettes: Guide To The Galaxy (HD 20:56), The Intergalactic Visual Effects (HD 07:11), and an Exclusive Look At Marvel's Avengers: Age Of Ultron (HD 02:17); five deleted and extended scenes (HD 04:22); a gag reel (HD 03:54); upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The Arri Alexa-captured Panavision 1080p MVC 3D picture is wonderfully eye-popping. The aspect ratio shifts between 2.40:1 and 1.78:1. While the imagery is most often dark and bleak, the color palette exhibits strongly saturated and vivid hues; The primaries are striking yet fleshtones remain, well, “natural” depending on whether human, near human, or otherwise. Contrast is excellent, with bright highlights against strong blacks. Shadow delineation is revealing throughout. Resolution is outstanding, with sharp edges and texture detail, as well as characterization detail. The 3D conversion experience by Stereo D and Prim Focus is stunning as well. Depth and dimensional perspective is visually engaging, with effective image pop. The fast-paced visual action really never extends to gimmicky, though, there is effective out-of-screen mementos that excite. This is terrific 3D eye candy that is a feast for the eyes.

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7.1-channel soundtrack is a monster dynamically and dimensionally. The intense battle and virtually constant strife scenes among the Guardians and their captives and the battle between the Guardians and Ronan are a masterpieces of sound mixing and editing. Atmospherics and sound effects are effectively dimensional throughout, for a strong holosonic® soundfield experience. Deep bass is heightened in the .1 LFE channel, which provides weight to the roar of spaceship engines and the firepower and explosions unleashed throughout. The Foley effects are incredible as well, especially with respect to Groot's characterization and movements and the person-person combat. The music score is brilliant, with a mix of orchestral and pop and rock from Quill's Walkman that nicely extends to the surrounds. The orchestral score extends wide and deep within the soundstage and soundfield, while the pop and rock delivers a more forward presence. Fidelity is excellent throughout. Dialogue is effectively integrated spatially. The sense of sonic wonderment never ceases, with each scene paced with bigger-than-life sonics. Secure your seat, as this is a sonic roller coaster that sounds dynamical powerful and immerse throughout. The experience is reference quality throughout and thrilling.