Jungle
Everest (Blu-Ray)

Everest

Movie
Studio(s): 
Director(s): 
Genre: 
On Blu-Ray: 
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Grade:
A
Running Time: 
122 Minutes

     Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival. Critics call Everest "…exciting, thrilling, moving and completely engaging." – Scott Mendleson, Forbes

PICTURE QUALITY:
     Everest is a surprisingly brilliant looking film that offers up an immaculate amount of rich detail without any of the discrepancies one would expect to find in a BD with so many grand wide shots and ever fluctuating levels of light. From natural daylight to artificial light in the the darkness of the mountain at night, everything shines. Most notably facial features such as hair and pores.
     Detail plays such a huge part in the film that it's especially well displayed in the transfer. Clothing, climbing gear, even background objects such as books and maps come into play, and you can see and read almost all of them. I'm just hard pressed to find any instance where I felt the film was lacking.

AUDIO QUALITY:
     Everest is supplied with an outstanding Atmos Dolby True HD audio which is perfect for the kind of ambiance the film creates. From howling winds to the chatter of intercoms to the subtle almost inaudible dialog during raging storms. Everest delivers the kind of immersive audio track that should be heralded and massively duplicated.

3D QUALITY:
     I've watched a few movies in 3D since purchasing a 3D TV but none have actually skipped the fad of simply using it as a gimmick quite like Everest.
     Right off the bat, as soon as your in the menu screen your offered a glimpse at the majesty of this 3D Blu-Ray, but don't waste to much time being impressed by the sneak peeks. What your really looking for are the grand wide out shots that out things into perspective. My two favorites would have to be the helicopter ride into Nepal and the rope bridge scene. Not really spoilers, but when you see them your going to be wowed.
     The helicopter scene from the film really sets the standard for the amount of immersion that's gone into the 3D  experience. The depth of the small black figure against the massive white mountain slopes is incredible. It not only shows just how massive the mountain is but how insignificant people really are in its presence. In another scene a ladder nearly plummets into a crevice in the mountain and that quick look down, again, puts things into perspective. It really does make you feel like you're there.
     
     A few people I know had worries about the 3D effecting the picture quality of the film. If you're with them, put your worries to rest. If anything I'd say the picture quality is enhanced by the depth of the 3D display. Seeing Josh Brolin's face outlined against the backdrop of base camp provided a smooth line in regards to his face in contrast with the background. You notice stuff like facial hair and imperfections on the skin twice as much as well. Nothing is lost. No worries.

BONUS FEATURES:
     Even though the bonus features tend to run into one another a few times, it's absolutely worth checking them out. You learn a lot about the film, such as it was actually filmed on Everest. That the crew had to train and prepare for filming and even then a few of the actors felt this overwhelming, yet very confusing set of sensations. We also get some back story on Rob Hall. We meet his wife and daughter. We also get to hear from some of the survivors of the trek.
     Needless to say there are a lot of interest tidbits in the supplemental section that adds what I felt the film was lacking a bit. Still, it's a pretty comprehensive bonus section that also includes a commentary track from the films director that adds some interesting weight to the film as well. Definitely check them out if you own the film.  
 

AJ Garcia
Review by AJ Garcia
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